Sanctum Imperium Catholicum

The Divine Republic of the Holy Catholic Empire Tapinus Remporu dox Sanctum Imperium Catholicum Respublica Divina Sancti Imperi Catholici
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Through the Trinity, We Flourish"
Physical map of Salvia and major cities
Location of Salvia in Marenesia
Status	Independent State
Capital and largest city	Deopolis
Official languages	Aroman, Salvian
Recognised regional languages	Marenai
Ethnic groups	86% Salvian 9% Marenai <2% Gallambrians >3% other
Religion	Salvian Catholicism
Demonym(s)	Salvian
Government	Constitutional Unitary Republic
• Pope of the Salvian Catholic Church	Pope Gregory XVII
• President	Patrick Saulius (TP)
• Vice President	Seamus Finley (TP)
• Majority Speaker	Michael Tuhoro (TP)
• Grand Justice	Erin Barco
• Upper house	Concilio Clerici
• Lower house	Concilio Populi
Establishment
• Friulian Kingdom	743 BC
• First Salvian Imperium	505 BC
• Second Salvian Imperium	247 AD
• Third Salvian Imperium	605 AD
• Christianization of Salvia	724 AD
• Monarchical Rule	1261 AD
• Divine Republic	1709 AD
Area
• Total	201,509 km2 (77,803 sq mi)
Population
• 2016 census	23,001,900
• Density	178/km2 (461.0/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	$895,000,000,000
• Per capita	$38,910
Gini (2019)	29.8 low
HDI (2018)	.876 very high
Currency	Salvian Croinare (SCR)
Time zone	UTC+3
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+301
Internet TLD	.sic

Salvia, officially called the Divine Republic of the Holy Catholic Empire (Salvian: Tapinus Remporu dox Sanctum Imperium Catholicum; Aroman: Respublica Divina Sancti Imperi Catholici), is a constitutional unitary republic located on the Tenarua island in Marenesia Major, consisting of three regions: Salvia, Alvernia, and the Salvian Overseas Territories. The nation borders the Adisi Ocean and the Bay of Salvae to the west, Tanemum to the north, the South Oriental Sea to the east and the Straits of Sicani to the south. The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum covers 201,509 square kilometers and has has an estimated population of 23 million. Salvia comprises of 16 provinces, of which 9 are in Salvia, 4 are in Alvernia, and 3 are overseas. It’s capital and largest city is Deopolis, with other major cities including Gaullo, Soncinia, St. Mark's, St. Paul's, and Minotia. The official languages are Aroman and Salvian, although only the latter is spoken in the vernacular along with Marenai, which is a recognized language. The primary religion is Salvian Catholicism.

Modern-day humans arrived in Salvia from southern Europa through primitive sailing and prehistoric land bridges 50 kya making them the first modern humans to land in Marenesia Major. Evidence of agriculture can be found as first appearing around 5000 BC, while the first permanent settlements in Salvia can be dated back to around 4000 BC. Dozens of tribes existed in ancient Salvia and several had some influence on the culture of the Friulian tribe, which only emerged by around 1450 BC and founded the Kingdom of Friulia. By the 7th century BC it declared the creation of the First Salvian Imperium after conquering most of the peninsula. The First Salvian Imperium enjoyed around 5 centuries of prosperity and growth before the arrival of Aroman migrants in what historians have dubbed the Great Aroman Migration. The Aroman migrants brought disease, and combined with a series of poor harvests and other natural disasters would lead to the complete collapse of the First Imperium in 175 AD. A Christian Second Imperium was formed in 251 AD, with four centuries of peace driving the development of a distinct Salvian culture that was a mixture of Marenai and Aroman ideas. A coup d'etat in 605 AD removed the Christian government and a pagan military general took full power. Lasting only 80 years, the collapse of the short-lived Third Salvian Imperium marked the beginning of the medieval era in Salvia and divided the peninsula for several centuries.

The 8th through 12th centuries were marked by a series of conflicts and wars between the numerous kingdoms of the peninsula. By the mid-13th century, the Gaullis dynasty of the Kingdom of Lavitta had reunited the peninsula and restored the borders of the First Salvian Imperium, however the Salvian Wars of Religion and the $$$$ (plague) during the 14th century stunted growth and caused social upheaval in Salvia. Emerging as a fragile and fractured state, Salvia experienced a golden age beginning in the 15th century, known as the Magnaere Progresient. During this era, which extended into the 18th century, Salvian culture and commerce flourished as a colonial empire was established, exerting influence throughout Marenesia and the New Wurld. Much of this wealth and power was consolidated under the Del Monte dynasty in the form of absolutist monarchs. Salvia would see marked decline during the reign of Peter III, leading to the People’s War and removal of the monarchy. The revolution oversaw the independence of Alvernia and Tanemum, a reduction in size and power of Salvia's colonial empire, and the adaption of the Salvian Constitution, which is the ruling legal document of the nation to this day. Stability and increasing economic activity started the Industrial Revolution in Salvia, resulting in an expansion of Salvia's economic and political power as well as the rise of socialist and liberal movements. While no new territory was officially incorporated, economic exploitation of overseas territories took place throughout the 19th century and sparked conflict with other colonial powers, notably Limonaia. The establishment of Gallambria and its gaining power created a Marenesian rival for Salvia in the late 19th century, which carried over into the 20th century and culminated with the Great Alharun War in the 1940s. Salvian defeat and a plunging economy led to Salvian politicians embarking on isolationist policies in the 60s and 70s, which would be reversed by Presidents Stefano Adajio and Patrick Saulius in the 2010s. Following the Salvian Reunification Act, Alvernia was officially incorporated into Salvia, and subsequent government laws and bills amended the Constitution to remove the Pope as head of state, altered the state's motto, flag, and other national symbols, and changed its official name to the Catholic Republic of Salvia.

