Louis I, king of Naples

Louis I, 1339–84, king of Naples (1382–84; rival claimant to Charles III), duke of Anjou, count of Provence, second son of John II of France. He founded the second Angevin line in Naples. As a regent for his nephew, Charles VI of France, he was noted for his rapacity. In 1380, Joanna I of Naples adopted Louis as heir to the throne and to Provence, repudiating her first choice, Charles of Durazzo. Charles, supported by his uncle, Pope Urban VI, conquered the kingdom (1381) and was crowned king of Naples as Charles III. Supported by the antipope Clement VII (Robert of Geneva), Louis I invaded the kingdom, but his troops soon deserted, and he died shortly thereafter. His claim then passed to his son, Louis II.

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