Zoe Verrucosa: Difference between revisions

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| caption    =  
| caption    =  
| succession  = [[List of Latin consorts|Latin Empress consort]]
| succession  = [[List of Latin consorts|Latin Empress consort]]
| reign      = 29 July 1993 – 2 February 2000
| reign      = 29 July 1992 – 2 February 2000
| coronation  = 25 December 1997
| coronation  = 25 December 1997
| issue      = {{ubl
| issue      = {{ubl
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}}
}}
| birth_name  =  Appia Verrucosa Zoe Damiane Silvia Selene
| birth_name  =  Appia Verrucosa Zoe Damiane Silvia Selene
| spouse      = {{marriage|[[Jacobus VI Claudius]]|3 April 1993|2 February 2000|end={{abbr|ann.|annulment}}}}
| spouse      = {{marriage|[[Jacobus VI Claudius]]|29 July 1992|2 February 2000|end={{abbr|ann.|annulment}}}}
| house      = [[Verrucosa family|Verrucosa]] <small>(by birth)</small><br>[[House of Claudius|Claudius]] <small>(by marriage)</small>
| house      = [[Verrucosa family|Verrucosa]] <small>(by birth)</small><br>[[House of Claudius|Claudius]] <small>(by marriage)</small>
| father      = [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]]
| father      = [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]]
| mother      = [[Damiane Vitruvia]]
| mother      = [[Damiane Vitruvia]]
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1975|3|11|df=y}}
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1972|3|11|df=y}}
| birth_place = Utica, [[Latium]]
| birth_place = Utica, [[Latium]]
| religion    = [[United Reformed Communion|Reformed Church]]<br>[[wikipedia:Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] (''formerly'')
| religion    = [[United Reformed Communion|Reformed Church]]<br>[[wikipedia:Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] (''formerly'')
|}}
|}}
{{Template:Latin Imperial Family}}
{{Template:Latin Imperial Family}}
'''Zoe Verrucosa, The Empress Mother''' (''Appia Verrucosa Zoe Damiane Silvia Selene''; b. 11 March 1975) is a member of the [[Latin Imperial Family]], and mother of [[Constantine XX Claudius]].  
'''Zoe Verrucosa, The Empress Mother''' (''Appia Verrucosa Zoe Damiane Silvia Selene''; b. 11 March 1972) is a member of the [[Latin Imperial Family]], and mother of [[Constantine XX Claudius]].  


