Ladislao lu Granni (A Ladilaus of Naples TL)
- Thread starter Frankland
- Start date
Ladislao lu Granni (A Ladislaus of Naples TL): Chapter 1 The Bloody Beginning
de Barbiano’s St. George’s Company
When Urban’s letter reached Gian Gian went into a rage. One of the best matches he could have hoped for had just been forbidden and all his other negotiations had fallen through. In fact King Wenceslaus had gone as far as to send a letter filled with vile insults. After a few days Gian calmed down enough to return to the drawing boards. There Gian continually talked with his advisors to figure out his next move, but it would be his wife, Isabelle, who would do that. For Isabelle had noticed that Charles the Short’s son, Ladislaus, lacked a betrothed. And as added bonus Charles had recently died and Ladislaus was a young boy, or in other words manipulable. However there was one pressing problem, Ladislaus and his mother, Margaret, controlled little else than the city of Naples. Also the French Angevins were preparing to invade Naples in an attempt to take what they saw as theirs. With this in mind Gian engaged himself in secret marriage negotiations with both Margaret and Marie of Blois for their sons.
In 1387 Urban would begin his war with his call for crusade upon Ladislaus and Margaret. The French Angevins would take two years to organize their force, but when they landed in Naples in 1389 they spared no time in pushing towards the capital [1]. This push flushed out Ladislaus and his supporters who then ran to Gaeta. This flight would go unopposed, for Otto von Brunswick was more focused on establishing his claimant, Louis, ‘s control over Naples. With the city under Louis’ control Anti-Pope Clement VII crowned Louis as King of Naples. After that Otto turned to chase after Ladislaus, but was deferred by battles closer by. It seemed that some supporters of Ladislaus had stayed behind and set themselves up on the island of Ischia of the coast of Naples. In an attempt to secure the Gulf of Naples Otto assaulted the defenders and was bloodily repulsed.
In Rome a new pope was elected. This new pope, Boniface, decided to make peace with Ladislaus since their respective rivals, Clement VII and Louis II, were allies. Now with a friend in Rome things began to swing in Ladislaus’ favor. Mounting a new offensive Ladislaus began to turn back the tides. This got Gian’s attention who was just about ready to wed Valentina to Louis. Following Ladislaus’ condottieri Alberto de Barbiano won a sizeable victory over the French Angevins the French king ceased to support Louis’s claim [2]. Still Louis kept on fighting. Yet the victory had another effect: it convinced Gian to wed his daughter Valentina to Ladislaus. After negotiating the dowry and dates the two were wed in a simple ceremony in Gaeta. And only a few days later the young Ladislaus would ride out to join his armies [3].
Over the course of the next few years Ladislaus would battle Louis across Naples slowly retaking his kingdom. During this time his wife Valentina would give him a son and two twin daughters [4]. Finally in 1399 while Louis was busy fighting in Lecce Ladislaus and his army would return to Naples. With much jubilation Ladislaus and his men celebrated their victory. Meanwhile Louis who was being defeated by the Count of Lecce decided to return to Anjou in shame after a decade of war [5]. However for Ladislaus the war wasn’t over for some of his vassals still hadn’t his rule [6].
[1] There isn’t a lot on the details on this war just really a few dates and events, so be aware that some of these dates and events are assumptions based off the results of the war and the whereabouts of people at the time of the war.
[2] OTL de Barbiano did declare loyalty for Ladislaus and fight for him. Also OTL the French kings stopped supporting the French Angevins at some point in the war, but I didn’t have an exact date so I just went with something logical.
[3] OTL Ladislaus fought with his armies.
[4] Yeah kids!
[5] OTL after Naples fell Louis gave up.
[6] There are currently ongoing rebellions in Fondi, Abruzzo, and Apulia.
de Barbiano’s St. George’s Company
When Urban’s letter reached Gian Gian went into a rage. One of the best matches he could have hoped for had just been forbidden and all his other negotiations had fallen through. In fact King Wenceslaus had gone as far as to send a letter filled with vile insults. After a few days Gian calmed down enough to return to the drawing boards. There Gian continually talked with his advisors to figure out his next move, but it would be his wife, Isabelle, who would do that. For Isabelle had noticed that Charles the Short’s son, Ladislaus, lacked a betrothed. And as added bonus Charles had recently died and Ladislaus was a young boy, or in other words manipulable. However there was one pressing problem, Ladislaus and his mother, Margaret, controlled little else than the city of Naples. Also the French Angevins were preparing to invade Naples in an attempt to take what they saw as theirs. With this in mind Gian engaged himself in secret marriage negotiations with both Margaret and Marie of Blois for their sons.
