Alfonso V.

Alfonso V., king of Aragon and Navarre, but Alfonso I. of Naples and Sicily, 'the Magnanimous,' succeeded his father in 1416, when but 15 years old. Summoned to her help by Queen Joanna II. of Naples, he defeated her foes, Sforza and Louis of Anjou, but lost her favour by throwing into prison her minion Caraccioli. The fickle queen now declared his rival Louis her successor. At her death in 1435, Alfonso resolved to claim the kingdom, but found himself opposed by Duke René of Lorraine, whom Joanna had appointed her successor after the death of Louis. Rome and Genoa sided with René, and the Genoese fleet attacked and defeated that of Alfonso, the monarch himself being taken prisoner. He was sent to Duke Philip of Milan, who, charmed by his manner and talents, soon set him at liberty, and even formed an alliance with him. After a five-years' warfare, Alfonso was successful, and entered Naples in triumph, and was recognised as its king by the pope. He patronised letters and the arts, and governed with prudence and justice. He died at Naples in 1458, leaving his hereditary dominions to his brother John, and Naples to his own son Ferdinand, who was legitimised by the pope.