Eastern Romalean History

History

Prehistoric Mysenaea (7000–1200 BC)

The ancient Mysenaean civilization arose during the Bronze Age as one of the world's first advanced civilizations. This was made evident through their states, urban areas, art, and writing systems. It was named after the site of Mysenae, the most prominent among all of the ancient sites in the region. Sophisticated hierarchical, political, social, and economic systems were developed.

Dark Ages (1200–800BC)

The collapse of the bronze age and beginning of the stone age helped mark the end for the ancient Mysenaean civilization into a "dark age." Fewer and smaller settlements suggest famine, excess warfare, and depopulation.

Archaic Era (800–231 BC)

Civilization rose again with increased populations and settlements among several islands north of modern day Shastara. Many city states known as the poleis emerged across these islands. Later, settlements among mainland Ventismar would occur.

The Classical era saw developments in politics, economics, international relations, culture, art, architecture, and warfare. As prosperity emerged, great advances were made in intellectual innovations. Philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates became prominent figures. Athens became the birthplace of democracy.

The Classical period reached a peak in power projection with the conquests of Alexander the Great, creating the Macedonian Empire that stretched from eastern Ventismar to the edges of Azarah and Ophioneus. The Empire was short lived, and its successor Kingdoms eventually dissolved or lost their hellenistic influence.

The Classical Era of Hellenic civilization ended with Romalean conquests.

Classical Romalean Era (175 BC – 323 AD)

Conquests

The Romaleans began conquering the Hellenic Kingdoms in 175 BC. The last Hellenic Kingdom of Odrysia was conquered in 231 BC. Many cities and areas were devastated from Romalean rule, though it recovered through Romalean investment and further integration with the Empire. Ancient wisdom of the Hellenic civilizations would mark a great influence on the Romalean Empire.

A Divided Empire

"Protecting the border regions had become a horrible drain on the Romalean economic and military. The northern reaches of the Empire were under constant attack from native barbarians and nomadic raiders. The prestige of the Imperial Army had suffered greatly for the past 300 years. Soldiers were no longer highly trained warriors sworn to the country, but soldiers of conquered lands, impressed into service. The military had become highly decentralized with hundreds of different non-Romalean generals and lords commanding the loyalty of their legions. By 200 AD, roughly 75% of the total Imperial military consisted of non-Romaleans. The problem only increased as they began to put pressure on Emperor's authority. Unfortunately the Emperor had little power to assert his power and his barbarian generals only listened if it were in their interest.

Many regions began to fall into chaos as generals refused to combat the barbarian threat, or in some cases joined their ranks. More than half of the border forts remained completely vacant due to lack of manpower. At the rate Romaleus was losing soldiers and land, it would not be long before barbarians arrived at the gates of Rumenus. In order to decelerate the rate of collaspe, Emperor Maximilian announced a royal decree that would change the geographical and economic borders of the country. He proclaimed that by the new year 299-300, the northern and eastern regions of Romaleus would be granted autonomy. As of immediately, all Romalean-born soldiers would be recalled to the new borders. While Romaleus continued its administrative and political duties in the north and east lands, all would either return to the peninsula at the start of the new year or remain in their positions in the new countries." (Quoted from the factbook of West Romaleus)

The reign of the First Emperor

Marcus Stadius Caelistis I, placed by Emperor Maximilian Caelistis III, would now reign as the emperor of the Eastern Romalean Empire. Upon his succession, he was faced with the challenge of restoring order to a chaotic empire. Germanic barbarians in the west, Asiatic nomads in the north, and _____ aggressors to the west had placed immense pressure on the Empire. Caelistis I began to repel the Germanic invaders with ease, though he made a mistake in underestimating the nomads as the city of Mysenaea was sacked on January 4th, 302. Caelistis moved the capital to Tarsus and made concessions in lost territory and monetary tributes. Amidst the threat of _____ in the west, Caelistis launched a full offensive and crushed the _____ army. King ______ of _____ surrendered and ceded land to the Eastern Romalean Empire. Meanwhile, an Assyrian noble named Beldaan Yohannan led a revolt in hopes of declaring independence for Assyria. After Caelistis defeated ______ he crushed the revolt in May 21st 305 with ease given their inferior numbers, lack of organization, and poor equipment.

