2021-05-05 Wed

Charles II was king of Naples and ruler of numerous other territories, who concluded the war to regain Sicily, started by his father, Charles I. By making astute alliances and treaties, he greatly enlarged his dominions.

After the uprising known as the Sicilian Vespers against Charles' father, the island of Sicily became an independent kingdom under the rule of Peter III of Aragon in 1282. A year later, his father made Charles regent in the mainland territories of the Regno (or the Kingdom of Naples). Charles held a general assembly where unpopular taxes were abolished and the liberties of the noblemen and clerics were confirmed.

Charles was considered an extremely pious man, closely allied with the church. Ruling over an enlightened court, he eliminated many of his father’s harsh measures. He is also noted for making Naples into something of a European capital by fostering trade and the arts, patronizing the university, and building monasteries and churches.

The Gigliato was a coin of pure silver established in 1303 by Charles II of Anjou in Naples, and then also in Provence from 1330. Its name derives from the Lilies ("Giglio") depicted on the reverse entwined around the cross. The coin weighed 4 grams. This type of coin was widely copied in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially by the Turks, such as the Emir of Saruhan.

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