de' Cabanni

The de' Cabanni were a courtier family of Angevin Naples, founded by Raimondo de' Cabanni, a black African slave boy sold to the royal kitchens' provost. The provost freed and baptized him, gave him his name and made him his heir. Raimondo rose at King Robert's court, marrying Philippa of Catania, governess of the royal children, in 1305.

He became seneschal of the royal hospice and acquired Minervino and Mottola. In 1334 he was buried with royal honours in Santa Chiara. His sons Carlo and Perrotto became chamberlains, while Roberto became count of Eboli and grand seneschal.

In 1345 Roberto, his mother Philippa and his niece Sancia were accused of murdering Andrew, husband of Queen Joanna I. They were tortured; Philippa died in prison and Roberto was executed, while Carlo's son Raimondello was declared innocent in 1346. Boccaccio made their ruin the subject of the last chapter of his Fates of Illustrious Men.