In 1387 Urban would begin his war with his call for crusade upon Ladislaus and Margaret. The French Angevins would take two years to organize their force, but when they landed in Naples in 1389 they spared no time in pushing towards the capital [1]. This push flushed out Ladislaus and his supporters who then ran to Gaeta. This flight would go unopposed, for Otto von Brunswick was more focused on establishing his claimant, Louis, ‘s control over Naples. With the city under Louis’ control Anti-Pope Clement VII crowned Louis as King of Naples. After that Otto turned to chase after Ladislaus, but was deferred by battles closer by. It seemed that some supporters of Ladislaus had stayed behind and set themselves up on the island of Ischia of the coast of Naples. In an attempt to secure the Gulf of Naples Otto assaulted the defenders and was bloodily repulsed.
In Rome a new pope was elected. This new pope, Boniface, decided to make peace with Ladislaus since their respective rivals, Clement VII and Louis II, were allies. Now with a friend in Rome things began to swing in Ladislaus’ favor. Mounting a new offensive Ladislaus began to turn back the tides. This got Gian’s attention who was just about ready to wed Valentina to Louis. Following Ladislaus’ condottieri Alberto de Barbiano won a sizeable victory over the French Angevins the French king ceased to support Louis’s claim [2]. Still Louis kept on fighting. Yet the victory had another effect: it convinced Gian to wed his daughter Valentina to Ladislaus. After negotiating the dowry and dates the two were wed in a simple ceremony in Gaeta. And only a few days later the young Ladislaus would ride out to join his armies [3].
Over the course of the next few years Ladislaus would battle Louis across Naples slowly retaking his kingdom. During this time his wife Valentina would give him a son and two twin daughters [4]. Finally in 1399 while Louis was busy fighting in Lecce Ladislaus and his army would return to Naples. With much jubilation Ladislaus and his men celebrated their victory. Meanwhile Louis who was being defeated by the Count of Lecce decided to return to Anjou in shame after a decade of war [5]. However for Ladislaus the war wasn’t over for some of his vassals still hadn’t his rule [6].
[1] There isn’t a lot on the details on this war just really a few dates and events, so be aware that some of these dates and events are assumptions based off the results of the war and the whereabouts of people at the time of the war.
[2] OTL de Barbiano did declare loyalty for Ladislaus and fight for him. Also OTL the French kings stopped supporting the French Angevins at some point in the war, but I didn’t have an exact date so I just went with something logical.
[3] OTL Ladislaus fought with his armies.
[4] Yeah kids!
[5] OTL after Naples fell Louis gave up.
[6] There are currently ongoing rebellions in Fondi, Abruzzo, and Apulia.
Ladislao lu Granni (A Ladislaus of Naples TL): Chapter 2 A Minor Deferral
The Castel Sant’Angelo
After achieving victory over Louis and the French Angevins Ladislaus was once again in control of Naples, yet he still had battles to fight with other foes. Firstly he marched north towards Fondi so as to defeat Onorato Caetani. Following a four month the task would be accomplished. Then Ladislaus marched east to defeat the rebels in Abruzzo and after that south to defeat those in Apulia. By the end of the year Ladislaus had brought the whole Naples under his rule.
With the arrival of the new campaign season the King of Naples looked hungrily towards Hungary. But his wife convinced him not to. Instead of sailing off to Hungary Ladislaus she persuaded him to focus on Italy [1]. With this new focus in mind the King worked hard to improve his economy and his small professional army for his upcoming invasion for Sicily. This war was going to be tough. There was no doubt that Aragon would come to the Sicily’s aid. The French Angevins would probably get involved as well and if Ladislaus’ luck was lacking France itself. However not all was bad for Ladislaus. His father-in-law, Gian Galeazzo, was faring quite well. The man had united much of the Po Valley under his Duchy of Milan and planned to go as far as to united all of Northern Italy. As it happens he agreed to aid Ladislaus as soon as his ambitions had been achieved in the north.
