Carolus Constantinopolitanus

Painted ca. 1690

### Spouse

Maria Antonia de Habsburg, Romanorum Despotissa & Archiducissa Austriacus (1669 - Present)

### Issue

Ludovicus Philippus de Anjou-Naples, Imperiale Princeps Optimatoi (1684 - Present)Anna Juliana de Anjou-Naples (1688 - Present)

### Father

Philippus IX & VIII de Anjou-Naples, Imperator & Autocrat Romanorum (1636 - Present)

### Mother

Marie Leopoldine d'Habsbourg, Imperatrix Romanorum (1667 - Present)

### Siblings

Maria Olympia Cecilia de Anjou-Naples, Imperiale Principissa (1665 - Present)Maria Victoria Felicitas de Anjou-Naples, Imperiale Principissa (1668 - Present)

Henricus Ludovici de Anjou-Naples-Nicaeae, Princeps Nicaeae (1662 - Present) \*Half Brother

### Religion

Roman Catholicism

**Carolus Constantinus, Despot of the Romans** (3 August 1660 - Present) is the eldest son and *heir-apparent* of Emperor Philippus IX & VIII and his late spouse, *Maria Leopoldine of Austria*. He was styled as Romanorum Despot at his birth, and remains one of the most popular figures at court.

## Biography

### Birth

Carolus was born on the 3rd of August, 1660, at the Imperial Palace of Daphne, in the Imperial Quarter. His birth was much for celebration, as he was born as the long-awaited *heir-apparent* to the Latin Throne, being the eldest child and son of Emperor Philippus IX & VIII and *Maria Leopoldine of Austria*. Hundreds of courtiers crowded the Galerie d'Artémis outside of the Empress' bedchamber, anxiously awaiting to see the first child of the union. At approximately 4PM, after 16 hours of labor, the healthy Carolus was born into the world. He would be styled as *Despot of the Romans*.

### Early Childhood & Education

The Despot was regarded as intellectually gifted from a young age, though his physical appearance did not receive the same amount of admiration. His lower jaw would slightly potrude outwardly, a key characteristic of the renowned Habsburgs, a house which his mother came from.

The Despot would be given the name "Carolus" upon his baptism in 1661 at Sancta Sapientia. While growing up under his father's reign, he was raised by Antonia Catharina de Pallavinci, the Imperial governess during his his formulative years. At the age of eight, he was given up to male caretakers, where he received an extensive education in classical subjects and literature, art, history, and languages. His courtly education was however filled with military strategy, sword fighting, horsemanship, administration and governing, etiquette, and oratory.

## Court of Philippus IX & VIII

Carolus arrived at court for the first time at the age of fourteen, in 1674. At the time, he was already betrothed to Maria Antonia of Austria, his future wife. As he grew older, he became closer with his father, the Emperor, though had a haughtiness for his adultery. The despot had a disdain against the bastard son born from his father's unfaithfullness, Henricus Ludovici. He made sure to derogate and leave out the Prince of Nicea, making fun of him in his social circle. He denied being blood-related to him and regarded him as inferior to himself.

Growing up at court, the Despot was exposed to the political and social intrigues of the Imperial court from a young age. He quickly learned the art of diplomacy and statecraft, and became skilled at navigating the complex web of relationships and power struggles at court.

The Despot was not afraid to display his wealth, and show off his extravagance. He hosted many lavish balls and parties, as well as countless feasts. He quickly gained a reputation for being fun, witty, and reliable. He eventually grew close with many of the most powerful and influential figures at court. He was friends with many of the other nobles at court, and he was a regular patron of the arts and sciences. He was also known to be a close friend of prominent scholars and philosophers, who were frequent visitors to the Imperial court.

As he received extensive training in horsemanship, Carolus became an avid horseman and enjoyed hunting. He also enjoyed reading, and was known to be particularly interested in history and military strategy. He excelled at numerous things, though failed to master the lute, violin, and harpsichord.

## Personality

In terms of Personality, the Despot was known for his wit, charm, and natural leadership abilities. He was well-liked by both the courtiers and the general population. He was also known for his ambitious and strategic thinking, which he would later demonstrate as Colonel-General of Sicily.

## Titles, Styles, and Honours

* **Romanorum Despot** - 3 August 1660 - Present