Page "Alfonso V of Aragon" Paragraph 7

An opportunity for Alfonso to reconquer Naples occurred in 1432, when Caracciolo was killed in a conjure.

Alfonso tried to regain the favour of the queen, but failed, and had to wait for the death of both Louis ( at Cosenza in 1434 ) and Joan herself ( February 1435 ).

In her will, she bequeathed her realm to René of Anjou, Louis III's brother.

This solution was opposed by the new pope, Eugene IV, who was nominal feudal lord of the King of Naples.

As the Neapolitans had called for the French, Alfonso decided to intervene and, with the support of several barons of the kingdom, captured Capua and besieged the important sea fortress of Gaeta.

His fleet of 25 galleys was met by the Genoese ships sent by Visconti, led by Biagio Assereto.

In the battle that ensued, Alfonso was defeated and taken prisoner.