Zoe is the youngest child of businessman and former [[Praeses Senatus]], [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]], and [[Damiane Vitruvia|Lady Damiane Vitruvia]]. Zoe was educated at Pescia Academy, in [[Adrianople]]. Zoe first rose to prominence in 1992 after the announcement of her engagement to [[Jacobus VI Claudius|Jacobus, Prince of Youth]] – later Jacobus VI Claudius. Though she became Empress in 1993, upon her husband's elevation to junior emperor, she holds one of the shortest tenures as sole Empress consort, from 1997 until her marriage ended in annulment in 2000. Zoe had four children over the course of her marriage: [[Leona of Latium|Leona]], Constantine, who is now [[Constantine XX Claudius|Emperor Constantine XX Claudius]]; [[Michael, Duke of Entella|Michael]]; and [[Selene of Latium|Selene]].  
Zoe is the youngest child of businessman and former [[Praeses Senatus]], [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]], and [[Damiane Vitruvia|Lady Damiane Vitruvia]]. Zoe was educated at Pescia Academy, in [[Adrianople]]. Zoe first rose to prominence in 1992 after the announcement of her engagement to [[Jacobus VI Claudius|Jacobus, Prince of Youth]] – later Jacobus VI Claudius. Though she became Empress in 1993, upon her husband's elevation to junior emperor, she holds one of the shortest tenures as sole Empress consort, from 1997 until her marriage ended in annulment in 2000. Zoe had four children over the course of her marriage: [[Leona of Latium|Leona]], Constantine, who is now [[Constantine XX Claudius|Emperor Constantine XX Claudius]]; [[Michael, Duke of Entella|Michael]]; and [[Selene of Latium|Selene]].  
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Zoe graduated from [[University of Haenna#Colleges|Galata College, Haenna]] with a degree in business and economics. She served the Chairwoman for the Board of Directors for [[Verrucosus Holdings]], of which her family owns a controlling ownership interest from 2009 until 2017. She is also president or chair for a number of charities, including a seat on the board of regents of the [[University of Haenna]], and the University of Ascanium. Since 2017, she has undertaken numerous imperial and state duties on her son's behalf, and was granted the honorific of [[List of Latin consorts#Augusta|Augusta]].
Zoe graduated from [[University of Haenna#Colleges|Galata College, Haenna]] with a degree in business and economics. She served the Chairwoman for the Board of Directors for [[Verrucosus Holdings]], of which her family owns a controlling ownership interest from 2009 until 2017. She is also president or chair for a number of charities, including a seat on the board of regents of the [[University of Haenna]], and the University of Ascanium. Since 2017, she has undertaken numerous imperial and state duties on her son's behalf, and was granted the honorific of [[List of Latin consorts#Augusta|Augusta]].
==Early Life and education==
==Early Life and education==
Zoe was born on 11 March 1975 to the [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]], former [[Consul of Latium]], and his wife [[Damiane Vitruvia]] at Villa d'Iulia Concordia, in Utica, Latium. She has three older brothers [[John Verrucosus|John]] and [[Florentine Verrucosus|Florentine]], and three older sisters [[Adula Verrucosa|Adula]], [[Adriana Verrucosa|Adriana]], and [[Flora Verrucosa|Flora]]. Zoe was baptized into the [[United Reformed Communion|Reformed Communion]] on 2 June 1975 at [[Sancta Sapientia]] in [[Castellum ab Alba]]. Her god parents were [[Diana Augusta|Diana I Augusta]] (a friend of her mother); [[John Verrucosus]] (her elder brother); [[Constantia of Ravenna]] (a friend of her mother); and Alexander Vitruvius (her mother's brother).
Zoe was born on 11 March 1972 to the [[Josephus Verrucosus|Duke Josephus Verrucosus]], former [[Consul of Latium]], and his wife [[Damiane Vitruvia]] at Villa d'Iulia Concordia, in Utica, Latium. She has three older brothers [[John Verrucosus|John]] and [[Florentine Verrucosus|Florentine]], and three older sisters [[Adula Verrucosa|Adula]], [[Adriana Verrucosa|Adriana]], and [[Flora Verrucosa|Flora]]. Zoe was baptized into the [[United Reformed Communion|Reformed Communion]] on 2 June 1972 at [[Sancta Sapientia]] in [[Castellum ab Alba]]. Her god parents were [[Diana Augusta|Diana I Augusta]] (a friend of her mother); [[John Verrucosus]] (her elder brother); [[Constantia of Ravenna]] (a friend of her mother); and Alexander Vitruvius (her mother's brother).
===Education===
===Education===
Zoe's early education was primarily handled by private tutors and lessons from the provost of [[University of Castellum Iohannes XIII#Constituent colleges|Empress Alexandra College, Castellum]]. She was eventually enrolled at Sanctus Gabrielius, a private primary school in Castellum. Zoe began her secondary education at St Gabriel's in Castellum, though attended Pescia Academy boarding school in Adrianople, where she finished her education. Following her graduation, she was admitted to St. Anna's College at the [[University of Haenna]]. After her gap year, she began taking entry classes at St. Anna, though dropped her classes one month into the semester before her engagement to then [[Jacobus VI Claudius|Jacobus, Prince of Youth]]. In 2002, Zoe re-enrolled at Galata College, graduating with a degree in business and economics.
Zoe's early education was primarily handled by private tutors and lessons from the provost of [[University of Castellum Iohannes XIII#Constituent colleges|Empress Alexandra College, Castellum]]. She was eventually enrolled at Sanctus Gabrielius, a private primary school in Castellum. Zoe began her secondary education at St Gabriel's in Castellum, though attended Pescia Academy boarding school in Adrianople, where she finished her education. Following her graduation, she was admitted to St. Anna's College at the [[University of Haenna]]. After her gap year, she began taking entry classes at St. Anna, though dropped her classes one month into the semester before her engagement to then [[Jacobus VI Claudius|Jacobus, Prince of Youth]]. In 2002, Zoe re-enrolled at Galata College, graduating with a degree in business and economics.
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Zoe's personal life was relatively quiet before to her engagement to then [[Jacobus VI Claudius|Jacobus, Prince of Youth]]. Before to attending university, Zoe spent two months of her gap year in [[Lyncanestria]] and [[Lihnidos]]. The remaining time of her gap year, she resided in downtown Castellum at a penthouse owned by her brother [[John Verrucosus|John]] that she shared with four friends, including [[Brunhilda of Rahdenburg]], [[Anna Julia]], and [[Euphemia Tullia]], and occasionally [[Eirene of Latium]]. Imperial Office records state that in summer 1992 Zoe first visited the Golden Palace for an imperial mixer prior to the opening ceremony of the year's [[Ludi Circenses]]. Records indicate that Zoe received a personal invitation sent by [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]]. This event was the first meeting between Zoe and her future husband, Jacobus.
Zoe's personal life was relatively quiet before to her engagement to then [[Jacobus VI Claudius|Jacobus, Prince of Youth]]. Before to attending university, Zoe spent two months of her gap year in [[Lyncanestria]] and [[Lihnidos]]. The remaining time of her gap year, she resided in downtown Castellum at a penthouse owned by her brother [[John Verrucosus|John]] that she shared with four friends, including [[Brunhilda of Rahdenburg]], [[Anna Julia]], and [[Euphemia Tullia]], and occasionally [[Eirene of Latium]]. Imperial Office records state that in summer 1992 Zoe first visited the Golden Palace for an imperial mixer prior to the opening ceremony of the year's [[Ludi Circenses]]. Records indicate that Zoe received a personal invitation sent by [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]]. This event was the first meeting between Zoe and her future husband, Jacobus.
===Engagement and wedding===
===Engagement and wedding===
At 18 years old, Zoe became engaged to then Jacobus, Prince of Youth on 7 February 1992, with the official announcement occurring the following day. Prior to their engagement, there was no announcement of their courtship, and Zoe was widely rumored to be one of Jacobus's mistresses. Zoe dropped out of school only a month into the spring 1993 semester, and moved into Velia House in Castellum as the Prince's official residence. On 30 March 1993, it was revealed that Zoe was expecting the couple's first child. Zoe was 3 months pregnant when she married Jacobus on 3 April 1993. The ceremony was held at [[Sancta Sapientia]] and led by [[Patriarch of Alba]] Marcus Nasennius. The wedding and reception was attended by over 200 individuals including monarchs and guests from all throughout the [[Ajax|world]].  
At 18 years old, Zoe became engaged to then Jacobus, Prince of Youth on 7 February 1992, with the official announcement occurring the following day. Prior to their engagement, there was no announcement of their courtship, and Zoe was widely rumored to be one of Jacobus's mistresses. Zoe dropped out of school only a month into the spring 1993 semester, and moved into Velia House in Castellum as the Prince's official residence. On 30 March 1992, it was revealed that Zoe was expecting the couple's first child. Zoe was 4 months pregnant when she married Jacobus on 3 April 1992. The ceremony was held at [[Sancta Sapientia]] and led by Pope Ignatius I. The wedding and reception was attended by over 200 individuals including monarchs and guests from all throughout the [[Ajax|world]].  


