Glarentza
The medieval town Glarentza (Greek Γλαρέντζα ( f sg ) ) was in the far west of the Peloponnese near modern Greek port town Kyllini. In the Middle Ages also known under the names of Clarence, Clarenza, Clarentza or Chiarenza, Glarentza was the economic and urban center of the principality of Achaia.
Location
The remains of the medieval town Glarentza are less than one kilometer northwest of the ferry port of Kyllini on the same chap. The slightly elevated terrain at Cape Kyllini ( Ακρωτήρι Κυλλήνης ) is slightly sloping to the north and east, a low cliff limits the block in the west to the sea. Here was a small fortress. Country side, the plant was surrounded by a wall with a moat. Referred to as the Paleokastro ( Παλαιόκαστρο, Alte Burg ') area takes Glarentza an area of approximately 450 x 350 meters. The now silted up marsh area in the north adjacent area arsanas was the former harbor bay.
History
The city Glarentza was founded in the 13th century by the Crusaders at the site of the ancient Kyllene and remained until the 15th century, the most important port city of the Principality of Achaia and the Morea. From here, a lively trade was carried on with the Italian cities.
Its name from the city of the Latin word " Clarentia ," the gloss.
In the 13th century the city had to strike the right own coins, which were a popular means of payment in European financial markets. In the 14th century Glarentza sobriquet "La Superbe " and was a possession of the Neapolitan house of Anjou king. As an intermediate station on the maritime routes to the east Glarentza was visited by numerous Genoese and Venetian ships. Large European banks facing here their counting one, including the famous Acciaioli.
To 1428 the city was conquered by Theodoros II to the despot of Morea and his brothers. Glarentza was byzantine, but lost its importance at Mystras and fell into decay.
The title of Duke of Clarence, the most recent in the English royal family prince - for example, Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence, the third son of King Edward III. - Was presented, was derived from Glarentza.