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{{Infobox Prime Minister
{{Region_icon_Ajax}}
|honorific-prefix  =Her Ladyship
{{Infobox officeholder
|name              = The Lady Vitruvia
|honorific-prefix  = The Magnficant Duchess
|name              = Damiane Vitruvia
|honorific-suffix  = [[Emperor's Council of Latium|IC]] DE DSA DCSI SFN EOV
|honorific-suffix  = [[Emperor's Council of Latium|IC]] DE DSA DCSI SFN EOV
|image              = Cyd Charisse - 1949.jpg
|image              = <!--Damiane vitruvia1.jpg-->Lauren Bacall 1945 press photo.jpg
|imagesize          =220px
|imagesize          = 220px
| office = [[Consul of Latium#Spouse|Spouse of the Consul of Latium]]
| office2          = [[Imperial Court (Latium)#Court of Augusta|Lady of the Chamber]]
| term_start = 19 June 1968
| term_start2      = 9 December 1952
| term_end = 7 September 1973
| term_end2        = 23 July 1968
| monarch = [[Diana Augusta]]
| monarch2          = [[Diana I Anicia]]
|1blankname = Consul
| predecessor2      = None
|1namedata = [[Felix Verrucosus, Lord of Istropolis|The Lord of Istropolis]]
| successor2        = [[Honoria Julia]]
| predecessor =   Gregoria Cocceia
| office3          = [[Imperial Court (Latium)#Court of Augusta|Lady-in-Waiting]]
| successor = Syagria Appuleia
| term_start3      = 2 February 1946
| term_start2 = 17 December 1961
| term_end3        = 9 December 1980
| term_end2 = 15 January 1966
| monarch3          = Diana I Anicia
| predecessor2 = Honoria Anicia
|birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1937|10|23|df=y}}
| successor2 =  Gregoria Cocceia
|birth_place        = [[Adrianople]], [[Latium]]
|birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1934|10|23|df=y}}
|birth_place        = Adrianople, [[Latium]]
|birthname          = Damiane Vitruvia Christina Theodosia Zoe
|birthname          = Damiane Vitruvia Christina Theodosia Zoe
|spouse            ={{ubl
|spouse            = {{marriage|[[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]]|16 January 1957|23 July 2023|end=d.}}
|{{marriage|[[Felix Verrucosus, Lord of Istropolis]]|16 January 1953|7 September 1973|end=d.}}
|children          = 8
|{{marriage|Gregorius Duronius-Fundanius|19 April 1982|22 February 2015|end=d.}}
|residence          = Villa de Concordia, Entella
}}
|children          = 3 (inc.[[Zoe Verrucosa]])
|residence          = Villa d'Iulia Concordia, Utica
|alma_mater        =  
|alma_mater        =  
|occupation        = {{ubl|{{wp|Executive officer#Corporate law and other legal associations|Corporate executive}}|([[Verrucosus Holdings|Verrucosus Holdings S.p.A.]]) }}
|occupation        =  
|profession        =  
|profession        =  
|religion          = [[United Reformed Communion|Reformed Church]]
}}
}}
'''Damiane Vitruvia, Lady Vitruvia''', <small>[[Emperor's Council of Latium|IC]] EOV MCF ETCE MCA</small> (''Damiane Vitruvia Christina Theodosia''; b. 23 October 1934) is a [[Latium|Latin]] noblewoman, businesswoman and wife of [[Felix Verrucosus, 1st Lord of Istropolis]], the former [[Consul of the Latin Empire|Consul of Latium]]. From 1945 until 1960 she was a member of {{wp|Court (royal)|Imperial court}} as a lady-in-waiting to [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]]. She also served as {{wp|CEO}} of [[Verrucosus Holdings]] from 1983 until 1995, becoming the first woman to serve as an {{wp|Executive officer#Corporate law and other legal associations|executive}} of a major Latin-based corporation. She is the {{wp|Matrilineality|maternal}} grandmother of [[Constantine XX of Latium|Emperor Constantine XX]].
'''Duchess Damiane Vitruvia''', <small>[[Emperor's Council of Latium|IC]] DE DSA DCSI SFN EOV</small> (''Damiane Vitruvia Christina Theodosia''; b. 23 October 1937) is a [[Latium|Latin]] noblewoman, businesswoman and widow of [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]]. From 1945 until 1966 she was a member of {{wp|Court (royal)|Imperial court}} as a lady-in-waiting to [[Diana I Anicia|Empress Diana I Anicia]]. She also served as {{wp|Chairman|Chairwoman}} of Verrucosa Tenura, later [[Delpha Verrco]], from 1983 until 1995 and again in 2023, becoming the first woman to serve as an {{wp|Executive officer#Corporate law and other legal associations|executive}} of a major Latin-based corporation.
==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Vitruvia was born on 23 October 1934 at Adrianople-Claudius Hospital, in Adrianople, to Zoe Pompeia and Thomas Vitruvius, 1st Marchis of Antium. She was the youngest of six children. She was primarily raised in Adrianople during her earliest years during her father's time as Chancellor of the Duchy of Adrianople. She made her first visit to {{wp|Court (royal)|Imperial court}} in Alexandria at the age of 7 in 1941. At the instance of her mother, Vitruvia was enrolled at Pescia Academy in Adrianople from 1941 until 1945 and the outbreak of the [[Social War]].
Vitruvia was born on 23 October 1937 at Adrianople-Claudius Hospital, in [[Adrianople]], to Zoe Pompeia and Duke Damianus Vitruvius. She was fifth-born child. She was primarily raised in Adrianople during her earliest years during her father's time as Mayor of the Duchy of Adrianople. She made her first visit to [[Imperial court (Latium)|imperial court]] in [[Ascanium]] at the age of 4 in 1941. At the instance of her mother, Vitruvia was enrolled at Pescia Academy in Adrianople from 1941 until 1945 and the outbreak of the [[Social War]].


