The City Of Durres Under The Anjou’s Rule 1272-1320

Expelled from Constantinople by Michael Palaiologos, Baudouin gives back to the king of Naples, Charles Anjou, the direct possession of the lands that the despot Michael had given to his daughter, Helen, when she married Manfred (1267). These lands given for dowry, consist of Butrint, Sibot, Kanina, Vlora and Corfu. Michael Palaiologos died in 1270 and, a year later, confident in his right, Charles Anjouine, sent Jean Clare to take possession of these lands. Independent themselves of the emperors of Constantinople, the inhabitants of Durres and the suburbs offer their obedience to Charles Anjou, provided they are guaranteed their old privileges. Charles gives them all the inherited rights, and when the Palaiologans later wanted to regain Durrës, the population of Durrës fought against the army of the Byzantine Empire.