In the beginning Gian’s campaign went handily although the Milanese economy took a punch. His armies were easily besting their inferior foes. Indeed when his army clashed with that of the Bolognese at Casalecchio he had completely routed the enemy. Soon after Bologna fell to him. Everything was going just as planned. Then tragedy struck. Gian was struck ill, and only a month later on September 3, 1402 he would die [2]. This single event threw the entire peninsulas plans in the air. Ladislaus found his strong allied state in the north no more, the Florentines found their city no longer under threat of conquest, and Gian’s sons both saw a throne to be taken. Within a few weeks the Duchy of Milan, which had been one of the five great states of Italy, had fallen to anarchy. In Ladislaus’ words, “Italy may have the Pope, but no god graces these lands.”
Without his great ally Ladislaus decided to postpone his plans and wait and watch to see who would win the bloodbath for Gian’s legacy. And so he pushed his plans back and used the time to further train and refine his army. Two years later Ladislaus’ fortunes would improve. The good Pope Boniface IX died to be replaced by none other than the the Neapolitan cardinal, Cosimo de’Migliorati. Cosimo who had been an important Papal legate was so well respected by the clergy that he was elected unanimously. Conversely the Ghibellines were about to stir the people up into rebellion. But even so Ladislaus would never allow an opportunity like this one to slip through his fingers, so he swoop through the city with a band of soldiers clearing out all the rebels and even capturing the Pope in Avignon’s delegates. If it hadn’t been for the fact that the new Pope Innocent VII didn’t want further bloodshed the Antipope’s delegates would have had their heads on the spikes of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Once again all was well.
Two years later the situation started out much the same, but spiraled from there. After the Pope’s nephew murdered eleven Roman partisans all hell broke loose in the holy city. The Ghibellines once again cause an uproar, however this time is much bigger and angrier. Quickly enough the people of Rome chased Pope Innocent far away. Though he would escape it did cost him thirty men. Ladislaus once again saddled his horse and rode to Rome. His band of soldiers found a tougher fight to be had, yet it didn’t dissuade them a bit. And after a months the people could deal with it no more and gave up the pointless conflict. As before Innocent greatly thanked Ladislaus, who would return to his Naples somewhat uncontent at how little had received for his victory.
It would be just a few weeks later that the Ghibelline faction offered him Rome in return for him aiding them in deposing the Pope, and he eagerly agreed. Dispatching his squads of troops again he waited for word of their victory. Whereas Innocent hoped otherwise. Deciding to try his trump card Innocent excommunicated the King of Naples. The King himself decided to fold and negotiated a peace with His Holiness. While one of Ladislaus’ vassals, Mary of Enghien, rebelled in support of the excommunication and kept up her rebellion past said rebellion. Though it wouldn’t last long. Following the peace with Innocent Ladislaus bore down on Taranto and made siege. Siege that would be cut short by Mary’s death due to sickness [3].
[1] Big POD, caused of of course by the main POD. Here he doesn’t waste money and troops invading Hungary and making an enemy of future Holy Roman Emperor, Sigismund.
[2] OTL
[3] ITTL she dies of sickness instead of there being a long siege
The Castel Sant’Angelo
After achieving victory over Louis and the French Angevins Ladislaus was once again in control of Naples, yet he still had battles to fight with other foes. Firstly he marched north towards Fondi so as to defeat Onorato Caetani. Following a four month the task would be accomplished. Then Ladislaus marched east to defeat the rebels in Abruzzo and after that south to defeat those in Apulia. By the end of the year Ladislaus had brought the whole Naples under his rule.
With the arrival of the new campaign season the King of Naples looked hungrily towards Hungary. But his wife convinced him not to. Instead of sailing off to Hungary Ladislaus she persuaded him to focus on Italy [1]. With this new focus in mind the King worked hard to improve his economy and his small professional army for his upcoming invasion for Sicily. This war was going to be tough. There was no doubt that Aragon would come to the Sicily’s aid. The French Angevins would probably get involved as well and if Ladislaus’ luck was lacking France itself. However not all was bad for Ladislaus. His father-in-law, Gian Galeazzo, was faring quite well. The man had united much of the Po Valley under his Duchy of Milan and planned to go as far as to united all of Northern Italy. As it happens he agreed to aid Ladislaus as soon as his ambitions had been achieved in the north.