Salvia is considered to be one of the wurld's centers of culture, religion, art, and tourism, hosting several $$$ (UNESCO) recognized sites and is ranked as the $$$-most visited nation. It is considered a highly developed nation, ranking very highly in terms of life expectancy, education, and quality of life. The nation is also economically advanced, with the %%%-largest economy by nominal GDP and a large national wealth. Because of its wealth and moderately sized military, Salvia is considered by many to be a regional power, overshadowed in Marenesia only by Gallambria. Salvia joined the intercontinental defense organization known as Tricontinental Defence Treaty Organisation in November 2019. On 3 March 2020, Cardinal Matteo Selva Lorenzo of Alvernia was elected to the papacy, taking the name Gregory XVII and becoming the Salvian head of state. He was removed from the role as head of state on dd mm 2020 following the amending of the Constitution.

Etymology

One of the earliest texts that mention the name Salvia found on the Makenaho Texts, circa 1450 BC

The origins of the word "Salvia", while still debated amongst linguists and historians, is considered by most experts to be the Friulian term for "heartland", "hearth", or "home". Similarly, the denonym "Salvian" is thought to mean "people of the heartland" or a similar translation. It is generally held that the toponym for the region predated the ethnonym for the people of the area. The word "Salvia" is at least 3,500 years old, with evidence to suggest the word may even predate the Friulian tribe or have roots from elsewhere. The term has also come to reference areas where large numbers of ethnic Salvians have come to be the majority, such as Alvernia, Tanemum, and certain areas of Kiteton. The common usage of Salvia to reference both the Divine Republic and other territories considered Salvian but not part of the nation has often led to confusion.

The official name of the nation has been, for the most part, direct translations of phrases that reflect the form of government since the First Salvian Imperium. The Friulian and Salvian words for "imperial" or "empire" (Friulian: ranga; Salvian: rangum) accompanied the name of the Salvian state from the First Imperium to the Divine Imperium. Following the dissolution of the monarchy in 1709, the newly proclaimed government shifted the name to include the prefix "Divine Republic" to represent the new democratic form of governance.

History

Main article: History of Salvia

Pre-Antiquity (11th century-6th century)

See also: Kingdom of Friulia

Friulian coin found in Oyus from around 650 BC

Pre-Friulian Salvia was host to a myriad of native peoples and tribes, although little is known about them due to the First Imperium's suppression of rival cultures which followed their conquests. Existing evidence and research indicates that these tribes predated the Friulians by some time and were of Euro-Marenai descent, similar to ancient Friulians. They often engaged in war, trade, and formed alliances. Archeological evidence and existing records suggests many were pioneers of early sailing, able to sail large distances by island hopping. The basis of Salvia's oldest cities, such as Tolas or Isea, appear during the 6th century.

The ancient Friulians, orignially located in modern day Casinga in southwest Salvia, were landlocked for the early part of the history before expanding and subjugating their neighbors. Incorporating much of the southwestern coastline into their territory by around 743 BC, the ancient Friulians then engaged in trade, and Friulian goods can be found as far as Adlantic islands and southern Europa. Despite their cultural similarities, Friulians considered their culture superior and so forcefully culturally integrated those they subjugated. This perceived superiority led to the destruction of many cultural artifacts of the other tribes of Salvia, although some of these cultures were preserved through ancient manuscripts and writings.

Early Antiquity (7th century BC-2nd century AD)

Main article: First Salvian Imperium

The First Salvian Imperium was characterized by its frequent aggression and expansion as well as its vast trading empire that was expanded throughout its history. With their advanced knowledge in sailing, Salvian traders were able to reach as far north as the Occident. This trade made the empire incredibly wealthy throughout its history as well as encouraged advances in philosophy, mathematics, science, and art due to contact with the Occident civilizations, most notably the Aroman Empire. The First Salvian Imperium was officially declared by High Emperor Volano I sometime in the 7th century BC and was the continuation of the Kingdom of Friulia.

Engraving of the Battle of the Northern Frontier during the Salvian Wars of Expansion, 279 BC

The Salvian Empire conquered most of their neighboring tribes and nations as early as 473 BC. More territory was annexed after the Salvian Wars of Expansion, extending the empire beyond the peninsula. Trade continued to flourish as the Imperium became incredibly wealthy off of their natural resources and the agrarian heartland of the south served as a stable breadbasket. The conclusion of the Salvian Wars of Expansion in 89 BC following victory over the Alva tribe would usher in the age of Pax Salvae, or "Salvian Peace" which would last until the arrival of the prophet Liosous in 125 AD. The period was marked by a time of great economic and cultural prosperity. At its greatest extent, the Salvian Empire included the peninsula, stretched from the Adisi Ocean to the South Oriental Ocean and was as far north as modern day northern Tanemum.

The First Imperium fell in 173 AD after the beginning of a civil war following the introduction of the new Christian religion, which was introduced in the first half of the century by Liosous from the Aroman Empire, and a large drop in population following the arrival of migrants from the Aroman Empire and diseases foreign to the native Salvians.

