James II of Cyprus

Claims

1. Supported

   James II of Cyprus (c. 1440–1473), King of Cyprus 1464–1473, was the illegitimate son of John II and Marietta of Patras. His descent from John II is scholarly consensus; his illegitimacy shaped the contested succession but not the parentage record. He seized power from his half-sister Charlotte in 1460–1464 with Mamluk military support, married Catherine Cornaro in 1472 (by proxy in Venice in 1468), and died in 1473 leaving Catherine pregnant. Their son James III was born posthumously.

   2 evidence references

   • Sir George Hill, A History of Cyprus, vol. III (Cambridge, 1948)

     Sir George Hill, A History of Cyprus, vol. III: The Frankish Period, 1432–1571 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1948). Foundational institutional history of the late Lusignan Cyprus period covered by this batch — the reigns of John II, Charlotte's deposition by her illegitimate half-brother James II, James II's brief reign, and Catherine Cornaro's regency for their infant son James III.

     Cambridge University Press

   • Wipertus H. Rudt de Collenberg, "Les Lusignan de Chypre" (EKEE, 1974–1980)

     Wipertus H. Rudt de Collenberg, "Les Lusignan de Chypre," published in Επετηρίς του Κέντρου Επιστημονικών Ερευνών (Nicosia, 1974–1980). Definitive prosopographical study documenting the parentage of every Lusignan king of Cyprus, including James II's illegitimate descent from John II and Marietta of Patras, and the marriage of James II to Catherine Cornaro.

     Centre for Scientific Research (Cyprus)