Aleramici

The Aleramici were a Northern Italian noble and royal dynasty of Frankish^[1] origin which ruled various northwestern Italian territories in Piedmont and Liguria from the 10th to the 14th century, also reigning over the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Thessalonica during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Coat of Arms of the Aleramici of Savona or del Vasto

Coat of arms of the extinct Aleramici of Monferrato

The five imperial marches of northern Italy in the 10th century (Aleramici in green)

Their name derived from count Aleramo, proclaimed first Marquis of Central Liguria by emperor Otto the Great in 966. The Aleramici were divided in two main lines: the Marquises of Savona or Del Vasto, and the Marquises of Monferrato. In the 14th century the line of Monferrato ended in Irene of Montferrat, Empress of Constantinople, whilst the line of Savona carried on in multiple descending branches.

History

The oldest known member of the lineage was the Frankish count Wilhelmus, a Burgundian who is thought to have gone to the Carolingian Kingdom of Italy around 888 or 889, possibly to aid Guy III of Spoleto in his quest for the Iron Crown of Lombardy. His son Aleramo, received from King Hugh of Italy the first feudal domains in Central Liguria in the year 933, later confirmed by Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great, who in addition granted him and his descendants the hereditary title of Marchio or Margrave of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Aleramici formed one of the four imperial margraviates in the northern Kingdom of Italy, soon becoming one of the most powerful dynasties of the Middle Ages. Due to their ancestral Salic tradition, they divided their original territory into multiple marquisates, grouped into two main lines founded by Aleramo's two surviving sons: the Marquises of Savona, or del Vasto, descendants of the eldest son Anselmo, and the Marquises of Monferrato, descendants of the youngest son Otto. Despite their constant territorial division between the multiple male descendants, the Aleramici managed to maintain control over an important part of the Piedmont and the Eastern flank of the Ligurian Bay, forming powerful alliances throughout the ruling houses of Europe, including the Capetians and the Hohenstaufens.

The cadet line of Monferrato gained notable influence and power through their involvement in the Crusades, becoming kings and queens of Jerusalem, first by marriage and then by succession in the 12th century. Recognized as a royal lineage, the Aleramici of both lines married into numerous of royal dynasties, most notably the three Byzantine Imperial dynasties of Comnenus, Angelus and Palaeologus, with whom they formed their most important alliance. As a result of the Fourth Crusade, the Aleramici founded the Latin Kingdom of Thessalonica, then replaced by the Empire of Thessalonica. During this period, two women of the Monferrato line held the title of "Empress Consort" of the Eastern Roman Empire (Empress Agnes and Empress Irene). By the 14th century the Marquisate of Monferrato passed to Theodore I Paleologus, son of Empress Irene, last of the Aleramici of Monferrato.

Despite the extinction of their cadet branch, the Aleramici survived the Middle Ages through the multiple descending branches of the Marquises of Savona, including the Marquises of Saluzzo (from 1135 to 1548), Finale (ruled by the Aleramici del Carreto from 1135 to 1602), Ceva, Busca, Clavesana, Loreto, Bosco, Belforte, Ussecio, Pareto, Varazze, Ponzone, amongst others, whose domains were mostly absorbed by the Republic of Genoa between the 12th and 14th centuries.^[2] Only the Marquises of Finale and the Marquises of Saluzzo continued to rule over part of the original Aleramician domains until the 16th century.

Rulers of the Aleramic dynasty

Aleramic dynasty

Partitions of Liguria under Aleramic rule

Marquisate of Liguria (924-991)
Marquisate of Western Liguria (991-1125)
									Marquisate of Occimiano (991-1275)
							Marquisate of Rocchetta (1084-1203)	Marquisate of Eastern Liguria Evolved as: Marquisate of Montferrat (991-1306)
	Marquisate of Busca (Lancia branch) (1125-1281)	Marquisate of Ceva (1125-1313)	Marquisate of Clavesana (1125-1385)	Marquisate of Finale (Del Carretto branch) (1125-1566)
						Marquisate of Incisa (1125-1548)
Evolved as: Marquisate of Saluzzo (Del Vasto branch) (1125-1548)
								Inherited by Palaiologos dynasty (1306-1536)
		Acquired by the House of Savoy
			Divided between the House of Savoy, the Marquisate of Finale and the Genoese Republic
					Marquisate of Zuccarello (Del Carretto branch) (1412-1631)
								Inherited by the House of Gonzaga (from 1536)
						Inherited by the House of Gonzaga
Annexed to France				Annexed to Spain
					Annexed to the Genoese Republic

