# Principality of Achaea

> Crusader principality in southern Greece

**Wikidata**: [Q332005](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q332005)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principality_of_Achaea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/principality-of-achaea

## Summary
The Principality of Achaea was a Crusader principality and historical country located in southern Greece. Established in 1205 following the fragmentation of the Byzantine Empire, it persisted as a distinct territorial political entity until its dissolution in the 1430s. Also known as the Principality of Achaia, it was a major feudal state in the region, comprising various baronies and castles.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Established in 1205.
- **Dissolution:** Ceased to exist in 1430 or 1432.
- **Classification:** Defined as a historical country, a Crusader state, and a distinct territorial body or political entity.
- **Location:** Situated in southern Greece, specifically within the Peloponnese region.
- **Alias:** Also referred to as the Principality of Achaia.
- **Predecessor:** Succeeded the Byzantine military-civilian province known as the Peloponnese (c. 800 CE).
- **Sub-divisions:** Included the Barony of Akova (founded 1209), the Barony of Arcadia (founded 1261), and the Barony of Gritzena (founded 1209).
- **Architecture:** Controlled the Chlemoutsi castle, a medieval fortress in the Elis regional unit built in 1220.
- **Currency:** Utilized the Tournois, a medieval silver coin of Europe.
- **Language:** Associated with the French language, indicative of its ruling class.
- **Notable Figures:** Connected to individuals such as Vilain I of Aulnay, Angelo Acciaioli I, Nicholas II of Saint Omer, and Guy of Charpigny.

## FAQs
**When did the Principality of Achaea exist?**
The state was founded in 1205 and was eventually dissolved in either 1430 or 1432.

**Where was the Principality of Achaea located?**
It was a Crusader principality situated in southern Greece, encompassing territories previously held by the Byzantine military-civilian province of the Peloponnese.

**What type of political entity was it?**
It functioned as a historical country and a distinct territorial body, organized as a feudal state with a structure similar to other European monarchies of the time.

**What were the major administrative divisions within the principality?**
The territory was divided into medieval fiefdoms known as baronies, including the Barony of Akova, the Barony of Arcadia, and the Barony of Gritzena.

**Who were some of the notable people associated with this state?**
Notable figures include Vilain I of Aulnay, a French knight; Nicholas II of Saint Omer, a ruler of Thebes; Guy of Charpigny, a baron who died in 1295; and Angelo Acciaioli I, an Italian bishop.

## Why It Matters
The Principality of Achaea serves as a significant historical example of Crusader states established outside the Levant, demonstrating the reach of Frankish political power into Greece. It played a pivotal role in the administration and cultural landscape of the Peloponnese for over two centuries, replacing the previous Byzantine provincial structure with a feudal system. The entity's longevity and complex network of baronies highlight the successful integration of Western European feudal institutions into Greek territory during the Middle Ages.

## Notable For
- Establishing a feudal government structure in southern Greece that lasted for over 200 years.
- Constructing the Chlemoutsi castle in 1220, a significant medieval fortress in the Elis regional unit.
- Issuing and using the Tournois, a medieval European silver coin, within its economy.
- Comprising specific, historically documented baronies such as Akova, Arcadia, and Gritzena.
- Serving as a political center for French and Italian nobility, including knights and bishops.

## Body

### History and Timeline
The Principality of Achaea was founded in 1205, emerging in the wake of the Fourth Crusade as a historical country in southern Greece. It replaced the Byzantine military-civilian province known as the Peloponnese, which had existed circa 800 CE. The principality maintained its status as a distinct territorial body for nearly two and a half centuries before its eventual dissolution, which is recorded as occurring in either 1430 or 1432.

### Geography and Territory
Located in southern Greece, the principality encompassed the region of the Peloponnese. Its territory included the town of Andravida and extended into areas such as the Elis and Messenia regional units. The state was geographically defined by its network of castles and fiefdoms, which served as administrative and military centers.

### Administrative Divisions
The political structure of the Principality of Achaea was feudal, characterized by the division of land into baronies. These sub-entities included:
*   **Barony of Akova:** A fiefdom established on January 1, 1209.
*   **Barony of Gritzena:** A medieval fiefdom located in Messenia, also established on January 1, 1209.
*   **Barony of Arcadia:** A Frankish fiefdom that came into existence in 1261.

### Architecture and Infrastructure
The principality owned and operated significant military fortifications, most notably the Chlemoutsi castle. This medieval castle, located in the Elis regional unit of Greece, was built in 1220. The construction of such fortifications underscores the strategic importance of the region and the need for defense against rival powers.

### Economy and Currency
Economic activity within the principality was facilitated by the use of the Tournois, a medieval silver coin common in Europe. The use of this currency places the principality within the broader economic context of medieval European trade and finance.

### Notable Figures and Culture
The ruling class and society of the Principality of Achaea were heavily influenced by French and Italian nobility. The French language was prominent among its leadership. Notable individuals associated with the state include:
*   **Vilain I of Aulnay:** A French knight from Aulnay-l'Aître in the Champagne region.
*   **Nicholas II of Saint Omer:** A ruler who governed one half of Thebes and held citizenship within the principality.
*   **Guy of Charpigny:** The baron of Vostitsa in Frankish Greece, who died in 1295.
*   **Angelo Acciaioli I:** An Italian bishop connected to the region.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013