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Nobleman Zaccaria
Centurione I Zaccaria was a prominent nobleman in the 14th century, known for his significant role in the Principality of Achaea, a Crusader state in the Peloponnese, Greece. He was the eldest son of Martino Zaccaria and Jacqueline de la Roche, the latter being the last representative of the Burgundian house of the Duchy of Athens. Upon his father's death, Centurione inherited several lordships, including Damala, Chalandritza, and Estamira, and was appointed Grand Constable of Achaea in 1370. His influence extended to the Angevin rulers of the principality, for whom he served as bailli (viceroy) on multiple occasions.
Although Centurione I Zaccaria was not directly associated with the Knights Hospitaller in Malta, his family's connections to the Order are noteworthy. The Zaccaria family, originally from Genoa, played a significant role in the development and consolidation of the Republic of Genoa in the 13th and 14th centuries. Through strategic marriages and alliances, they established ties with prominent families and institutions across Europe, including the Knights Hospitaller. These connections facilitated their involvement in various military and political endeavors, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In summary, while Centurione I Zaccaria was not a member of the Knights Hospitaller in Malta, his family's noble status and strategic alliances placed them within the broader network of Crusader states and military orders active in the Mediterranean during the 14th century.