Table of rulers

Ruler Born Reign Ruling part Consort Death Notes Guglielmo I c.900? 924 – 933 Marquisate of Liguria Unknown one child 933 aged 32–33? A Frankish count and the oldest known member of the family. His title of Marquis is usually given in retrospection: it's possible that he never used the title. Aleramo c.920? Son of Guglielmo I 933 – 991 Marquisate of Liguria Adelaide three children Gerberga of Italy c.960 no children 991 aged 70–71? Invested with fiefs in 938, when he is firstly documented.[3] Guglielmo II c.940? First son of Aleramo and Adelaide c.960 – 961 Marquisate of Liguria Unmarried 961 aged 20–21? Ruled alongside his father. Anselmo I [it] c.940? Second son of Aleram and Adelaide 991 – 998 Marquisate of Western Liguria Gisela of Milan four children 998 aged 57–58? Younger children of Aleramo, ruled alongside his father at least since 983. After Aleramo's death the brothers made a division in their inheritance. Oddone I c.940? Third son of Aleramo and Adelaide 991 Marquisate of Eastern Liguria ? of Piacenza four children 991 aged 50–51? Guglielmo III c.970? First son of Oddone I 991 – c.1040 Marquisate of Eastern Liguria Waza c.1030[4] four children c.1040 aged 69–70? Children of Oddone, divided their inheritance. Riprando I c.970? Second son of Oddone I 991 – c.1020 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown at least one child c.1020[5] aged 49–50? Anselmo II c.960? Second son of Anselmo I [it] and Gisela of Milan 998 – c.1025 Marquisate of Western Liguria Adela of Milan three children c.1025 aged 64–65? Oddone c.990 Son of Riprando I c.1020 – 1050 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown three children c.1050 aged 59–60? Oddone I [it] c.990? First son of Anselmo II and Adela of Milan c.1025 – 1060 Marquisate of Western Liguria Bertha of Turin 1036 six children c.1060 aged 69–70? Oddone II 1015 First son of Guglielmo III and Waza c.1040 – 20 November 1084 Marquisate of Eastern Liguria Constance of Savoy [it] two children 20 November 1084 aged 50–51? Children of Guglielmo III, ruled jointly. Enrico c.1015 Second son of Guglielmo III and Waza c.1040 – 1045 Marquisate of Eastern Liguria Unmarried 1045 aged 29–30 Oberto I c.1040? Son of Oddone c.1050 – 1115 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown four children c.1115 aged 74–75? Bonifazio I 1055 Savona Third son of Oddone and Bertha of Turin c.1060 – 1125 Marquisate of Western Liguria ? of Incisa[6][7] seven children Agnes of Vermandois (1085-c.1130) six children 1125 aged 69–70? After his death, his large inheritance was thoroughly divided between his sons. Guglielmo IV c.1030 First son of Oddone II and Constance of Savoy [it] 20 November 1084 – 1100 Marquisate of Eastern Liguria Emma of Apulia[citation needed] one child Otta di Agledo two children 1100 aged 69–70? Rainerio 1075 Second son of Guglielmo IV and Otta di Agledo 1100 – 1137 Marquisate of Montferrat Gisela of Burgundy 1105 five children 1137 aged 61–62 Children of Guglielmo IV, divided their inheritance. Rainerio was the first to be titled Marquis of Montferrat. Enrico Balbo c.1060 Second son of Guglielmo IV and Otta di Agledo 1100 – 1127 Marquisate of Rocchetta Unknown one child c.1127 aged 32–33? Oberto II c.1090? Son of Oberto I c.1115 – 1145 Marquisate of Occimiano Berta-Adelasia c.1125[8] five children c.1145 aged 56–57? Manfredo I c.1110? Savona First son of Bonifacio and Agnes of Vermandois 1125 – 1175 Marquisate of Saluzzo Eleonora of Arborea six children 1175 Saluzzo aged 64–65? Children of Bonifazio, divided their inheritance. Ugo left no children and was succeeded by a nephew (son of Anselmo III). Anselmo III c.1110? Second son of Bonifazio and Agnes of Vermandois 1125 – 1178 Marquisate of Ceva (with Clavesana since 1170) Unknown two children c.1178 aged 67–68? Ugo c.1110? Third son of Bonifazio I and Agnes of Vermandois 1125 – 1170 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] Unmarried c.1170 aged 59–60? Bonifazio II c.1120? Third son of Bonifazio I and Agnes of Vermandois 1125 – 1150 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child c.1150 aged 29-30? Guglielmo I c.1120? Fifth son of Bonifazio I and Agnes of Vermandois 1125 – 1140 Marquisate of Busca [it] Unknown two children c.1140 aged 19-20? Enrico I [it] c.1130? Sixth son of Bonifazio I and Agnes of Vermandois 1125 – 1185 Marquisate of Savona [it] Beatrice of Montferrat [it] five children c.1185 aged 54-55? Bernardo c.1080? Son of Enrico 1127 – 1135 Marquisate of Rocchetta Unknown one child c.1135[9] aged 54–55? Domicella c.1120? Daughter of Bernardo 1135 – 1203 Marquisate of Rocchetta Alberto