The Salvian Imperium was among the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military force in Marenesia during the time and its borders extended beyond modern day Salvia. The Salvian Imperium's legacy has greatly impacted the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, and by extension, regions under current or former control of Salvia. While not nearly as influential as the Aroman Empire on the world stage, the legacy of the Salvian Imperium influenced the Salvian region and surrounding area greatly. Classical Salvian works and knowledge would inspire the Late Medieval Renaissance and the Magnaere Progresient a millennia later.

Great Aroman Migration (2nd century AD)

The arrival of Aroman migrants following the prophet and apostle Liosous would be dubbed by historians as the Great Aroman Migration. This migration was not a singlular event but rather a wave of 6-8 migrations (accounts and primary sources vary on the number) in which thousands of people sailed from the Aroman Empire to Marenesia. The migration and subsequent consequences are usually credited for the collapse of the First Salvian Imperium, the radical change of Salvian culture and society, and the introduction and eventual dominance of Christianity in Salvia and beyond. The event is marked by most historians as the single most important event in Salvian history.

Map showing path the prophet Liosous took en route to Salvia with modern borders

First arriving in 125 AD, the Aroman migrants arrived in the northeastern part of the empire. The government of the Imperium, under the Emperor Iseo Tanemahuta, was largely indifferent to the first wave of migrants, which comprised of the prophet Liosous and a band of several hundred followers. While the official religion of the state was an animistic pagan faith with the emperor at the center, Liosous was allowed to preach and Christians were given special protection after two of the emperor's sons, Princes Teo and Kei, were baptized and converted to Christianity. Without the leadership of Liosous, who was working on establishing a Christian community in the capital, Ziologiana, the Aroman band would soon clash with the native Salvians. These conflicts, combined with the spread of Aroman diseases the migrants brought over that proved especially fatal, would seriously sour relations between the native Salvians and Aromans. War broke out in 156 AD, shortly after the death of Liosous. By this time, two more waves of Aroman migrants had arrived, and the simultaneous rise of the Aroman population and sudden drop of the native Salvian population meant the war ended in a stalemate. Following the Peace of Demetaen in 160 AD, the two sides made peace and after a series of poor harvests, natural disasters, and a socioeconomic crisis as a result of the rapid decline in population the First Imperium would collapse in 173 AD.

A second genetic admixing would occur as several new waves of Aromans interbred with the recovering Salvian population. While ethnic conflicts occurred, they were rare as the native Salvian population sought to recover. The Aromans were incorporated into the native Salvian populace as many rose to the top of the social and economic ladder due to their extensive experiences and knowledge carried over from the Aroman Empire. This integration would have a resounding impact felt today, with many distinct physical features of the modern Salvian, most notably the white skin, originating from the genetic admixing. The Aroman culture and introduction of Christianity would also prove momentous in the history and culture of Salvia.

Late Antiquity (2nd century-7th century)

See also: Second Salvian Imperium and Third Salvian Imperium

One of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion in an illuminated manuscript from the incredibly influential Kaotor Gospels, 6th century

Following the collapse of the First Imperium, numerous chieftains and nobles rose to power and attempted to impose their rule on Salvia. The Christian north, largely composed of the Aroman migrants, had formed the province of Proculmea, a colony of the Aroman Empire. The colony, joining forces with the Alvernians, were able to consolidate power in the north and were united following the royal marriage between the king of Proculmea, King John II, and Princess Aroha of Alvernia in 217 AD. The marriage formed the Zaoutzes dynasty which would lead the Second Imperium for its entire 400-year history. Following the union, the two powers held control over much of the former First Imperium's northern territory. Further conquests would lead to the annexation of territory as far south as Lake Caperthia, reaching its largest extent by 419 AD. Despite the rulers being Christian, the religion was only prevalent amongst the upper class and in the north; Christianity would remain a minority religion until the 8th century.

The change of territory of the Friulian Kingdom and the First, Second, and Third Salvian Imperiums, demonstrating the rise and subsequent fall of the Salvian empires during the Antiquity period

The Second Imperium established a vast trading network, with Salvian goods exchanged with islanders, southern Europans, and neighboring Marenesians made the empire very prosperous and developed. Many of the kings focused on building internal infrastructure which became much of the foundation for future highways, roads, and waterways. The economic prosperity that the empire experienced allowed for the development of science and art, and this time period oversaw the introduction and development of the first Salvian-Christian art, a style that greatly influenced medieval Salvian art. Some of the oldest churches in Salvia were also built across the Second Imperium's territory, and the domination of the Second Imperium in the northern region of the peninsula cemented the region as solidly Christian, resulting in the Salvian peninsula being divided for a further 600 years as pagan and Christians battled for supremacy on the peninsula. While not as expansive as the First Imperium, many contemporary historians argue that the Second Imperium was very influential in regards to establishing Christian roots in Salvia, as well as fostering a prosperous economic trading empire that later Salvian nations followed, similar to that of the First Salvian Imperium.

