Historical overview of Jaume III of Mallorca

Jaume III of Mallorca governed the counties of Roussillon and Cerdanya from 1324 to 1344. Born in Catania on April 5, 1315, he was the son of Ferran of Mallorca and Isabel de Sabran.

Following the death of his grandmother, Esclarmonda de Foix, in 1316, his guardianship was transferred to King Sanç of Mallorca and Queen Maria of Naples. King Sanç provided Jaume III with significant economic resources and an education appropriate for his royal status. In December 1322, Sanç designated Jaume III as the future King of Mallorca.

This designation caused tension with the Crown of Aragon, as James the Just sought to reincorporate the possessions of the Kingdom of Mallorca into his own domains. The Aragonese king argued that, in the absence of legitimate descendants for Sanç, he was the rightful heir according to the testamentary provisions of James I. This dispute later led to intense opposition with Peter the Ceremonious.