I, Marquis of Incisa six children 1203[10] Incisa aged 82–83? Rocchetta annexed to Incisa Guglielmo V the Elder 1110 First son of Rainerio and Gisela of Burgundy 1137 – 1191 Marquisate of Montferrat Judith of Austria 1133[11] nine children 1191 Tyre, Lebanonaged 50–51? Manfredo I c.1130? First son of Guglielmo I 1140 – 1187 Marquisate of Busca [it] Unknown one child 1187 aged 56–57? Siblings, possibly held the marquisate jointly, and founded two branches who apparently ruled concurrently, or jointly, the marquisate. Berengario c.1140? Second son of Guglielmo I 1140 – 1214 Marquisate of Busca [it] Emilia four children 1214 aged 73-74? Guglielmo I c.1110? First son of Oberto II and Berta-Adelasia c.1145 – 1150 Marquisate of Occimiano Galiana c.1145[12] no children c.1150 aged 39–40? Children of Oberto II, shared power, or at least shared, in documents, the title of marquis. Oberto III c.1110? Fifth son of Oberto I Unmarried c.1150 aged 39–40? Alberto I c.1130? Son of Bonifazio II 1145 – 1188 Marquisate of Incisa Domicella, Marchioness of Rocchetta six children 1188 aged 57-58 Enrico c.1130? First grandson of Oberto I c.1150 – 1180 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown ? children [13] c.1180[14] aged 49–50? Grandchildren of Oberto I (sons of a son or daughter of this marquis), and nephews of Oberto II. They shared power, or at least, in documents, the title of marquis. Bernardo[14] c.1130? Second grandson of Oberto II and Berta-Adelasia Unmarried c.1180[15] aged 49–50? Manfredo II c.1140 Saluzzo First son of Manfredo I and Eleonora of Arborea 1175 – February 1215 Marquisate of Saluzzo Adelasia of Montferrat 1182 four children February 1215 Saluzzo aged 74–75? Guglielmo I c.1140? First son of Anselmo III 1178 – 1205 Marquisate of Ceva ? of Vento five children c.1205 aged 64–65? Children of Anselmo III, divided their inheritance. Bonifazio I c.1140? Second son of Anselmo III 1178 – 1221 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] Unknown three children 1221 aged 80–81? Anselmo I c.1170? First grandson of Enrico (?)[14] c.1180 – 1205 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown c.1205[16] aged 34–35? Possibly grandchildren of Enrico, ruled jointly. Guglielmo II the Monk c.1170? Second grandson of Enrico (?)[14] c.1180 – 1230 Unknown c.1230[17][14] aged 59–60? Corrado c.1170? Third grandson of Enrico (?)[14] c.1180 – 1200 Unknown c.1205?[18] aged 34–35? Anselmo II Camar c.1170? Fourth grandson of Enrico (?)[14] c.1180 – 1205 Unknown one child? c.1205?[19] aged 34–35? Enrico II [it] c.1170 Savona First son of Enrico I [it] and Beatrice of Montferrat [it] 1185 – 1231 Marquisate of Finale Simona Guercio 1181 no children Agata of Geneva[20] three children 1231 Finale Ligure aged 60-61? Children of Enrico I, divided their inheritance. Oddone, in 1191, abdicated from his marquisate, bequeathed it to the commune of Savona, and became its citizen. Ottone [it] c.1170 Savona Second son of Enrico I [it] and Beatrice of Montferrat [it] 1185 – 1191 Marquisate of Savona [it] Alda Embriaco three children 1240 Savona aged 69-70 The marquisate of Savona was annexed to the namesake commune Alberto II c.1150? First son of Alberto I and Domicella 1188 – 1190 Marquisate of Incisa Unmarried 1188 aged 57-58 Left no known descendants. The marquisate went to his brothers. Guglielmo c.1160? Second son of Alberto I and Domicella 1190 – 1215 Marquisate of Incisa Alasia c.1190 no children c.1215 aged 54-55? Guglielmo was probably the sole ruler initially, but in 1203 had to divide the marquisate between his brothers:[21] his mother's possessions were given to the younger brothers, but eventually reverted to Incisa. Raimondo c.1160? Third son of Alberto I and Domicella Unmarried 1215 aged 54-55? Giacomo c.1160? Fourth son of Alberto I and Domicella 1190 – 1215 Marquisate of Rocchetta (in Incisa until 1203) Unmarried c.1215 aged 54-55? Pagano c.1170? Fifth son of Alberto I and Domicella c.1215 aged 44-45? Rocchetta annexed again to Incisa Corrado 1140 Montferrat Second son of Guglielmo V and Judith of Austria 1191 – 28 April 1192 Marquisate of Montferrat Unknown no children Theodora Angelina (d.c.1195) 1187 (separated May/June 1187)no children Isabella I, Queen of Jerusalem 24 November 1190 one child 28 April 1192 Tyre, Lebanon aged 51–52 Also King of Jerusalem by right of his wife. Bonifacio I 1140 Montferrat Second son of Guglielmo V and Judith of Austria 28 April 1192 – 4 September 1207 Marquisate of Montferrat Elena of Bosco (1145-1204) c.1170 three children Jeanne of Châtillon[22] no children Margaret of Hungary May 1204 Constantinople one child 4 September 