Alfonso V of Aragon vs John I Tzimiskes

Alfonso V of Aragon captured the city of Naples after a prolonged siege, defeating the Angevin claimant Ren

Alfonso V established a humanist court in Naples, patronizing scholars, artists, and writers. He commissioned translations of classical works, supported the construction of the Castel Nuovo, and fostered a cultural renaissance in southern Italy, earning him the epithet 'the Magnanimous'.

Alfonso V was a signatory to the Peace of Lodi, a treaty that ended decades of warfare between the Italian states of Milan, Venice, Florence, and Naples. The agreement established a balance of power in Italy that lasted for forty years, with Alfonso's Kingdom of Naples as a key player.

John I Tzimiskes became emperor after assassinating his uncle Nikephoros II Phokas. He was a skilled general and continued the military expansion of the Byzantine Empire.

John I led a campaign against the Rus under Sviatoslav I, who had invaded Bulgaria. He defeated the Rus at the Battle of Dorostolon in 971, forcing Sviatoslav to withdraw. This secured Byzantine control over the Balkans.

John I launched a major campaign into Syria, capturing Damascus, Beirut, and other cities. He advanced as far as Jerusalem, but did not capture it. These campaigns extended Byzantine influence in the Levant.

John I Tzimiskes died suddenly, possibly from poison. His death cut short his ambitious campaigns. He was succeeded by Basil II, who would later become known as the 'Bulgar-Slayer'.