Zoe was official given the rank of <nowiki>"princess"</nowiki> and became Princess of Youth immediately following the wedding after the issuance of {{wp|Letters Patent|letters patent}} by both Empress [[Diana Augusta]]. She became Empress consort on 29 July 1993 following her husband's ascension as junior emperor.
Zoe was official given the rank of <nowiki>"princess"</nowiki> and became Princess of Youth immediately following the wedding after the issuance of {{wp|Letters Patent|letters patent}} by both Empress [[Diana I Anicia]]. She became Empress consort on 29 July 1992 following her husband's ascension as junior emperor.
===Children and family===
===Children and family===
Zoe and Jacobus officially resided at [[Castellum|Velia House]] from 1993 until his he became sole emperor in 2000; however, the couple primarily resided at Heraion<!--palace-->, in [[Leonopolis]], immediately following the honeymoon. Zoe gave birth to her first child, [[Leona of Latium|Leona]], on 31 October 1993. Their second child, [[Constantine XX Claudius|Constantine]], was born on 15 March 1994, at Heraion. Zoe would have two more children over the course of her marriage to Jacobus, [[Michael, Duke of Entella|Michael]] and [[Selene of Latium|Selene]].  
Zoe and Jacobus officially resided at [[Castellum|Velia House]] from 1993 until his he became sole emperor in 2000; however, the couple primarily resided at Heraion<!--palace-->, in [[Leonopolis]], immediately following the honeymoon. Zoe gave birth to her first child, [[Leona of Latium|Leona]], on 31 October 1992. Their second child, [[Constantine XX Claudius|Constantine]], was born on 15 November 1993, at Heraion. Zoe would have two more children over the course of her marriage to Jacobus, [[Michael, Duke of Entella|Michael]] and [[Selene of Latium|Selene]].  