1207 Tyre, Lebanon aged 50–51? Laid also claim on the Kingdom of Thessalonica, ruling it effectively from 1205, after the Sack of Constantinople. During his reign in Montferrat, he encouraged the development of literature, inviting many troubadours to his court. Guglielmo II c.1160? First son of Guglielmo I 1205 – 1230 Marquisate of Ceva Maria of Saluzzo one child c.1230 aged 69–70? Son-in-law of Manfredo II of Saluzzo, and father-in-law of Tommaso I of Saluzzo. Guglielmo VI 1173 Montferrat First son of Bonifacio I and Elena of Bosco 4 September 1207 – 17 September 1225 Marquisate of Montferrat Sophia of Hohenstaufen (d.1187/88) 1187 no children Berta of Clavesana 9 August 1202 three children 17 September 1225 Almyros aged 51–52 Manfredo II c.1150? First son of Manfredo I 1214 – 1215 Marquisate of Busca [it] Bianca Maletta eight children 1215 aged 64–65? Cousins, possibly held the marquisate jointly. In spite of Manfred III having children, they stopped claiming co-rulership in the marquisate, which was then held exclusively by Berengar's line. Guglielmo II c.1160? First son of Berengario and Emilia 1214 – 5 April 1233 Audisia thee children 5 April 1233 aged 72–73? Manfredo III c.1180? First son of Manfredo II and Bianca Maletta 1215 – 1248 Marquisate of Busca [it] Unknown three children 1248 Asti aged 67–68? Enrico c.1200? Grandson of Alberto I and Domicella 1215 – 1273 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child c.1272 aged 72-73? Son of an unknown son of Alberto I. Regency of Adelasia of Montferrat (1215-1218) Grandson of Manfredo II. Manfredo III 1204 Saluzzo Son of Bonifazio of Saluzzo [it] and Maria of Torres February 1215 – 29 October 1244 Marquisate of Saluzzo Beatrice of Savoy March 1233 four children 29 October 1244 Saluzzo aged 39–40 Bonifazio II Tagliaferro c.1180? First son of Bonifazio I 1221 – 1237 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] Unmarried 1237 aged 56–57? Children of Bonifazio I, ruled jointly. Oddone I c.1180? Second son of Bonifazio I 1221 - 16 September 1233 Mabilia (d. 16 June 1248/14 March 1251) six children 1233 aged 52–53? Berta 1182 Daughter of Bonifazio I 1221 – 1224 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] (at Mombarcaro and Cortemiglia) Guglielmo VI, Marquis of Montferrat 9 August 1202 three children 1224 aged 41–42 Bonifazio II the Giant July 1202 Montferrat First son of Guglielmo VI and Berta of Clavesana 17 September 1225 – 12 May 1253 Marquisate of Montferrat Margherita of Savoy I (d.1254) c.1235 three children 12 May 1253 Moncalvo aged 50 Giorgio I c.1190? Second son of Guglielmo I 1230 – 10 June 1268 Marquisate of Ceva Unknown two children 10 June 1268 aged 77–78? Aleramo c.1190? Son of Anselmo II (?)[14] c.1230 – 1265 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown two children c.1265[23][14] aged 74–75? Giacomo [it] 1215 Alba First son of Enrico II [it] and Agata of Geneva 1231 – 21 October 1268 Marquisate of Finale Caterina da Marano [it] May 1247 five children 21 October 1268 Finale Ligure aged 52-53 Bonifazio III c.1210? First son of Oddone I and Mabilia 1237 – 1268 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] Unmarried 1268 aged 57–58? Children of Oddone I, ruled jointly. Emmanuele I c.1215? Second son of Oddone I and Mabilia 1237 – 1297 Unknown two children 1297 aged 80-81? Regencies of Beatrice of Savoy (1244) and Bonifazio II, Marquis of Montferrat (1244-1253) Tommaso I 1239 Saluzzo First son of Manfredo III and Beatrice of Savoy 29 October 1244 – 3 December 1296 Marquisate of Saluzzo Luisa of Ceva (d.22 August 1291) c.1260 fifteen children 3 December 1296 Saluzzo aged 64–65? Enrico c.1190? First son of Guglielmo II and Audisia 1248 – 1281 Marquisate of Busca [it] Rufina three children 1281 aged 70–71? Siblings and last known marquises. Ruled with Manfredo III since their father's death in 1233. Oddone c.1190? Second son of Guglielmo II and Audisia 1248 – c.1250? Unmarried c.1250? aged 39–40? Busca annexed to Saluzzo Regency of Margherita of Savoy (I) (1253-1257) Guglielmo VII the Great 1240 Trino Son of Bonifacio II and Margherita of Savoy (I) 12 May 1253 – 6 February 1292 Marquisate of Montferrat Isabel de Clare[24] (1240-1270) July 1258 Lyon two children Beatrice of Castile August 1271 Murcia seven children 6 February 1292 Alessandria aged 51–52 Oberto IV c.1210? First son of Aleramo (?)[14] c.1265-1275 Marquisate of Occimiano Unknown c.1275[25] aged 74–75? Children of Aleramo, ruled jointly. Bonifazio c.1210? Son of Aleramo (?)