It’s coming to an end in Easter 1560!
this is just me being terribly late to everything 😅
It’s coming to an end in Easter 1560!
I also plan to end my ancient empire TL when the divergence from real history ehds.It’s coming to an end in Easter 1560!
AMAZING chapter, @EdwardRex!Frankfurt, May 1555: Archduchess Eleanor of Austria died of old age. She was aged 76. She was also the last surviving child of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Emma (as her sister Johanna had died in 1548). Her children organized a lavish funeral for her and she was laid to rest beside her husband at Frankfurt Cathedral.
Vienna, July 1555: Meanwhile, Charles V also became seriously ill and on the brink of death, lingering on long enough to write a detailed will. He gave much of his personal fortune to charity. He also gave many personal artifacts to relatives, such as his brothers, Leopold and Maximilian, and their children. He finally died at the end of July. His son Maximilian became Emperor Maximilian III.
Rome, December 1555: Emperor Maximilian III was crowned in a lavish ceremony with his wife Emma of Brittany in Rome by Pope Leo X. They decided to spent Christmas at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Emperor Maximilian III and Empress Emma stayed for the the Feast of St. Stephen (December 26th). When Emma kneeled to pray at once of the Vatican’s many chapels, she has a vision of her late namesake in Heaven. Saint Emma’s message was brief but meaningful, “My daughter, wife of my beloved great-grandson, Maximilian, I have a message for you! God has commanded me to tell you that, very soon, there will be two Great Miracles! No one, unless they are very hard of heart and unrepentant, will be able to deny that it is directly from God and for the betterment of humanity. My canonization must be finished by Easter 1560. That is the date of the Second Great Miracle. Pray always, and think about the Passion of Jesus.”
Empress Emma the Younger then ran through the halls of the papal palace of the Castel Gondolfo to the apartments of Pope Leo. Upon awakening him, she dictated the Saint’s message to him. Investigations into Emma’s cause for sainthood begin, and she was quickly declared a Blessed.
Vienna, April 1556: Rudolf of Austria, grandson of the late Archduchess Eleanor, began to have visions of the past and future. He also took an interest in astrology and astronomy. Inspired by Empress Emma’s vision, he was given special visions from God concerning both past and present events. These visions were similar to those given to Sister Anne Boleyn. These visions were not apparitions, and they never contained any verbal message. Rudolf also had the incredible gift of bi-location. Few saints have this gift. They are able to be in two places at once. Pope Pius II managed to appear in England to his sister-in-law, Margaret of Lancaster, while he was Sovereign Pontiff in Rome. Spurred on by one such locution, his final son was named Milan, since Rudolf claimed to visited the city bi-location the day before the baby’s birth. Rudolf had never been very devout, unlike his brother who had given up everything to become a priest, but this increased his faith and he became a very pious and humble man.
Emperor Maximilian and his Empress employed their cousin as the official Court Astrologer. Rudolf soon claimed to see Two Great Miracles. He described them in a letter to the author of this chronicle. “I understood there will be Two Great Miracles. The first one will occur in 3 places in the world. Every person near these sanctuaries will be cured of any illness they may have, even if it is incurable. Many people will die of joy upon seeing the permanent sign that will rest upon these places. The Second Great Miracle will be a great celebration, full of joy and life. It will be in the Eternal City (Rome). Christ will show Himself to the the world.”
Vienna, June 1558: Archbishop Antonín Brus commissioned a special translation of the Bible in German, following on the translator work of Martin Luther and his daughter, Marie Eleanore. A preliminary edition of the Chronicles are also printed.
Rome, August 1558: And at the same time, an ecumenical council was called to settle some doctrines that were being debated. Pope Leo infallibly declared two Marian dogmas: Mary’s Immaculate Conception (confirmed by Our Lady of Lourdes in 1514, “I am the Immaculate Conception”), and Mary’s Assumption into Heaven. This came the same day as the First Great Miracle, announced by Sister Bernadette 8 days in advance. Doctrines concerning the heresies of “once saved, always saved” and “by faith alone” were also denounced. Finally, it was declared that “without the Church there is no salvation”. Pope Leo died during the council and a new Pope was elected. He was Henry of Saxony, now Pope Clement VII was elected. Seer Rudolf declared he was the Angelic Shepherd who has long been predicted by many Catholic saints. Clement had a sign of the Cross miraculously imprinted on his forehead.