After 400 years of rule, the Christian dynasty of the Second Imperium was overthrown following a coup d'etat by a pagan general, Makate Nomehana, in 605 AD. Nomehana sought to reintroduce Salvian paganism as the main religion, but faced harsh resistance and revolts in the Christian north after attempting to tear down Christian churches. After quelling the revolts, Nomehana reversed his policies and allowed for the practice of Christianity while also encouraging Salvian paganism through taxation or funding of pagan temples. Nomehana annexed the rest of the Salvian peninsula and the Sicani Islands, but otherwise led an isolationist foreign policy, ending trade with outside nations. Makate would be succeeded by his son, Alene Nomehana, following his death in 632. This isolationist policy, which resulted in an economic collapse, and the Nomehanan dynasty's own unpopularity would lead to the Third Imperium's downfall shortly after the beginning of the reign of Alene's daughter, Kamakani, in 685 AD. The collapse was violent and divisive, and resulted in the Salvian peninsula becoming incredibly fractured, something which persisted for the next 600 years. The collapse of the Third Imperium is marked by most contemporary historians as the beginning of the medieval period in Salvia.

Medieval Period (7th century-15th century)

Early Medieval Period

The beginning of the medieval period in Salvia is most commonly marked as starting with the fall of the short-lived Third Imperium in 689 AD and the rise of the medieval kingdoms that took its place. Several large kingdoms - most notably the Demetaens, Alvernians, Lavittans, and the Samoricans - dominated the former territory of the previous Imperiums, while numerous petty kingdoms and free cities also populated the coasts. Many of these kingdoms, to include the larger ones, no longer identified by tribe as pre-Antiquity, but instead had a shared "Salvian" culture that linked them together. This shared culture, though, was contrasted by political, religious, and economic differences that would lead the kingdoms into a constant power struggle. The numerous kingdoms, domains, and free cities would be divided for 600 years.

Demetaen fort of Pascloni, one of the many forts on Kiteton used to protect Demetaen trade routes.

With the baptism of King Clovidian I in 724 AD, the Kingdom of Lavitta had embraced Christianity; this would propagate its spread and turn it from a large minority religion that prevailed in the north to the majority religion in Salvia - it's estimated that around 55% of the Salvian population was Christian and would be around 70% by the 12th century. Paganism was still prevalent within the Republic of Demetae, especially along the west coast, while numerous heretical movements threatened Christian unity.

The sudden collapse of the Third Imperium left Salvians without clear direction or a leader. Many port cities declared themselves independent while barons and lords of large tracts of land declared their own petty kingdoms. Some would consolidate power and carve out their own territory, with most of these petty kingdoms lasting only a few decades before being absorbed into larger domains. With the weakened and divided state of the Salvian kingdoms, early medieval Salvian history saw a great spike of northern highland and pirate raids until the 12th century. This time period also saw the emergence of feudalism as the dominant form of class structure throughout Salvia. The rapid decentralization of Salvia meant that the landed aristocracy and nobility found themselves without protection from an overarching government - this would lead to the hiring of mercenaries for protection and would eventually evolve into the medieval knight.

By 800 AD, the west coast of the peninsula and the Sicani Islands had become incorporated in the Demetaen Republic, a loose confederation that exhibited major influence over its neighbors, especially in the south by Lake Caperthia. Extensive mercantile operations were carried out by the Demetaen Republic, which would only increase with the subjugating of port cities on the southern island that granted the Demetaens access to valuable natural resources, including precious metals. The Lavittans and Samorcians began to carve their own kingdoms in the north and on the east coast; the south coast was largely divided into numerous dominions and petty kingdoms that resisted incorporation into the more powerful Lavittan and Demetaen powers. The Alvernian Kingdom, significantly weakened due to raids and attacks from both the Demetaens and native Marenai from the Agrillian Highlands, was crippled and divided by the Demetaens and Lavittans the 11th century, however the entire Alvernian Kingdom was not subjugated by the invading forces - petty kingdoms were established along the western coast and a large section of the north was mostly ruled by northern Marenai tribes. The turn of the 12th century saw the numerous free cities and petty kingdoms of the south form the Confederation of Rassena, thus creating four major powers on the Salvian peninsula. A century of peace would follow the formation of the Confederation as the Demetaens and Samoricans recognized the futility in attacking the southern confederation. However, conflict would soon erupt between the four powers in the late 1100s as the Kingdom of Lavitta, under the Gaullis dynasty, was able to centralize power under the monarch and so were powerful enough to challenge the other states of the peninsula, who remained divided.

Late Medieval Period

First emerging as the kings of Lavitta in the 10th century, the Gaullis dynasty progressively centralized power and expanded the kingdom farther north, subduing many of the barbarians that had raided the kingdom since the 7th century. Later kings would expand the scope of royal authority and slowly centralized the kingdom; during this process, the kingdom centered on a hierarchical society distinguishing nobility, clergy, and commoners; the basis of feudalism. The Lavittans would initiate the Wars of the Four Kingdoms, a series of wars that took place from 1204 to 1261. The Gaullis dynasty of the Kingdom of Lavittan succeeded in uniting the peninsula, with Joseph I of Gaullis conquering the Demetaens in summer 1261 despite their powerful standing armies they were able to afford due to their expansive trading network. Following his coronation by Pope Leo VI he declared the Holy Salvian Catholic Empire. Joseph began work on converting the remaining pagans of Salvia by expanding the scope of the Catholic Church and the region as a whole experienced a medieval renaissance. Both the Church and the state also began work on rebuilding their conquered territories and swiftly brought the areas back to their pre-war prosperity, however the expanded scope of the Catholic Church in these territories would lead to great unrest between Catholics, heretical sects, and pagans throughout the 14th century. The Gaullis monarchs would also face several internal rivals who severely challenged their attempts to centralize power, most of which were among the nobility.