During the [[Social War]], Vitruvia became a junior {{wp|lady-in-waiting}} to [[Diana Augusta|Latin Empress Diana Augusta]] as they were a similar age. Vitruvia spent most of her time in Castellum with Diana and Imperial court, though was forced to flee from the city on occasion. She was widely regarded as a trouble maker at court, regularly being reprimanded by older courtiers and, according to a courtier, on one occasion, by [[Jason Claudius, 36th Duke of Adrianople]] after her <nowiki>"dancing through the Aemelii suite caused coffee to spill and burn the Duke's hand".</nowiki> From 1945 until 1952, Vitruvia's education was handled by the same private tutors utilized by Empress Diana. Vitruvia is said to have been Diana's closet confidant during this period; they remain close friends to this day.
During the [[Social War]], Vitruvia became a junior {{wp|lady-in-waiting}} to [[Diana I Anicia|Empress Diana]] as they were a similar age. Vitruvia spent most of her time in Castellum with Diana and Imperial court, though was forced to flee from the city on occasion. She was widely regarded as a trouble maker at court, regularly being reprimanded by older courtiers and, according to a courtier, on one occasion, by [[Jacobus Claudius, Duke of Adrianople]] after her <nowiki>"dancing through the Aemilia suite caused coffee to spill and burn the Duke's hand".</nowiki> From 1945 until 1952, Vitruvia's education was handled by the same private tutors utilized by Empress Diana. Vitruvia is said to have been one Empress Diana's closet confidant during this period; they remain close friends to this day.


Vitruvia took an active role in [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana's]] wedding, serving as a bridesmaid, and later coronation, where she and other ladies-in-waiting accompanied Diana along the procession through Alexandria.
Vitruvia took an active role in [[Diana I Anicia|Empress Diana's]] wedding, serving as a bridesmaid, and later coronation, where she and other ladies-in-waiting accompanied Diana along the procession through Castellum.
==Marriage and children==
==Marriage and children==
In 1952, Vitruvia was betrothed to [[Social War]] hero and Latin businessman [[Felix Verrucosus, 1st Lord of Istropolis|Felix Verrucosus]]. They met few times before the betrothal, though according to a {{wp|Courtier|courtier}} she and Verrucosus were spotted in conversation and sharing a dance at a fall 1951 ball to commemorate the annual [[Transvectio Equitum]] festival, despite a wide age gap. Aside from Empress Diana, who at the time was engaged to [[Leo, Prince Consort|Leo Claudius, Marchis Philadephia]], Vitruvia was considered one of the most eligible young women at the event, and gained the attention of many nobles searching for bride for themselves or their sons. According to a biographer, at the time she believed Verrucosus <nowiki>"would have been as forgettable as any other man if he were not so brutish and low born"</nowiki>.
In 1957, Vitruvia was betrothed to [[Josephus Verrucosus]], a decorated veteran of the [[Social War]] and the [[Latin-Gelonian War]]. They met few times before the betrothal, though according to a {{wp|Courtier|courtier}} she and Verrucosus were spotted in conversation and sharing a dance at a fall 1954 ball to commemorate the annual [[Transvectio Equitum]] festival, despite an age gap. Aside from Empress Diana, who at the time was engaged to [[Leo X Claudius|Leo Claudius]], Vitruvia was considered one of the most eligible young women at the event, and gained the attention of many nobles searching for bride for themselves or their sons. According to a biographer, at the time she believed Verrucosus <nowiki>"would be forgettable as any other man if he were not so brutish and low born"</nowiki>.  
 
