Julian Empire

The Serene Julian Empire Imperium Iulianum
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Virtus, Auctoritas, Victoria Virtue, Authority, Victory
This map shows the peak of the Julian Empire's territory sometime in the 720s.
The Julian Empire as grew to its peak size from its initial city-state.
Capital	Julia (8 B.C.E. - 456 C.E.) Magnus (456 C.E. - 593 C.E.) Reginum (593 C.E. - 722 C.E.) Julia (722 C.E. - 868 C.E.)
Largest city	Julia (at peak)
Official languages	Julian-Latin
Religion	Imperial cult-driven polytheism (until C.E. 383; from the evolution of sky worship from 274–380)
Demonym(s)	Julian
Government	Absolute Monarchy
Imperator
• 2 B.C. – 14 C.E.	Tiberius Aurelius Julius (Primus Rex)
• 14 C.E.– 37 C.E.	Octavius Magnus Julius
• 37 C.E. – 54 C.E.	Claudius Sextillus Julius
• 54 C.E. – 68 C.E.	Maximus Aurelius Julius
• 69 C.E.– 79 C.E.	Flavius Regulus Julius
• 79 C.E. – 117 C.E.	Decimus Magnus Julius
• 117 C.E.– 162 C.E.	Gaius Valens Julius
• 162 C.E. – 209 C.E.	Martinius Flava Julius
• 209 C.E. – 268 C.E	Justus Illius Julius
• 268 C.E. – 306 C.E.	Marcus Aulus Julius (Optimus Princeps)
• 306 - 389 C.E.	Heraclius Julius
• 389 C.E. - 416 C.E.	Marcus Aulus Julius I
Legislature	Imperial Assembly (after 723)
Area
• Total	10,652,385 sq mi (27,589,550 km2)At the peak of the empire.
Population
• 726 estimate	59 - 76 Million (peak)

The Julian Empire was a vast and powerful empire that existed on the Adulan continent between the 2nd century B.C.E to 868 C.E. The Empire is often associated with the grandeur and sophistication to be expected of the far reaching civilization, but it had a distinct identity and culture of its own. The Julian Empire is said to have emerged from a small city-state founded by Tiberius Aurelius Julius after defeating his brother Romulus Joanus Custodes in a bloody civil war after the death of their father. The father conferred half of the city state to the elder brother Tiberius, and the other more lucrative and powerful section to his younger brother Romulus. After 10 years of bloody conflict, Tiberius while leading his soldiers on the field, was able to slay his brother and secure the throne for himself and formed the Kingdom of Julia; thus marking him as Primus Rex (First King) of what would eventually evolve into the Julian Empire. The city that became the capital of the kingdom he would rename after himself (Julia) and transformed what was once a humble settlement teetering on starvation into a sprawling metropolis. Under the leadership of a series of capable emperors and daring generals, the Julian Empire expanded its borders, conquered neighboring states, and became a dominant force in the ancient world. It lasted for over eight centuries, leaving behind a rich legacy of art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.

The Julian Empire was renowned for its military prowess and strategic genius. Its armies were well-trained and well-equipped, capable of conquering city-states, nations, tribes, and the hostile wilderness. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a governor appointed by the emperor and subject to the power and authority of said Emperor. To control these governors, the Emperors routinely barred their subordinates from the opportunity to hire personal protection or use militia as bodyguards. Instead, the Governors were forced to use the Custodes Regis which they had to pay with their own tax revenue and answered directly to the King. The provinces were administered by a complex bureaucracy, which ensured the smooth functioning of the state. The capital of the Julian Empire, Julia, served as the center of trade, culture, and politics. The city was renowned for its grand architecture, public works, and cultural institutions.

A multigenerational banquet depicted on a wall painting from 4th century C.E.

The Julian Empire was a polyglot state, with a diverse population speaking different languages and practicing different religions. The official language of the empire was Julian, but Greek and other languages were also spoken. The empire was tolerant of different religions, and its citizens were free to practice their faiths as long as they did not pose a threat to the state. The Julian Empire was a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, and this diversity enriched its art, literature, and philosophy. Well known for its grand architecture, which combined the best of neighboring cultures and religious styles, the Empire developed a rich cross-section of their surroundings into their every-day lives. Its buildings were massive and imposing, yet elegant and refined. The most famous building in the empire was the Temple of Skora, the head deity in the state sponsored polytheistic pantheon worshipped in the empire.