14th century conflict between Catholics and rival factions

Following the unification of Salvia, trade with southern Europa and Adlantic territories was further expanded. The increase in trade would facilitate the spread of the $$$$ Plague in the mid 14th century, which would kill around a third of Salvia's 11 million people, resulting in dramatic social, political, and economic changes. Before the initial spread of the plague, social unrest over religious and cultural differences sparked conflict between imperial forces and local lords in Alvernia and on the western coast, leading to the Salvian Wars of Religion. The disease, warring, and general political instability of the region resulted in total economic collapse and nearly the fall of the Divine Imperium during a period now referred to as the Late Medieval Crisis. Total collapse was prevented through a series of competent rulers, such as Leo IV and Tomasi II, who were able to strengthen the empire, reform the economy, and usher in the Magnaere Progresient.

(Crusades?)

Early Modern Period (15th century-18th century)

Self portrait of Giottus Alberti, thought of as the quintessential "Progressive Man"

The Magnaere Progresient, or "Great Progression," was a period of great cultural and scientific progression fueled by the patronage of the Salvian Church and kings. Art, literature, architecture, and philosophical thought flourished. The development of humanist thought, while at first stifled by the Church, was soon accepted as humanists became heavily inspired by Church teachings. There were, however, several humanists who broke off from the Church and would influence secular, Enlightenment thinking, most notably Eugene de la Rose.

The Great Progression oversaw the emergence of a new artistic style in the form of the Progressive art style. A distinguishing characteristic of Progressive art that separated it from medieval styles was its focus on realistic, linear perspective. The development of such a perspective, pioneered by artists Giottus Alberti and Leonardus del Fyre, demonstrated a trend towards realism. The new art style was heavily influenced by Salvian classical works, an increased interest and development of mathematics, and new painting techniques developed by artists.

The expansive trading empires the Salvians had established under previous empires and kingdoms began to expand on an unseen scale as improvements in sailing technology and the adaptation of Europan techniques meant that the distance a ship could sail in one trip increased dramatically. The proto-capitalist trading empire that had been expanded and utilized the most by the Republic of Demetae was expanded in both size and scope. The establishment of joint-stock companies and the government's pursuit of mercantilist policies led to the development of modern capitalism in Salvia. The prosperity of traders and bankers who profited from this system combined with the price revolution resulted in the growth of the urban petite and upper bourgeoisie class. While the bourgeoisie had been present in Salvia in some form since the 11th century, the 15th-17th century would see the largest growth of its size and prosperity until the Industrial Revolution.

Extensive trade, the desires for future profit, and a motivation to spread Salvian Catholicism were all contributing factors for the 16th century Crusades and establishment of colonies. Colonial holdings and trading ports were established throughout the New World, further profiting the Salvian empire. In the mid 16th century, Popes Gregory IX and Hilarius XVI declared a crusade on the expanding Yellow Empire, which had threatened Christian kingdoms and Salvian colonies in Alharu. Two other minor crusades would be called during this time period, both on the Palu Peninsula: the Lycean Crusade, and the Metzli Crusade.

The return of the victorious crusaders proved a challenge to King Gaetno II. Rebellions in the northern regions of the empire proved difficult to suppress as barons and lords in Salvia continued to subtly resist his rule. The Analgian League, a military and economic alliance between numerous lords of the north and along the eastern coast, was formed in 1549 as a political bloc that opposed Gaetno's attempts at centralizing power. The returning crusaders, now with popularity, experienced troops, and riches gained from the crusades, joined the League and began a war with Gaetno in 1559, starting the War of the Analgian League. Led by Lord Flavio Burgellio, the opposing forces would capture Gaetno and a majority of his force in the Battle of Milvia in 1563, and Gaetno promptly abdicated in favor of Burgellio, ending Gaullis rule in Salvia with the Del Monte family coming to power. After establishing the two Concilios in 1569, Burgellio would die in 1570, and was succeeded by his son, Leo. While Burgellio himself oversaw attempts at decentralization, his successors continued Gaetno's work of centralization and were considered absolutist monarchs. This centralization would create tensions with the nobility, while high taxes in the late 1600s set to fund costly wars and expeditions angered much of the middle and lower classes. By the beginning of the 18th century, the monarch had become increasingly unpopular.

Revolutionary Salvia and the 18th century (1707-1802)

The Blood-Soaked Fields by Carlo de Pasu, depicting the Battle of Milvian Fields

The tensions between the monarch, the nobility, and the middle class were carried over to the 18th century and worsened by King Peter III. Further taxation, illegal evocation of the powers of the Concilios, and continued centralization and oppression all led to protests throughout Salvia starting in early 1707. Governors of provinces began forming the United Provinces, a confederation of provinces that opposed the monarch. After protesters in Trinity were shot in the Trinity Massacre, the United Provinces declared a state of official revolt and began the People’s War. Despite outnumbering the monarchists, democratic forces would struggle with poor command, supplies, and weaponry, extending the war for two years before declaring victory following the capture of Deopolis on 1 June, 1709. The Treaty of Trinity would formally end the war on 12 July, 1709. The war would also inspire nationalist movements in Alvernia and Tanemum, leading to their declarations of independence following the conclusion of the war. Immediately after the end of the war, Alvernia and Salvia would fight several border skirmishes over the western border until the signing of the 1711 Treaty of Alva, which favored the Alvernians, demonstrating Salvian decline following the collapse of the Divine Imperium.

