Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli, Acciaioli)
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli, Acciaioli): A notable family of Florentine origins. Their name, deriving from acciao (=steel), reflects their roots as 12th century steel processors. As such, and later as bankers, they became exceptionally wealthy. During the 14th and 15th centuries, one branch of the family became deeply involved in the political affairs of central Greece, becoming virtual rulers of Elis, Messenia, and Cephalonia. Another branch of the family became important financial backers to the Angevin rulers of Naples. Among the family’s most notable members was Niccolo Acciaiuoli who, in 1358, was granted control of Corinth by King Robert the Wise of Naples. Among his endeavors was the refortification of the Isthmus of Corinth. Later members of the family went on to gain control over Athens and Thebes, maintaining themselves there until the Turkish invasion in the 15th century. This “Greek” branch intermarried with such families as the Palaiologi and the Tocco.