The literature of the Empire (which was quite expansive as literacy in the region was at an all time high according to anthropologists), which included epic poems, dramas, and philosophical treatises, were housed in a massive library in the center of the capital known as the Library of Scipii. The most famous epic poem of the empire was the Ars Poetica, written by the poet Vrangian. The poem tells the story of Protellus, a prince who journeys to the northern reaches of Adula and becomes the founder of "less civilized" nations beyond Julia, however his love for his homeland draws him back to the Empire where he devotes himself to its betterment. The poem ends with the phrase "Poetry of the people, not the world". The Ars Poetica was considered the national epic of the Julian Empire, and it inspired generations of poets and writers; many of whom considered the text to be the baseline for their own works. Moreover, dramas were believed to have been a staple of the empire, which were performed in grand theaters throughout the empire. The most famous playwright of the empire Justus Hadrian Marius, who wrote powerful tragedies that explored the themes of power, revenge, and fate, also acted prolifically in his own plays and the plays of his fellow playwrights. The themes of reflections on the nature of the universe, human existence, and morality were common among plays.

A marble sculpture on display at the University of Sankore depicts Emperor Tiberius.

Due to the Julian Empire's vast extent and long endurance, the institutions and culture of Julia had a profound and lasting influence on the development of language, religion, art, architecture, literature, philosophy, law, and forms of government in the territory it governed. The Julian-Latin language of the Julians evolved into the Julianic languages of the medieval and modern world (like modern day Julian-Latin spoken in parts of Sera and Seran language itself. The Empire's adoption of Islam imported from the North led to the formation of a medieval multi-theistic state. Julian art had a profound impact on the Seran Reclamation and Era of Discovery, as well as other enlightenment periods across the continent and sub-continent. Julia's architectural tradition served as the basis for Julianesque, Reclamation and Neoclassical architecture, and also had a strong influence on Islamic architecture in the region. The rediscovery of Julian science and technology in Adula led to the Scientific Reclamation and Scientific Re-Discovery. The corpus of Julian law has its descendants in many modern legal systems of the world, such as the Constitution of Unified Sera, while Julia's republican institutions have left an enduring legacy, influencing the Adulan city-state republics of the medieval period, as well as other modern democratic republics.

Etymology

The Julian Empire takes its name from the Julian Dynasty, which was founded by Tiberius Aurelius Julius in 2 BCE. The dynasty took its name from the Latin word "Julius," which means "belonging to Julius," a common family name that was originally derived from the name of the god Juranus. The early history of the Julian Dynasty is somewhat obscure, and there is much debate among historians about the origins of the dynasty and its early members.

Some scholars believe that the first Julius was descended from the legendary Julian hero Skora, who was said to have ascended to godhood after being slain while fighting to defend a mythical city known in plays and poetry as Lyria from rampaging marauders. Skora was killed and his body burned in the sacking of the city, but his soul is said to have been risen to the heavens where he took a seat among the Julian Pantheon. Others argue that the Julians were a branch of the gens (clan) Julia who founded the city-state itself (though were not the ruling clan before unification after the conclusion of the civil war).

History

The history of the Julian Empire covers the history of ancient Julia from the formation of the Kingdom of Julia in 2 BCE until the collapse of the Julian Empire in 868 C.E. through mismanagement and opulence of the ruling Senate, and finally the fall and sacking of the city of Julia in 894 marking the end of the 8-century long nation. Julia started as a powerful city-state in an area that was predominantly ruled by other city-states or tribes. Through a mix of generous diplomacy and a strong, capable military and advanced tactics, the Kingdom quickly expanded its territorial possessions and allies. Very soon, the Kingdom obtained its first vassals in the eastern portion of South Adula, thus marking the beginning of the Empire.