Several notable thinkers and philosophers of the time joined the democrats and would become the cornerstone of their movement: these included lawyer Leo Angelo and governor Jacob Bern, both of which are considered founders of Salvian democracy and would go on to become presidents following the war's conclusion. Other noted thinkers such as Carlo Ranzini would author the Salvian Constitution, which sought to guarantee the rights and liberties of the people and the Concilio Populi and created the judicial branch. It officially removed the monarchy and reduced the power of the Church by making the Concilio Clerici subversive to the Concilio Populi and confiscating some Church property. To appease the Church and the devout peasantry, the Pope was made a figurehead of the new republic, a position he still holds today.

The republic was restricted to upper class Catholic males until the reform movements of the mid-19th century. The Salvian republic retained its overseas territories, confiscating them from the crown and placing them in the control of the newly created executive branch, which, between the Salvian pope and president, became what historians have dubbed a 'quasi-monarchy' as they consolidated power and reduced the power of the Concilios. Despite the success and stability of the new government throughout the 18th century, Salvia still saw its overall power and wealth fall as the loss of Alvernia and Tanemum set back the Salvian economy. The new republic, relatively stable and beneficial to the growing middle class, would see new methods of production in the so-called "cottage industry". Considered a form of proto-Industrialization, the growth of the system would eventually lead to the Industrial Revolution in Salvia.

Industrial Era (late 18th century-19th century)

Alonian iron mills in 1880

Advancements in technology and trade with Europan nations brought the Industrial Revolution to Salvia. Heavy industrialization occurred throughout the 19th century and built off of the cottage industry that was developed throughout the nation in the 18th century. Industrial centers grew primarily in the northwest, with cities such as Minotia and Alonia growing significantly in population. Industrialization, along with successive governments encouraging laissez-faire policies and free trade, led to an explosion in Salvian output and a rapidly growing economy and middle class. To secure larger markets and resources for growing industries, the Salvian state reaffirmed their grip on their New Wurld colonies, sparking the Limonaian-Salvian rivalry which was largely based on conflicts arising over colonies. After experiencing decline and a reduction in size following the People's War, the Salvian colonial empire was expanded to include $$$$.

SCWP leader Maweho Aratori conducts an impromptu speech to protestors in Deopolis, 1904

Largely unchecked by the government throughout the early 19th century, industrialization and the poor condition of workers gave rise to socialist movements, which saw success in the later half of the 19th century in the form of the Salvian Christian Worker Movement. The SCWM pushed for numerous labor reform laws that protected Salvian workers and successfully lobbied the Concilios for reform. These laws were limited to the industrializing north as agriculture continued to dominate the southern economy, with southern estate owners bribing officials to ignore violations of labor laws. By 1910, laws specifically protecting agricultural workers were passed and began to be enforced. This movement expanded to demand for suffrage, both male and female, and for the reduction of power of the executive, requests which were granted following riots and revolts. Political power shifted away from the landed, southern elite and towards northern industrialists. Further reform laws began to transfer power in the Concilio Populi from the landed elite to the middle class, a trend that continued throughout the century. With male suffrage fully granted in 1831, urban workers and agricultural laborers began to vote in liberal governments such as the Salvian Christian Worker Party, a party based on the SCWM, by the 1850s. Starting the Salvian Age of Reform (1851-1919), a period of liberal reforms that benefited lower to middle class laborers and workers, the SCWP would hold power in the Concilio Populi for over 60 years and took up other liberal positions such as women suffrage, which was granted in 1893. Other laws further reduced the political power of the Church, instead refocusing it as an educator and welfare provider.

(Marenesian Events - creation of Gallambria and how it interacts with Salvia)

Geography

Physical map of Salvia

Salvia is located in Marenesia Major on the Tenarua island. Salvia borders the Adisi Ocean and the Salvae Bay to the west, $$$$ to the northwest, Tanemum to the northeast, and the Sicani Sea to the south and east. The northern border with Tanemum is relatively flat and uniform, while the northern border with Alva is delineated by both the Agrillian Highlands and the Alva River. Geographically, Salvia consists of the Agrillian Highlands to the northeast, the Tanemian Flatlands to the north and the Salvian Peninsula and Sicani Islands to the south, in addition to several smaller islands off the coast.

The country's total area is 201,509 square kilometres (77,803 square mi) and an EEZ comprising of $$$$ square kilometres ($$$$ square mi).

Salvia is a relatively flat nation, save for the Agrillian Highlands to the west and the coastal flatlands.

Geographical Features

Strait of Canteberia and Sicanian Channel

The Strait of Canteberia (also known as Canteberian Straits, Canteberian Narrows; Salvian: Strenale di Canteberia) is a strait between the Sicani Islands and the Salvian Peninsula. It is only 31.5 kilometres wide, and its maximum depth is 192 meters (630 ft). The Sicanian Channel is a channel that separates the Sicani Islands from Kiteton. It is 123 kilometres wide and its maximum depth is 1003 meters (3290 ft).

