Above: Picture of Queen of Cyprus

Queen of Cyprus – Catherine Cornaro

Budapest Reign: 1474-1489

Born: November 25, 1454 (Venice)

Died: July 10, 1510

Venice Predecessor: James II

The Queen of Cyprus, Nobil Donna Catherine Cornaro reigned from 1474-1489. She was anointed as a “Daughter of the Venetian Republic”. The reason behind this is, is so that Vencie would have power over Cyprus right after the passing away of her spouse, James II (James the Bastard)

Early Beginnings

Catherine Cornaro was child of a very famous and influential family of the Republic of Venice. Her birthplace was in Venice and was born on 1454. The family of Cornaro was able to create four Doges.

When it came to trade and commerce, the family had a lengthy relation with Cyprus. Within the Episkopi district found in the Limassol area, the family if Cornaro managed several sugar-mills and was able to sell overseas some Cypriot products to Venice. With regards to her mother’s lineage, it was more revered. Her mother’s ancestries were offspring’s of the Emperors of Trebizond. Cornaro also had portraits that were created by Giorgione, Bellini, Titian and Durer.

The history of Queen Catherine Cornaro: she was the younger sibling of the Nobil Huomo, Giorgio Cornaro of Venice (1452 – 1527), “Padre dela Partia”, Knight of the Holy Roman Empire (Cavaliere del Sacro Romano Impero), patrizio Veneto, Podeste of Brescia during 1496 as well as Procurator of San Marco, who wed in Venice (1475, to the Nobil Donna Elizabetta Morosini, Patrizia Veneta. The couple had a problem known as the “Cornaro della Regina”. Thing was, these royalties were progeny of the Nobil Huomo Marco Cornaro (1406 – 1479), Knight of the Holy Empire (Cavaliere del Sacro Romano Impero) and Patrizio Veneto along with his spouse had their nuptials in 1444. Fiorenza Crispo was born in 1422 as one of the countless brood of kids by Nicolo Crispo (1392 – 1450), Lord of Syros (1420), Patrizio Veneto, Regent of the Duchy of Naxos and of the Archipelagos (1447 – 1450) and spouse were wed in 1413. Valenza Euodokia Megale Komnenae was a part of the huge brood of Alexis IV Megas Komnenos Emperor in Trapezunt (1417 – 1429) who was killed in 1429 and had his nuptials with his wife Theodora Kantakuzene in 1395.

Catherine’s Nuptials with James II of Cyprus

James II of Cyprus, also branded as James the Bastard, was crowned King in 1468. Catherine Cornaro was handpicked by him in 1473 to be his better half (wife) and to be the reigning Queen of the Kingdom of Cyprus. The Republic of Venice was tremendously happy with the King’s decision to make Catherine his Queen for it gives the security with regards to the commercial rights and many other opportunities and privileges of Venice with the country Cyprus. James II and Catherine had their matrimonial on July 30, 1468 in Venice. This was done via a substitute for she was only fourteen years of age that time. The day did come that she needed to go to Cyprus and wed James II in person. This was done at the Famagusta. This was either October or November of 1472.

Sadly enough, James II passed away not too long after he and Catherine had their nuptials. The reason behind his death was because of an abrupt disease. It was on his will that his wife Catherine, who at time was carrying his child, would act as the regent. Soon, she was the proclaimed Queen when their first born James dies in August of 1474. The child did not even reach his first birthday. Many thought of his death as quite suspicious especially under a certain situation.

The monarchy had already declined for quite some time. It had become a tributary state in 1426. This was under Mameluks. The reign of Catherine on the island which lasted from 1474 till 1489 was controlled mainly by the Venetian Merchants. She was then made to renounce her throne in 1489 and was forced to yield to the administration of the nation to the Republic of Venice.

In the words of George Boustronios: “On the 14^th of Febuary the Queen dressed in black and accompanied by the Barons and their ladies, set off on horseback. Six knights held her horse’s reins. From the moment she left Nicosia, her eyes kept streaming with tears. Upon her departure, the whole population was bewailing.”

At last, on May 14, 1489, the Queen was glad to leave the island where she had been unseated ever since February.

Life in Asolo

The final Crusader state was developed as a colony of Venice. It was because of this that, as a reward, Catherine was permitted to keep her title as the Queen. She was also anointed as the “Sovereign Lady of Asolo”. Asolo is a region in Veneto, Italy back in 1489. Asolo began to acquire a status as a court of artistic, as well as literary divergent. The foremost outcome of it being considered as such is simply because it was made into the conjured site for the Pietro Bembo’s platonic conversation with the subject love – Gli Asolani. Catherine passed away in Venice (1510).

Charlotte of Cyprus

Charlotte of Cyprus or Charlotte de Lusigan

June 28, 1444 (Nicosia) – July 16, 1487 (Rome)

Charlotte of Cyprus was born to King John II of Cyprus and Helena (Elena) Palaeologus. Charlotte’s mother was born to Theodore II Palaeologus, the Despot of Morea and his spouse Cleope Malatesta. On the other hand, Theodore was the son of Helena Dragas and Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus.

Charlotte reigned from 1458 till 1460 or 1464. She was 22 years of age at that time. It was during her father’s death that made her the Queen of Cyprus. Charlotte experienced a dilemma when her illegitimate half-brother James tried to challenge her for the right to the throne. In 1463, after being barrier from the Kyrenia for the length of three (3) years, she took off to Rome. It was during this time that Charlotte’s illegitimate half-brother was given the crown and was anointed as King James II.

Charlotte was wed twice. Her husbands were:

1. Infante Dom Joao de Portugal (1431 or 1433 till July or September 11, 1457)

Infante Dom Joao de Portugal was the second Duke of Coimbra where he ruled in Nicosia around May of 1456. He was the grandchild of John I, the King of Portugal. He was anointed as a Titular Prince of Antioch. Allegedly, the death of her husband was a murder. It was believed that he was poisoned. This was thought to be prompted by Queen Helena, his mother-in-law.

1. Ludovico di Savoia, the Count of Geneva (June 5, 1436 or April 1, 1437 in Geneva till August of 1482 in Chateau-Monastery de Ripaille)

Ludovico di Savoia had his first nuptials in either April 1 or December 14, 1447. He and his then wife filed for a separation which eventually led to a divorce and finally had their marriage annulled in 1458. The wife Annabella of Scotland (ca 1433 – after 1471) then found herself marrying and divorcing yet again; this time it was with George Gordon who was the second earl of Huntly. The couple had their nuptials on October 4, 1459. Louis then, was the succeeding son and had the namesake of Louis, Count of Savory by Anne of Lusignan. She was the offspring of Janus of Cyprus. He then became the Consort King of Cyprus from 1459 till 1462. He was also anointed as a Titular Consort King of Jerusalem.

Charlotte of Cyprus passed away without bearing any offspring of her own. In 1485, Charlotte relinquished her claims to Charles I of Savory, her nephew. Charles was the subsequent one in the legitimate line of succession. Charlotte de Lusigan’s burial site is in St. Peter’s Basilica.