Due to the reports of declining health of [[Leo X Claudius]], Zoe and her family would intermittently return to Castellum and Velia House, and at great rates after 1997. Both Zoe and her husband led numerous imperial duties during this time, including representing Latium along with her husband on any foreign visits he would undertake. She was present for the State Opening of the Senate in 1996, which was the first time in recorded history that a reigning monarch did not open the Senate themselves.  
Due to the reports of declining health of [[Leo X Claudius]], Zoe and her family would intermittently return to Castellum and Velia House, and at great rates after 1997. Both Zoe and her husband led numerous imperial duties during this time, including representing Latium along with her husband on any foreign visits he would undertake. She was present for the State Opening of the Senate in 1996, which was the first time in recorded history that a reigning monarch did not open the Senate themselves.  
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Zoe had mixed popularity as Empress, with many associating her with having a cold demeanor. Courtiers, in Leonopolis, and later Castellum, note that Zoe was overly protective of her children and often tried to keep them isolated from others, and resulted in great conflict within the Imperial family. In June 1998, [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]] made her first public appearance of the year with Jacobus, Zoe and their children for a visit to the [[Castellum ab Alba#Culture|Castellum Zoo]]. The appearance was soon wrought with controversy as Zoe was photographed preventing her son, [[Constantine XX Claudius|Prince Constantine]], from taking a photograph with his father and grandmother. Imperial Offices managed to end publication of the story through {{wp|Lèse-majesté|lex maiestas}} laws.  
Zoe had mixed popularity as Empress, with many associating her with having a cold demeanor. Courtiers, in Leonopolis, and later Castellum, note that Zoe was overly protective of her children and often tried to keep them isolated from others, and resulted in great conflict within the Imperial family. In June 1998, [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]] made her first public appearance of the year with Jacobus, Zoe and their children for a visit to the [[Castellum ab Alba#Culture|Castellum Zoo]]. The appearance was soon wrought with controversy as Zoe was photographed preventing her son, [[Constantine XX Claudius|Prince Constantine]], from taking a photograph with his father and grandmother. Imperial Offices managed to end publication of the story through {{wp|Lèse-majesté|lex maiestas}} laws.  
===Annulment===
===Annulment===
Rumors of Jacobus's infidelity plagued the marriage from the beginning. Though not yet engaged at the time, Jacobus fathered an illegitimate daughter, with [[Princess Sibylla, Duchess of Birkara|Sibylla of Sydalon]], who was born in August 1993. Jacobus was known to maintain a number of mistresses at his court in [[Leonopolis]], which reportedly Zoe turned a blind eye to until an [[Georgios Kaisaridis|illegitimate son]] was reportedly born to Jacobus in February 1994. Jacobus did not confirm these rumors until after the marriage. These rumors of Jacobus's infidelity with not only Valeria, but also other women continued to persist throughout the marriage, eventually culminating in rumors that [[Ghant|Ghantish noblewoman]], and his sister's lady-in-waiting, [[Marsella Atmos]] had become involved in a secret relationship with Emperor Jacobus by 1999.  
Rumors of Jacobus's infidelity plagued the marriage from the beginning. Though not yet engaged at the time, Jacobus fathered an illegitimate daughter, with [[Sibylla of Sydalon]], who was born in August 1993. Jacobus was known to maintain a number of mistresses at his court in [[Leonopolis]], which reportedly Zoe turned a blind eye to until [[TBD]] was reportedly born to Jacobus in MONTH YEAR. Jacobus did not confirm these rumors until after the marriage had ended. These rumors of Jacobus's infidelity with not only TBD, but also other women continued to persist throughout the marriage, eventually culminating in rumors that [[Ghant|Ghantish noblewoman]], and his sister's lady-in-waiting, [[Marsella Atmos]] had become involved in a secret relationship with Emperor Jacobus by 1999.  


