The establishment of the Latin lordships in Greece is generally seen as the fall-out of the Fourth Crusade. However, the Venetians had already built up commercial interests in Greece, after receiving trading privileges from Emperor Alexios I including the right to found colonies. By the time of the Fourth Crusade, the Normans of Sicily were already in control of Kefalonia, Zante and Ithaka, which were governed by Maio Orsini at the start of the crusade. In 1199, the Genoese pirate Vetrano conquered Corfu.

The 1204 treaty, which projected the division of the Byzantine empire between Venice and the Crusaders, allocated Arcadiopolis, Heraclea, Rhodostos, Panidos, Adrianople, Anchiale, Ganos, Hexamili and Gallipoli (to the north of Greece) and the island of Eubœa, Egina, Salamina, most of Morea, Etolia, Acarnania, Epirus, Zante, Kefalonia, Leukadia and Corfu (to the south and west of Greece) to the Venetians. Their resources were, however, insufficient to govern so many diverse territories. They exchanged some with Bonifazio Marchese di Monferrato (who was installed as king of Thessaloniki after the capture of Constantinople by the Latins) in return for the island of Crete. Others were exchanged with Baudouin, newly appointed Latin emperor. As far as the islands and territories to the south and west were concerned, they abandoned Eubœa, Morea, Egina, Salamina and the Ionian islands to the French conquerors, while Corfu was left to Mikhael Angelos Komnenos Dukas Lord of Epirus. In turn, King Bonifazio abandoned all areas in continental Greece south of the Thermopyles to the Latins[1].

The twelve high fiefdoms of the principality of Achaia, established outside the Peloponnesos, were the duchy of Athens, the duchy of the Archipelago (also known as the duchy of Naxos) in the Dodecanese islands, the duchy of Leukadia (a branch of the counts of Kefalonia), the March of Boudonitza, the county of Kefalonia, the lordship of Salona (also referred to as Soula and Solona, and sometimes referred to as a county), the lordship of Arcadia in Morea, the three parts of the island of Eubœa, the lordship of Chalandritza, and the barony of Patras, all named as such in a charter dated 1301[2].

The primary sources which confirm the parentage and marriages of the members of the families set out in this document have not yet been identified, unless otherwise specified.

Chapter 1. ACHAIA

The name Achaia was the name of a region in north-western Peloponnesos used in pre-Roman times[3]. The De Administrando Imperio of Emperor Konstantinos VII Porphyrogennetos records Peloponnesos as the sixth theme of the European part of the Byzantine empire and adds that the Romans called it “Αχαιας”[4]. The Franks landed at Modon in 1205, moving into the plains of Morea, and at Kato-Achaia near Patras in 1206, from where they conquered the coastal area of the gulf of Lepanto[5]. As part of the rearrangement of territories, originally allocated between the Venetians, the Franks and the Latin empire under the 1204 treaty, Bonifazio Marchese di Monferrato (who had been installed as king of Thessaloniki) abandoned all areas in continental Greece south of the Thermopyles to the Latins[6]. The name Achaia was adopted by Guillaume de Champlitte for the principality which he founded in the Peloponnesos in 1205[7]. In the Livre de la conqueste de la Morée, the name “Achaia” generally refers to the whole territory of the principality, including the islands included within its jurisdiction, whereas “Morea” refers to the Peloponnesos peninsula alone[8].

The principality consisted of the following baronies which were confirmed by Guillaume de Champlitte[9]:

Akova [Matagrifon], located in the interior, controlled the Greeks of Arkadia and guarded the passes to the valley of Alphea[10]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “Gautiers de Rosieres” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la baronie de Mathe-Griffon” and was confirmed in the barony[11]. The barony was sold to Andronikos Palaiologos Asen, governor of Mistra, in [1316/21][12]).
Arkadia, on the western coast, was granted to Geoffroy de Villehardouin and was bestowed by Prince Guillaume on Vilain d'Aunoy, Marshal of Romania.
Chalandritza, between the barony of Patras and the mountains, protected against invasions from the interior[13]. The Chronique Métrique records that “Robert de la Trémoïlle” (“Ρουμπέρτου ντε Τρεμουλα”) was granted Chalandritza[14]. The lordship of Chalandritza was named as one of the twelve high fiefdoms of the principality of Achaia, all named as such in a charter dated 1301[15].
Geraki was located at the southern end of the Tzakonian mountains[16]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “messire Gui de Nivelet…” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…le Gierachy par La Cremonie ou tout quatre fiés” and was confirmed in the grant[17]. The barony was probably reconquered by Byzantium.
Gritzena protected the valley of Lakos and Kalami as well as the Makry-Plagi exit in Messenia[18], it was granted to "Messire Luc", who probably died without heirs.
Kalamata, an ancient fortress on the gulf of Messenia, protecting the valley of Pamisos from incursions from the mountains[19], it was granted to Geoffroy de Villehardouin, and was inherited by his widow Agnes on his death.
Kalavryta, between the barony of Vostitza and the mountains, protected against invasions from the interior[20]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “mesire Otthe de Tournay” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la baronie de la Colovrate ou tout quatre fiés” and was confirmed in the grant[21].
Karytaina [Escorta], adjacent to the mountains of Skorta, guarded the entrance to the valley of Alphea[22]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “messire Goffroy de Bruieres” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…vingt deux fiés à la baronie de l´Escorta” and was confirmed in the grant[23]. The barony was sold to Andronikos Palaiologos Asen, governor of Mistra, in [1316/21][24]).
Nikli, the area around the town and ancient fortress of Nikli in the plain of Tripolitza, protected the pass to Argolida in Lakonia[25]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “messire…” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la cité de Nicles ou tout six fiés” and was confirmed in the grant[26]. The Chronique Métrique records his name as “Guillaume” (“Γυλιάμος”)[27].
Passava was located at the centre of the Magna[28]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “mesire Jehan le marescal de Nulli” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la baronie de Passavant ou tout quatre fiés” and was confirmed in the grant[29]. Jean de Neuilly was hereditary marshal heading the principality´s armies.
Patras, which was the site of an ancient fortress on the western coast, protected the principality against invasions from Epirus, Acarnania and Etolia[30]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “messire Guillaume le Alemant” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la cité de Patras ou toute la baronie” and was confirmed in the grant[31]. The barony subsequently passed from the Aleman family to the archbishop of Patras). The barony of Patras was named as one of the twelve high fiefdoms of the principality of Achaia, all named as such in a charter dated 1301[32].
Veligosti, the area around the town at the end of the valley of Megapolis, protected the Makry-Plagi pass to the town of Lakonia[33]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “messire Mahieu de Mons” had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la cité de Veligurt ou tout quatre fiés” and was confirmed in the grant[34].
Vostitza, on the coast, protected the gulf of Lepanto[35]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “un parlement general en Andreville”, convened by Geoffroy de Villehardouin as bailly of Achaia, affirmed that “mesire Ougues” (Hugues de Charpigny) had been granted “dou temps dou Champenois…la baronie de la Grite ou tout quatre fiés” and was confirmed in the grant[36]. The Chronique Métrique clarifies that “la Grite” was “την Βοστίτζαν”[37].

The barons of Kalamata, Nikli and Patras occupied the existing ancient fortresses[38], whereas the remaining barons constructed new principle strongholds to protect their territories as well as minor fortifications along the borders of their baronies to protect against incursions from the neighbouring barons[39].

Additional territories were later added to the principality, Corinth, Argos and Nauplion, the valley of Alphea between the towns of Nikli and Veligosti, and the area of Monemvasia and Vatika as far as cape Malea[40].

The Villehardouin princes of Achaia established their main residence at Andravida, and secondary residences at Gastouni, Rhiolo to the north of Andravida in the foothills of mount Mavri and on the banks of the river Larissos, Vesiri at the foot of the monastery of Hagia Paraskevi near the source of the river Pourleska, Rhoviata on the banks of the river Pourleska near the sea near Gastouni, Androusa at the foot of mount Ithoma (which also became the residence of one of the captains of Morea), and Nisi near the fortress of Mikro-Magni on the river Pamisos near the sea[41]. By 1325, when Jean of Sicily Conte di Gravina arrived in Morea to claim the principality of Achaia, only four of the original baronies remained in the hands of the Franks: Chalandritza, Patras, Veligosti, Vostitza[42]. After Jean Conte di Gravina sold his rights to Achaia to Robert of Sicily Principe di Tarento in 1332, control over the different Frankish domains in Greece was centralised, Robert's mother Catherine de Valois titular Empress of Constantinople acting on his behalf until she died in 1346. Her son Robert spent little time in Greece, appointing a series of baillis to rule on his behalf, and power gravitated to the Acciaiuoli family with the grant of Corinth to Niccolo Acciaiuoli in 1358[43].

After the Navarrese Company conquered Achaia in 1380, they maintained the fiction that they ruled as representatives of Charles III King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet], hereditary successor to Robert di Tarento. By the end of the 14th century, there were at least four competing claims to Achaia: Louis II Duc de Bourbon (as heir of Marie de Clermont, widow of Robert di Tarento), the dukes of Savoy (as heirs of Philippe de Savoie, second husband of Isabelle de Villehardouin Pss of Achaia), the Knights of St John (who bought their claim from Marie de Châtillon-Blois, widow of Louis I Duc d'Anjou who had been nominated successor by Jacques de Baux, although this was invalidated by anti-Pope Clement VII after protests from Amédée VII Duke of Savoy[44]), and the kings of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] (as successors to Jeanne I Queen of Sicily, whose claim came through the Mallorca line). Ignoring the competing claimants, Ladislas King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] installed Pedro Bordo de San Superán as prince of Achaia in 1396, and his wife's nephew Centurione Zaccaria as prince in 1404[45]. As Latin hold over Morea weakened, the Byzantine governors of Mistra strengthened their position in the Peloponnesos, particularly after Emperor Ioannes VI appointed his son Manuel as governor in 1348. After this, the office was regularly bestowed on junior members of the imperial family who developed Morea into a semi-autonomous region at least as powerful and prosperous as the much-weakened central authority in Constantinople.

