John I Sanudo

Who was John I Sanudo?

John I Sanudo was the sixth Duke of the Archipelago from 1341 to his death.

He was the brother and successor of Nicholas I and son of William I. His other brother was Marco Sanudo, Lord of Milos.

In 1344, the Ottoman Turks occupied part of Naxos, enslaving 6,000 locals. John was a supporter of the Venice in her war against Genoa, but he was captured and taken captive to Genoa in 1354. He was let go in by the terms of the peace treaty of 1355.

By his wife Maria ..., he left an only daughter, Florence, who succeeded him.