Duchess Vittoria Séraphine Clarisse Belaroth
"Treat your vassals with respect, even when they are being difficult. Keep your temper and your wits. Many wars can be avoided by gentle words and firm resolve."
Vittoria is a largely overlooked figure in Ciellan history. Her father was the greatest of the Belaroth dukes, while she spent most of her reign at peace. Both her heir and her heir are considered more exciting figures due to their warlike deeds. Yet it can be argued she is more important than her father. Her reign saw the consolidation of her father's gains. The realm was at peace because she was able to assert her legitimacy as the liege of all other Ciellan nobles. She built the beginnings of a state apparatus and maintained a small standing army. She expanded Ciello, drained many swamps to expand farmlands and combat disease.
Late in her reign many of the vassals attempted to reassert themselves. In 711 defeated the Count of Aldershall when he attempted to seize the city of Reddingfield. While not in open revolt against her, she still moved to counter this move by the Count, as the seizure of the city would have allowed the Counts of Aldershall to challenge the dukes of Ciello in the long run. In 733 the nobles of Lavello and Aldershall revolted. She managed to defeat them decisively. The Duke of Lavello was reduced to a Count, and many of his lands seized, improving the wealth of the Dukes of Ciello later down the line.
spouse
Towards Gérard Sullivan de Vendra
spouse
Towards Vittoria Séraphine Clarisse Belaroth
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