Before the annulment was announced, it became known to the public that Zoe had started spending her time at Villa d'Iulia Concordia in Utica, while Emperor Jacobus had often taken to retreats in either [[Adrianople]] or [[Ravenna]]. Church and state documents regarding Zoe's annulment have not yet been released, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty as to which individual initiated the annulment. However, it is unlikely that any records pertaining to the annulment will ever be fully disclosed. While Zoe suffered from a lack of popularity as Empress, she saw a sharp increase in support and sympathy once the news was first announced by Imperial Offices. The announcement was made on 2 January 2000, stating the annulment was dealt with in private and was effective immediately. Neither Zoe nor Jacobus have spoken publicly about the annulment
Before the annulment was announced, it became known to the public that Zoe had started spending her time at Villa d'Iulia Concordia in Utica, while Emperor Jacobus had often taken to retreats in either [[Adrianople]] or [[Ravenna]]. Church and state documents regarding Zoe's annulment have not yet been released, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty as to which individual initiated the annulment. However, it is unlikely that any records pertaining to the annulment will ever be fully disclosed. While Zoe suffered from a lack of popularity as Empress, she saw a sharp increase in support and sympathy once the news was first announced by Imperial Offices. The announcement was made on 2 January 2000, stating the annulment was dealt with in private and was effective immediately. Neither Zoe nor Jacobus have spoken publicly about the annulment


Zoe holds one of the shortest tenure's as senior Empress consort, at just over two years long. She is also the only Latin consort to have a annulment with the monarch.
Zoe holds one of the shortest tenure's as senior Empress consort, at just over two years long. She is also the only Latin consort to have a annulment with the monarch.
==Post-annulment life==
==Post-annulment life==
===University re-enrollment===
===University re-enrollment===
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Zoe has not been involved in any public relationships following her annulment, instead saying that she <nowiki>"wishe[d] to spend time focusing raising [her] children."</nowiki> Zoe annually hosts the Verrucosus Holdings corporate retreat at her home, Villa d'Iulia Concordia in Utica, where her children are often present.
Zoe has not been involved in any public relationships following her annulment, instead saying that she <nowiki>"wishe[d] to spend time focusing raising [her] children."</nowiki> Zoe annually hosts the Verrucosus Holdings corporate retreat at her home, Villa d'Iulia Concordia in Utica, where her children are often present.
==Titles, styles, honors and arms==
==Titles, styles, honors and arms==
* '''11 March 1975 – 29 July 1993:''' ''Lady'' Zoe Verrucosa
* '''11 March 1975 – 29 July 1992:''' ''Lady'' Zoe Verrucosa
* '''3 April 1993 – 29 July 1993:''' ''Her Imperial Highness'' The Princess of Youth
* '''29 July 1992 – 2 February 2000:''' ''Her Imperial Majesty'' The Empress
* '''29 July 1993 – 2 February 2000:''' ''Her Imperial Majesty'' The Empress
* '''2 February 2000 – 13 December 2016:''' ''Lady'' Zoe Verrucosa
* '''2 February 2000 – 13 December 2016:''' ''Lady'' Zoe Verrucosa
* '''13 December 2016 – present:''' ''Her Imperial Majesty'' Empress Zoe Augusta, The Empress Mother
* '''13 December 2016 – present:''' ''Her Imperial Majesty'' Empress Zoe Augusta, The Empress Mother
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|-
|-
| [[Leona of Latium|Princess Leona]]
| [[Leona of Latium|Princess Leona]]
| {{birth date and age|1993|10|31|df=y}}
| {{birth date and age|1992|10|31|df=y}}
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| [[Constantine XX Claudius]]
| [[Constantine XX Claudius]]
| {{birth date and age|1994|9|15|df=y}}
| {{birth date and age|1993|11|15|df=y}}
|  
|  
| [[Alazne Dain]]; had issue.
| [[Alazne Dain]]; had issue.
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|-
|-
| [[Selene of Latium|Selene, Duchess of Saivres]]
| [[Selene of Latium|Selene, Duchess of Saivres]]
| {{birth date and age|1996|12|22|df=y}}
| {{birth date and age|1997|3|22|df=y}}
|  
|  
| [[Audric, Duke of Saivres]]; had issue.
| [[Audric, Duke of Saivres]]; had issue.
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{{S-hou|[[Verrucosa family]]|11 March|1972| | |}}
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Revision as of 18:09, 6 August 2022

