Francesco I Crispo

Who was Francesco I Crispo?

Francesco I Crispo, Patrizio Veneto was the tenth Duke of the Archipelago through his marriage and the will of Venice.

Francesco Crispo was probably born in Verona. He was Lord of Milos, thus vassal of the Duke of Naxos. He was also his cousin because he was married with a grand daughter of the Duke Guglielmo Sanudo, Fiorenza I Sanudo, Lady of Milos. He might also have been a pirat. He was sent by the Republic of Venice to Naxos in March 1383. The then Duke Niccolo III dalle Carceri was deemed incompetent by Venice. The Republic was suffering from the Ottoman conquest of the Aegean. Francesco Crispo was sent to help his cousin and lord.

On the island, a hunt was suggested. Officially, on the way back Niccolo III, escorted by Crispo's men was attacked by rebels or thieves. He fell off his horse and died. To quench any revolt, Francesco Crispo had to assume power.

The Republic of Venice quickly sent its congratulations.

Andros was another problem. It belonged to Maria Sanuda, sister of the late duke. When Francesco gave as a dowry Andros and Syros to his own daughter Pétronilla, Maria Sanuda called for justice in Venice.

With his wife he had eight children:

Giacomo I Crispo