Andreas III Anicius

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Andreas III Anicius
Hendrik Merkus Baron de Kock (1779-1845). Legercommandant en na 1826 luitenant-gouverneur-generaal Rijksmuseum SK-A-3796.jpeg
Latin Emperor
Reign19 August 1842 – 15 November 1846
Coronation19 August 1842
PredecessorMichael VII Gentilius
SuccessorTheophylactus I Anicius
Born(1789-08-30)30 August 1789
Palatium Blachernia, Blachernia, Latium
Died5 November 1846(1846-11-05) (aged 57)
Villa Ravennae, Ravenna, Latium
Burial
Imperial Crypt, Palatine, Castellum ab Alba
Spouse
Octavia Lucilia (m. 1813)
Issue
  • Constantine Anicius
Full name
Gaius Anicius Probus Andreas Felix
Regnal name
Imperator Anicius Probus Andreas Felix Caesar Augustus
HouseAnicius
FatherConstantine Anicius
MotherPrincess Maria of Latium
ReligionFabrian Catholic

Andreas III Anicius (Gaius Anicius Probus Andreas 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 Emperor Michael IV Gentilius by the 1842 Grand Council. He was the eldest son of nobleman Constantine Anicius and his wife Princess Maria of Latium, making Andreas the grandson of Emperor Andreas II Gentilius.

Andreas served in the Latin Navy during his youth and was stationed in Belfras from 1807 to 1812, resulting in the nickname "Belfrasian Sailor". In 1813, he married Octavia Lucilia, and together they had one child, Constantine, who died in 1835. Andreas first came to prominence when he fostered his nephews, Theophylactus and Thomas, despite their humble and impoverished. During the waning years of Michael IV's reign, Andreas was regarded as a possible claimant to the throne as Michael lacked any lawful heirs. In the ensuring succession crisis and Grand Council, Andreas 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 IV in the female line.

Andreas is regarded as a reluctant emperor who's personal popularity was constantly surpassed by his nephew and heir – the future Theophylactus. Despite this, Andreas 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.