Zoe Verrucosa
Augusta
Zoe Verrucosa.jpg
Latin Empress consort
Tenure29 July 1992 – 2 February 2000
Coronation25 December 1997
BornAppia Verrucosa Zoe Damiane Silvia Selene
(1972-03-11) 11 March 1972 (age 52)
Utica, Latium
Spouse
Jacobus VI Claudius
(m. 1992; ann. 2000)
Issue
HouseVerrucosa (by birth)
Claudius (by marriage)
FatherDuke Josephus Verrucosus
MotherDamiane Vitruvia
ReligionReformed Church
Catholicism (formerly)

Zoe Verrucosa, The Empress Mother (Appia Verrucosa Zoe Damiane Silvia Selene; b. 11 March 1972) is a member of the Latin Imperial Family, and mother of Constantine XX Claudius.

Zoe is the youngest child of businessman and former Praeses Senatus, Duke Josephus Verrucosus, and Lady Damiane Vitruvia. Zoe was educated at Pescia Academy, in Adrianople. Zoe first rose to prominence in 1992 after the announcement of her engagement to Jacobus, Prince of Youth – later Jacobus VI Claudius. Though she became Empress in 1993, upon her husband's elevation to junior emperor, she holds one of the shortest tenures as sole Empress consort, from 1997 until her marriage ended in annulment in 2000. Zoe had four children over the course of her marriage: Leona, Constantine, who is now Emperor Constantine XX Claudius; Michael; and Selene.

Zoe graduated from Galata College, Haenna with a degree in business and economics. She served the Chairwoman for the Board of Directors for Verrucosus Holdings, of which her family owns a controlling ownership interest from 2009 until 2017. She is also president or chair for a number of charities, including a seat on the board of regents of the University of Haenna, and the University of Ascanium. Since 2017, she has undertaken numerous imperial and state duties on her son's behalf, and was granted the honorific of Augusta.

Early Life and education

Zoe was born on 11 March 1972 to the Duke Josephus Verrucosus, former Consul of Latium, and his wife Damiane Vitruvia at Villa d'Iulia Concordia, in Utica, Latium. She has three older brothers John and Florentine, and three older sisters Adula, Adriana, and Flora. Zoe was baptized into the Reformed Communion on 2 June 1972 at Sancta Sapientia in Castellum ab Alba. Her god parents were Diana I Augusta (a friend of her mother); John Verrucosus (her elder brother); Constantia of Ravenna (a friend of her mother); and Alexander Vitruvius (her mother's brother).

Education

Zoe's early education was primarily handled by private tutors and lessons from the provost of Empress Alexandra College, Castellum. She was eventually enrolled at Sanctus Gabrielius, a private primary school in Castellum. Zoe began her secondary education at St Gabriel's in Castellum, though attended Pescia Academy boarding school in Adrianople, where she finished her education. Following her graduation, she was admitted to St. Anna's College at the University of Haenna. After her gap year, she began taking entry classes at St. Anna, though dropped her classes one month into the semester before her engagement to then Jacobus, Prince of Youth. In 2002, Zoe re-enrolled at Galata College, graduating with a degree in business and economics.

