Alfonso II of Naples
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Alfonso II of Naples: (b. Nov. 4, 1448; d. Dec. 18, 1495). King of Naples (r1494- Jan 23, 1495). He was the son of Ferrante (Ferdinand) I, king of Naples, and Isabel de Cleremont (Isabella di Chiaramonte), daughter of Tristan, Count of Capertino. Alfonso began his military career as a youth of 14 years, fighting as part of his father’s army. He successfully campaigned against the rebellious barons and rival Angevin claimants who contested his father’s claims to the throne of Naples. He also fought as the standard-bearer (gonfaloniere) for the Papacy against the supporters of the Pazzi Conspiracy, triumphing over the Florentines at Poggio in 1479. In 1481, he commanded the Neapolitan army who besieged the Turks at Otranto. Although the withdrawal of the Turks from Otranto was due principally to the death of the Turkish Sultan Mehdmet II, Alfonso always claimed that it as a personal victory. Nonetheless, he was justified in his reputation as a talented military leader. In 1482-84, he led the defense of Ferrara against the forces of the Papacy and Venice.
In 1484, Alfonso was made co-ruler of Naples by his father Ferrante I. Unfortunately, the talents he displayed on the battlefield did not translate well in the political arena. He faced threats both from Pope Innocent VIII and from the hostile barons of his own kingdom. Ruling with a cruel and heavy hand, he forced the barons into rebellion in 1485. He could now treat these nobles as military enemies and crushed them without mercy. Those who surrendered to him on the promise of amnesty suffered execution. The families of the rebels were turned out and the properties confiscated to the crown. The cruelty which he displayed would one day be remembered when he needed to loyalty and help of his subjects against the French.
Alfonso attempted to create diplomatic ties with Milan by giving his daughter Isabella a bride to Gian Galazzo Sforza, Duke of Milan. When Isabella realized that Gian Galazzo’s rule was under the domination of his uncle, Ludovico il Moro, she appealed to Alfonso for help. Learning of this, Ludovico sent his own appeal for help to the French, advising them that Alfonso wished to seize control of Milan. He reminded the French king of his own dormant claim to the throne of Naples.
On January 25, 1494, Ferrante I died, leaving Alfonso as the sole ruler of Naples. Very soon after this, he found himself facing an invasion by the French king, Charles VIII, who had finally been convinced by Ludovico il Moro of Milan to press his claim to Naples. Alfonso began to try forming an anti-French alliance with the Orsini, the Florentines, and with the Papacy. He receives a favorable response from Pope Alexander VI who, also fearing the French, officially crowned Alfonso at Rome.
The alliance which Alfonso tried to create ultimately collapsed. The French army had little trouble in sweeping into Italy. Rome fell easily and Alexander VI was quick to form an alliance with them. Alfonso was now facing the invaders alone. As Charles VIII invaded the kingdom of Naples, Alfonso dispatched an army to face them under the command of his two sons, Ferrante and Federico. The Neapolitans had no hope of victory and suffered defeat. As his army fell back towards Naples, Alfonso realized that he could not hope for any help from his people. The cruelties of his past repressions now left him friendless. He attempted to save himself, or at least his dynasty, by abdicating the throne (Jan. 23, 1495) in favor of his son who became Ferrante II. This son was Alfonso’s opposite, as much beloved by the people as Alfonso was hated. The tactic was ultimately successful, at least in the short-run. The dynasty was able to survive the French invasion and lasted a short time afterwards.
Following his abdication, Alfonso, withdrew to a monastery at Mazzara, Sicily, where he died a few monthes later.