Duke of Amalfi

Medieval Amalfi was ruled, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, by a series of dukes (Latin: duces), sometimes called dogi (singular doge) corresponding with the republic of Venice, a maritime rival throughout the Middle Ages. Before the dukedom was formally established in 957, various patricians governed the territory.

Amalfi established itself as one of the earliest maritime trading powers renowned throughout the Mediterranean, competing with northern European cities.

Early rulers

Prefects (839–914)

The prefecture's establishment is not certain, but the first elected Prefect of Amalfi was in 839.

Patricians (914–957)

The time of the patricians (or judges) is not well known. The numbering of the rulers of Amalfi usually begins again with the judgeship. Mastalus was elected judge upon his succession in 914.

Dukes

Independent dukes (957–1073)

Mastalus was elected duke on his coming of age, but died the next year. A new dynasty was then inaugurated. It reigned uninterrupted for the next 115 years, except during the period 1039–1052, when the duke of Salerno conquered the duchy.

Norman governance

Amalfi was conquered by Robert Guiscard, duke of Apulia. Nevertheless, Amalfi rebelled twice, once electing the former prince of Salerno, Gisulf, and once electing a Neapolitan of that ducal family.

A certain Manso ruled Amalfi—minting his own currency—under the title of vicedux (Vice-duke) sometime between 1077 and 1096, most probably during the reign of Robert's son Roger Borsa. Manso recognised Norman overlordship and was most probably a Norman appointee.

Neapolitan dukes (1388–1673)

The title "Duke of Amalfi" (Duca di Amalfi in Italian) was revived under the kingdom of Naples in the late 14th century, passing to the Piccolomini family in 1461.

Spanish dukedom (1902- )

The 20th-century title Duque de Amalfi was revived by Alfonso XIII of Spain:

Sources


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