Peter III of Aragon

Following the Sicilian Vespers rebellion against Angevin rule, Peter III invaded Sicily and was crowned king in Palermo. This conquest established Aragonese rule in Sicily and triggered a long conflict with the Angevin dynasty and the Papacy.

Peter III landed at Trapani and quickly conquered the island of Sicily, defeating the Angevin forces of Charles I. He was crowned King of Sicily in Palermo, establishing the Aragonese Sicilian dynasty.

Pope Martin IV excommunicated Peter III for invading Sicily, a papal fief, and declared a crusade against him. The excommunication isolated Aragon diplomatically and led to a French invasion of Catalonia.

Peter III successfully defended the Crown of Aragon against a French crusade led by Philip III of France. The French army was defeated at the Battle of the Col de Panissars and forced to retreat, securing Aragonese independence.