A. PRINCE of ACHAIA 1205-1208 (CHAMPLITTE)

1. GUILLAUME de Champlitte, son of EUDES de Champlitte "le Champenois" & his wife Sibylle --- (-1210). Villehardouin names "Eudes le Champenois de Champlitte and his brother Guillaume" when recording that they joined the Fourth Crusade in Sep 1200 at Cîteaux[46]. Bonifazio Marchese di Monferrato, King of Thessaloniki, appointed him to hold Peloponnesos which he conquered with Geoffroy de Villehardouin. In 1205, he assumed the title Prince of Achaia. He was able to take control of most of the peninsula with little opposition from the Greeks whom he treated as allies, averting anarchy and civil war[47]. On hearing of the death of his older brother in 1208, Guillaume left for Burgundy to claim his inheritance, appointing a commission under the presidency of Geoffroy de Villehardouin to divide Morea into fiefs, with his nephew Hugues as his bailly in Achaia. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “li Champenois” was chosen as prince but that he left, after “li chastiaux de l´Arcadie” were captured, on hearing news from France that “son frere le conte de Champaigne” had died and that the king ordered him home to take over his lands[48]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “li Champenois” appointed “un sien cousin…Robert” to succeed him in Achaia but that his arrival in Greece was delayed by the machinations of Geoffroy de Villehardouin beyond the year and one day provided for in documentation agreed with Guillaume de Champlitte, failure to comply with which would result in Geoffroy being declared heir[49]. Guillaume died on the journey home in Apulia, followed by Hugues soon after, leaving Villehardouin as bailly until the next of kin arrived from France. Miller specifies that the appointment of Hugues de Champlitte is referred to in a letter of Pope Innocent III, although the Chronicle of Morea does not mention it[50].

- VICOMTES de DIJON, SEIGNEURS de PONTAILLER, de CHAUSSIN, de TALMAY[51].

B. PRINCES of ACHAIA 1209-1278 (VILLEHARDOUIN)

GEOFFROY I 1209-[1225], GEOFFROY II [1225]-1246

GEOFFROY de Villehardouin, son of JEAN de Villehardouin Seigneur de Brandonvillers & his wife Céline --- (-[end-1218], bur Andravida, church of St James). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Gaufredus Campanie marescalcus et Gaufridus nepos eius de Villa Harduini appellatus", in a later passage naming him "Gaufridus de Villa Harduin, Iohannis filius"[52]. Villehardouin names "Geoffroy de Villehardouin, Marshal of Champagne, and his nephew Geoffroy" among those who joined the Fourth Crusade in 1199[53]. As one of the leaders of the Fourth Crusade, he negotiated a treaty with Venice in Apr 1201 under which the city agreed to supply transport and provisions for the crusaders in return for 85,000 silver marks (which the crusaders were unable to raise) in returning for receiving half their conquests[54]. After the fall of Constantinople, Geoffroy sailed from Syria to Greece, landing at Modon in the southern Peloponnesos in Nov 1204. After joining Bonifazio Marchese di Monferrato, King of Thessaloniki, at the siege of Nauplia, he joined forces with Guillaume de Champlitte whom Bonifazio appointed to hold Peloponnesos which they conquered together. Geoffroy was appointed Lord of Kalamata and Messenia by Guillaume de Champlitte, who had assumed the title Prince of Achaia. He was also assigned Arkadia as compensation for Venice having captured Modon and Coron, paying homage to Venice in [1206/09] for those parts of Morea which had previously been assigned to the Venetians under the partition treaty agreed in Mar 1204[55]. Geoffroy received the baronies of Kalamata and Arkadia in the division of fiefs organised in the principality of Achaia by Guillaume de Champlitte. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “li Champenois” granted “le noble chastel de Calamate” to “monseignor Goffroy de Villarduin” and granted him “la baillaige de la Morée” when he returned to France[56]. “Gaufridus de Villa-Harduini, Romanie senescallus” donated property to the abbey of Saphadim by charter dated 13 Sep 1209[57]. After the death of Hugues de Champlitte, he was left as bailly of Achaia while awaiting the arrival of the heir from France[58]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “li Champenois” appointed “un sien cousin…Robert” to succeed him in Achaia but that his arrival in Greece was delayed by the machinations of Geoffroy de Villehardouin beyond the year and one day provided for in documentation agreed with Guillaume de Champlitte, failure to comply with which would result in Geoffroy being declared heir[59]. Although Pope Innocent III recognised Geoffroy as GEOFFROY I Prince of Achaia from that time, although he did not use the title until he had acquired control over the whole of Morea with the fall of Corinth in 1210, followed by Argos in 1212[60]. According to Miller, Prince Geoffroy I died in 1218[61]. Rodd adds that it was towards the end of the year[62]. It is supposed that this is based on the charter dated Mar 1220 (N.S.) under which “Goffridus de Villa-Harduini, princeps Achaie et senescallus Romanie” confirmed the appointment of “dominus Manasses de Valverra”[63], the authors assuming that this charter refers to Prince Geoffroy II. However, the word of the version of this document which has been consulted contains nothing to indicate whether it refers to Prince Geoffroy I or Prince Geoffroy II. Some doubt must remain about the actual date of Prince Geoffroy I´s death.