Vitruvia and Verrucosus were married on 16 January 1953 at Basilica of the Blessed Virgin in Adrianople, in a ceremony that was highly attended for a non-royal wedding. As the daughter of a [[Peerages in the Latin Empire|peer]] she chose not to take her husband's {{wp|Roman naming conventions#Nomen|nomen}}, which is attributed to her father's desire for her to retain her own, more noteworthy name. She and Verrucosus would live in Colonia Augusta, outside of Castellum as Verrucosus continued to operate his fledging business, [[Verrucosus Holdings|Verrucosus Enterprises]].
 
When she was four months pregnant with her eldest son, [[John Verrucosus, Duke of Perusia|John]], she and her husband purchased Villa d'Iulia Concordia, in Utica, which had previously been the ancestral estate of the Sulpicii family and the Lords of Utica. She converted to [[United Reformed Communion|Reformed Communion]] after the birth of her second child. The marriage ended after Verrucosus was assassinated in 1973, they had three children: [[John Verrucosus, Duke of Perusia|John]], [[Florentine Verrucosus|Florentine]], and [[Zoe Verrucosa|Zoe]].


In 1982, Vitruvia married Latin nobleman Gregorius Duronius-Fundanius; they remain married until his death in February 2015.
Vitruvia and Verrucosus were married on 16 January 1956 at Basilica of the Blessed Virgin in Adrianople, in a ceremony that was highly attended for a non-imperial wedding. She and Verrucosus would live in Colonia Augusta, outside of Castellum as Verrucosus continued to operate his fledgling business, [[Verrucosa Tenura]].  


When she was four months pregnant with her eldest son, Marius, she and her husband purchased Villa d'Iulia Concordia, in Utica, which had previously been the ancestral estate of the Sulpicia family. Unlike her husband, Vitruvia remained a practicing Catholic. Together, they have eight children: [[Marius Verrucosus|Marius]], [[John Verrucosus|John]], [[Josephina Verrucosa|Josephina]], [[Florentine Verrucosus|Florentine]], [[Adula Verrucosa|Adula]], [[Adriana Verrucosa|Adriana]], [[Flora Verrucosa|Flora]], and [[Zoe Verrucosa|Zoe]].
==Work and politics==
==Work and politics==
===Spouse of the Consul===
===Spouse of the Praeses Senatus===
In 1961, [[Felix Verrucosus, Lord of Istropolis]] was appointed [[Consul of Latium|Consul]] following the resignation of [[Constantine Caprenius, Marchis of Espo]], making Damiane the youngest Spouse of the Consul at 28 years old. During the first two years husband's Consulship, Damiane sparingly made public appearances, though was often spotted at the [[Palace of Augustus]] in lieu of staying at 20 Via Julia, the Consul's official residence. She was noted for her privacy during this period, and was the first spouse of the Consul to hire her own press secretary, strictly controlling her and her children's accessibility to the press. Damiane was widely cited as being key to the political relationship between her husband and [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]] due to her close friendship with the latter. <nowiki>"[Damiane] was one of the few individuals that Diana wholeheartedly trusted,"</nowiki> according to staffers at the Consuls office and {{wp|Courtier|courtiers}}.
In 1963, [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]] was appointed [[Praeses Senatus]] following the resignation of [[Jacobus Claudius, Duke of Adrianople|Jacobus Claudius, Duke Adrianople]]. During the first two years of her husband's Consulship, Damiane sparingly made public appearances, though was often spotted at the [[Palace of Augustus]]. She was noted for her privacy during this period, and was the first spouse of a high ranking senator to hire her own press secretary, strictly controlling her and her children's accessibility to the press. Damiane was widely cited as being key to the political relationship between her husband and [[Diana I Anicia|Empress Diana I Anicia]] due to her close friendship with the Empress. <nowiki>"[Damiane] was one of the few individuals that Diana wholeheartedly trusted,"</nowiki> according to staffers at the Consuls office and {{wp|Courtier|courtiers}}.
 
