Glarentza, a corruption of Clarentia or Clarence, was an important city, mint and port during Frankish rule in the Peloponnese. It was built by the Villehardouins of the Principality of Achaea in the location of ancient Cyllene during the 13th century. The importance of the city is shown by the fact that the tornesel, the currency used of the principality of Achaea, bore the legend DE CLARENTIA and later DE CLARENCIA. The Tornese was introduced into the Principality of Achaea by Robert of Courtenay and Geoffrey II of Villehardouin. .