[14] Occimiano merged again in Montferrat Giorgio II c.1250? First son of Giorgio I 10 June 1268 – 22 February 1313 Marquisate of Ceva Unknown two children 1324 aged 73–74? In 1313, Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor, gave the marquisate to the duke of Savoy.[26] This meant the loss of independence of the various branches that descended from Giorgio II. The marquisate itself met its end in 1427, when it was absorbed officially by Savoy. Ceva annexed to Savoy Antonio [ru] c.1250 Alba Son of Giacomo [it] and Caterina da Marano [it] 21 October 1268 – 1313 Marquisate of Finale Eleonora Fieschi three children 1313 Finale Ligure aged 62-63 Alberto III c.1240? Son of Enrico 1273 – 1323 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child c.1323 aged 82-83? Giovanni I the Just 1277 Milan Third son of Guglielmo VII and Beatrice of Castile 6 February 1292 – 9 January 1305 Marquisate of Montferrat Margaret of Savoy II [it] 23 March 1296 no children 9 January 1305 Montferrat aged 27–28 Left no descendants. Manfredo IV 1262 Saluzzo First son of Tommaso I and Luisa of Ceva 3 December 1296 – 29 July 1332 Marquisate of Saluzzo Beatrice of Sicily 1287 two children Isabella Doria 1308 five children 16 September 1340 Cortemilia aged 77–78 In 1332, after a war between his children over the succession, Manfredo signed a treaty with Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy, in which he abdicated to his eldest son, Federico. Oddone II c.1250? First son of Emmanuele I 1297 – 1308 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] ? Spinola one child 1308 aged 57–58? Children of Emmanuele I, ruled jointly. Francesco c.1250? Second son of Emmanuele I 1297 – 1310 Giacomina two children 1310 aged 59–60? Violante-Irene 1274 Casale Monferrato First daughter of Guglielmo VII and Beatrice of Castile 9 January 1305 – 1306 Marquisate of Montferrat Andronikos II Palaiologos 1284 (separated 1303) seven children 1317 Constantinople aged 42–43 Inherited the marquisate from her brother in 1305, and tried to propose her eldest son to succeed her brother, but got rejected by Patriarch Athanasius I of Constantinople. Given that she inherited the marquisate, it's probable that she ruled in Montferrat between the death of her brother and the arrival of the chosen successor of John, her son Theodore.[27] Yolande was also Eastern Roman Empress consort at Constantinople. Montferrat inherited by the Palaiologos dynasty Regency of Oberto Spinola (1310-1314?) The marquisate was probably ruled by Federico (Oddone's son) and Argentina and Caterina, Francesco's daughters. As Argentina and Caterina's children were also known as Marquis of Clavesana, it's possible that, at this point, the three ruled jointly, or they divided the marquisate between them. Federico c.1300?[28] Only son of Oddone II and ? Spinola 1310 – 1363 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] (1/3 each) Unknown two children 1363 aged 62–63? Argentina c.1300? First daughter of Francesco and Giacomina 1310 – 1355 Rafaele Doria no children ? of Saluzzo one child[29] c.1355 aged 54–55? Caterina c.1300? Second daughter of Francesco and Giacomina 1310-1350 Enrico del Carretto (d.22 April 1328/8 May 1340) two children [30] c.1350? aged 49–50? Giorgio [it] c.1290 Finale Ligure Son of Antonio [ru] and Eleonora Fieschi 1313 – 1367 Marquisate of Finale Unknown five children 1367 Genoa aged 76-77 Guglielmo II c.1290? Son of Alberto III 1323 – 1365 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child c.1365? aged 74-75 Federico I 1287 Savona Son of Manfredo IV and Beatrice of Sicily 29 July 1332 – 29 June 1336 Marquisate of Saluzzo Margaret of Viennois 1303 two children Giacomina di Biandrate 21 June 1333 no children 29 June 1336 Saluzzo aged 64–65? From 1330, fought with his younger half-brother Manfredo, who their father had favoured and designated successor with the influence of Federico's stepmother Isabella Doria. The treaty with the count of Savoy (1332) made his father abdicate and give the land to him. Tommaso II 1304 Saluzzo Son of Federico I and Margaret of Viennois 29 June 1336 – 1341 1342 – 18 August 1357 Marquisate of Saluzzo Ricciarda of Milan 1329 eleven children 18 August 1357 Saluzzo aged 52–53 Became involved in his father's previous war of succession, as his uncle Manfredo came back to reclaim power once more. However, his uncle's victory was short-lived, and he recovered the throne not long after. Manfredo V c.1310? Saluzzo Second son of Manfredo IV and Isabella Doria 1341 – 1342 Marquisate of Saluzzo Eleonora of Savoy 1333 eight children 1392 Pavia aged 81–82? After the war with his brother and subsequent exile, he managed to take power from his nephew. However, he was eventually persuaded by the