Vitruvia was considered a fashion trendsetter during her husband's consulship. She was occasionally propped up as a fashion icon rivaling [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]], though she often downplayed this publicly and privately. During the latter end of her husband's first consulship, she served as a fashion consultant to Allectii fashion company.


On 7 September 1973, her [[Felix Verrucosus, Lord of Istropolis|husband]] was assassinated by Gelonian ultra-nationalist members of the [[Gelonian National Front|GSB]] moments after taking the stage for a [[Castellum]]-based rally. Vitruvia was originally planned to attend the rally, though remained in Utica due to the {{wp|flu}}, and morning sickness.
Vitruvia was considered a fashion trendsetter during her husband's brief term. She was occasionally propped up as a fashion icon rivaling Empress Diana, though she often downplayed this publicly and privately. During the latter end of her husband's first consulship, she served as a fashion consultant to Allectii fashion company.
===Business career===
===Business career===
Vitruvia has been involved in various business and entrepreneurial ventures since her marriage to [[Felix Verrucosus, Lord of Istropolis]]. Initially, she served as a brand ambassador for [[Allectii]], and later serving on its board of directors in 1971. She also served on the board of [[Verrucosus Holdings]] from 1973 until 1984, and again from 1995 until 2015. In 1983, {{wp|CEO}} of [[Verrucosus Holdings]] Victor Popillius retired and Damiane was elected as his successor, and became the first female executive of a major Latin-based corporation.  
Vitruvia has been involved in various business and entrepreneurial ventures since her marriage to Verrucosus. Initially, she served as a brand ambassador for [[Allectii]], and later serving on its board of directors in 1988. She has served on the board of Delpha Verrco since 1971. In 1983, she was named Chair of the Board by her husband, a role that she held until 1995, and again assumed in 2023.


