Jacobus VI Claudius
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| Jacobus VI Claudius | |||||||||
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| Duke of Adrianople | |||||||||
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| Latin Emperor Perateian Emperor | |||||||||
| Reign | 29 July 1993 – 3 November 2016 (alone from 1 January 2000) | ||||||||
| Acclamatio | 29 July 1993 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Diana I Anicia | ||||||||
| Successor | Constantine XX Claudius | ||||||||
| Born | 15 December 1962 Palatium Augusti, Palatine, Castellum ab Alba | ||||||||
| Died | 3 November 2016 (aged 53) Palace of Augustus, Palatine, Castellum | ||||||||
| Burial | 12 November 2016 Imperial Crypt, Palatine, Castellum | ||||||||
| Spouse |
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| Issue Among others | |||||||||
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| Dynasty | Claudius | ||||||||
| Father | Leo Claudius, Duke of Adrianople | ||||||||
| Mother | Diana I Anicia | ||||||||
| Religion | Imperial Church (Catholicism) | ||||||||
Jacobus VI Augustus (Imperator Gaius Claudius Anicius Sabinus Anicius Iason Felix Alexander Hadrianus Caesar Augustus; 15 December 1962 – 3 November 2016) was 117th Latin Emperor, reigning from May 1997 until his death in November 2016.
Jacobus was born at the Palace of Augustus, in Castellum, as the eldest son of Latin Empress Diana Augusta and Leo X Claudius, making Jacobus the grandson Constantine XIX, as well as Jacobus Claudius, Duke of Adrianople. He was educated at Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis, and later Academia Militaris Olympia, becoming the first Latin heir apparent to earn a university degree. He served a year in the Latin Army, as a member of the Legio XVII Dianae. In 1980 he was made Count Palatine of Adrianople and the North from 1991 until 1993; and Count of the East from 1990 to 1993.
He was made co-monarch on 29 July 1993 after being elevated by his mother Diana Augusta. Jacobus became sole emperor on 1 January 2000, when his mother Diana I Augusta abdicated. While not without his controversies, Jacobus was noted for his high popularity among Latins following his actions during the two major senatorial crises that took place early in his reign: The Group of Ten crisis and the 2000 electoral fraud investigations. In both instances, Jacobus's quick action and subsequent push for reforms were key in reintroducing faith among the citizenry in the electoral process and imperial government. However, Jacobus would have detractors from his reign after his repeated clashes with the Fabrian Church and numerous reports of infidelity. Most notably among his differences with the church surrounded his divorce from his second wife, Zoe Verrucosa, as well as his push for a reversal of his sister's excommunication – both of which he managed to achieve. His reign is generally regarded favorably among most Latins, due to his swift action in the face of political and domestic turmoil.
Jacobus was married three times over the course of his life, and was the only Latin monarch in history to have divorced and remarried. He had eight legitimate children, across three marriages. His first marriage was to Stephania Pinaria, in 1987, from which he had one child: Maria. His second marriage was to Zoe Verrucosa, and lasted from 1993 until a divorce in 1999 and produced four children: Leona, Constantine, Michael and Selene. His final marriage came in 2000 to Ghantish noblewoman Marsella Atmos and resulted in six children: Peter, Polyxena, Olivia, and Philip. Jacobus also had seven acknowledged illegitimate children from four different women.
Jacobus unexpectedly passed away at the age of 52 in November 2016, and was succeeded by his eldest legitimate son, Constantine.
Early Life and education
Jacobus was born at the Palace of Augustus, in Castellum, the second child and first son of Empress Diana I Ancicia and her husband Leo Claudius, Duke of Adrianople on 15 December 1962. Upon his birth he automatically took the titles Duke of Galata, Duke of Velia, He was baptized at Sancta Sapientia in Castellum, and invested as Prince of Youth on Christmas Day in 1962. His godparents were Michael Claudius (his father's uncle); Prince Theophylactus, Duke of Ossonoba (his mother's uncle); Princess Zoe, Duchess of Haenna (his mother's sister); and Anna Claudia (his father's aunt). He was also given the title Imperator Destinatus. He is named for his paternal grandfather Jacobus Claudius, Duke of Adrianople.
