The Principality of Taranto is a state in southern Italy created in 1088 for Bohemond I, eldest son of Robert Guiscard, as part of the peace between him and his younger brother Roger Borsa after a dispute over the succession to the Duchy of Apulia.Taranto becomes the capital of the principality, which covers almost all of the heel of Apulia.

During its subsequent 377 years of history, it is sometimes a powerful and almost independent feudal fief of the Kingdom of Sicily (and later of Naples), sometimes only a title, often given to the heir to the crown or to the husband of a reigning queen.

When the House of Anjou is divided, Taranto falls to the house of Durazzo (1394–1463).Ferdinand I of Naples unites the Principality of Taranto to the Kingdom of Naples at the death of his wife, Isabella of Taranto.

The principality comes to an end, but the kings of Naples continue giving the title of Prince of Taranto to their sons, firstly to the future Alfonso II of Naples, eldest son of Isabella.