Paul, Tsesarevich of Velikoslavia

Herakleios
Despotes of the Tarsan Empire (more...)
Herakleios at his 14th birthday party
Born	(2004-01-05) 5 January 2004 Neapolis, Tarsas
Full name 'Herakleios Romulus Kaligoúlas
House	House of Kaligoúlas
Father	Romulus X Autokrator
Mother	Florentia Belliena
Religion	Eastern Orthodox

Herakleios Romulus Kaligoúlas is heir-apparent to the Sapphire Throne of the Hellenic Empire. Upon inheriting the throne, he will be the 56th Emperor of All Hellenic People. Born in 2004 as the first child of the newly married Romulus and Florentia Belliena, Herakleios was officially recognized as the Despotes, or Heir-Apparent, of the Hellenic Empire. He is currently being educated in the Aftokratorikó Panepistímio in the same manner as his father. He is approaching his 15th birthday and will be accepted as full heir when he reaches 15 when he will be eligible to inherit.

Early Life

Birth

Herakleios was born on January 5, 2005 in the Sebatas Palace in Neapolis in the Kaligoúlas ancestral city. His mother and father both went for an extended period of time to stay together for his birth. This was a break from tradition where the Autokrareira would journey alone with a significant number of nurses and other staff and give birth, spending six to eight weeks with the baby before returning to court. The couple arrived on January 1 and Herakleios was born four days later. The baby weighed six pounds eight ounces upon his birthday and was dedicated to Titanus by the priest. The couple spent an additional six weeks at the palace bonding with the baby. In another break with tradition, they took him back to court with them instead of sequestering him far away with a governess. It was said that this was a personal request by Florentia and this pattern was repeated with every successive child. <imgur w="250" thumb="yes" comment="Sebatas Palace in Neopolis where Herakleios was born">groTsFH.jpg</imgur> In March of 2005, he was taken to the Noble Archives where he was officially registered as Herakleios Romulus Kaligoúlas Dēspotes, Heir-Apparent to the Sapphire Throne of the Hellenic Empire. He was issued his arms two weeks later.

Adolescents and Education

The young Prince was raised from his birth in the Argios Palace where he spent his toddler years. He was known as an inquisitive and rambunctious child who asked many questions and thought carefully about his actions. At age 3, he started his formal education under private tutors at the palace school where he received high marks. By the age of 6, he showed a good command of Hellenic and was beginning to learn Latin. He began to be involved with numerous sporting leagues from the age of 7. Herakleios showed proficiency in soccer and pitz, playing in several leagues for noble boys. By age 9, he had graduated to wider leagues playing in the Civitas Tarsae Youth Soccer League and the Thrakios Youth Pitz Team. By the age of 13, Herakleios showed significant proficiency in his subjects, commanding an above average mastery of Hellenic and Latin for his age. On his 14th birthday, he began to shadow his father during sessions of the Imperial Court and many of his council sessions with the Council of Nine.

Personal Life

Herakleios is a Tarsan Pagan though is not practicing officially. Rumors abound throughout the palace that he airs more towards his mother's religion with some going as far to claim that he secretly converted to Alban Christianity. Publicly, the Prince has stated that he "isn't bothered who is more right or wrong at this point in my life". Herakleios is often seen with his uncle, Titus Kaligoúlas-Fabios, who is close to his age. He has spent several summers at the estates of his uncle in Aequum where the two have been seen participating in go-kart and automobile racing and working at the Kaisar's successful auto shop.

Herakleios has shown little interest in participating in the Hellenic Senate and its activities other than learning about it during his education. He has, however, shown a significant interest in the military and its affairs. He spends some of his time away from the palace touring Legionary military installations. This has been a moral boost to many of the facilities he has visited due to his inquisitive nature and active interest in the soldier's activities. At age 13, he was allowed to dedicate the new Legionary Field Hospital in Castra Legionis.

Though not formally of age, it is rumored that the prince has been seen with Iris Scythas, the third daughter of Nearchus Scythas, 3rd Duke of Castra Legionis. Though the two have not formally announced anything, Herakleios has been seen on several occasions spending time with the lady at Court. He has also publicly stated that he supports his the decision of Titus to go his own way and not take a female consort. He has also been allowed to travel significantly since turning 13 with a trip to Latium, where he met his third cousin once removed, Latin Emperor Constantine XX. It was rumored that the prince was very taken by his cousin and has recently come to somewhat idolize him. He also visited Vannois, Lyncanestria, and Lihnidos.

It has been announced that Herakleios will have his coming of age ceremony on his next birthday when he turns 15. He will be fully recognized in his position and can legally inherit the full responsibilities of the throne should it fall to him.

Titles, Styles, Honors, and Arms

Decorations

• Order of the Tower and the Sword - Grand Officer

Arms

Herakleios has had two arms, his birth arms and his designated arms once entering his full responsibilities.

Coat of arms of Herakleios, Despotes of Tarsas and Prince of Falcons(2018–Current)

Ancestry

Family of Paul, Tsesarevich of Velikoslavia

16. Maximus I of Tarsas 8. Diocetus I of Tarsas 17. Augusta Anacomas Autokrateira 4. Marcus II of Tarsas 18. Cornelius Urbanos, 24th Duke of Rhegium 9. Sabina Urbanos 19. Fausta Urbanos 2. Romulus X of Tarsas 20. Prince Jorin of Iotopha 10. Jorin, Crown Prince of Iotopha 21. Princess Ashti Hazaraspid 5. Princess Lorîn of Iotopha 22. Nathan III of Ghant 11. Princess Alaia of Ghant 23. Princess Edaalya of Onneria 1. Herakleios, Despotes of Tarsas 24. Stephen Bellienus, 1st Lord of Durocortorum 12. Adrian Bellienus, 3rd Lord of Durocortorum 25. Constantia Anicia 6. Constantine Bellienus, 4th Lord of Durocortorum 26. Leo Terentius, 8th Lord of Onuba 13. Silvia Terentia 27. Agnes Vispasia-Potaissi 3. Florentia Belliena 14. Adeodatus Aurelius 7. Maria Aurelia 15. Theodora Corva