Jacobus was primarily raised in Castellum, at the Palace of Augustus, though regularly traveled between Castellum, Ascanium, and Adrianople with his family. He and his sister Princess Isabella were the first members of the Imperial Family to attend formal schooling, though both were tutored by a private governess until the age of thirteen. Jacobus attended Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis through secondary school, though spent the 1978 at Pescia Academy in Adrianople. During secondary school, Jacobus participated in the schools football program, also partaking was an avid golfer. It was in secondary school that he met his future first wife, Stephania Pinaria. Jacobus later remarked that secondary school was "a thrill" for him, and he "enjoyed being around other children his age from very early on."
After completing secondary school, he enrolled at Academia Militaris Olympia, and joined in the Latin military, for his tertiary education. Before attending Olympia, Jacobus spent a gap year traveling Belisaria. While at Olympia, he participated with the university's football team for one season. He graduated in 1984 and earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Jacobus did not actively serve in the Latin Army after graduation as is customary of Olympia students. He became the first Latin heir apparent, and later first Emperor, to earn a university degree. He later admitted that "attending Olympia really helped me toughen up, and taught me that I need to work just as hard as everyone else."
Pre-reign political activities
Prior to his ascension, Jacobus was gradually appointed more and more duties as heir by his mother. Rumors in Castellum were that his mother's health was in a weakened state. These rumors further persisted when Jacobus began to fill in for his father on appearances and state functions. In an effort to combat the rumors, Jacobus was sent to Adrianople where he primarily served as Propraetor of the area and Count Palatine of the Occidens until 1995. In 1996, Jacobus was recalled to Castellum, when concerns of his mother's health began to arose after reports that she underwent surgery. He attended his first session of the Senate on 22 September 1996, much to the surprise of then Consul Justin Seius. Consul Seius commented that Jacobus's attendance was "rather odd, though not unwelcome." However, during the leaks arising from the 1998 Group of Ten cash for honors scandal, documents were discovered where Consul Seius was vocal in party meetings of his displeasure at Jacobus's regular visits to the Senate and sitting in on sessions in lieu of the either of his parents.
Count Palatine
In addition to his role as Count Palatine of Adrianole and the north, Jacobus was named Count Palatine of Perateia by his mother on 22 June 1991. He immediately relocated his family to the Diocese of the East, taking up residence at Lauseion. As Count Palatine, Jacobus was the chief representative of his mother in Perateia, and exercised governance over the local governments. Jacobus's tenure as Count Palatine came to an end in February 1997 as rumors of his mother's health began to spread. Of the end of his time in Perateia, Jacobus said, "It's not something you like to think about. I've greatly enjoyed my time here, and for it to end, and especially on such sudden terms is disappointing."
Reign
Coronation Controversy
Following the death of his father, Jacobus was elevated to co-monarch by his mother, on 12 September 1997, jointly reigning until 1 January 2000. He was coronated on Christmas Day in 1997, which took place at Sancta Sapientia. The event was plagued by controversy, as reports leaked that Empress consort Zoe was strongly pushing to have the event televised, causing a rage among the clergy and Conservative-led government. The situation was further inflamed when it was leaked a week later that Empress Zoe was in negotiations with a number of television networks to host the event, drawing ire from the RAL. Jacobus released a public statement stating that "[these rumors] are exactly that, rumors. There are no plans to televise my coronation...it simply will not occur." His coronation was not televised.
Early reign and senate crises
The first days of Jacobus's reign were wrought with controversy. He was originally co-monarch, reigning along with his mother, Diana, after his father's death; four days later, Diana abdicated. At the time of his ascension, his elder sister Isabella, and her three children were expelled from Ghant following the death of Emperor Alan of Ghant and subsequent appointment of Prince Albert of Ghant as Prince Regent.
The first legislative act signed by Jacobus as sole emperor was the One Man, One Woman Act of 1997. It was signed on 15 September 1997, and outlawed any attempt by county officials to allow same-sex marriage, however he never stated whether he personally supported or was against the bill. It wasn't until 1998 that Jacobus began to further assert himself into the political process, the first instance to deny assent to a legislative act of the Senate which would have privatized the NHS. The action by Jacobus was widely supported by opposition parties in the Senate, also resulting in a large spike in his personal popularity.