As CEO of Verrucosus Holdings, Vitruvia continued Popilius's strategy of growing Verrucosus Holdings's entrance into the media market, and completed the finalization of the purchase of [[Verrucosus Holdings#Holdings|Delpha]]. She has been credited with expanding Verrucosus into the largest non-public network television, and cable television company in Latium, and one of the largest in the [[Belisarian Community]]. At the latter end of her tenure as CEO, Verrucosi Holdings was the largest mass media and telecommunications corporation in [[Latium]]. Vitruvia retired in 2001 as the longest-sitting CEO of Verrucosus Holdings, and was succeeded by her eldest son [[John Verrucosus, Duke of Perusia]].
Delpha Verrco continued its expansion into media and telecoms, and completed the finalization of the purchase of [[Verrucosus Holdings#Holdings|Delpha]]. She has been credited with assisting in growing Delpha Verrco into the largest non-public network television, and cable television company in Latium.
==Accolades==
==Accolades==
Vitruvia served on the board of the Imperial Utica Orchestra, Utica Imperialis football and ice hockey clubs, and the National Endowment for Women. She received awards for woman of the year from the National Womens Council on six occasions (1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1995). She was awarded honorary degrees and doctorates from [[University of Castellum Iohannes XIII|Castellum College, Castellum]], [[University of Haenna]], and the University of Utica. In 1993, she donated {{LAS}}12 million to the University of Utica for a new library, which bears her name  
Vitruvia served on the board of the Imperial Utica Orchestra, Utica Internationalis  football and ice hockey clubs, and the National Endowment for Women. She received awards for woman of the year from the National Women's Council on six occasions (1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1995). She was awarded honorary degrees and doctorates from [[University of Castellum Iohannes XIII|Castellum College, Castellum]], [[University of Haenna]], and the [[University of Utica]]. In 1993, she donated {{LAS}}12 million to the University of Utica for a new library, which bears her name.
==Titles, styles, honors and arms==
==Titles, styles, honors and arms==
*'''23 October 1934 – 8 September 1972:''' ''Lady'' Damiane Vitruvia
*'''23 October 1934 – 8 September 1970:''' ''Lady'' Damiane Vitruvia
*'''8 September 1972 – 4 February 1994:''' ''Her Ladyship'' Damiane Vitruvia
*'''8 September 1970 – present:''' ''The Magnificant'' The Duchess Verrucosa
*'''4 February 1994 – present:''' ''Her Ladyship'' The Lady Vitruvia
===Honors===
===Honors===
*'''11 August 1954:''' [[File:Red ribbon bar - general use.svg|50px]] Knight of the Order of the Ram
*{{flag|Latium}}: Knight of the Order of the Blood of the Eagle [[File:Red ribbon bar - general use.svg|50px]]
*'''10 April 1977:''' [[File:PRU Roter Adlerorden BAR.svg|50px]] Companion of the Order of National Achievement
*{{flag|Latium}}: Companion of the Order of National Achievement  [[File:PRU Roter Adlerorden BAR.svg|50px]]
*'''18 October 1980:''' [[File:Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg|50px]] Dame Grand Cross (formerly ''Commander'') of the Most Excellent Order of the Empire
*{{flag|Latium}}: Dame Grand Cross (formerly ''Commander'') of the Most Excellent Order of the Empire [[File:Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg|50px]]
*'''10 April 1989:''' [[File:AquilaRomana0.png|50px]] Dame of the Sacred Order of Augustus
*{{flag|Latium}}: Dame of the Sacred Order of the Golden Eagle [[File:AquilaRomana0.png|50px]]  
*'''22 July 1995:''' [[file:St.AlexanderOrder-ribbon.svg|50px]] Dame of the Ancient Equestrian Order
*{{flag|Latium}}: Dame of the Ancient Equestrian Order [[file:St.AlexanderOrder-ribbon.svg|50px]]
====Foreign honors====
*{{flag|Sydalon}}: Lady of the Honorable Order of St Philip [[file:Kongens fortjenstmedalje.svg|50px]]
==Ancestry==
==Ancestry==
{{ahnentafel
{{ahnentafel
Line 82: Line 73:
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Damiane Vitruvia'''
|1= 1. '''Damiane Vitruvia'''
|2= 2. Thomas Vitruvius, Marchis of Antium
|2= 2. Duke Damianus Vitruvius
|3= 3. Zoe Pompeia
|3= 3. Zoe Tolumnia
|4= 4. George Vitruvius Count of Antium
|4= 4. Duke George Vitruvius
|5= 5. Christina Eppia-Claudia
|5= 5. Christina Mocilla
|6= 6. Manuel Pompeius, Count of Frusina
|6= 6. Duke Marcian Tolumnius
|7= 7. Adeodata Voconia
|7= 7. Adeodata Voconia
|8= 8. Thomas Vitruvius Count of Antium
|8= 8. Maurus Vitruvius
|9= 9. Euphemia Claudia
|9= 9. Maria Lentula
|10= 10. Jason Eppius-Claudius, Lord of Nola
|10= 10. Urbicus Mocillus
|11= 11. Maria Lafrenia
|11= 11. Agnes Poppaea
|12= 12. John Pompeius, Count of Frusina
|12= 12. Duke Gallienus Tolumnius
|13= 13. Diana Mamilia
|13= 13. Diana Mamilia
|14= 14. Adeodatus Voconius, Duke of Acerrae
|14= 14. Duke Adeodatus Voconius
|15= 15. Theodora Tullia-Junia
|15= 15. Theodora Tullia
|16= 16. Justin Vitruvius, Count of Antium
|16= 16. Justin Vitruvius
|17= 17. Diana Cestia
|17= 17. Diana Cestia
|18= 18. [[Peter Claudius, Duke of Adrianople]]
|18= 18. Florus Lentulus
|19= 19. Leona Tullia
|19= 19. Viviana Rulla
|20= 20. Theophilius Claudius
|20= 20. Dulcitius Mocillus
|21= 21. Agnes Vitruvia
|21= 21. Candida Aurelia
|22= 22. Michael Lafrenius
|22= 22. Duke Adrian Poppaeus
|23= 23. Nonna Ogulnia
|23= 23. Basilia Tremellia
|24= 24. Felix Pompeius, Count of Frusina
|24= 24. Felix Pompeius
|25= 25. Anna Gavia
|25= 25. Anna Gavia
|26= 26. Andreas Mamilius, Lord of Stipum
|26= 26. Andreas Mamilius
|27= 27. Damiane Didia
|27= 27. Damiane Didia
|28= 28. Arsenius Voconius, Duke of Acerrae
|28= 28. Duke Arsenius Voconius
|29= 29. Silvia Herennia
|29= 29. Silvia Herennia
|30= 30. Anastasius Tullius-Junius, Duke of Rhenus
|30= 30. Constantine Tullius
|31= 31. Maria Ulpia
|31= 31. Anastasia Junia
}}
}}
==See also==
*[[Vitruvia family]]
*[[Verrucosa family]]
{{s-start}}
{{s-court}}
{{s-bef|before= None}}
{{s-ttl|title= [[Mistress of Robes|Mistress of Robes<br>to Empress Diana]]|years=1952–1963}}
{{s-aft|after= [[Honoria Julia|The Duchess of Ravenna]]}}
{{s-end}}
[[category:Latium]]
[[category:Latium]]
[[category:Latin nobles]]
[[category:Latin nobles]]
[[category:People]]
[[category:People]]
[[category:Nobility]]
[[category:Nobility]]
[[category:Billionaires]]
[[category:Ajax]]

