Isabella of Balzo. The Queen of Naples, Puglia and Sicily

Isabella del Balzo, born in 1465 into a noble family in Apulia, was destined to become the Queen of Naples when she married Frederick I of Aragon in 1479. This union marked the beginning of an extraordinary adventure that would lead Isabella to become the Queen consort in 1496, although for a brief period of only five years. Her journey to Naples represented an epic for herself, crossing lands and seas, a momentous change that would transform her into one of the most influential figures in that city's history. The words of «Lo Balzino», a valuable work of the period, offer us a unique window into the life and deeds of Isabella del Balzo. This historical text, written by Rogeri di Pacienzia in Nardò in 1499, allows us to immerse ourselves in the details of the Queen's life, giving us an authentic and valuable perspective on her administration, political influence, and character. In 1501, as King Louis XII of France and King Ferdinand II of Aragon fought over the succession to the throne of Naples and Sicily after the death of Charles VIII of France, Frederick was deposed and forced into exile, taking with him Isabella and their children. This book is a journey through the extraordinary life of Isabella del Balzo, from her origins through her entry into the Neapolitan court, to the key years of her reign. Through historical research and the exploration of documents from the period, we will immerse ourselves in her skill in the art of administration, her influence on the political landscape, and her resolute character. We will discover how Isabella, in a time of crisis and change, established herself as one of the central figures in the history of Naples. With her intelligence, strength, and commitment, Isabella del Balzo deserves to be redeemed from the oblivion of history. Pierpaolo Tavino