Ever heard of Joanna I. Queen of Naples. Jerusalem and Sicily?
August 15, 2010
by Marille Herrmann
|The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and not necessarily those of The New Agenda.
I am giving the book “the Lady Queen” by Nancy Goldstone the forth time for a birthday gift. It occurred to me, that the reading on a real queen in the 14th century should paint a good contrast to recent press on the queen-like life of our first lady.
Here an excerpt from the book cover: “Amid intrigue, betrayal, and conspiracy, Joanna I of Sicily became the only female monarch of her day to rule in her own name, and one of the most courageous women in history. Married for political advantage at the age of seven to her six year old Hungarian cousin, Joanna saw her brilliant cultivated world shattered twelve years later by the brutal assassination of her husband. Accused of the murder by her powerful in-laws, Joanna was forced to flee her kingdom and stand trial for her life before the papal court at Avignon on March 15, 1348. The account of how, despite her youth and sex, she triumphed over her enemies, raised an army, and took back her realm makes for one of the most compelling sagas of any age.”
The lecture of the Lady Queen offers the reader a first hand view into medieval politics, the influence of the pope, the challenges of the period which show quite a few similarities to today. During Joanna’s reign there was a financial crisis with a break down of all international financing companies. There were two epidemics of plague decimating the population including Joanna’s second husband. There was a questionable election for the pope resulting in the papal schism and Joanna was involved. Hungary had found great natural resources in silver mines and was exerting increasing influence, the 100 year war between France and England was underway and Naples was threatened by the wealthy Hungarian crone to be overthrown twice. Incredible cruelty and torture was displayed by the papal inquisition into the murder of Joanna’s first husband per Hungarian request. Joanna’s subjects answered the Hungarian invasion by passive resistance and with assistance of a plague epidemic the Hungarians were forced to leave the kingdom. Joanna had built hospitals and churches. Under her 30-year reign crime was reduced and a high number of female physicians were licensed.
This historic account was a fascinating read. I was surprised that in my thorough historic lessons in high-school in Germany history had stopped at Joanna’s grandfather. To never have known about Joanna I. seems to me an unforgivable omission in history. I highly recommend this book for a summer vacation, at start of school or any time, a incredible experience not only for history lovers. I would love to see the story of Joanna I. as movie.
I have that book in my Alibris wishlist! I recently received:
Paladin of Souls by Lois Bujold
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
The Death of Feminism by Phyllis Chesler
Thanks for this Marille.
Karen – I read Death of Feminism last summer – think you’ll like it. Phyllis is a great writer.
Phylis Chesler. The only real remaining feminist from the second wave. “Unfortunately” she had the cojones to tell the truth, so she’s not very popular with the blind and deaf PC crowd who have the audacity to call themselves feminists today, are ruled by the Democratic Party, and pay no mind to the re-objectification of women going on, not the mention their unwillingness to fight against Sharia, Honor Killings and a whole host of atrocities occurring under their noses. I think Chesler’s ostracization inspired her book, Woman’s Inhumanity to Woman. I stood in the rain and snow in this great woman’s presence a number of times. I truly wish NOW were under her advise and the leadership of Marcia Pappas, NOW NY, also a very brave woman who Gets It.
I agree with your comments on Phyllis Chesler.
But still think it is important to look into the life of Joanna I and investigate how it was possible that the entire record of her was forgotten or silenced. it is a pattern and influences how women see themselves as not contributory to major achievements in society.
Sorry, Marille. Women have always been important in active roles throughout history. Knowledge of history gives us a fuller sense of identity. The false belief that women have been on the historical sidelines does more to injure the contemporary and future generations than we can realize. To learn what these women have experienced and what they have overcome will give audiences a stronger appreciation for the strength of womanhood.
thanks Karen.
I have made time to read biographies of important females recently and find that it is rather the rule than the exception that their records are silenced, forgotten or flat out falsified. three amazing ones from the medieval times are Hildegard von Bingen, Joanna I and Joan d’Arc. they have in common that they were threatened to be burned at the stake and Joan d’Arc was before her trial was nullified and she was sanctified. the political winds had changed and France won the 100 year war (which would not have happened without Joan’s brilliant military strategy) and recredited her. the other two barely escaped the witch hunt.
Joanna was 19 when she became queen, was forced to let a papal messenger (burocrat) rule for her until she was an adult, and had to watch the ineffective rule until she could take over as expertly trained ruler who was able to bring back the country to flourish and do well through numerous challenges. the most important the murder of her husband. she could defend herself before an all male court in a procedure hold in Latin and win the pope’s side. however the inquisition came to her town and she had to watch how under Barbaric torture her closest friends and allies from childhood were tortured and murdered.
Hildegard, a nun and abbess had to prove before a the churches superiors that her visions came from god and she managed to prove that. she was able to build a self standing monastery for nuns. she in the 11th century was modern, the first to accept non nobility in her convent, was an advocate against flagellation, used herbal medicine, was a composer. All spiritual music, but amazing whether you are spiritual or not.
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