House of Visconti to abandon his claim on Saluzzo. Federico II 1332 Saluzzo First son of Tommaso II and Ricciarda of Milan 18 August 1357 – 1396 Marquisate of Saluzzo Beatrice of Geneva [it] 1360 nine children 1396 Saluzzo aged 63–64 Emmanuele II c.1320? Only son of Federico 1363 – 1385 Marquisate of Clavesana [it] (1/3) Andriola three children 1385 aged 64–65? After his death, what was left on the marquisate on the male line was divided between Savoy, the Republic of Genoa, and the Marquisate of Finale. Clavesana divided between Savoy, Finale and the Republic of Genoa Corrado c.1330? Son of Guglielmo II 1365 – 1390 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child c.1390 aged 59-60 Lazzarino I [ru] c.1330 Finale Ligure First son of Giorgio [it] 1367 – 1393 Marquisate of Finale Marietta del Carretto two children 1393 Finale Ligure aged 62-63 Children of Giorgio, divided their inheritance. Carlo I Diego c.1340 Finale Ligure Second son of Giorgio [it] 1367 – 1421 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Pomellina Adorno (1355-1410/11) 1375 four children 1421 Finale Ligure aged 80-81? Pietro c.1370? Son of Corrado 1390 – 1430 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child c.1430 aged 59-60? Lazzarino II [ru] c.1370 Finale Ligure Son of Lazzarino I [ru] and Marietta del Carretto 1393 – August 1412 Marquisate of Finale Caterina del Carretto two children August 1412 Lucca aged 41-42 Tommaso III 1356 Saluzzo First son of Federico II and Beatrice of Geneva [it] 1396 – 1416 Marquisate of Saluzzo Margaret of Roucy [it] 1403 five children 1416 Saluzzo aged 59–60 Galeotto I [lij] c.1390 Finale Ligure First son of Lazzarino II [ru] and Caterina del Carretto August 1412 – 5 February 1449 Marquisate of Finale Vannina Adorno nine children June 1450 Quimper aged 59-60 Involved in Genoese politics, he was exiled in 1449. The marquisate was ruled by his brother as regent until his death in the following year. Regency of Giovanni I del Carretto, Marquis of Finale (1449-1450) Regency of Margaret of Roucy [it] and Valerano of Saluzzo [it] (1416-1424) Ludovico I 1405 Saluzzo First son of Tommaso III and Margaret of Roucy [it] 1416 – 15 April 1475 Marquisate of Saluzzo Isabella Palaiologina of Montferrat [it] 7 August 1435 nine children 15 April 1475 Saluzzo aged 69–70 Enrico c.1370 Zuccarello Son of Carlo I Diego and Pomellina Adorno 1421 – 1431 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Paganina Guarco (1400-1450/51) 1422/23 three children 1431 Zuccarello aged 60-61 Enrico II c.1390? Son of Pietro 1430 – 1471 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown at least one child 1471 aged 82-83? Carlo II 1425 Zuccarello First son of Enrico and Paganina Guarco 1431 – 6 January 1488 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Maria del Carretto (d.1487) four children 6 January 1488 Zuccarello aged 62-63 Children of Enrico, ruled jointly. Giorgio 1427 Zuccarello Second son of Enrico and Paganina Guarco 1431 – 1452 Maria Giustiniani one child Clemenza Fregoso (1429-1507) 1468 Genoa one child 1452 Zuccarello aged 24-25 Giovanni I c.1400 Finale Ligure Second son of Lazzarino II [ru] and Caterina del Carretto 20 December 1450 – April 1468 Marquisate of Finale Viscontina Adorno 1451 Genoa three children April 1468 Finale Ligure aged 67-68 Previously regent, took power after his brother's death. Galeotto II [it] 1452 Finale Ligure First son of Giovanni and Viscontina Adorno 1468 – 9 February 1482 Marquisate of Finale Elisabetta dal Verme no children 9 February 1482 Finale Ligure aged 29-30 Ottone [it] c.1450? Son of Enrico II 1471 – July 1514 Marquisate of Incisa Franchetta Asinari 1503 at least one child July 1514 Nizza Monferrato aged 63-64 Incisa briefly annexed to Montferrat (1514-1517) Ludovico II 23 March 1438 Saluzzo Second son of Ludovico I and Isabella Palaiologina of Montferrat [it] 15 April 1475 – 27 January 1504 Marquisate of Saluzzo Giovanna Palaiologina of Montferrat [it] August 1481 one child Margaret of Foix-Candale 1492 five children 27 January 1504 Genoa aged 65 Alfonso I 1457 Finale Ligure Third son of Giovanni and Viscontina Adorno 9 February 1482 – 1499 15 August 1514 – 1516 Marquisate of Finale Bianca Simonetta (d.1487) no children Peretta Usodimare [it] 16 November 1488 Rome five children 1516 Finale Ligure aged 58-59 Brothers, fought for succession with his brother, Archishop Carlo Domenico. Carlo Domenico 1454 Finale Ligure Second son of Giovanni and Viscontina Adorno 1499 – 15 August 1514 Marquisate of Finale Unmarried 15 August 1514 Rome aged 59-60 Antonio c.1450 Zuccarello Son of Carlo II and Maria del Carretto 