Philippa of Catania, also known Philippa the Catanian or Filippa Catanese (died in 1345), was a Sicilian woman of low birth who became an influential figure in the royal court of the Kingdom of Naples.
Born in Catania, Philippa was a local fisherman's daughter. [1] [2] Boccaccio, who met her when she was already an elderly woman, noticed that she was "attractive in manner and appearance". [2] She worked as a washerwoman when Robert, Duke of Calabria—son of Charles II, King of Naples—invaded Catania in 1328. [2] His wife, Violante of Aragon, accompanied him to the military campaign. [2] After discovering her pregnancy, Violante had to hire local staff and she chose Philippa as wet nurse for her son, Charles. [2] Philippa was a diligent servant and Violante brought her back to Naples after her husband had been forced to withdraw his troops from Sicily. [2]
Philippa was married off to Raymond de Campagne, a former slave of Ethiopian origin. [1] [3] Being Charles II's favorite and a successful military commander, Raymond had become one of the wealthiest landowners in the Kingdom of Naples. [3]
Philippa and her granddaughter, Sancia de' Cabanni were accused of participating in the murder of Andrew, Duke of Calabria. [4]
Philippa of Catania, also known Philippa the Catanian or Filippa Catanese (died in 1345), was a Sicilian woman of low birth who became an influential figure in the royal court of the Kingdom of Naples.
Born in Catania, Philippa was a local fisherman's daughter. [1] [2] Boccaccio, who met her when she was already an elderly woman, noticed that she was "attractive in manner and appearance". [2] She worked as a washerwoman when Robert, Duke of Calabria—son of Charles II, King of Naples—invaded Catania in 1328. [2] His wife, Violante of Aragon, accompanied him to the military campaign. [2] After discovering her pregnancy, Violante had to hire local staff and she chose Philippa as wet nurse for her son, Charles. [2] Philippa was a diligent servant and Violante brought her back to Naples after her husband had been forced to withdraw his troops from Sicily. [2]
Philippa was married off to Raymond de Campagne, a former slave of Ethiopian origin. [1] [3] Being Charles II's favorite and a successful military commander, Raymond had become one of the wealthiest landowners in the Kingdom of Naples. [3]
Philippa and her granddaughter, Sancia de' Cabanni were accused of participating in the murder of Andrew, Duke of Calabria. [4]