It wasn't until the Group of Ten scandal, which was brought to light and exposed by journalists from the RAL News, that Jacobus first began to more actively insert himself into governmental politics. Following the media reports, he promptly ordered an investigation into the matter, which resulted in arrest warrants being issued for Consul Seius, Energy Minister Lucceia, among other members of the Conservative government. Senator Jordana Lucceia was found dead in her office and determined to commit suicide by police investigations. The news of Lucceia's suicide prompted Jacobus to issue pardons for the remaining members of the leadership, but with the caveat that they were ineligible from participating in elections or public life for the remainder of their lives.
The Group of Ten scandal was the first occasion where Jacobus dissolved the Senate before a regularly scheduled election. The 1998 snap election was the first in nearly twenty years, and resulted in the consulship of Nicetas Taronitus, Latium's first Hellene consul in over 120 years. By 2000, the Progressive faction took control of the senate and managed to introduce a series of reforms to make the electoral process more transparent. The Progressives would hold control of the Senate until 2013.
Second decade
The second decade of Jacobus's reign continued with the elected government being dominated by the Progressive Party and the 13 year consulship of Constantine Otacilius. During this period, Jacobus and government promulgated a number of new laws and reforms, most notably the Welfare Reform Acts of 2006, the Healthcare Reform and Revitalization Act of 2002, and had attempted local government reform. The most controversial action of this period was the loosening of restrictions on abortions, and allowed for the activity under certain restrictions. Jacobus had originally threatened to withhold Imperial assent, though would later sign the measure into law after an amendment was added to prevent state funds from being used for procedures.
In fall 2013, Jacobus dissolved the Senate on 18 November 2013 and called for new elections in the new year. On 9 March 2014, his cousin Maria Tarpeia and leader of the Conservative faction gained the Senate majority, and Jacobus appointed her the first female Latin consul. The new consulship saw further deterioration in Jacobus's relationship with church authorities as the Conservative government repeatedly attempted to push through ultra-socially conservative measures, causing Jacobus to withhold assent. He would eventually sign into law the Morality Acts, though sources inside the Palace of Augustus stated that "the Emperor has severe reservations," and the law was never actively enforced. The peak of the government difficulties came when Consul Tarpeia sought to de-fund and privatize the SHM. Jacobus would veto the measure. The Tarpeia consulship came to an abrupt end in February 2016 and would eventually see a more centrist party leader in Alexander Pompilius become consul.
Conflicts with the Church
Throughout his reign, Jacobus had a number of difficulties with the church, which strained Latium's relationship with the Pope and Fabria.
Death
Jacobus VI died unexpectedly on 3 November 2016. His death was announced the following morning, when his body was discovered by his wife Empress Marsella. It was reported that he died in his sleep, but no cause of death has been announced. A nine-day mourning period followed where his coffin rested at the imperial residence at the Palatine until 9 November, after which lying in state at Curia Claudia.
His funeral held on 12 November 2016, at Sancta Sapientia. The event was attended by close family, prominent officials and nobles, as well as representatives from many national governments and foreign royalty. Duke Michael Pinarius, Jacobus's wife Marsella, his mother Empress Diana, and his son Constantine provided eulogies. The Emperor was then entombed at the Imperial Crypt, and laid to rest next to his first wife Stephania Pinaria.
Personal Life
Growing up, Jacobus Augustus was an avid athlete. At age 6 he began playing organized football, and took up golf a year later. While at Olympia, played for the school's football team, initially under the pseudonym Michael Kontostefanos. He would participate on the school's football team for four months until it was leaked to the press he was participating.
Marriage and issue
Jacobus had his first public relationship in these years, when it was officially stated after weeks of speculation that he was dating his future first wife, Stephania Pinaria. The two were wed in 1987 and had their first and only child, Princess Maria, in 1990. Stephania died in an automobile accident in Leonopolis, in July 1991.
On 27 September 1993, Jacobus married Latin noblewoman Zoe Verrucosa, who was believed to be a mistress of his since late 1992. Their engagement was announced in late July. The wedding was held on short notice due to Zoe's pregnancy. Their marriage was plagued with rumors of Jacobus's infidelity and culminated in divorce on 6 January 2000. Over the course of their marriage, Jacobus and Zoe had four children, Princess Leona, the future Constantine XX Claudius, Prince Michael, and Princess Selene. This was the first recorded divorce of a Latin monarch. Details of the divorce or any agreements have not been released.
