Istoria civile del Regno di Napoli, v. 6

In the wake of King Charles II’s death, the Kingdom of Naples is thrust into a fierce succession dispute. The young heir, a Hungarian prince, seeks papal endorsement as the rightful successor, while his uncle, the Duke of Calabria, argues that his closer blood ties give him a stronger claim. Both sides marshal diplomatic missions and legal arguments, turning the throne into a contested prize.

The controversy soon reaches the papal court in Avignon, where Pope Clement V convenes a panel of cardinals to hear the case. Renowned jurists such as Bartolommeo di Capua and Niccolò Ruffolo present detailed treatises, invoking centuries‑old statutes and the practical needs of the Italian realm. Their eloquent pleas highlight the tension between strict hereditary law and the realities of governing a diverse kingdom.

Amid these heated debates, the dispute reveals deeper questions about legitimacy, foreign influence, and the balance of power between the crown and the Church. Listeners will be drawn into the intricate web of politics, law, and personal ambition that shaped Naples at a pivotal moment in medieval history.