Alfonso II became the King of Naples following the abdication of his father, Ferdinand I, in 1494. Ferdinand had ruled since 1458 and had seen Naples through a period of relative stability and prosperity. However, his health had been failing, and there was concern about the future stability of the kingdom. Alfonso, who had been groomed for leadership, was expected to bring his own policies and priorities to the forefront. This transition of power was critical as it represented a continuity of the Aragonese dynasty, but it was also fraught with challenges as various factions within Naples sought to assert their influence. During his reign, Alfonso faced immediate pressures from rival claimants and foreign interests, particularly from the French, who had ambitions in Italy. His rule would be characterized by attempts to consolidate power and address these threats while managing the kingdom’s complex internal dynamics.

Following his ascension, Alfonso struggled to maintain the delicate balance of power in a region rife with intrigue and conflict. The geopolitical landscape of Italy was shifting, with major powers such as France and Spain vying for control and influence. Alfonso II's reign was also marked by the legacy of the previous king's policies, which had created both allies and enemies. Recognizing the need for support, Alfonso sought alliances to fortify his rule but found himself continually challenged by both internal discontent and external aggression. Despite these obstacles, he endeavored to preserve the integrity and sovereignty of Naples, relying heavily on both military and diplomatic strategies to fend off adversaries. However, his kingship would be brief, concluding with his abdication in 1495 due to a formidable French invasion led by Charles VIII, setting the stage for further battles over the control of Naples.