Vienna, April 1559: Archduke Maximilian, having completed his eduction in Sienna, returned to his parent’s Court to wed his bride, Princess Cecily of England. Maximilian was cultured, wise, and patient. Cecily was vibrant and charming. They got on well. Cecily also befriended her new family, and Empress Emma held many ballroom dances for the Court, featuring her own daughters and Archduchess Cecily. However, these dances ended when it became obvious that Cecily was pregnant.
Vienna, January 1560: Princess Cecily gave birth to Archduke Maximilian’s firstborn son, Archduke Rudolf. He was named after his kinsman, Rudolf the Seer. While Emperor Maximilian had to stay behind to rule his country, Empress Emma and her two youngest daughters, Archduchesses Maria and Barbara (along with Rudolf the Seer, of course) decided to visit Rome for the Great Jubilee (the Second Great Miracle).
I, the author of this chronicle, have been instructed to reveal my name for the release of the Chronicle. I am Marie-Eleanore Luther. I was born in 1502, to Martin and Eleanore Luther. My mother died in childbirth with me. My father, became very devout after her death and was a faithful servant of the Church until his death. I myself grew up in the service of Empress Emma, the Saint, whom I loved very much. After her death, I became a religious sister, though I still hold much independence and am not cloistered. I knew many of the people in this Chronicle. I would like to state that I am simply a servant of truth, which is what I have conveyed here. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thank you!AMAZING chapter, @EdwardRex!
Great chapter!1556
Greece
Princess Margret sails to Castile to wed Prince Juan. The Princess is reluctant but sees no way out of the arrangement. She does however insist on bringing her vast collection of books with her. She prays that her husband will prove understanding of her needs and not just view her as an oven for baking sons/an outlet for his base desires.
Isabella of Pamplona gives birth to her final child. The baby is a girl named Margret after the late Queen. Her husband had hoped for another son but will treasure the little girl regardless.
Cyprus
Theodoros Giustinani and Catherine the Younger welcome their first child, a son who is named Theodoros after his father.
Helena and Francesco welcome a son who is named Giovanni after Francesco's father. Francesco adores his newborn boy and is a good stepfather to Helena's other children. At long last the famed dressmaker of Cyprus has the happy home life she has always dreamed of.
1557
Greece
Prince John weds Princess Isabella of Portugal in a magnificent ceremony at Mystras. After the wedding, the couple pays a visit to the tombs of John's ancestors. They pay their respects at the tomb of Catherine of Portugal, whose marriage to Constantine first allied the Greeks with the Iberians. Deeply religious, Isabella is keen to pray at the tombs of Catherine's husband Constantine XI, and her daughter Theodora both of whom are under consideration for Sainthood.
Isabella continues to demonstrate her exceptional piety, wearing modest clothes, donating to the poor, and praying frequently. She is especially keen to tend to the sick, believing her own miraculous healing gave her a calling to care for them. Her people love her, as do her in-laws. She takes a special liking to her simple and gentle sister-in-law Isabella.
Her husband for his part is confused. He loves her beauty, in response to her desire to wear less ostentatious clothing he told her he wished she never wore any clothing at all. She proceeded to scold him sharply.
This brings us to his problem with her. Isabella's maturity and dignity make him feel like a child. Though kind to her husband, Isabella is not afraid to scold him for his bad habits. She lectures him about drinking too much and staying up too late. She tells him off when he kisses or tries to paw at her in public, even though in John's mind she should be flattered. She insists on praying just before and just after their nightly couplings. John can tell how much she enjoys their nights together and teases her incessantly. Isabella’s face turns bright red and she mutters about her duties as a wife. John’s parents cannot help but be amused by the couple's antics, a blooming love so similar to their own. As winter approaches Isabella confides in her sisters that she believes she is expecting a child. They agree to hide it from John until Christmas time, believing the news will be the perfect present. John is happy to hear of it, kissing Isabella and holding her tightly when she tells him. However, he becomes more irritated when he finds out his sisters knew about it before he did.
