Francesco I Crispo, Patrizio Veneto (died 1397) was the tenth Duke of the Archipelago through his marriage and the will of Venice.
Contents
Biography
Early life
Francesco Crispo was probably born in Verona. He was Lord of Milos, thus a vassal to the Duke of Naxos, as well as his cousin through his marriage to Fiorenza Sanudo, a granddaughter of the Duke Guglielmo Sanudo. Crispo might also have been a pirate. He was sent by the Republic of Venice to Naxos in March 1383 for concern that the then Duke Niccolò III dalle Carceri was incompetent. The Republic suffered from predation by the Ottoman Empire in the Aegean.
Duke of Naxos
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 Sanudo, sister of the late duke. When Francesco gave as a dowry Andros and Syros to his own daughter Pétronilla, Maria Sanudo called for justice in Venice.
Personal life
With his wife, he had eight children:
Giacomo I Crispo
Petronilla Crispo (1384–1427), married to Pietro Zeno, together they received Andros and Syros as dowry
Agnese Crispo (1386–1428), married to Dragonetto Clavelli, Lord of Nisyros
John II Crispo
William II Crispo
Nicholas Crispo, Lord of Syros
Marco I Crispo, Lord of Ios
Nobil Huomo Pietro Crispo, Patrizio Veneto (1397–1440), married to NN and had issue:
Giovanni Crispo (died 1475), Knight of the Knights Hospitaller