In the beginning Gian’s campaign went handily although the Milanese economy took a punch. His armies were easily besting their inferior foes. Indeed when his army clashed with that of the Bolognese at Casalecchio he had completely routed the enemy. Soon after Bologna fell to him. Everything was going just as planned. Then tragedy struck. Gian was struck ill, and only a month later on September 3, 1402 he would die [2]. This single event threw the entire peninsulas plans in the air. Ladislaus found his strong allied state in the north no more, the Florentines found their city no longer under threat of conquest, and Gian’s sons both saw a throne to be taken. Within a few weeks the Duchy of Milan, which had been one of the five great states of Italy, had fallen to anarchy. In Ladislaus’ words, “Italy may have the Pope, but no god graces these lands.”
Without his great ally Ladislaus decided to postpone his plans and wait and watch to see who would win the bloodbath for Gian’s legacy. And so he pushed his plans back and used the time to further train and refine his army. Two years later Ladislaus’ fortunes would improve. The good Pope Boniface IX died to be replaced by none other than the the Neapolitan cardinal, Cosimo de’Migliorati. Cosimo who had been an important Papal legate was so well respected by the clergy that he was elected unanimously. Conversely the Ghibellines were about to stir the people up into rebellion. But even so Ladislaus would never allow an opportunity like this one to slip through his fingers, so he swoop through the city with a band of soldiers clearing out all the rebels and even capturing the Pope in Avignon’s delegates. If it hadn’t been for the fact that the new Pope Innocent VII didn’t want further bloodshed the Antipope’s delegates would have had their heads on the spikes of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Once again all was well.
Two years later the situation started out much the same, but spiraled from there. After the Pope’s nephew murdered eleven Roman partisans all hell broke loose in the holy city. The Ghibellines once again cause an uproar, however this time is much bigger and angrier. Quickly enough the people of Rome chased Pope Innocent far away. Though he would escape it did cost him thirty men. Ladislaus once again saddled his horse and rode to Rome. His band of soldiers found a tougher fight to be had, yet it didn’t dissuade them a bit. And after a months the people could deal with it no more and gave up the pointless conflict. As before Innocent greatly thanked Ladislaus, who would return to his Naples somewhat uncontent at how little had received for his victory.
It would be just a few weeks later that the Ghibelline faction offered him Rome in return for him aiding them in deposing the Pope, and he eagerly agreed. Dispatching his squads of troops again he waited for word of their victory. Whereas Innocent hoped otherwise. Deciding to try his trump card Innocent excommunicated the King of Naples. The King himself decided to fold and negotiated a peace with His Holiness. While one of Ladislaus’ vassals, Mary of Enghien, rebelled in support of the excommunication and kept up her rebellion past said rebellion. Though it wouldn’t last long. Following the peace with Innocent Ladislaus bore down on Taranto and made siege. Siege that would be cut short by Mary’s death due to sickness [3].
[1] Big POD, caused of of course by the main POD. Here he doesn’t waste money and troops invading Hungary and making an enemy of future Holy Roman Emperor, Sigismund.
[2] OTL
[3] ITTL she dies of sickness instead of there being a long siege
I tried the same concept for the timeline Pax Italiana, I hope your timeline succeeds.
Ladislao lu Granni (A Ladislaus of Naples TL): Chapter 3 Quite a Vengence
Neapolitan knights at the Battle of Sezze
Ladislaus wasn’t one to take well to insult. Hence after his victory at Taranto he plotted his revenge for Innocent’s, now rescinded, excommunication of Ladislaus. It would be through the use of one of Italy’s best assassins that that goal would be accomplished [1]. On October 28 Innocent choked to death on a chicken bone, or so it seemed [2]. Subsequently Neapolitan soldiers stormed into the Papal States. The new pope, Gregory XII, swiftly assembled the Papal army to defend their nation. Nevertheless when Ladislaus and his army approached towards Rome they sweep away the petty attempt to stop them at Sezze. As a consequence the road to Rome was wide open [3].
In the east Ladislaus’ condottieri, da Barbiano, defeated the few Papal troops there and then proceeded to seize Perugia, Ascoli Piceno, and Fermo for Ladislaus [4]. Meanwhile chaos seized control of Rome as Ladislaus’ army marched on the city. Many of the citizenry evacuated to the countryside not wanting to be victims of the expected sack. Whilst the Ghibellines jubilated at the news of their friend’s march. When Ladislaus and his army were sighted on the horizon of Rome the remaining people were most distraught. Following just a few days a simple bribe to Paolo Orsini would result in the gates being thrown open [5]. Soon after Gregory and a few of his cardinals found themselves at the mercy of the Neapolitan king. Choosing his life over its opposite His Holiness surrendered. As a result Ladislaus was able to get many of his conquests in the east recognized . Yet he did acknowledge the new pope and even proceeded to throw out the Ghibellines who had risen up in expectation of Ladislaus’ seizure of Rome [56].
