Joanna II of Naples

Joanna II (Italian: Giovanna II; 25 June 1371 – 2 February 1435) was Queen of Naples from 1414 until her death in 1435, marking the extinction of the senior line of the Capetian House of Anjou. In addition to her primary title, she also claimed several other royal titles, including titular queen of Jerusalem, Hungary, Sicily, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Rama.

Born in Zadar as daughter to Charles III of Naples, she ascended the throne following the death of her brother Ladislaus. Her reign was marked by political turbulence, shifting alliances and personal scandals, including marriages to William of Austria and James II of La Marche. Joanna navigated complex rivalries between the Angevin and Aragonese claimants to Naples, ultimately designating Rene of Anjou as her heir. The final years of her reign were marked by relative peace and political stability. Her death resulted in the end of the Angevin dynasty's rule in Naples and ushered in the Valois-Anjou succession.