… between fathering children, he ruled 2 countries. In 1805, Napoleon sent Joseph, his eldest younger brother, as head of the army to Rome. In 1806, Joseph invaded Rome and Italy, and overthrew King Ferdinand of Naples AND the British.
Napoleon was so happy, he made Joseph King of Naples and Sicily. Joseph was very happy, and very popular in Sicily. He enjoyed taking property from the Catholic church, and nationalizing the monks.
Joseph was known for his public works; he built highways and street lighting. His program to stop the forceful recruitment of prisoners into the army made for less crime in the country. He made a type of Constitution with a balance of powers between himself and a “parliament” of sorts.
He also fathered more illegitimate children with a mistress.
(Portrait: Joseph’s mistress, Annette Savage with their 2 daughters Catherine and Pauline (left, standing)