Joppolo (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Joppolo Giancaxio (AG): A commune in the province of Agrigento. Population: 1,220 (2006e).
Joseph I Bonaparte: (b. 1778, Corte, Corsica; d. 1844). King of Naples (r. 1806-1808) and King of Spain. Eldest surving brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, he married Julie Clary, sister of Desiree Bernadotte. After serving in several diplomatc positions for his brother, he received the crown of Naples in 1806. Although also claiming domain over Sicily, that island remained under Bourbon-English control throughout his reign. Despite later negative propaganda, Joseph was an enlightened monarch and was genuinely dedicated to aiding and advancing the lives of his subjects. Under his brief reign, the law codes were reformed and the financial and educational systems of the kingdom modernized. The centuries-old feudal system was also finally brought to and end thanks to Joseph and his successor Joachim Murat. In 1808, he reluctantly gave up the Neapolitan throne for that of Spain. His Spanish reign was continually troubled with rebellion. In 1813, he suffered a major defeat at Vittoria at the hands of the Duke of Wellington.
Jourdan, Count Jean Baptiste: b. Apr. 29, 1762, in Limoges; d. Nov. 23, 1833, in Paris. French general. After a distinguished military career, he rose to the rank of Marshal of the Empire and grand eagle of the legion in 1804. In 1806 he was appointed governor of Naples, where he became the close friend and chief advisor to King Joseph Bonaparte. He later accompanied him when he moved to Spain.
Juliana of Cumae, St.: (d. AD 305). Christian martyr. A virgin from the city of Cumae, her hand was sought by the Roman prefect. When his proposal was rejected, he had Juliana arrested, tortured and beheaded. A later version of her story added new embellishments. She was then said to have been from the Anatolian city of Nicomedia and there martyred. Her relics were later transferred to Cumae where they became the center for her cult. When depicted in art, she is shown either surrounded by flames or binding the devil. Her feast day is February 16.
Julianus: (fl. late 7th century). Ecclesiastic. Bishop of Naples in c690. He held the see for a period of 7 years.
Julius I, St.: Pope. (r Feb 6, 337-Apr. 12, 352).
Julius II: Pope. (rOct 31, 1503-Feb 21, 1513).
Julius III: Pope. (rFeb 7, 1550-Mar 23, 1555).
Juvara, Tommaso Aloysio: (b. 1809, Messina; d. 1875, Rome.). Engraver. Having received his artistic training in Rome and Parma, he returned to his native Messina in 1836. In 1846 he became professor of engraving at the University of Naples. He later served as director of chalcography at Rome. During his career he won 18 medals for his works including the gold medal of the Berlin Academy. His best works were based of the paintings of Guercino, Camucinelli, Mancinelli, and Raphael. At age 67, he committed suicide in Rome.
Juvarra (or Juvara), Filippo: (b. 1678 or 1685, Messina. d. 1735 or 1736, Madrid). Architect and scene-designer. Born into a family of gold-smiths and sculptors, he received his early training in his native Sicily. In 1703, he moved to Rome where he became influenced by the architecture of Carlo and Francesco Fontana. Becoming a member of the Academy of San Luca in 1706, his first important work was the chapel of Antamori in the church of San Gerolamo della Carita’ (Rome, 1708). During this period he also worked as a scene designer for several private theaters in Rome. After returning for a time to Messina, he became (1714) the first court architect to King Victor Amadeus of Savoy in Piedmont. In 1735, he moved to Madrid at the invitation of King Philip V. He died soon after.Principal Works:Chapel of Antamori in the church of San Gerolamo della Carita’ (Rome, 1708).Basilica di Superga (Turin, 1715-1718).The facade of the church Santa Cristina (Turin, 1715-1718).Palazzo Martini di Cigala (Turin, 1716).Quartieri Militari (Turin, 1716-1728).The big stair-case and a facade of Palazzo Madama (Turin, 1718-1721).The Stupinigi’s house of hunt (Turin, 1729-1731).Church del Carmine (Turin, 1732-1736).Palazzo Reale (projected, Madrid, 1735). Granja di Sant’Ildefonso (projected, Madrid, 1735).Palazzo di Aranjuez (projected, Madrid, 1735).