Evidence Reference
Wipertus H. Rudt de Collenberg, "Les Lusignan de Chypre" (EKEE, 1974–1980)
Associated with James II of Cyprus
Citation
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.
Supporting claim
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.