Ferdinand (Ferrante) I of Naples
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Ferdinand (Ferrante) I of Naples: (b. c1424/5; d. Jan. 25, 1494. King of Naples (r1458-1494)). The illegitimate son of King Alfonso I “the Magnanimous”, he inherited the throne of Naples upon the death of his father in 1458. His reign was threatened by the claims of John of Anjou to the throne of Naples. Supported by many the the kingdom’s barons, John launched an invasion, defeating Ferdinand at Sarno in 1460. Ferdinand was able to escape back to Naples, accompanied by only 20 companions. His reign might has come to an end had Ferdinand not still had the powerful support of Pope Pius II and Francesco Sforza, duke of Milan. Ferdinand’s army was also reinforced by the timely arrival of Albanian reinforcements under the command of Scanderbeg. The latter was given command of the royal army and attained a decisive victory over John of Anjou at Troia in 1462. The Angevin threat was ended and Ferdinand exacted a terrible revenge on those nobles who had rebelled against him. In 1480, Ferdinand’s security was again threatened when a force of Ottoman Turks landed in Apulia and captured the port-city of Otranto. Fortunately, the death of the Sultan Mehmed II in 1481, led to the Ottoman withdrawal from the city, once more saving Ferdinand’s reign. When a new Barons’ Revolt occurred in 1485, Ferdinand agreed to the rebels’ demands only long enough for them to lay down their arms. He then reneged on his promises and had the rebel leaders arrested and executed. Ferdinand was excommunicated and he died shortly before a new invasion was launched against his kingdom by Charles VIII, king of France.