Ladislaus’ conquest though cause for celebration in Naples was cause for despair in Florence and Siena. And at the court of Gian Maria the famous condottieri Facino Cane decided that it was time to use Gian’s family connection to its full potential. Believing that Ladislaus’ help could aid in them in uniting the fragmented Duchy of Milan they offered him an alliance. Ladislaus himself despised Facino and Gian who he thought of as complete dogs. Nonetheless he was forced to accept the offer by the realities of politics. He knew that he needed Milan for the coming conflict with Florence [7]. Without a doubt the Angevins would involve themselves and it looked like Siena and some other small Italian states were going to fight for Florence. Luckily the Aragonese were experiencing some difficulties with Sardinia, so they wouldn’t be expected to intervene [8]. All in all this war was going to be an interesting one.
[1] OTL it is expected that Innocent was assassinated but there is no evidence and no suspects, so i choose Ladislaus to do the deed.
[2] OTL he died suddenly but I can’t find out how.
[3] Slightly different campaign then OTL.
[4] OTL Ladislaus fought in the east and then marched on Rome, ITTL Ladislaus marched straight on Rome and had his condottieri mop up the east.
[5] OTL
[6] Made this up, but seems logical.
[7] OTL
[8] OTL
Neapolitan knights at the Battle of Sezze
Ladislaus wasn’t one to take well to insult. Hence after his victory at Taranto he plotted his revenge for Innocent’s, now rescinded, excommunication of Ladislaus. It would be through the use of one of Italy’s best assassins that that goal would be accomplished [1]. On October 28 Innocent choked to death on a chicken bone, or so it seemed [2]. Subsequently Neapolitan soldiers stormed into the Papal States. The new pope, Gregory XII, swiftly assembled the Papal army to defend their nation. Nevertheless when Ladislaus and his army approached towards Rome they sweep away the petty attempt to stop them at Sezze. As a consequence the road to Rome was wide open [3].
In the east Ladislaus’ condottieri, da Barbiano, defeated the few Papal troops there and then proceeded to seize Perugia, Ascoli Piceno, and Fermo for Ladislaus [4]. Meanwhile chaos seized control of Rome as Ladislaus’ army marched on the city. Many of the citizenry evacuated to the countryside not wanting to be victims of the expected sack. Whilst the Ghibellines jubilated at the news of their friend’s march. When Ladislaus and his army were sighted on the horizon of Rome the remaining people were most distraught. Following just a few days a simple bribe to Paolo Orsini would result in the gates being thrown open [5]. Soon after Gregory and a few of his cardinals found themselves at the mercy of the Neapolitan king. Choosing his life over its opposite His Holiness surrendered. As a result Ladislaus was able to get many of his conquests in the east recognized . Yet he did acknowledge the new pope and even proceeded to throw out the Ghibellines who had risen up in expectation of Ladislaus’ seizure of Rome [56].
Ladislaus’ conquest though cause for celebration in Naples was cause for despair in Florence and Siena. And at the court of Gian Maria the famous condottieri Facino Cane decided that it was time to use Gian’s family connection to its full potential. Believing that Ladislaus’ help could aid in them in uniting the fragmented Duchy of Milan they offered him an alliance. Ladislaus himself despised Facino and Gian who he thought of as complete dogs. Nonetheless he was forced to accept the offer by the realities of politics. He knew that he needed Milan for the coming conflict with Florence [7]. Without a doubt the Angevins would involve themselves and it looked like Siena and some other small Italian states were going to fight for Florence. Luckily the Aragonese were experiencing some difficulties with Sardinia, so they wouldn’t be expected to intervene [8]. All in all this war was going to be an interesting one.
[1] OTL it is expected that Innocent was assassinated but there is no evidence and no suspects, so i choose Ladislaus to do the deed.
[2] OTL he died suddenly but I can’t find out how.
[3] Slightly different campaign then OTL.
[4] OTL Ladislaus fought in the east and then marched on Rome, ITTL Ladislaus marched straight on Rome and had his condottieri mop up the east.