m [as her first husband,] ELISABETH, daughter of ---. "Goffridus de Villa-Harduini princeps Achaiæ, totiusque Romaniæ senescallus, et…Elizabeth uxor eiusdem principis" donated property to the abbey of Moustier by charter dated 1210[64]. According to Rodd[65], she was the daughter of Clarembaut [IV] de Chappes Vicomte de Troyes & his wife Hélissent de Trainel, and married secondly Jacques de Saint-Omer.

Geoffroy & his wife had three children:

1. GEOFFROY de Villehardouin (-after 6 May 1246, bur Andravida, church of St James). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée names “Goffrey et Guillerme” as the two sons of Geoffroy I Prince of Achaia, adding that Geoffroy inherited the principality and that Guillaume was granted “la chastellanie de Calamate” after the death of their father[66]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Gaufridus iunior de Villa Harduini filius Gaufridi principis de insula Montionis" when referring to his marriage[67]. He succeeded his father in 1218/[1225/27] as GEOFFROY II Prince of Achaia, and was recognised by his brother-in-law Emperor Robert as Prince of Achaia[68]. “Goffridus de Villa-Harduini, princeps Achaie et senescallus Romanie” confirmed the appointment of “dominus Manasses de Valverra” by charter dated Mar 1220 (N.S.)[69]. He was Seigneur de Courtenay from Feb 1241 to 20 Feb 1242[70]. Lord of Messenia with Kalamata and Arkadia. He was given suzerainty over Eubœa by Baudouin II Emperor of Constantinople in 1236, in return for Achaia providing help in defending Constantinople[71]. Lord of the islands of the archipelago (Eubœa) 1240/44. Miller states[72] that Prince Geoffroy II is last mentioned as alive in a letter of Pope Innocent IV dated 6 May 1246. m (1217 after Apr) AGNES de Courtenay, daughter of PIERRE de Courtenay Emperor of Constantinople & his second wife Yolande de Flandre Marquise de Namur ([1202]-in France after 1247). William of Tyre (Continuator) specifies that the daughter of Pierre de Courtenay (unnamed) married the son of Geoffroy de Villehardouin while she and her mother were travelling through Morea en route to Constantinople[73]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines refers to the marriage of "quartam filiarum eius [Namucensis comitis Petri]" and "Gaufridus iunior de Villa Harduini filius Gaufridi principis de insula Montionis"[74]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified.

2. ALIX de Villehardouin . Her parentage is indicated by the Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée which records that Guillaume I Prince of Achaia was the uncle of Geoffroy de Bruyères Lord of Karytaina[75]. m (before 1222) HUGUES de Bruyères, son of ---. Lord of Karytaina. Baron of Skorta.

3. GUILLAUME de Villehardouin (Kalamata Castle after [1208][76]-Kalamata Castle[77] 1 May 1278, bur Andravida, church of St James). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée names “Goffrey et Guillerme” as the two sons of Geoffroy I Prince of Achaia, adding that Geoffroy inherited the principality and that Guillaume was granted “la chastellanie de Calamate” after the death of their father[78].

- see below.

GUILLAUME II 1246-1278, ISABELLE 1289-1307, FLORENT 1289-1297, PHILIPPE 1301-1307

GUILLAUME de Villehardouin, son of GEOFFROY I Prince of Achaia & his wife Elisabeth [de Chappes] (Kalamata Castle after [1208][79]-Kalamata Castle[80] 1 May 1278, bur Andravida, church of St James). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée names “Goffrey et Guillerme” as the two sons of Geoffroy I Prince of Achaia, adding that Geoffroy inherited the principality and that Guillaume was granted “la chastellanie de Calamate” after the death of their father[81]. He succeeded his brother in 1246 as GUILLAUME II "le grand Dent" Prince of Achaia. He captured Monemvasia, with Venetian naval help, after a three year siege and built the fortresses of Mistra (to protect the plain of Sparta), Old Maina (near Cape Matapan) and Levtro (also known as Beaufort, near Kisternes) to gain the submission of the Slavonic Meling tribe[82]. He was in Cyprus in May 1249 to join the Fifth Crusade of Louis IX King of France[83]. Claiming control over Eubœa, he invaded the island in 1256 and captured Negroponte, although it was recovered by Venice in 1258[84]. He invaded Athens in 1258, in response to the coalition against him formed by Guy Lord of Athens, and defeated Guy at the pass of Mount Karydi[85]. He joined the alliance formed by Manfred King of Sicily and Mikhael [II] Angelos Lord of Epirus to attack Nikaia under Emperor Mikhael VIII. Under the sébastokrator Ioannes Palaiologos, the emperor's troops defeated the alliance in the valley of Pelagonia in Autumn 1259 and captured Guillaume. He was released end 1261, in return for swearing allegiance to Emperor Mikhael and ceding the towns of Monemvasia, Mistra, Maina and Hierakion to Byzantium. Once back in Morea, he recaptured some of the lost territory and defeated the Byzantine army near Andravida in 1263 and at Nikli in 1264[86]. Hoping to gain support against any renewed Byzantine attack, he swore allegiance to Charles I King of Sicily under the first Treaty of Viterbo 24 May 1267, confirmed by the betrothal of his daughter to the king's son[87]. On Guillaume's death, the principality of Achaia passed under the direct authority of the king of Sicily. This state of affairs continued until 1289 when Guillaume's daughter Isabelle was installed as Pss of Achaia at the time of her second marriage, until which time Achaia was governed by a series of baillies appointed by the king.