Cyprus
In both Greece and Cyprus, a new hybrid culture is taking shape. The Greeks are adopting the Cypriot practices of tourney and chivalry while the Cypriots increasingly wear Greek dress and view themselves as heirs to the Roman Empire and the civilization of the classical world. Children are increasingly given names harkening back to the classical world. Greek art and letters flourish.
1558
Greece
Isabella spends her pregnancy fervently praying for a healthy boy. She visits as many religious shrines as she is able to in her condition. She is especially fond of praying at the tomb of her ancestor, Catherine of Portugal, who she prays will intercede and protect her baby. John cannot stand to see his wife so serious. He gently teases her and jests about how their son will come out a monk. But he really does care for his wife, granting her every favor and comfort. The couple are closely bonded and by the time the birth nears, truly in love.
Isabella's labor starts during a thunderstorm. Her screams linger with the crack of thunder to make a horrible sound that none involved shall ever forget. Her sister-in-law Isabella Paleologos is driven to hysterical weeping, requiring comfort from her mother and her sister Theodora. It seems like the Princess will be unable to push the child out and both will perish. However, she finds an unexpected reserve of strength and delivers a healthy and plump girl. Once she recovers she insists that she was saved by the intercession of Catherine of Portugal. She demands that her daughter be named Catherine. A grateful Constantine readily agrees.
Cyprus
All of Helena’s children and grandchildren return to Cyprus to be with her. She is ill and they fear she will die. She is happy to see them but believes she has a few more years left. Isabella is distraught at the thought of living without her longtime partner but Helena tells her to look towards her children and grandchildren for comfort.
1559
Greece
It does not take long after Catherine’s birth for Isabella to fall pregnant again. This time things are much easier for her. When not with her husband and daughter she spends her time in the company of her sisters-in-law. Isabella easily delivers her child, a son, whom John names Constantine after his father. The boy is strong and healthy. The vast Paleologos family dotes on little Constantine, the future of the dynasty and heir to a most illustrious name.
Constantine decides to strengthen the ties between the branches of the Paleologos family. His second son Baldwin weds Hercules’s daughter Eudoxia. The Normally quiet and unassuming Baldwin goes absolutely crazy over his new bride, to the great amusement of his brother John. Eudoxia is flattered at all the attention but she confesses in a letter to her sister Elanor that she finds her husband a bit immature, almost puppy-like in his devotion, "although I shall certainly endeavor to be a kind master to this most devoted hound". Soon enough Eudoxia falls pregnant. Just before New Year, the couple welcomed a son. Baldwin, not offended in the slightest at being once again upstaged by his brother, names the boy Andreas after his grandfather. Eudoxia is touched at the way Baldwin dotes on her and her child. She reflects that she is lucky to have married such a man.
Cyprus
Anne, the daughter of Princess Isabella of Greece and Theodoros Giustiniani the elder, weds Cesare of Monferrato, the daughter of Philip and Emma Borgia. Helena summons the strength to attend her grandson’s special day. The couple prove to be well matched, to the relief of all, especially Princess Isabella, who could not bear the idea of her only daughter entering into an unhappy marriage.
1560
Greece
Princess Theodora prepares to sail for Italy to wed Peter the heir to Milan, she will not be going alone. The Greek court has received word that the Pope has announced a great jubilee. King Constantine and Queen Elanor will sail alongside their daughter. The whole family will go with them, with Hercules once again being made regent.
The King and Queen know that many important people will travel to Italy for the jubilee and they are keen to build alliances. Elanor also hopes to see friends and relatives.
Isabella of Portugal is reluctant to be parted from her small children but eager to see the papal ceremony. She is also very happy for her sister-in-law Theodora. John for his part is determined to protect his little sister. He is also keen to do his best to represent the Greek Kingdom, alongside his parents.
Baldwin was reluctant to come along but his ambitious wife Eudoxia urged him on. She hopes to find a match for their child in Italy.
Princess Isabella clings tightly to her younger sister Theodora. She cannot bear the thought of being parted from her best friend and caretaker. She begs her mother to be allowed to remain in Italy with Theodora. The King and Queen agree, but only if Theodora’s husband can be persuaded to keep her.
Theodora herself as always thinks of others first. She spends more time comforting her anxious sister than thinking of her impending marriage. When she does think of Alfonso it is with nervousness and resignation. She has done her duty as a daughter and sister and so she will do her duty as a wife, no matter how her husband treats her. A small part of her, after spending her whole life caring and giving love to others, hopes that Alfonso will in turn love and adore her, but she dares not hope for too much.