Climate

WIP: DFA (Alvernia) CSA (Salvia) CFA (Sicani Islands)

Biodiversity

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Politics and Government

Patrick Saulius, 20th President of Salvia

Pope Gregory XVII, Pope of the Salvian Catholic Church

The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum has been a unitary semi-presidential representative republic since 1709 after the People’s War. The Pope of the Salvian Catholic Church, currently Pope Gregory XVII since 2020, is the Salvian head of state. The President of Salvia is the Salvian head of government and is elected every 4 years by eligible voters, with a term limit of 3 terms. The Vice President of Salvia runs on the same ticket as the president and is the second-highest officer in the executive branch. The president is President Patrick Saulius, who formerly served as both president and Archbishop of Minotia and Catholic Aslonia before being defrocked pro gratia. The vice president is Seamus Finley.

Government

Salvia has a representative government based on a mixed proportional and majoritarian voting system. The Salvian government is comprised of three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.

The parliament, known as the Salvian Convention of Houses, is a bicameral legislature comprising of the Concilio Populi, with 240 members, and the Concilio Clerici, with 106 members; both meet at Alexis Hall in Deopolis. The Vice President is known as the President of the Convention of the Houses and presides over any sessions of the Concilio Populi, having the power to cast a vote in favor for or against a measure if he wishes too. The Concilio Populi wields considerably more power than the Concilio Clerici, as dictated by the 1709 Constitution of Salvia: for example, it may, at the discretion of the President, dismiss the Concilio Clerici for a set period of time. Any bill proposed by the Concilio Clerici must be approved by the Concilio Populi by at least three-fifths majority; this same rule does not apply to the Concilio Populi. Concilio Populi representatives are elected to represent their local constituents, serving 2 year terms with a term limit of 12 terms. Delegates of the Concilio Clerici are appointed by regional Castuses for 6 year terms and have a term limit of 2 terms.

The president is the leader of the Executive Branch and holds effective executive power; he is also the head of the Executive Council, which consists of all 18 ministers and department heads who are appointed by the president, and the apostolic nuncio to Salvia, which is appointed by the Salvian pope. The President may enact most executive functions without approval from either Concilio or the Executive Council, although he may be impeached by two-thirds vote from both Concilios and the Executive Council if found guilty of "incompetence, treason, or other crimes against the state." Aside from his responsibilities in the Concilio Populi, the Vice President is considered the President's successor upon death, removal from office, or retirement.

Despite being the head of state, the Salvian pope has relatively few powers and is largely a figurehead. Similar to the Vice President, the Salvian pope may cast a vote in favor for or against a measure in the Concilio Clerici and has the ability to appoint the regional Castuses. Aside from that, he is largely held to ceremonial roles. In late 2020, the pope was removed from his position as head of state, and there is currently much debate over whether to replace the role with another position or to have the President fill both roles as head of government and head of state.

As of 2016, national voter turnout was estimated at 71%.

Administrative regions

Salvia is divided into regions and provinces, with the provinces being subservient to the regions and the region subservient to the national government.

Law

Salvia uses a combined civil and common legal system, where law is primarily derived from legal documents to be interpreted by judges.

Foreign Relations and Military

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Economy

The economy of Salvia is classified as a developed capitalist social market economy. Its major economic factors are tourism, electronic manufacturing, shipbuilding, agriculture, textiles, and lumber production. Salvia is regarded as one of the world's most industrialized nations and a leading country in world trade and exports. Salvia is one of the world's largest manufacturing country, characterized by a smaller number of global multinational corporations than other economies of comparable size. Most of Salvia's industrial capacity is clustered in the north,

Economic Sectors

Tourism

Chauteu-del-Monte

Salvia contains many popular cultural and historical sites, home to millions of tourists each year. Some popular religious, cultural, or historical sites might include St. Leo's Cathedral, Museum and Palace (6.2 million annual visitors), Chauteu-del-Monte (large country house of the del-Monte royal house, 1.3 million), Gerizim Hill (reported location of the prophet Liosous' martyrdom, 1.8 million), and Spiritu Sancti, the oldest cathedral in Salvia (1.7 million).

External Trade

With many trade deals with other nations, the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum and has been trading goods surplus for a profit for decades. Its main exports are electronics, lumber, and foodstuffs, of which wine and fruit, specifically cirtus, make up most foodstuff exports. Salvia has extensive trade deals with nations outside of Marenesia, and is currently expanding its reach with deals with Tagmatium and Andalla.

Infrastructure

The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum is a highly developed nation, even in the rural regions. The nation is connected through both the Murway National Highway System as well as by trains and other public transport. Public transport in the nation is both privately and nationally funded, making it one of the best in the region. Railroads and highways connect major cities, with each city containing a hub where both railroads and highways span out of. Major hubs are located in the nation’s largest 5 cities, and the system as a whole contains a network of both short-distance and long-distance rail lines and roads running from it to nearby urban areas and other hubs.

Many citizens have access to the internet, and cell phone ownership is high. Internet speeds vary although the nation is very technologically developed.

Around 23 airports exist in Salvia, most of them local airfields in rural and suburban areas. There are 2 major international airports that connect Salvia with the outside world, and are used for both the movement of people and goods. Privately owned airlines dominant the scene, and the nationally owned Salvian Ways is small and usually only used for government officials.

Salvia has 5 deep water seaports, which are home to the majority of the nation’s exports and imports. These economic hubs are also the sites of much of the shipbuilding industry.

Demographics

Population

The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum has a population of 23,001,900 people, of which an estimated 50,000 are undocumented illegal immigrants. The average fertility rate is 2.2 children, and the average life expectancy is 82.4 years: 81.3 for men and 83.5 for women. Most of the population is concentrated along the coasts and in the northwest urban center of Minotia. Approximately 73% of the population lives in urban areas.

