Anjou, Counts

afterwards DUKES OF, a powerful French family, closely connected with the royal house of Valois. who maintained a considerable share of independence until the reign of Louis XI The most ancient branch of these princes derives its origin from Ingelbert, a favorite of Charles the Bald, A. D. 870. In the 13th century, Charles, fourth son of Louis VIII., began the second branch of the house of Anjou, and became the head of the Guelphic party in Italy. He endeavored by crushing the Ghibelins to found an empire in Italy, but was unsucce ful. Whilst engaged in this work, the celebrated ma acre, historically known as the "Sicilian Vespers," took place, in which 4,000 of his French sol diers were butchered by the Sicilians in Palermo, u the Easter Monday of 1282. He had laid siege to Me ina, where his fleet was captured by the admiral of Peter of Aragon, who had a umed the title of king of Sicily. This event filled him with fury, and he sent a challenge to Peter to meet him in single combat. In order to gain time, the challenge was accepted, though subsequently declined; shortly after which Charles died, in his 75tl year, 1285. He was by far the most distinguished of his house.