Thirteen-year-old Elanor is as proud and haughty as ever. She is growing into a great beauty and takes pleasure in the attention she is getting from boys. Of course, she knows she must be pious, but in her heart of hearts, she hopes to wear a glamorous dress and meet someone handsome at the jubilee. Despite her self-centered nature, she does care for her older sister Isabella. Theodora has made her take an oath to care for their older sister once she leaves for her marriage. Elanor agrees, but she figures she will have to pawn her off to one of her sisters-in-law. For her mother will surely get a glamorous foreign match for her namesake.
Young Thomas and Andreas are eager to meet the chivalry of Europe. Andreas has even shown interest in joining the Knights Hospitaller. His father has promised him that if he does he will rise to become Grand Master. Young Thomas idolizes his brother John and vows to follow him to the gates of Hell. His mother tells him not to swear.
Their youngest child Richard is a good boy, well adapted to his future role as a priest. He is very clingy towards his mother and happy that he will not have to leave her for many years.
The family arrives in Naples where they are greeted by their Neopolitan cousins, including an extremely aged Eudoxia Paleologos, who is overjoyed to see her kin one last time.
After spending time in Naples they head to Rome, where they are reunited with the aged Cardinal Martin and Constantine’s brother Bishop Pious. Despite their differences, the two brothers embrace after a long time apart. Young Richard is eager to meet his kin and Martin, though he has no children of his own, takes joy at this new addition to his family.
They also meet their Borgia kin, the family of Theodora’s daughter Theophano and her husband Romulus.
In Rome, they meet with the Milanese. Alfonso and Theodora are wed. The heir to Milan is tall and handsome and an embarrassed Theodora admits to her mother that he makes her heart race. He is formal with her, not sure what to make of this young girl who is to be his for life, but Theodora feels safe and loved in his big strong arms. It is enough for her family. It turns out they will be leaving two daughters in Italy, Alfonso agrees to Theodora’s request to let her sister with her. An overjoyed Theodora plants an impromptu kiss on her husband in gratitude. Any hopes of intimacy are interrupted by her sister Isabella who embraces them both in a tight hug, a breach of etiquette only forgiven by her simple nature.
The whole family, even the rowdy boys, and prideful Elanor are moved by the young couple in love. A perfect symbol of new life this Easter.
Cyprus
Helena and Isabella sail to Rome to present their official history to the Church. Helena is once again ill but determined to live long enough to see her work presented to the world. Isabella cares little about receiving any public recognition but is determined to support her sister-in-law and love through thick and thin.
Helena’s children all travel to Rome with her to show their support for their ailing mother.
Isabella is also accompanied by her daughter Catherine and grandchildren.
Helena has a series of tearful reunions with her siblings, Eudoxia and Martin. Many speak of the great Queen Theodora but only they remember and love her as their mother.
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This narrative is based on a chronicle crafted by multiple authors who have compiled sources from across the relevant period. The writers include Helena Giustinani, Helena of Monferato, Isabella of Savoy, Anne Laskarius, and her husband Francesco Giustinani and their daughter Madeline and Abess Bianca Giustiniani. I thank them for their tireless efforts to record history no matter how inconvenient it might be.
You have no idea how happy this makes me, @EdwardRex. Empress Emma having her feast day on her own birthday is a dream!Kent, September 1556: On the 20th, the birthday (and hypothetical Feast Day) Empress Emma of Brabant, the Princess of Wales was delivered of a daughter. To honor the Princess of Wales herself, along with the deceased Empress, the baby was called Princess Emma of England.
Same girl. Same.You have no idea how happy this makes me, @EdwardRex. Empress Emma having her feast day on her own birthday is a dream!
I was hoping you would like it. I’ll discuss her canonization along with the other saints in the epilouge, but September 20th is her feast day.You have no idea how happy this makes me, @EdwardRex. Empress Emma having her feast day on her own birthday is a dream!
I can't wait to see it.I was hoping you would like it. I’ll discuss her canonization along with the other saints in the epilogue, but September 20th is her feast day.
Thank you for following this timeline till the end.Nice work