Latest revision as of 17:08, 22 June 2024

The Magnficant Duchess
Damiane Vitruvia
IC DE DSA DCSI SFN EOV
Lauren Bacall 1945 press photo.jpg
Lady of the Chamber
In office
9 December 1952 – 23 July 1968
MonarchDiana I Anicia
Preceded byNone
Succeeded byHonoria Julia
Lady-in-Waiting
In office
2 February 1946 – 9 December 1980
MonarchDiana I Anicia
Personal details
Born
Damiane Vitruvia Christina Theodosia Zoe

(1937-10-23) 23 October 1937 (age 87)
Adrianople, Latium
Spouse(s)
Duke Josephus Verrucosus
(m. 1957; died 2023)
Children8
Residence(s)Villa de Concordia, Entella

Duchess Damiane Vitruvia, IC DE DSA DCSI SFN EOV (Damiane Vitruvia Christina Theodosia; b. 23 October 1937) is a Latin noblewoman, businesswoman and widow of Duke Josephus Verrucosus. From 1945 until 1966 she was a member of Imperial court as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Diana I Anicia. She also served as Chairwoman of Verrucosa Tenura, later Delpha Verrco, from 1983 until 1995 and again in 2023, becoming the first woman to serve as an executive of a major Latin-based corporation.

Early life and education

Vitruvia was born on 23 October 1937 at Adrianople-Claudius Hospital, in Adrianople, to Zoe Pompeia and Duke Damianus Vitruvius. She was fifth-born child. She was primarily raised in Adrianople during her earliest years during her father's time as Mayor of the Duchy of Adrianople. She made her first visit to imperial court in Ascanium at the age of 4 in 1941. At the instance of her mother, Vitruvia was enrolled at Pescia Academy in Adrianople from 1941 until 1945 and the outbreak of the Social War.

During the Social War, Vitruvia became a junior lady-in-waiting to Empress Diana as they were a similar age. Vitruvia spent most of her time in Castellum with Diana and Imperial court, though was forced to flee from the city on occasion. She was widely regarded as a trouble maker at court, regularly being reprimanded by older courtiers and, according to a courtier, on one occasion, by Jacobus Claudius, Duke of Adrianople after her "dancing through the Aemilia suite caused coffee to spill and burn the Duke's hand". From 1945 until 1952, Vitruvia's education was handled by the same private tutors utilized by Empress Diana. Vitruvia is said to have been one Empress Diana's closet confidant during this period; they remain close friends to this day.

Vitruvia took an active role in Empress Diana's wedding, serving as a bridesmaid, and later coronation, where she and other ladies-in-waiting accompanied Diana along the procession through Castellum.