6 January 1488 – 1519 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Anne de Seyssel four children 1519 Zuccarello aged 68-69 Cousins, ruled jointly. Gian Giacomo c.1450 Zuccarello Son of Giorgio and Clemenza Fregoso 6 January 1488 – 6 October 1518 Anna de Bolliers three children 6 October 1518 Zuccarello aged 67-68 Regency of Margaret of Foix-Candale (1504-1522) Left no descendants. The marquisate passed to his brothers. Michele Antonio 26 March 1495 Saluzzo First son of Ludovico II and Margaret of Foix-Candale 27 January 1504 – 18 October 1528 Marquisate of Saluzzo Unmarried 18 October 1528 Aversa aged 33 Giovanni II 1502 Finale Ligure Son of Alfonso I and Peretta Usodimare [it] 1516 – 30 June 1535 Marquisate of Finale Ginevra Bentivoglio (1503-1534) 1524 Milan five children 30 June 1535 Tunis aged 32-33 Gian Giacomo c.1490? Son of Ottone [it] and Franchetta Asinari 22 April 1517[31] – 1546 Marquisate of Incisa Francesca Lacerda at least one child 1546 aged 82-83? Franchetta Asinari managed to re-establish the marquisate for her sons after its annexation to Montferrat on her husband's demise. Gian Bartolomeo 1475 Zuccarello First son of Antonio and Anne de Seyssel 1519 – 21 July 1554 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Caterina del Carretto of Castelvecchio three children 21 July 1554 Albenga aged 78-79 Children of Antonio, ruled jointly. Pirro's descendants became Marquesses of Balestrino, not listed here. Pirro 1476 Zuccarello Second son of Antonio and Anne de Seyssel 1519 – 16 March 1553 Caterina del Carretto of Prunetto (d.1542) 1494 Balestrino three children Caterina Barla (1525-1553) 1544 Pieve di Teco no children 16 March 1553 Balestrino aged 76-77 Giovanni Ludovico 21 October 1496 Saluzzo Second son of Ludovico II and Margaret of Foix-Candale 18 October 1528 – 2 June 1529 Marquisate of Saluzzo Unmarried 1563 Beaufort-en-Vallée aged 66–67 In 1529, he was forced to abdicate to his younger brother by Francis I of France. Francesco Ludovico 25 February 1498 Saluzzo Third son of Ludovico II and Margaret of Foix-Candale 2 June 1529 – 28 March 1537 Marquisate of Saluzzo Unmarried 28 March 1537 Carmagnola aged 39 Left no descendants. He was succeeded by his younger brother. Alfonso II 1525 Finale Ligure First son of Giovanni II and Ginevra Bentivoglio 30 June 1535 – 9 November 1583 Marquisate of Finale Unmarried 9 November 1583 Vienna aged 57-58 Gabriele 26 September 1501 Saluzzo Fifth son of Ludovico II and Margaret of Foix-Candale 28 March 1537 – 29 July 1548 Marquisate of Saluzzo Madeleine d'Annebault no children 29 July 1548 Pinerolo aged 46 Last marquis of the family in Saluzzo. After his death the marquisate was annexed to France. Saluzzo annexed by France Boarello c.1520? Son of Gian Giacomo and Francesca Lacerda 1546 – 1548 Marquisate of Incisa Unknown c.1550 aged 82-83? Abdicated; the marquisate was annexed to the Duchy of Mantua. Incisa annexed to Mantua Filiberto 1523 Zuccarello Son of Gian Bartolomeo and Caterina del Carretto of Castelvecchio 16 March 1553 – 7 April 1574 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Peretta Doria (1532-1590) 1548 Oneglia six children 7 April 1574 Zuccarello aged 50-51 Scipione 1550 Zuccarello Son of Filiberto and Peretta Doria 7 April 1574 – 1588 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Girolama Lomellini (d.1610) 1572 Genoa four children 1605 Mondovi aged 54-55 In 1588 abdicated of his feuds to the Duchy of Savoy; the Holy Roman Empire didn't recognise this cession, and appointed a council of regency. In 1598 the marquisate was enfeoffed to Scipione's brother Prospero. Council of Regency (1588-1598) Alessandro 30 August 1528 Finale Ligure Second son of Giovanni II and Ginevra Bentivoglio 9 November 1583 – 1596 Marquisate of Finale Unmarried 1596 Finale Ligure aged 67-68 Sforza Andrea 1534 Finale Ligure Third son of Giovanni II and Ginevra Bentivoglio 1596 – 1602 Marquisate of Finale Faustina Sforza (1576-1628) 1595 Milan no children 1602 Carcare aged 67-68 After his death with no descendants, Finale was absorbed by Spain. Finale annexed to Spain Prospero 1554 Zuccarello Second son of Filiberto and Peretta Doria 1598 – 1607 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Lavinia Ortiz (1575-1610) 1594 Prague four children 1607 Zuccarello aged 52-53 Ottavio 1557 Zuccarello Third son of Filiberto and Peretta Doria 1607 – 1631 Marquisate of Zuccarello [it] Lelia Morone (d. 16 May 1643) 1609 Genoa two children 13 February 1632 Genoa aged 81-82 Alienated the marquisate to the Genoese Republic, in 1631, and died the next year. Zuccarello annexed to the Genoese Republic