Marriage

Zoe's personal life was relatively quiet before to her engagement to then Jacobus, Prince of Youth. Before to attending university, Zoe spent two months of her gap year in Lyncanestria and Lihnidos. The remaining time of her gap year, she resided in downtown Castellum at a penthouse owned by her brother John that she shared with four friends, including Brunhilda of Rahdenburg, Anna Julia, and Euphemia Tullia, and occasionally Eirene of Latium. Imperial Office records state that in summer 1992 Zoe first visited the Golden Palace for an imperial mixer prior to the opening ceremony of the year's Ludi Circenses. Records indicate that Zoe received a personal invitation sent by Empress Diana Augusta. This event was the first meeting between Zoe and her future husband, Jacobus.

Engagement and wedding

At 18 years old, Zoe became engaged to then Jacobus, Prince of Youth on 7 February 1992, with the official announcement occurring the following day. Prior to their engagement, there was no announcement of their courtship, and Zoe was widely rumored to be one of Jacobus's mistresses. Zoe dropped out of school only a month into the spring 1993 semester, and moved into Velia House in Castellum as the Prince's official residence. On 30 March 1992, it was revealed that Zoe was expecting the couple's first child. Zoe was 4 months pregnant when she married Jacobus on 3 April 1992. The ceremony was held at Sancta Sapientia and led by Pope Ignatius I. The wedding and reception was attended by over 200 individuals including monarchs and guests from all throughout the world.

Zoe was official given the rank of "princess" and became Princess of Youth immediately following the wedding after the issuance of letters patent by both Empress Diana I Anicia. She became Empress consort on 29 July 1992 following her husband's ascension as junior emperor.

Children and family

Zoe and Jacobus officially resided at Velia House from 1993 until his he became sole emperor in 2000; however, the couple primarily resided at Heraion, in Leonopolis, immediately following the honeymoon. Zoe gave birth to her first child, Leona, on 31 October 1992. Their second child, Constantine, was born on 15 November 1993, at Heraion. Zoe would have two more children over the course of her marriage to Jacobus, Michael and Selene.

Due to the reports of declining health of Leo X Claudius, Zoe and her family would intermittently return to Castellum and Velia House, and at great rates after 1997. Both Zoe and her husband led numerous imperial duties during this time, including representing Latium along with her husband on any foreign visits he would undertake. She was present for the State Opening of the Senate in 1996, which was the first time in recorded history that a reigning monarch did not open the Senate themselves.

As Empress

Zoe as Empress in early 1998.

Zoe became the first wife of a junior emperor to be coronated, when she and her husband were coronated on 25 December 1997.

Zoe had mixed popularity as Empress, with many associating her with having a cold demeanor. Courtiers, in Leonopolis, and later Castellum, note that Zoe was overly protective of her children and often tried to keep them isolated from others, and resulted in great conflict within the Imperial family. In June 1998, Empress Diana Augusta made her first public appearance of the year with Jacobus, Zoe and their children for a visit to the Castellum Zoo. The appearance was soon wrought with controversy as Zoe was photographed preventing her son, Prince Constantine, from taking a photograph with his father and grandmother. Imperial Offices managed to end publication of the story through lex maiestas laws.

Annulment

Rumors of Jacobus's infidelity plagued the marriage from the beginning. Though not yet engaged at the time, Jacobus fathered an illegitimate daughter, with Sibylla of Sydalon, who was born in August 1993. Jacobus was known to maintain a number of mistresses at his court in Leonopolis, which reportedly Zoe turned a blind eye to until TBD was reportedly born to Jacobus in MONTH YEAR. Jacobus did not confirm these rumors until after the marriage had ended. These rumors of Jacobus's infidelity with not only TBD, but also other women continued to persist throughout the marriage, eventually culminating in rumors that Ghantish noblewoman, and his sister's lady-in-waiting, Marsella Atmos had become involved in a secret relationship with Emperor Jacobus by 1999.