As his marriage to Verrucosa was ending, Jacobus began openly seeing his mistress, Ghantish noblewoman Marsella Atmos. A month following the divorce, the Imperial household announced that Jacobus and Marsella were engaged. He married Marsella on 5 March 2000. She gave birth to the couple's first children in December 2000, twins Peter and Polyxena. A second daughter, Olivia was born in 2003. In 2005, Marsella gave birth to a daughter, Princess Ophelia, and in 2007 to a final daughter, Princess Oriana. In 2011, Prince Philip was born, twenty days after the birth of Jacobus's first grandchild. Philip is Jacobus's youngest legitimate child.
Mistresses and illegitimate issue
Personality and Perception
Many consider Jacobus Augustus to be a pragmatic leader, which has lead to a great deal of discussion over his popularity. He had a reputation for controversial remarks and off the cuff statements. While little was known in 1997 how he would impact the nation when he was named junior emperor, he has since gained a great deal of popular support for his defense of fair elections and fight against corruption following the Group of Ten Affair which implicated nearly all of the Senate leadership, and later the Latin First voter fraud. His handling of these two events have caused him to receive an overwhelming degree of support.
Though many have criticized him for his actions against the church and infidelity during his second marriage. For the first time in over a hundred years, he removed and appointed a Archbishop of Castellum following a refusal to permit him from remarrying following his divorce with Zoe Verrucosa. Both Imperial Offices and the Archbishop's Camerlengo announced that Archbishop Thomas' departure was due to health concerns he and Jacobus discussed recently. Pope Benedict VIII threatened to excommunicate "any sovereign or government that tampers with internal affairs or members of the clergy." In response, the Senate began to debate a bill that would have required Senatorial approval to see any papal bull or order carried out with in Latium. Talk of excommunication eventually died down following his subsequent marriage to Marsella Atmos and voter fraud crisis that came out of the 2000 general election. In 2006, it was leaked that an executive order of the same language was secretly signed by the him in 1999.
Titles, styles and arms
Titles and Styles
- 15 December 1962 – 20 May 1997: His Imperial Highness The Prince of Youth
- 25 December 1962 – 20 May 1997: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Galata
- 25 December 1962 – 20 May 1997: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Velia
- 1 September 1997 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Adrianople
- in Garza 1 September 1997 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Tolosa
- 20 May 1997 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Majesty The Emperor
Foreign Honors
Belfras: Excellent Collar of the order of Arbe 
Lyncanestria: Grand Cordon and Star of the Most Excellent Order of the Imperial Lion <imgur w="50">RdM1gc8.png</imgur> September 1997
Kostritz: Knight Grand Cross of the Ducal Order of Kostritz 
- File:Flag of Petra.svg Petra: Knight of the Order of the Holy Lance
Rahdenburg: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Rahdenburg 
Sydalon: Knight of the Order of the White Lion 
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Dynastic honors
House of Hazaraspid: Knight of the Order of the Senmurv 
House of Philes: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Golden Bee 
House of Kordvatsi: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Griffin 
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Arms
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Issue
Ancestry
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See Also
Jacobus VI Claudius Born: 15 December 1962 Died: 3 November 2016
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| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Diana Augusta |
Latin Emperor 1997–2016 |
Succeeded by Constantine XX Claudius |
| Latin royalty | ||
| Vacant Title last held by The Prince Alexander
|
Prince of Youth 1962–1997 |
Succeeded by The Prince Constantine later became Emperor Constantine XX |
| Duke of Galata Duke of Velia 1962–1997 | ||
| Nobility of Latium | ||
| Preceded by Leo Claudius |
Duke of Adrianople 1997-2017 |
Succeeded by Constantine XX Claudius |
| Garzan nobility | ||
| Preceded by Leo Claudius |
Duke of Tolosa 1997-2017 |
Succeeded by Constantine XX Claudius |
| Government offices | ||
| Preceded by The Duke Claudius |
Count of the East 1991–1997 |
Succeeded by Constantine Orontes |