Language

The Constitution of 1709 made both Salvian, a romance language dervied from Aroman, and Aroman the official languages of the country. While very few people are fluent in Aroman and nobody speaks it in the vernacular, all state documents on the federal and provincial level must be written in Salvian and Aroman.

The typical dialect of the nation is Salvian, with an estimated 99% of the population speaking it. However, a large minority (37%) is bilingual, typically in Marenai.

Religion

Religion in Salvia, 2020 (Trinity University Research Center)
Religion			Percent
Catholicism (inc. Tacolism)			92.2%
Other Christian			3.9%
Unaffiliated			2.2%
Marenai pagan			0.9%
Other faiths			0.8%

Since the foundation of the Divine Imperium, the nation has been largely Salvian Catholic. This holds up even in modern times, with around 92% of the population falling under the Catholic faith according to the 2017 national census. The rest of the population is filled with a diverse set of religions, largely due to immigration. Marenai pagans were the majority until the early medieval period, where they then became a sizable minority and slowly declined in numbers. Many were killed, forced out, or converted following the Salvian Wars of Religion, however a small minority remains, mainly in the rural west, and the population is slowly declining. Besides Salvian Catholicism, there is a small population of adherents to Iverican Tacolism that are grouped together with Salvian Catholics on the official census, however many independent polls make it a separate grouping while acknowledging they are still part of the same church.

The number of unaffiliated has increased slightly since the grouping was introduced in the 1931 census, from 0.1% to 2.1% in 2016, with an estimated 2.2% current Salvians falling under this grouping. Due to the Church's role in politics, minor movements towards secularization have gained support since the mid-20th century from unaffiliated, atheist, or agnostic groups and individuals.

Although religious freedoms are guaranteed by the Salvian Constitution, national distrust of certain religions, especially Judaism and Islam, is observable in the western and northern conservative regions. The peninsula has a history of attacks on people of both faiths, although none have been encouraged by the Church or government since the early modern period. Despite the prevalence of anti-non-Catholic sentiment, most northern and western Salvians are welcoming of other faiths, even if they are conservative.

Ethnic groups

Ethnic map of Salvia, 2020

Most Salvians are themselves ethnically Salvians - around 86%, or 19,780,000 people, identified as "solely Salvian" on the 2016 official census. However, this statistic is considered inaccurate by some, as ethnically mixed Salvian-Marenai are widely considered to be Salvian and identify as such. Despite this tendency, Salvian-Marenai individuals may self-report as "solely Marenai" or biracial if they choose to. Different regions reflect their different regional heritage, which can date as far back as Pre-antiquity. Culturally, regional variations are most distinct between the north and the south.

The Marenai are the second largest ethnic group of Salvia, comprising of 9%, or around 2.07 million people. They make up the ethnic majority in several northwestern counties and occasionally in the south. Other ethnic minorities include Gallambrians, Ivericans, and Variot, yet the number of Tagmatines are swiftly rising and are expected to overtake the Variot populace by 2021. Following the Cussian Humanitarian Crisis and the intake of Cussian refugees by the Salvian government, Cussians now comprise another minority in Salvia.

Ethnic tensions between Salvians and Marenai were once widespread, yet became rare in the early modern era. They often existed along religious tensions, with Catholic Salvians in conflict with Marenai pagans. In contrast, ethnic tensions are observable in Alvernia as elements of systematic oppression remain.

Culture

Almost every aspect of Salvian life is influenced by Salvian Catholicism and native Marenai, Aroman, and southern Europan traditions. Salvian culture is marked by strong historic ties to Catholicism, which played a pivotal role in the country's formation and subsequent identity. Its art, literature, and national identity is also based off of native Salvian practices, beliefs, and characteristics that defined the people before the Great Aroman Migration and introduction of Aroman and Christian traditions. Salvian culture is considered by many as a hybrid between the local Marenai culture, which sees influence from southern Europa, classical Aroman, and traditional Catholicism.

Arts and Literature

After the Magnaere Progresient, the arts and literature flourished, which brought upon much of the works that modern Salvians admire today. Film and literature are the most popular among the masses, although other arts, such as paintings, dances, and operas, remain popular. Many works of art and literature contain religious underlying themes. The Church, under popes during the Magnaere Progresient, heavily promoted the arts and literature through funding and contract work.

The country has a small but active film industry.

Cuisine

Food is very diverse in Salvia, with the cuisine stressing the importance of taste. Fruit is served as dessert due to its sweet nature and Salvia's extensive production of it. Wine is also very popular during meals and dessert, and the southeastern region is the nation’s leading producer of wine.

Some popular dishes include:

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Sports and Hobbies

The most popular sports in Salvia are rugby and football (soccer). Both sports each have their own leagues: the Rugby Salvian League and Salvian Football League. Both sports have their own national team that compete internationally. Other popular sports includes swimming, boxing, and wrestling. The typical Salvian will play a sport throughout their schooling career. Many people also have other hobbies, which can be as mundane as reading and watching films to the extremes of skydiving and everything in between. Typical hobbies include reading, astronomy, and athletics such as sports, although it is hard to pin down a definite answer due to the sheer amount of them. Although uncommon, it is not very rare to see Salvians spend much of their free time with religion, especially through prayer or religious education at home and abroad. Religion has influenced Salvian culture since before the introduction of Christianity.