m firstly (1239) [AGNES] de Toucy, daughter of NARJOT de Toucy Lord of Bazarne & his first wife --- Branaina. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records the marriage of "Guielmus" and "filiam Nargaldi natam de filia Livernes et sororis regis Francie" but does not name his wife[88]. 1239/52.

[89]m secondly ([1246]) CARINTANA dalle Carceri, daughter of RIZZARDO dalle Carceri of Eubœa (before 1220-1255). She was baroness in her own right of the northern third of the island of Eubœa, which her husband claimed on her death[90]. Sturdza states that "recent research" has established that Prince Guillaume did not marry Carintana but gives no further details[91].

m thirdly ([1258]) as her first husband, ANNA Komnenodukaina of Epirus, daughter of MIKHAEL [II] Komnenos Dukas Angelos Lord of Epirus & his wife Theodora Dukaina Petraliphaina Basilissa (-4 Jan 1286). Georgius Akropolites records the marriage of "Michaelis…filia sua Anna" and "Achaiæ principe"[92]. Georgius Phrantzes names "Manfredum Siculorum rege et principem Peloponnesi et Achaiæ" as the two sons-in-law of "Aetolorum et Epirotarum despota Michaele"[93]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records the marriage of “le prince Guillerme” and “la suer dou despot”[94]. She adopted the name AGNES. After her husband died, she received the castles of Kalamata and Khlemutsi for life, although these were later exchanged for other land in Morea[95]. She married secondly (before 1280) Nicolas [II] de Saint-Omer Joint Lord of Thebes (-1294). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that, after the death of Prince Guillaume, “la princesses a feme…suer…de Quir Niccifore” married “le baron monseignor Nicole de Saint Omer le veillart, li sires de la moitié d´Estives”[96].

Guillaume & his first wife had [two] children:

1. [SIMONE de Villehardouin (-1265). Simone, daughter of Guillaume II de Villehardouin Prince of Achaia, is named as second wife of Guglielmo by Mas Latrie, without specifying the primary source on which this is based[97]. He does not name her mother. If Simone was Guillaume's legitimate daughter, she must have been born from his first marriage. However, if it is correct as shown below that Guglielmo and Simone left numerous descendants, it is surprising that none should have claimed the principality of Achaia which passed to the daughters of Guillaume de Villehardouin by his third marriage. Another possibility is that Simone was illegitimate. m (1255) as his second wife, GUGLIELMO da Verona Lord of Eubœa, son of GIBERTO da Verona Lord of Eubœa & his wife --- (-killed in battle Demetrias [1268]).]

2. MARGUERITE de Villehardouin ([1240/41]-25 Jan 1242, bur Arripatori). The necrology of Saint-Loup, Troyes records the death "25 Jan 1242" of "Margareta filia Guillelmi de Villa Harduini" and her burial "in ecclesia Arripatorii"[98].

Guillaume & his third wife had two children:

3. ISABELLE de Villehardouin ([1260/63]-in Holland[99] 23 Jan 1312). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records the proposed marriage and betrothal of “Ysabeau, la fille plus aisnée dou prince Guillerme” and “le fils dou roy [Charles le veillart, le frere dou roy de France]”[100]. After her first husband died, Isabelle remained at the court of Naples. Her brother-in-law Charles II King of Sicily [Anjou], in his capacity of Prince of Achaia, granted her the barony of Karitena and Bucelet 10 Jul 1289. She was invested as ISABELLE Pss of Achaia by King Charles in 1289, jointly with her second husband, at the time of their marriage[101]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records the marriage of “madame Ysabeau la dame de la Morée” and “monseignor Florant…de Haynaut”[102]. She governed personally after the death of her second husband in 1297, although she retired to her castle of Nesi in Kalamata. As her baillies, she appointed Richard Count of Kefalonia in 1297 and Nicolas de Saint Omer in 1300[103]. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records the marriage of “monseignor Philippe de Savoye, fils jadis dou conte Thomas de Savoye qui fu occis par traïson d´un carel d´arbalastre…sires de Pinerol et de Thurin et de celle contrée de Piémont” and “la princesse Ysabeau”[104]. She and her third husband were forced to renounce the principality of Achaia 11 May 1307 in favour of her first husband’s nephew, Philippe of Sicily Principe di Tarento, receiving in exchange by agreement 11 May 1307 the county of Alba on the Adriatic coast of Italy. She separated from her third husband, but continued to protest the loss of Achaia from Hainaut, where she was living, in spring 1307. She affirmed her rights to Achaia, and those of her daughter Mathilde, 29 Apr 1311 at Valenciennes[105]. [106]Betrothed ([1266], contract broken 1267) to ANDRONIKOS Palaiologos, son of Emperor MIKHAEL VIII & his wife Theodora Batatzaina (25 Mar 1259-12/13 Feb 1332). This betrothal was proposed by Emperor Mikhael VIII after he failed to conquer the principality of Achaia, his plan being that Andronikos should succeed in Achaia after the death of his future father-in-law, but the proposal was opposed by the Frankish barons in Achaia[107]. He succeeded his father in 1282 as Emperor ANDRONIKOS II. m firstly (betrothed 1267, Trani Cathedral 28 May 1271) PHILIPPE of Sicily, son of CHARLES I King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] & his first wife Béatrice Ctss de Provence [Aragon-Barcelona] ([1255]-Bari 1 Jan 1277, bur Trani, Cathedral San Nicola). This marriage was arranged to seal Prince Guillaume's alliance with the king of Sicily. It was popular with the Frankish barons in Achaia who preferred a westerner as their potential future prince, despite the marriage contract providing that Achaia should revert to the house of Anjou whether or not any children were born of the marriage[108]. Philippe was created titular King of Thessaloniki 10 Mar 1274 at Brindisi by his brother-in-law Philippe de Courtenay Emperor of Constantinople[109]. m secondly (16 Sep 1289) FLORENT de Hainaut, Stadhouder of Zeeland, Seigneur de Braine-le-Comte et de Hal en Hainaut, son of JEAN I Comte de Hainaut [Avesnes] & his wife Aleide of Holland ([1255]-Andravida 23 Jan 1297). Constable of the kingdom of Sicily and Vicar-General of Corfu 1289-1290. His marriage was proposed to Charles II King of Sicily by barons in Achaia who were dissatisfied with the succession of baillies appointed to govern Achaia on behalf of the king and wished for a permanently resident prince. The king agreed on condition that, if Isabelle survived Florent, neither she nor any female descendant would remarry without his consent, failing which Achaia would revert to the Sicilian crown[110]. He was invested as FLORENT Prince of Achaia by King Charles in 1289, jointly with his wife, at the time of their marriage[111]. His reign in Achaia was marked by a period of stability, after he negotiated a seven-year truce with the Byzantines of Mistra[112]. m thirdly (Rome 12 Feb 1301, separated [1307]) as his first wife, PHILIPPE de Savoie Signore di Piemonte, son of THOMAS III Comte de Maurienne, Conte [Marchese] di Piemonte & his wife Guye de Chalon [Bourgogne-Comté] (1278-23 Sep 1334). He was invested as THOMAS Prince of Achaia 23 Feb 1301, by right of his wife, and received the town and castle of Corinth from his wife[113]. His rule in Achaia was marked by despotism and self-interest. Having refused to help Charles II King of Sicily [Anjou] in his 1305 attempt to capture Epirus, the king finally deposed him 5 Jun 1306[114]. Thomas left Greece and received in exchange the county of Alba on the Adriatic coast of Italy by agreement 11 May 1307. He continued using the title Prince of Achaia after his return to Italy. Isabelle & her second husband had one child:

a) MATHILDE de Hainaut (29 Nov 1293-Aversa 1331). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “Guis”, son of “li duc Guillerme d´Atthenes” and “la fille de quir Thodre sevastocratora, le frere bastard du despot de l´Arte”, married “madame Mehaulte la fille du prince Florant et de madame Ysabeau la princesse de Achaye”[115]. She succeeded her father in 1297 as Dame de Braine-le-Comte et de Hal. Her dowry on her first marriage was Kalamata[116]. Her mother affirmed her own rights over Achaia as well as those of Mathilde at Valenciennes 29 Apr 1311[117]. In 1313, Philippe Principe di Tarento [Anjou-Sicily] transferred his rights over Achaia to Mathilde, on condition that she transferred them to her second husband. If he predeceased her, she would have only a life interest in the principality which would revert to the Burgundy family if the couple had no children[118]. She refused the third marriage proposed by Philippe di Tarento, but was brought to Naples from Morea by force and compelled to marry. She refused to transfer her rights to Achaia to her new husband and appealed, unsuccessfully, to Venice and the Burgundian ducal family for help. She was taken to Avignon where Pope John XXII ordered her to obey, but she then avowed her secret marriage with Hugo de La Palice. Her inheritance was confiscated by Robert King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] for breaching the condition of the 1289 marriage contract of her mother Isabelle which required the king's approval for her marriage. Mathilde was imprisoned in the Castell dell'Uovo in Naples, accused of conspiring with her fourth husband to murder the king[119], before being transferred to the castle of Aversa in 1328. Before dying, she bequeathed all her rights verbally to her cousin Jaime II King of Mallorca but made no testament[120]. She had no children by any of her marriages. m firstly (before Sep 1304) GUY II Duke of Athens, son of GUILLAUME Duke of Athens [de la Roche] & his wife Helena Komnenodukaina (-5 Oct 1308). Betrothed (Thebes 2 Apr 1309) to CHARLES di Tarento, son of PHILIPPE of Sicily Principe di Tarento, Despot of Romania & his first wife Thamar Angelina Komnene Dukaina of Epirus ([1296]-killed in battle Montecatini, between Pistoia and Lucca 29 Aug 1315). m secondly (contract 6 Apr 1313, 31 Jul 1313) LOUIS de Bourgogne, son of ROBERT II Duke of Burgundy & his wife Agnès de France (1297-2 Aug 1316, bur Abbaye de Cîteaux). This marriage was arranged by Philippe of Sicily Principe di Tarento to appease Hugues V Duke of Burgundy, who had been betrothed to Catherine de Valois titular Empress of Constantinople at the time Philippe married her as his second wife[121]. Louis was invested as Prince of Achaia when his future wife transferred her rights to him at Paris 6 Apr 1313. His brother Duke Hugues V transferred his titular rights to the defunct kingdom of Thessaloniki to Louis at the time of the marriage. Louis landed at Patras in Apr 1316 to claim his principalities in Greece, defeated his rival Infante Fernando de Mallorca at Manolada 5 Jul 1316, but died soon after, allegedly poisoned by Giovanni Orsini Count of Kefalonia[122]. m thirdly (Naples Mar 1318, Papal dispensation 29 Mar 1318, marriage annulled 1321 for non-consummation) JEAN of Sicily Conte di Gravina, son of CHARLES II King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] & his wife Maria of Hungary (1294-Naples 1336, bur Naples). The principality of Achaia was considered forfeited in his favour when his wife avowed her marriage with Hugo de La Palice. He set sail from Brindisi in Jan 1325 to claim his principality, his expedition funded by the Acciaiuoli family, although by this time the Franks controlled only a reduced part of the original territory. He unsuccessfully attempted to recapture Karytaina and by 1326 he had left Greece and was in Florence[123]. He transferred his rights to Achaia to his nephew Robert 17 Dec 1332, in return for Robert's rights over the kingdom of Albania and duchy of Durazzo[124]. m fourthly (secretly, divorced) HUGO de La Palice .

Isabelle & her third husband had [three] children (Europäische Stammtafeln shows another unnamed daughter by Philippe's first marriage married to Charles of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] Prince of Achaia[125]. This presumably results from confusion with Mathilde de Hainaut, daughter of Isabelle de Villehardouin by her second husband Florent de Hainaut Sire de Braine, who was heiress of Morea and betrothed to Charles):

b) [MARIE de Savoie (1301-after 1308). Europäische Stammtafeln shows this eldest daughter[126]. However, the primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. The charter dated [24 Dec 1303/29 Feb 1304], in favour of her sister Marguerite (see below), suggests that the latter was Philippe and Isabelle´s oldest daughter. This leaves open the question of Marie´s existence.]

c) MARGUERITE de Savoie (Feb 1303-after 8 Dec 1371). "Filippo di Savoia Principe d'Achaia ed Isabella sua Consorte" renounced "Castelli, giurisdizioni e pertinenze di Cariteyne e Bossorolet" [Karytena and Bucelet] in favour of "Margarita Loro figilia" for her life by charter dated [24 Dec 1303/29 Feb 1304][127]. She was required to cede them back to Achaia after her father was deposed as prince in return for land near Alba, which yielded 200 gold ounces a year for her future dowry, granted by Charles II King of Sicily[128]. She ceded her rights in the principality of Achaia to her half-brother Jacques de Savoie[129]. Her first betrothal is suggested by the proxy dated 4 Mar 1306 issued by "Filippo di Savoia Principe d'Acaja e Isabella di Lui Consorte" appointing "Guglielmo Provana e Chialaberto di Lusema" to negotiate the marriage between "Carlo figlio Primo Genito di Filippo Re di Sicilia" and "Margarita di Savoia Loro figlia"[130], although it is not known whether the negotiations were finalised into a marriage contract. The testament of "Filippo di Savoia Primogenito del fu Tomaso de Savoia, Signore nelle parti del Piemonte" dated 9 Jun 1330 appoints as his heirs "Margarita, Alasia, Eleonora, e Gioannetta sue figlie nelle loro rispettive Doti…"[131]. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. [Betrothed (proxy granted 4 Mar 1306) to CHARLES di Tarento, son of PHILIPPE of Sicily Principe di Tarento, Despot of Romania [Anjou-Capet] & his first wife Thamar Angelina Komnene Dukaina of Epirus ([1296]-killed in battle Montecatini, between Pistoia and Lucca 29 Aug 1315). Despot of Epirus, Vicar of Romania 1313. He was killed during fighting between rival Florentine factions[132].] m (10 Jun 1324) RENAUD de Forez Seigneur de Malleval, de Rocheblaine et de Saint-Germain-Laval, son of JEAN [I] Comte de Forez [Albon] & his first wife Alix de Viennois [de la Tour du Pin] (-[1369/70]).

