The lost history of Savoy
From Crossroads to Kingdom: The Hidden History of Savoy - Part 1
Happy New Year, dear readers! To kick it off, we're embarking on a journey to the heart of the Alps, to a region steeped in history and beauty: Savoy.
Today, Savoy is renowned as a jewel of the French Alps, a land of breathtaking mountain vistas, world-class skiing, and charming villages. But beneath this serene surface lies a forgotten history, a time when Savoy was not a mere province, but an independent realm—a powerful player at the crossroads of Europe, its rulers shaping the destiny of nations.
In this first installment of a multi-part series, we'll delve into the captivating history of this region, nestled between France, Italy, and the sphere of influence of the Holy Roman Empire. From its humble beginnings as a county to its rise as a duchy and beyond, we'll uncover the story of Savoy, a land where geography, politics, and ambition intertwined to forge a unique destiny. Let the journey begin!
Savoy Today
Today, the last remnants of the historical lands of Savoy are divided into the two French departments of Savoie (73) and Haute-Savoie (74), nestled in the eastern reaches of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, bordering both Switzerland and Italy. These territories — collectively known as the Pays de Savoie — have maintained their distinct cultural identity since their integration into the French Republic in 1860. This heritage remains visible today, symbolized by the historic white cross on red flag, and expressed through the region's unique culinary traditions (you must definetely try a good tartiflette, fondue or raclette).
The strategic position of these departments at the crossroads of Western Europe helps to explain their historical significance. Traversing the Alps between France, Italy, and Switzerland now feels almost trivial. Modern engineering has tamed these mountains with remarkable innovations: tunnels bore through solid rock, while highways gracefully span vast distances. A quick drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel transforms a once-arduous journey into a seamless transition between France and Italy's picturesque Val d'Aosta. Yet this modern ease of movement stands in stark contrast to the historical challenge of crossing the Western Alps. Imagine yourself as a medieval merchant from Lyon, not with a modern vehicle, but with a cart laden with goods destined for the markets of Milan. How would you navigate this imposing landscape? You wouldn't be blasting through mountains—you'd be relying on mountain passes, the most accessible natural routes through the mountains, often following valleys and ridgelines.
These natural pathways evolved into vital arteries for trade, migration, and military movements, making them the true crossroads of Europe. Control over these crucial Alpine passes granted considerable power and influence over continental trade routes, transforming Savoy into a strategic lynchpin between major European powers — a geographic reality that shaped not just the region's development, but its very identity as a historical territory.
Echoes from the future
You might be wondering, why dedicate a series to this seemingly obscure region, nestled in the heart of the Alps? The answer lies in the remarkable and often overlooked influence of the Duchy of Savoy on the course of European history. Far from being a mere footnote, Savoy, from its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, was a key player in the continent's most pivotal conflicts and transformations, leaving an indelible mark on the map and the destiny of nations. Its rulers, the House of Savoy, would play decisive roles in events as diverse as the Hundred Years' War, the upheavals of the Reformation, and the War of the Spanish Succession. And perhaps most remarkably, this very dynasty, born in a remote Alpine county, would ultimately be the one to unify Italy, forging a new nation from a fragmented peninsula. But the story of Savoy is also a story of resilience in the face of constant pressure, a tale of a kingdom that, despite its strategic importance, found itself invaded by its more powerful French neighbor, and ultimately, a story of a state that vanished from the map, absorbed into the very nations it once helped to shape. It's a story that deserves to be rediscovered.
However, to truly understand the rise of Savoy, we must travel back to the very beginning, to the misty origins of the dynasty in the 11th century.
From Humble Origins
The land that would become Savoy had already witnessed the ebb and flow of empires. In Roman times, it was a strategically vital territory known as Saubauda, a nexus of roads connecting the Italian peninsula with northern Europe, later incorporated into the provinces of Gallia Narbonensis and Gallia Viennensis. After the decline of Roman power, the region fell under the sway of the Burgundians, a Germanic people who established a kingdom in southeastern Gaul in the 5th century. Their rule left its mark on the region's language and customs, adding to the mosaic of cultures that would characterize Savoy. The area then became part of the Frankish kingdom and later of the Carolingian Empire. However, after Charlemagne's death, his empire was partitioned, leaving Savoy a borderland between the competing realms of West, Middle, and East Francia.