[5] OTL
[6] Made this up, but seems logical.
[7] OTL
[8] OTL
Yes OTL Ladislaus scared them a lot, so they sided with Florence. Luca on the other hand sided with Ladislaus.
At the start of the reign of Paolo Guinigi, so towards the most splendid period culturally speaking for the city... Interesting, Lucca could become because of this war the leading Tuscan settlement, and Viareggio its main harbour TTL.
And I don't saying this because I am Lucchese born
.Ladislao lu Granni (A Ladislaus of Naples TL): Chapter 4 The Greatest War
Battle of Salerno
Following two years of preparation Ladislaus was ready. In the spring of 1409 Ladislaus rode into Tuscany at the head of a great host of his own army alongside Alberico de Barbiano’s Compagnia di San Giorgio and Carlo I Malatesta’s mercenaries. With ease the host took Cortona and then Elba. By this time the Florentines has gathered their own army. And on the muddy banks of the Merse the two armies clashed. Both armies would contest the field through the night and into the morning. But at midday a small detachment of Brabiano’s company, who had crossed the river 10 miles to the south, crashed into the Florentine left flank. In support of their action Malatesta threw his forces across the iver into the Florentine’s confused left. The two attacks overwhelmed the flank and crumbled. Seeing the potential massacre the Florentine army’s leader Braccio da Montone retreated in good order [1]. Ladislaus attempted to give chase, but da Montone’s rearguard held strong.
Though the Battle on the Merse had been a Neapolitan victory the cities of Florence and Siena remained standing, so Ladislaus marched upon Siena and put the city to siege. Following two months of siege a combination of disease, starvation, and siege warfare forced da Montone to surrender Siena to Ladislaus [2]. Ladislaus in his magnanimousness then offered da Montone a place on his payroll. This da Montone gladly accepted. With the addition of da Montone’s troops the Neapolitans marched north to take Florence. But not long into the siege news arrived that Louis of Anjou was sailing for Naples. Understanding his situation Ladislaus broke siege and rushed south.
In July 1409 Louis landed in Latium and was crowned King of Naples [3]. He and an army that the Florentines had bought for him then hiked south to seize Rome. Paolo Orsini, Ladislaus’ man in Rome, would have surrendered the city if word of Ladislaus’ march hadn’t arrived to him [4]. Upon hearing of it he knew that if surrendered the city and Ladislaus beat Louis that he would then turn on Paolo and rip him apart. Indeed that would have been very unpleasant. Just a couple weeks later Ladislaus closed in on Rome and discovered that Louis’ army had already run south. Subsequently as they arrived on the outskirts of the city of Naples they were joined with 6,000 reinforcements and much gold [5]. Besieging Naples they hoped they could take over the city before Ladislaus arrived. However the soon realized the futility of this idea and tried to assault the city using escalades and a battering ram. This attack would be brutally thrown back off the top of the walls of Naples by the defense that Ladislaus’ wife, Valentina, had organized. Having taken many casualties and with Ladislaus getting too close for comfort the French Angevin army marched to south once again.
With many prayers they hoped the terrain of Salerno would aid their smaller army is holding its own against Ladislaus. At Roccapiemonte the two armies would finally meet in battle. Contrary to Muzio’s belief the terrain would do little to aid the French Angevin army. Ladislaus smartly used had his Salerne troops led his army into battle. These men who had grown up and trained in this land knew the terrain like the back of their hand. In fact a young man from Roccapiemonte itself led the assault. This Salerne attack though bloody on both sides cost the French Angevins more than they dared to lose. Muzio grinding his teeth accepted defeat and traversed south. And unlike after the Battle on the Merse this time Ladislaus was able to give chase.
Soon enough a few miles outside of Salerno Attendolo’s army was forced to turn and fight the Neapolitans. Here though something very interesting would occur. The Mayor of Salerno had organized a defense of the city, because he was worried of a siege. But when the battle began a few miles outside his city he decided he wanted to impress his king and marched straight into Louis’ rear. This attack threw the entire French Angevin army into confusion as they had never suspected such a thing. Pressing the advantage given to him by the Mayor, Ladislaus devastatingly ravaged the center of Louis’ army. And as if God was looking down upon Ladislaus not only was the center utterly crushed by Muzio Attendolo and Louis of Anjou were both captured. With their capture came the complete collapse of the invading army. And also with that collapse came the seizure of Louis of Anjou’s treasury which he has foolishly brought to Italy [6].