Julia had begun expanding shortly after the founding of the Kingdom of Julia in 2 BCE, though it did not expand outside the confines of the northern portion of South Adula until the beginning of 112 C.E. under the rule of Emperor Decimus Magnus Julius which would continue under subsequent emperors. It would not be until the rulership of the Optimus Princeps Emperor Marcus Aulus Julius did the Empire see its most pronounced growth and conquests. Civil war engulfed the Julian state in the early 6th century between the Imperial Assembly and Emperor *Placeholder* which saw the formation of the first fractures in the foundations of the Empire and the end of the rulership of Julia by powerful, authoritarian Emperors.

A painting of Julian Conquest Era Legionaries commissioned during the Era of Discovery by painter Ladislaus Nwabulu in 1308 C.E..

The Imperial Assembly was viewed by many Julians as overtly corrupt and self-serving. The IA held lavish balls and built castles, statues, and villas for themselves while plague tore through the capital in 706 C.E.. The IA, according to plays and poetry refused to do anything to alleviate the suffering of the populace. The IA further complicated rulership by immediately passing laws barring individuals not already on the Imperial Assembly from running for office and ensuring that the only way that an individual could be given a vacant seat would be by vote of the majority of the IA; effectively disqualifying the entirety of the population from being able to sit on the council.

First Julian Civil War

The Julian Civil War was a pivotal moment in the history of the Julian Empire, serving as the catalyst for the rise of the Kingdom of Julia and eventually the Julian Empire itself. This conflict between brothers Tiberius Aurelius Julius and Romulus Joanus Custodes was marked by intense political and military struggles, as each sought to gain control over their father's legacy and the future of their city-state.

Background and Causes of the War

The origins of the Julian Civil War can be traced back to the death of the father of Tiberius and Romulus, whose name is not recorded in historical texts. This father, who was the ruler of the small city-state, had divided his domain equally between his two sons, with Tiberius receiving control of one half and Romulus receiving the other, more prosperous half.

Initially, the two brothers coexisted peacefully, with Tiberius focusing on the development of his own territory and Romulus expanding his own power and influence. However, as the years passed, tensions between the two began to mount. Romulus believed that he had been unfairly disadvantaged by their father's decision to give him the less desirable half of the city-state, and he began to harbor resentment towards Tiberius.

Meanwhile, Tiberius grew increasingly wary of his younger brother's ambitions and began to take steps to shore up his own power and protect his interests. This included building up his army and consolidating his control over key resources and trade routes.

The conflict between Tiberius and Romulus finally came to a head when Romulus made a bold move to seize control of Tiberius's half of the city-state. Tiberius, realizing that his brother posed a significant threat, mustered his own forces and declared war against him.

Course of the War

The Julian Civil War lasted for ten long years, and was marked by numerous battles and skirmishes between the two sides. Tiberius proved to be a formidable military commander, and was able to score several significant victories against Romulus's forces.

Despite Tiberius's military prowess, however, the war was far from one-sided. Romulus was able to rally a significant amount of support from his own followers, and was able to hold onto his territory despite Tiberius's best efforts to dislodge him.

As the years passed, the conflict between the two brothers became increasingly brutal and ruthless. Both sides engaged in acts of treachery and betrayal, and the conflict began to take a heavy toll on the civilian population of the city-state.

Ultimately, the turning point of the war came when Tiberius personally led his forces into battle against Romulus's army. In a fierce and bloody conflict, Tiberius was able to slay his younger brother and secure the throne for himself.

Aftermath and Legacy

With his victory over Romulus, Tiberius emerged as the undisputed ruler of the city-state. He renamed the city after himself (Julia) and set about transforming it into a thriving metropolis.

Under Tiberius's rule, the Kingdom of Julia began to expand its power and influence, eventually evolving into the Julian Empire. Tiberius himself became known as the "Primus Rex," or "First King," of the Julian Empire, and his reign marked the beginning of a long and prosperous era of Julian history.

Despite the violence and bloodshed of the Julian Civil War, it was also a transformative moment in the history of the Julian Empire. It solidified Tiberius's grip on power, and set the stage for centuries of expansion and growth under the banner of the Julian Empire.

In later years, the story of the Julian Civil War would become the stuff of legend and folklore, inspiring countless stories and tales of brotherly conflict and political intrigue. But for the people of the