Before the annulment was announced, it became known to the public that Zoe had started spending her time at Villa d'Iulia Concordia in Utica, while Emperor Jacobus had often taken to retreats in either Adrianople or Ravenna. Church and state documents regarding Zoe's annulment have not yet been released, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty as to which individual initiated the annulment. However, it is unlikely that any records pertaining to the annulment will ever be fully disclosed. While Zoe suffered from a lack of popularity as Empress, she saw a sharp increase in support and sympathy once the news was first announced by Imperial Offices. The announcement was made on 2 January 2000, stating the annulment was dealt with in private and was effective immediately. Neither Zoe nor Jacobus have spoken publicly about the annulment

Zoe holds one of the shortest tenure's as senior Empress consort, at just over two years long. She is also the only Latin consort to have a annulment with the monarch.

Post-annulment life

University re-enrollment

Following the annulment, Zoe re-enrolled in university, and began attending classes at St. Anna's College at the University of Haenna. While at St. Anna, Zoe focused her studies on business and entered into the business program during her second year. Zoe was notorious for skipping classes to spend time with her children, which was regularly documented by the press, causing her grades to slip. She avoided falling into academic issues or probation, and eventually graduated in 2003 with honors. Between her first and second years, and again between her second and third years, Zoe became more involved with her family's business, and had secured a position immediately following her graduation from St Anna's.

Business ventures

Ascension of Constantine XX

Public life

During her tenure as Empress, Zoe became the chief patron to over a hundred charities, most of which she continued to be a patron of after her annulment. Some of these charities include: Latin Youth Sports Association, Ascanium Youth Symphony, Utica National Opera and Orchestra, National Cancer Association, Imperial Orchestra, Foundation for the Blind, National Society, among others. Zoe also served as the president or honorary chair of a number of non-profits including the Women's Rights Organization, Saint Adeodatus Community, among others.

In 2005, Zoe was transferred ownership of Villa d'Iulia Concordia, the Verrucosus familial estate from her mother. Zoe has resided at the estate since 2005, though owns a number of properties throughout Latium and neighboring countries. In July 2016 purchased a penthouse in the City of Castellum.

Zoe has not been involved in any public relationships following her annulment, instead saying that she "wishe[d] to spend time focusing raising [her] children." Zoe annually hosts the Verrucosus Holdings corporate retreat at her home, Villa d'Iulia Concordia in Utica, where her children are often present.

Titles, styles, honors and arms

  • 11 March 1975 – 29 July 1992: Lady Zoe Verrucosa
  • 29 July 1992 – 2 February 2000: Her Imperial Majesty The Empress
  • 2 February 2000 – 13 December 2016: Lady Zoe Verrucosa
  • 13 December 2016 – present: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Zoe Augusta, The Empress Mother

Honors

  •  Latium: Dame of the Ancient Equestrian Order St.AlexanderOrder-ribbon.svg
  •  Latium: Dame of the Order of the Golden Eagle Order of Isabella the Catholic - Sash of Collar.svg
  •  Latium: Knight of the Order of the Ram Red ribbon bar - general use.svg
  •  Latium: Dame Grand Cross of the Most Noble Order of St. Maria Order of the Most Holy Annunciation BAR.svg

Foreign honors

Issue

Name Date of birth Date of death Spouses
Jacobus VI Claudius:
Princess Leona (1992-10-31) 31 October 1992 (age 32)
Constantine XX Claudius (1993-11-15) 15 November 1993 (age 31) Alazne Dain; had issue.
Michael, Duke of Entella (1995-07-12) 12 July 1995 (age 29) Blanca of Garza
Selene, Duchess of Saivres (1997-03-22) 22 March 1997 (age 27) Audric, Duke of Saivres; had issue.

Ancestry

See also

Zoe Verrucosa
Born: 11 March 1972
Latin royalty
Preceded by
Marie-Christine of Épernon
Latin Empress consort
1993–2000
Succeeded by
Marsella Atmos