Andreas III Anicius
Alexander III | |||||
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Latin Emperor (more...) | |||||
Reign | 19 August 1842 – 15 November 1846 | ||||
Coronation | 19 August 1842 | ||||
Predecessor | Michael VII | ||||
Successor | Theophylactus I Augustus | ||||
Born | Palatium Blachernae, Blachernae, Latium | 30 August 1789||||
Died | 5 November 1846 Villa Ravennae, Ravenna, Latium | (aged 57)||||
Burial | Imperial Crypt, Palatine, Castellum ab Alba | ||||
Spouse | Octavia Lucilia (m. 1813) | ||||
Issue |
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House | Anicius | ||||
Father | Constantine Anicius, 10th Marchis of Karia | ||||
Mother | Princess Maria of Latium | ||||
Religion | Fabrian Catholic |
Alexander III (Gaius Anicius Probus Alexander Felix Caesar; 30 August 1739 – 5 November 1846) was Latin Emperor from 19 August 1842 until his death in 15 November 1846. He was the first Monarch of the Anicii dynasty, chosen as the lawful heir of Michael VII by the 1842 Grand Council. He was the eldest son of Latin peer Constantine Anicius, 10th Marchis of Karia, and his wife Princess Maria of Latium, making Alexander the grandson of Latin Emperor Andreas III.
Alexander served in the Latin navy during his youth and was stationed in Belfras from 1807 to 1812, resulting in the nickname "Belfrasian Sailor". From his birth until his succession to the throne, he was styled as Count of Tusculum. In 1813, he married Octavia Lucilia, and together they had one child, Constantine, who died in 1835. Alexander first came to prominence when he fostered his nephews, Theophylactus and Thomas, despite their humble and impoverished . During the waning years of Michael VII's reign, Alexander was regarded as a possible claimant to the throne as Michael lacked any lawful heirs. In the ensuring succession crisis and Grand Council, Alexander was one of at least six candidates, including his cousin Prince Leo of Ghant, over whom he was determined to be the lawful successor despite being a cousin to Michael VII in the female line.
Alexander is regarded as a reluctant emperor who's personal popularity was constantly surpassed by his nephew and heir – the future Theophylactus. Despite this, Alexander is credited for shaping Theophylactus and making the first steps towards the modern-Latin government, and oversaw the restoration and expansion of the Palace of Augustus in Castellum.