What is the origin of the Principality of St. Michel de Clermont?
The Barony of Clermont (now a Principality, as noted above) was founded in the High Middle Ages, during the period of the Fourth Crusade. It was a dependant fief of the Latin Empire of Constantinople. In 1204, the Latin dynasty took power in Constantinople, and Clermont was founded soon after in what is now a part of the Republic of Greece by Frankish (French) Crusaders. These Crusader Barons built the Castle of Clermont (later known as Tornese) around the year 1220. Its historic ruins are pictured on the Photos Page. The Castle is located about 6 km from Killini, on the coast of the Peloponnese.