Now with the south secured Ladislaus headed back north. While Ladislaus had been south apparently Florence had recruited a new army and had put Siena under siege. Luckily Malatesta, who had reinforced by the Lucchese and Milanese, held his ground and retained control of the city. When Ladislaus finally reached Siena he found the walls cracking, but still held by Malatesta. He also saw that the Florentines had built strong earthworks facing towards the city and away to oppose both a sortie and a relief. Accepting this matter of fact Ladislaus decided to besiege the besiegers. So he built his own earthworks to oppose the enemy. Following a few weeks of siege the earthen defenses of the Florentines would give way and he and Malatesta would coordinate a doubled assault on the Florentines. The two forces were both able to smash into the Florentines and end their siege of Siena, but since its exactly what was expected the Florentines managed to deal their toll before escaping.
Following the flight of the Florentines at Siena and a brief respite Ladislaus finally began his siege of Florence. Meanwhile he sent da Montone to aid the Genoese in their revolt against the French. This aid aided Ladislaus by gaining him an ally of Genoa. While in Florence his siege progressed slowly but well. After four months of siege the great city of Florence and the Florentine Republic would finally fall to Ladislaus. Funnily enough this was just two months after the new antipope, John XXIII, had excommunicated him. Now with over half of Italy under the Crown of Naples could proclaim victory [7].
[1] OTL da Montone defeated Ladislaus and da Brabiano had died earlier this year.
[2] Since OTL Ladislaus had been defeated he retreated OTL instead of stayed. ITTL Ladislaus beat da Montone and gets to take Siena.
[3] Straight OTL
[4] OTL Paolo surrendered, ITTL he doesn’t because Ladislaus marches south instead of staying up north. Also in OTL Ladislaus would have flayed Paolo for surrendering if he ever got the chance.
[5] OTL the reinforcements were destroyed en route in a naval battle. Here I felt like being fairer and having them arrive.
[6] Ladislaus destroys the reinforcements and gets the gold anyways
[7]Lucca, Milan, and Genoa are not under the Crown of Naples, but they are are allies of it. Lucca and Milan also gained some Florentine land.
Battle of Salerno
Following two years of preparation Ladislaus was ready. In the spring of 1409 Ladislaus rode into Tuscany at the head of a great host of his own army alongside Alberico de Barbiano’s Compagnia di San Giorgio and Carlo I Malatesta’s mercenaries. With ease the host took Cortona and then Elba. By this time the Florentines has gathered their own army. And on the muddy banks of the Merse the two armies clashed. Both armies would contest the field through the night and into the morning. But at midday a small detachment of Brabiano’s company, who had crossed the river 10 miles to the south, crashed into the Florentine left flank. In support of their action Malatesta threw his forces across the iver into the Florentine’s confused left. The two attacks overwhelmed the flank and crumbled. Seeing the potential massacre the Florentine army’s leader Braccio da Montone retreated in good order [1]. Ladislaus attempted to give chase, but da Montone’s rearguard held strong.
Though the Battle on the Merse had been a Neapolitan victory the cities of Florence and Siena remained standing, so Ladislaus marched upon Siena and put the city to siege. Following two months of siege a combination of disease, starvation, and siege warfare forced da Montone to surrender Siena to Ladislaus [2]. Ladislaus in his magnanimousness then offered da Montone a place on his payroll. This da Montone gladly accepted. With the addition of da Montone’s troops the Neapolitans marched north to take Florence. But not long into the siege news arrived that Louis of Anjou was sailing for Naples. Understanding his situation Ladislaus broke siege and rushed south.
In July 1409 Louis landed in Latium and was crowned King of Naples [3]. He and an army that the Florentines had bought for him then hiked south to seize Rome. Paolo Orsini, Ladislaus’ man in Rome, would have surrendered the city if word of Ladislaus’ march hadn’t arrived to him [4]. Upon hearing of it he knew that if surrendered the city and Ladislaus beat Louis that he would then turn on Paolo and rip him apart. Indeed that would have been very unpleasant. Just a couple weeks later Ladislaus closed in on Rome and discovered that Louis’ army had already run south. Subsequently as they arrived on the outskirts of the city of Naples they were joined with 6,000 reinforcements and much gold [5]. Besieging Naples they hoped they could take over the city before Ladislaus arrived. However the soon realized the futility of this idea and tried to assault the city using escalades and a battering ram. This attack would be brutally thrown back off the top of the walls of Naples by the defense that Ladislaus’ wife, Valentina, had organized. Having taken many casualties and with Ladislaus getting too close for comfort the French Angevin army marched to south once again.