d) ALICE de Savoie (-1368). The "community of Novello and Sineo" ratified the marriage contract between "Manfreddo del Caretto Marchese di Savona Signore di detti luoghi" and "Alasia figlia di Filippo di Savoia Principe d'Accaja" by charter dated 14 Dec 1325[133]. The testament of "Filippo di Savoia Primogenito del fu Tomaso de Savoia, Signore nelle parti del Piemonte" dated 9 Jun 1330 appoints as his heirs "Margarita, Alasia, Eleonora, e Gioannetta sue figlie nelle loro rispettive Doti…"[134]. The primary source which confirms her second marriage has not yet been identified. m firstly (contract, 7 Oct 1324, ratified 14 Dec 1325) MANFREDO del Carretto Marchese di Savona Signore di Novello e Sineo, son of --- [Monferrato-Saluzzo] & his wife ---. m secondly (26 Sep 1354) as his second wife, ANTELME d'Urtières dit de Miolans, Seigneur de Saint-Hélène-du-Lac, son of [JEAN d'Urtières Vidame de Genève & his wife Mabilie ---] (-after 1363). Seigneur d'Urtières et de Chamousset 1363.

4. MARGUERITE (1266-Khlemutsi Feb 1315). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that Guillaume Prince of Achaia granted half of the barony of Akova to “madame Marguerite ma fille” as part of the settlement of the dispute with Marguerite Lady of Passava over her inheritance of the property[135]. The primary source which confirms her first marriage has not yet been identified. The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records that “li contes Richart” married “la dame de Mathe-Griphon, la suer de la princesse Ysabeau”[136]. On the death of her older sister Isabelle in 1312, Marguerite claimed the principality of Achaia. She based her claim on an alleged will made by her father, the provisions of which would have been invalid in any event because of the terms of the marriage contract of Isabelle's first marriage in 1271, and even though Isabelle's children were still alive. In order to obtain support from the powerful Catalan interest in Greece, Marguerite arranged the marriage of her daughter to whom she transferred her rights[137]. After her daughter's marriage, she was arrested by Nicholas Mavro, acting on behalf of the Angevin/Burgundian interests of her niece's second husband, and imprisoned in the castle of Khlemutsi where she later died[138]. m firstly (1 Sep 1294) ISNARD de Sabran, son of --- Conte di Ariano, in Apulia (-1297). m secondly (1299) as his second wife, RICCARDO Orsini Count of Kefalonia, son of MAIO [Orsini] Count of Kefalonia & his wife Anna Komnene Angelina (-murdered 1304 before 7 Apr). Marguerite & her first husband had one child:

a) ISABELLE de Sabran (1297-Catania 7 May 1315). The charter dated Feb 1313 between "Ferrandi Infantis, filii…quondam domini Regis Jacobi Regis Majoricarum bonæ memoriæ" and "dominæ Margaritæ filiæ quondam domini Guillelmi Ackay Principis dominæ Matagriffoni" provides for the marriage of the former with "dominam Isabellam eiusdem dominæ Margaritæ et dicti quondam domini Guillelmi filiam"[139]. Her marriage was arranged by her mother to obtain the support of the Catalans for her claim to the principality of Achaia and encouraged by Federigo I King of Sicily [Aragon] in order to increase his influence in Greece. Her dowry was the barony of Akova [Matagrifon] and her mother's "fifth part" of the principality of Achaia[140]. Isabelle died from the after-effects of childbirth, after bequeathing her rights to Achaia to her new-born son[141]. m (Messina Feb 1314) as his first wife, Infante don FERNANDO de Mallorca, son of don JAIME II de Aragón King of Mallorca & his wife Esclarmonde de Foix (Perpignan 1278-beheaded Manolada, Peloponnesos [Jul/19 Oct] 1316). He claimed the principality of Achaia, on behalf of his infant son by this first marriage, and landed near Glarentza in Morea in summer 1315. He captured the castle of Beauvoir [Pontikokastro] and the plain of Elis, adopting the title "Lord of the Morea" in Jul 1315[142]. He was defeated by his rival Louis de Bourgogne at Manolada 5 Jul 1316, and beheaded after the battle[143].

Marguerite & her second husband had one child:

b) daughter ([1300/03]-[1304]). The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records the death of “une fille que il avoit eue avec la contesse sa feme”, referring to Riccardo Count of Kefalonia, the context of the passage implying that this daughter died around the same time as her father[144].

C. BARONS of AKOVA (MATAGRIFON)

Akova [Matagrifon], located in the interior, controlled the Greeks of Arkadia and guarded the passes to the valley of Alphea