Catherine Cornaro

Catherine Cornaro (or Caterina) was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Cyprus. She was born on 25 November, 1454, and died on 10 July, 1510.

She also held the titles of Queen of Jerusalem and Queen of Armenia. She became queen consort of Cyprus by marrying James II of Cyprus, and then regent of Cyprus during the minority of her son James III of Cyprus in 1473–1474. Finally, she became queen regnant of Cyprus when he died. She ruled from 26 August 1474 to 26 February 1489. She was called a "Daughter of Saint Mark" so that the Republic of Venice could claim control of Cyprus after the death of her husband.

Life

Catherine (also known as Caterina) was a daughter of Venetian Marco Cornaro, Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, and Fiorenza Crispo. She was the younger sister of the Nobil Huomo Giorgio Cornaro (1452 – 31 July 1527), "Padre della Patria" and Knight of the Holy Roman Empire. Caterina's mother was of Greek descent.

Catherine was painted by Giorgione, Bellini, Dürer and Titian.

After James II

Cypriot King John II died in 1458. The succession was disputed between his daughter Charlotte and her illegitimate half-brother James (who tried to take the island).

In 1468, Catherine's father and uncle negotiated and offered Catherine to be James' wife.[6] The marriage was very good for the Republic of Venice: it could secure the commercial rights and other benefits of Venice in Cyprus. The idea was agreed to and the contract was signed in 1468. This strengthened James's position.[7]

In 1468, James II king of Cyprus.[6] He and Catherine married in Venice on 30 July 1468. This was by proxy when she was 14 years old. 4 years later, she sailed to Cyprus to marry James in person at Famagusta.[8]


Soon after the wedding, James died. Catherine at this time was pregnant and she acted as regent. There were plans to get rid of young James III of Cyprus so that Charlotte could take his place. Catherine became a prisoner.

Catherine became monarch when James III died in August 1474 . The kingdom was not as strong as it used to be.

On 14 March 1489, Catherine was forced to give up her throne. She had to sell the country to the Republic of Venice.[12]

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