Gallery

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  Marriage of Conrad of Montferrat and Isabella I of Jerusalem
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  Coin depicting Irene of Montferrat as Eastern Roman Empress
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  Several marquises of del Vasto at Castello della Manta
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  Castel Gavone of the Marquises of Finale
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  Castello di Savona

Family tree

Aleramici

Aleramo (958–991) I Marquis of Central Liguria married 1. Adelaide 2. Gerberga of Ivrea (daughter of Berengar II, king of Lombardy)  William II, Marquess of Montferrat co-ruler with his father (no offspring) Anselmo I founder of the main branch Aleramici de Savona or del Vasto Anselmo II Otto marquess of Western Liguria Boniface del Vasto marquess of Western Liguria Manfred I, Marquess of Saluzzo (1125–1175) married Eleanor Manfred II, Marquess of Saluzzo (1175–1215) married Azalaïs of Montferrat (daughter of William V, Marquess of Montferrat) Boniface married Maria Torres (daughter of Comita III, guidice in Sardinia) Manfred III, Marquess of Saluzzo (1215–1244) married Beatrice of Savoy (daughter of Amadeus IV, Count of Savoy) Thomas I, Marquess of Saluzzo (1244–1296) married Luigia/Aloisia di Ceva Manfred IV, Marquess of Saluzzo (1296–1330) married 1.Beatrice of Hohenstaufen (daughter of Manfred, King of Sicily) 2.Isabella Doria (daughter of Bernabo Doria) Manfred V, Marquess of Saluzzo (1330–1332) Frederick I, Marquess of Saluzzo (1330–1336) married Margarete de La Tour-du-Pin (daughter of Humbert I of Viennois) Thomas II, Marquess of Saluzzo (1336–57) married Richarda Visconti (daughter of Galeazzo I, lord of Milan) Frederick II, Marquess of Saluzzo (1357–1396) married Beatrice (daughter of Hugh of Geneve) Thomas III, Marquess of Saluzzo (1396–1416) Ricciarda married Niccolò III d'Este, Marquis of Ferrara Ludovico I, Marquess of Saluzzo (1416–1475) married 1.Isabella Palaiologo (daughter of John Jacob, Marquess of Montferrat) Ludovico II, Marquess of Saluzzo (1475–1504) married 1.Giovanna Palaiologo (daughter of William VIII, Marquess of Montferrat) 2.Margaret de Foix (daughter of Jean, count of Candale) Michele Antonio, Marquess of Saluzzo (1504–1528) Giovanni Ludovico, Marquess of Saluzzo (1528–1529) Francesco of Saluzzo (1529–1537) Gian Gabriele I of Saluzzo (1537–1548) king Henry II annexed Saluzzo to France  Otto I, Marquess of Montferrat (d. 991), founder of the cadet branch of Montferrat William III, Marquess of Montferrat (991–1042) married Wasa Otto II, Marquess of Montferrat (1042–1084)  married Constance of Savoy (daughter of Amadeus II, Count of Savoy) William IV, Marquess of Montferrat (1084–1100)  married Otta di Aglie Rainier, Marquess of Montferrat (1100–1136)  married Gisela of Ivrea (daughter of William I, Count of Burgundy) Giovanne married William Clito of Normandy, count of Flanders William V, Marquess of Montferrat the old (1136–1191)  married Judith of Babenberg (daughter of Leopold III, Margrave of Austria) William of Montferrat, Count of Jaffa and Ascalon the longsword married Sibylla d'Anjou, queen of Jerusalem (daughter of Amalric I, king of Jerusalem) Baldwin V king of Jerusalem (1185–1186) Conrad of Montferrat marquess (1191–1192) married 2.Theodora Angelina (sister of Isaac II, Roman Emperor) 3.Isabella d'Anjou, queen of Jerusalem (daughter of Amalric I, king of Jerusalem) Renier of Montferrat married Maria Komnene (daughter of Manuel I, Roman emperor) Azalais/Adelasia married Manfred II, Marquess of Saluzzo Boniface I, Marquess of Montferrat marquis of Montferrat (1192–1207), king of Thessalonica (1205–1207)  married 1.Helena del Bosco 2.Jeanne de Chatillon 3.Margaret of Hungary (daughter of king Bela III of Hungary) Agnes married Henry of Flanders, Latin emperor of Constantinople Demetrius, king of Thessalonica (1207–1224) William VI, Marquess of Montferrat (1207–1225)  married Berta di Clavesna (daughter of Bonifacio, marquess of Cortemiglia) Beatrice married 1.Guigues VI of Viennois 2.Guy II lord of Bauge 3.Pierre de La Roue Alix/Alasia married Henry I de Lusignan, king of Cyprus Boniface II, Marquess of Montferrat, the giant (1225–53)  married Margaret of Savoy (daughter of Amadeus IV, Count of Savoy) Adelaide married Albert I of Welf, duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg William VII, Marquess of Montferrat, the great (1253–1292)  married 1.Isabella de Clare (daughter of Richard, earl of Gloucester) 2.Beatrice of Ivrea (daughter of Alfonso X, king of Castile) Margherita married 1.Pallavicini 2.Juan of Castile John I, Marquess of Montferrat (1292–1305)  married Marguerite of Savoy (daughter of Amadeus V, Count of Savoy) Yolanda/Violante (renamed Irene) marchioness of Montferrat married Andronikos II Palaiologos, Roman Emperor Theodore I Palaiologos marquess of Montferrat (1338–1372) Montferrat ruled by the Palaiologos family and later by the Gonzaga family

See also

• March of Montferrat
• Marquisate of Saluzzo
• Marquisate of Finale
• Marquisate of Ceva