With many prayers they hoped the terrain of Salerno would aid their smaller army is holding its own against Ladislaus. At Roccapiemonte the two armies would finally meet in battle. Contrary to Muzio’s belief the terrain would do little to aid the French Angevin army. Ladislaus smartly used had his Salerne troops led his army into battle. These men who had grown up and trained in this land knew the terrain like the back of their hand. In fact a young man from Roccapiemonte itself led the assault. This Salerne attack though bloody on both sides cost the French Angevins more than they dared to lose. Muzio grinding his teeth accepted defeat and traversed south. And unlike after the Battle on the Merse this time Ladislaus was able to give chase.
Soon enough a few miles outside of Salerno Attendolo’s army was forced to turn and fight the Neapolitans. Here though something very interesting would occur. The Mayor of Salerno had organized a defense of the city, because he was worried of a siege. But when the battle began a few miles outside his city he decided he wanted to impress his king and marched straight into Louis’ rear. This attack threw the entire French Angevin army into confusion as they had never suspected such a thing. Pressing the advantage given to him by the Mayor, Ladislaus devastatingly ravaged the center of Louis’ army. And as if God was looking down upon Ladislaus not only was the center utterly crushed by Muzio Attendolo and Louis of Anjou were both captured. With their capture came the complete collapse of the invading army. And also with that collapse came the seizure of Louis of Anjou’s treasury which he has foolishly brought to Italy [6].
Now with the south secured Ladislaus headed back north. While Ladislaus had been south apparently Florence had recruited a new army and had put Siena under siege. Luckily Malatesta, who had reinforced by the Lucchese and Milanese, held his ground and retained control of the city. When Ladislaus finally reached Siena he found the walls cracking, but still held by Malatesta. He also saw that the Florentines had built strong earthworks facing towards the city and away to oppose both a sortie and a relief. Accepting this matter of fact Ladislaus decided to besiege the besiegers. So he built his own earthworks to oppose the enemy. Following a few weeks of siege the earthen defenses of the Florentines would give way and he and Malatesta would coordinate a doubled assault on the Florentines. The two forces were both able to smash into the Florentines and end their siege of Siena, but since its exactly what was expected the Florentines managed to deal their toll before escaping.
Following the flight of the Florentines at Siena and a brief respite Ladislaus finally began his siege of Florence. Meanwhile he sent da Montone to aid the Genoese in their revolt against the French. This aid aided Ladislaus by gaining him an ally of Genoa. While in Florence his siege progressed slowly but well. After four months of siege the great city of Florence and the Florentine Republic would finally fall to Ladislaus. Funnily enough this was just two months after the new antipope, John XXIII, had excommunicated him. Now with over half of Italy under the Crown of Naples could proclaim victory [7].
[1] OTL da Montone defeated Ladislaus and da Brabiano had died earlier this year.
[2] Since OTL Ladislaus had been defeated he retreated OTL instead of stayed. ITTL Ladislaus beat da Montone and gets to take Siena.
[3] Straight OTL
[4] OTL Paolo surrendered, ITTL he doesn’t because Ladislaus marches south instead of staying up north. Also in OTL Ladislaus would have flayed Paolo for surrendering if he ever got the chance.
[5] OTL the reinforcements were destroyed en route in a naval battle. Here I felt like being fairer and having them arrive.
[6] Ladislaus destroys the reinforcements and gets the gold anyways
[7]Lucca, Milan, and Genoa are not under the Crown of Naples, but they are are allies of it. Lucca and Milan also gained some Florentine land.
Interesting, it's always nice to read about late medieval/early Renaissance warfare: betrayals, mercenaries, anti popes...
Ladislaus is conquering much, but will he be able to keep it? Only time will tell I suppose. Keep up the good work!
Btw nice that we are both independently making TLs on more successful Neapolitan kingdoms, although in different time frames and with different styles.
Ladislaus is conquering much, but will he be able to keep it? Only time will tell I suppose. Keep up the good work!
Btw nice that we are both independently making TLs on more successful Neapolitan kingdoms, although in different time frames and with different styles.