Marriage and children

In 1957, Vitruvia was betrothed to Josephus Verrucosus, a decorated veteran of the Social War and the Latin-Gelonian War. They met few times before the betrothal, though according to a courtier she and Verrucosus were spotted in conversation and sharing a dance at a fall 1954 ball to commemorate the annual Transvectio Equitum festival, despite an age gap. Aside from Empress Diana, who at the time was engaged to Leo Claudius, Vitruvia was considered one of the most eligible young women at the event, and gained the attention of many nobles searching for bride for themselves or their sons. According to a biographer, at the time she believed Verrucosus "would be forgettable as any other man if he were not so brutish and low born".

Vitruvia and Verrucosus were married on 16 January 1956 at Basilica of the Blessed Virgin in Adrianople, in a ceremony that was highly attended for a non-imperial wedding. She and Verrucosus would live in Colonia Augusta, outside of Castellum as Verrucosus continued to operate his fledgling business, Verrucosa Tenura.

When she was four months pregnant with her eldest son, Marius, she and her husband purchased Villa d'Iulia Concordia, in Utica, which had previously been the ancestral estate of the Sulpicia family. Unlike her husband, Vitruvia remained a practicing Catholic. Together, they have eight children: Marius, John, Josephina, Florentine, Adula, Adriana, Flora, and Zoe.

Work and politics

Spouse of the Praeses Senatus

In 1963, Duke Josephus Verrucosus was appointed Praeses Senatus following the resignation of Jacobus Claudius, Duke Adrianople. During the first two years of her husband's Consulship, Damiane sparingly made public appearances, though was often spotted at the Palace of Augustus. She was noted for her privacy during this period, and was the first spouse of a high ranking senator to hire her own press secretary, strictly controlling her and her children's accessibility to the press. Damiane was widely cited as being key to the political relationship between her husband and Empress Diana I Anicia due to her close friendship with the Empress. "[Damiane] was one of the few individuals that Diana wholeheartedly trusted," according to staffers at the Consuls office and courtiers.

Vitruvia was considered a fashion trendsetter during her husband's brief term. She was occasionally propped up as a fashion icon rivaling Empress Diana, though she often downplayed this publicly and privately. During the latter end of her husband's first consulship, she served as a fashion consultant to Allectii fashion company.

Business career

Vitruvia has been involved in various business and entrepreneurial ventures since her marriage to Verrucosus. Initially, she served as a brand ambassador for Allectii, and later serving on its board of directors in 1988. She has served on the board of Delpha Verrco since 1971. In 1983, she was named Chair of the Board by her husband, a role that she held until 1995, and again assumed in 2023.

Delpha Verrco continued its expansion into media and telecoms, and completed the finalization of the purchase of Delpha. She has been credited with assisting in growing Delpha Verrco into the largest non-public network television, and cable television company in Latium.

Accolades

Vitruvia served on the board of the Imperial Utica Orchestra, Utica Internationalis football and ice hockey clubs, and the National Endowment for Women. She received awards for woman of the year from the National Women's Council on six occasions (1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1995). She was awarded honorary degrees and doctorates from Castellum College, Castellum, University of Haenna, and the University of Utica. In 1993, she donated $12 million to the University of Utica for a new library, which bears her name.

Titles, styles, honors and arms

  • 23 October 1934 – 8 September 1970: Lady Damiane Vitruvia
  • 8 September 1970 – present: The Magnificant The Duchess Verrucosa

Honors

  •  Latium: Knight of the Order of the Blood of the Eagle Red ribbon bar - general use.svg
  •  Latium: Companion of the Order of National Achievement PRU Roter Adlerorden BAR.svg
  •  Latium: Dame Grand Cross (formerly Commander) of the Most Excellent Order of the Empire Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg
  •  Latium: Dame of the Sacred Order of the Golden Eagle AquilaRomana0.png
  •  Latium: Dame of the Ancient Equestrian Order St.AlexanderOrder-ribbon.svg

Foreign honors

  •  Sydalon: Lady of the Honorable Order of St Philip Kongens fortjenstmedalje.svg

Ancestry

See also

Court offices
Preceded by
None 		Mistress of Robes
to Empress Diana
1952–1963 		Succeeded by
The Duchess of Ravenna
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