Manfred, Duke of Athens

Who was Manfred, Duke of Athens?

Manfred, infante of Sicily, was the second son of Frederick III of Sicily and Eleanor of Anjou.

He was appointed Duke of Athens and Neopatria in 1312 by his father at the request of the knights of the Catalan Company then in control of Athens. Manfred was only five when he was named Duke. His father sent Berenguer Estañol as his regent.

In 1316, Alfonso Fadrique, Manfred's elder brother, was appointed vicar general of Athens. The young Duke never set foot in his realm, however, for he died in a fall from his horse before his twelfth birthday. He died in Trapani and was buried in the Dominican church located there. His younger brother William succeeded him as Duke.