It is within this fragmented, often chaotic, political landscape that the figure of Humbert I, the White-Handed, emerges from the mists of legend and history. While the details of his life are shrouded in uncertainty, his impact is undeniable—he is credited as the founder of the County of Savoy. Said to be a loyal supporter of the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II, Humbert was granted the county in 1032, a reward for his service. The territories initially under his control were strategically vital, encompassing key Alpine passes, such as Mont Cenis and the Little St. Bernard Pass (check the section above), that connected Italy with the rest of Europe. This gave the nascent County of Savoy an immediate advantage, allowing it to control trade and movement through these crucial chokepoints. Some legends suggest that Humbert's nickname, "White-Handed," referred to his generosity or his diplomatic skill in obtaining these lands. Others claim it referenced the pristine, snow-covered peaks of his Alpine domain.
Humbert embarked on a slow but steady process of consolidating and expanding his power. The early Counts of Savoy were adept at navigating the complex political landscape of medieval Europe. They understood that their power lay not just in military might, but in strategic alliances and marriages. Through carefully chosen marriages, they gained influence and secured their borders, allying themselves with powerful families in neighboring regions. For example, Adelaide of Susa, wife of Otto the first, brought important territories in northern Italy as her dowry (including the duchy of Turin). Otto was the son of Humbert I. This marked the beginning of a connection with Italy that would become increasingly important for Savoy in the centuries to come. Otto died in 1060 and was the first Savoy count to be interred in the Cathedral of St. Giovanni in Turin.
The Road to Duchy
From the foundations laid by Humbert I, the County of Savoy steadily ascended, guided by capable rulers who transformed a modest inheritance into a formidable regional power. Three recurring themes defined this era, paving the way for Savoy's eventual elevation to a Duchy: mastery over the Alpine passes, shrewd diplomacy, and the unwavering consolidation of power.
Amadeus III (1103-1148) through his participation in the crusades expanded the prestige of the House of Savoy. Thomas I (1189-1233) secured strategic valleys and cities like Pinerolo, solidifying Savoy's control over vital Alpine routes. Amadeus IV (1233-1253) balanced allegiances to expand his territories and enhance Savoy's autonomy, while also initiating administrative reforms. Following a period of internal conflict, Peter II (1263-1268), known as "the Little Charlemagne," expanded the County's reach, notably bringing Vaud under Savoyard control. Before inheriting the County, Peter spent considerable time in England, where he was in the service of his niece, Eleanor of Provence, Queen Consort of Henry III of England. He served as an advisor to the English king, and was even appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a testament to his diplomatic and military abilities. This English connection would continue to influence Savoyard policy in later years. Peter's strategic marriage to Agnes of Faucigny further enriched the County with additional territories and solidified Savoy's dominance in the region.
Amadeus V, "the Great" (1285-1323), further expanded the realm through both military campaigns and masterful diplomacy, securing Bresse and gaining influence in the Saluzzo area, while also serving as a mediator in international disputes. He maintained close ties with England, receiving financial support from Edward I and even arranging the marriage of his daughter, Joan, to the future Edward II, although the marriage never took place. This close relationship with England positioned Savoy as an important intermediary in the growing tensions between England and France, foreshadowing the role it would play in the Hundred Years' War. His successor, Aymon, "the Peaceful" (1329-1343), focused on strengthening Savoy's administration, reforming the financial system, and establishing a Council of State to centralize power.
Amadeus VI, "the Green Count" (1343-1383), skillfully navigated the Hundred Years' War, initially supporting the English, a reflection of the long-standing ties between Savoy and England established by his predecessors. He even led a military expedition to Italy in support of Edward III's claim to the French throne. However, demonstrating Savoy's ability to adapt to changing political circumstances, he later switched his allegiance to France, securing favorable terms and territorial concessions in exchange for his support. This ability to balance between the two major powers of the time became a hallmark of Savoyard diplomacy, allowing the County to not only survive but to thrive amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War. It is during his reign that the Hautecombe Abbey became the chosen burial place for the House of Savoy, a testament to the dynasty's growing power and prestige.
Throughout these reigns, the control of the Alpine passes remained paramount—the lifeblood of the region, controlling the flow of trade, armies, and ideas. By the late 14th century, the County of Savoy had become a significant regional power, poised for a momentous transformation. The foundations laid by these earlier Counts had set the stage for Amadeus VIII. In the next post, we will turn our attention to this remarkable ruler, who would capitalize on these achievements, elevating the County of Savoy to a Duchy and ushering in a new era of power and prestige for the House of Savoy.