Sicily’s Financial and Logistical Contribution: During the Military Campaign of Alfonso V for Conquest of Naples

Abstract

The backdrop to this chapter is the conquest of the Angevin kingdom of Naples by Alfonso V of Aragon, a 22-year undertaking concluded in 1442. While Alfonso could rely on the resources of maritime communities within the Aragonese confederation, the role of Sicily was especially significant. Situated a short distance from the Aragonese bridgehead at Gaeta, Sicily was a major source of grain and other agricultural products, sulfur and saltpeter, horses, weapons and cloth and specie to pay the troops. The intention here is to detail Sicily’s logistical contribution to the war effort during the second, critical phase of the conflict, namely from the time Alfonso left Spain for Italy in May 1432 until the capture of Naples itself ten years later.