After a decade of fighting, the Eastern Romalean Empire was now under a quasi-peace. Caelistis took advantage of this by heavily intensifying the Empire's fortifications up north to eventually deal with the nomads and cease tribute payments. Unfortunately, the nomads launched a further advancement and rampant pillaging into Eastern Romalean territory. The Eastern Romalean army had shrunk too much to fight so barbarian and other nomads were hired as mercenaries to supplement drafted Romaleans. They put up a successful defense but many mercenaries were upset by their payments and sacked several northern territories once again in March 4th, 308. By this point, the northern area of the Eastern Romalean Empire was heavily devastated. Facing no choice, Caelistis resorted to continue tribute payments to the nomads.

Caelistis I continued to build up northern defenses through his reign to prepare for an eventual revenge attack. Taxes were raised to further finance defense, though this led to riots and revolts across the Empire that put a heavy toll on the economy. Caelistis's harsh suppression against political opponents helped establish a dynasty where his heir, Caelistis II, would succeed to the throne.

Caelistis II the terrible

Caelistis II succeeded the throne after Caelistis I's death in May 9th 314. One of his first actions was repelling nomadic invaders to the north, retaking lost territory, and ceasing tribute payments. Unlike Caelistis I's relative religious tolerance, Caelistis II harshly cracked down upon Christianity. Many internal problems of the Empire at the time were blamed upon Christians by Caelistis II. He was notable for mass executing Christians, torturing them, and burning them alive in cases where they were scapegoated for arson. However, his cruelty was not limited to Christians and would extend upon various other groups. Within his own circle, he was known for brutally mutilating all political and military advisers who dared question him.

Succession crisis of the Fourth Century

Eventually, Caelistis II was assassinated on November 1st, 316. This led to a succession crisis that destabilized the empire. 12 different pretenders had risen to power, 3 of which were quickly assassinated. The remaining 9 emperors fought for control over the empire. Among the most successful included Constantine and Maximian, defeating all other rivals and facing a final showdown near the capitol of Tarsus.

Eastern Romalean Golden Ages (323-1024)

Constantine the Great

On October 13th, 323, a vision appeared to Constantine and his men at noon. Constantine looked up at the sky and saw the Greek letters Chi and Rho on the sun–the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek. Above the sign was the phrase "conquer by this." Constantine saw the sign again in a dream. Christ descended from the sky and instructed him to use the sign as a standard in battle. The next day, he instructed his men to mark the sign on their shields before heading to battle against Maximian's forces.

Constantine was outnumbered but with strategic planning and divine intervention, his forces were victorious. Maximian and his soldiers retreated while Constantine took the rest of the Empire for himself. With rebellions and other pretenders gone, the Empire was once again united.

Constantine founded the city of Constantinople, built on the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium, as the new capital of the Eastern Romalean Empire. He implemented several reforms to stabilize the Empire and slowly begin its Christianization. However, the wide presence of Romalean Paganism forced him into a level of cooperation. Both Christianity and the Romalean religion enjoyed the same status as "official religions of the empire." However, Christianity and Christians received notably better treatment in the administration and various Imperial institutions. Its influence was greatly enhanced with the construction of Churches, the re-transfer of stolen Christian property, and Christian integration with formerly pagan or secular institutions.

Other reforms by Constantine included the introduction of the Bezant as a currency, centralizing administrative reforms, and a clear separation between military and civilian power. Meanwhile, the military was strengthened and expanded. The construction of a great wall around the city of Constantinople was initiated in January 8th, 324. The return of stability after many long decades of unrest created an era of peace and prosperity that would mark the beginning of the "Eastern Romalean Golden Ages." The new prosperity, established urban culture, and greater financial resources allowed the Eastern Romalean Empire to spare itself of the difficulties faced by its western counterpart. While the western empire was overran by barbarian hordes in the 5th and 6th centuries and sacked in, the Eastern Romalean Empire continued to stand for another millennia. Besides the prosperity enjoyed under Constantine's reigns, the Empire was home to ancient civilizations and riches of the east in contrast with the more primitive western territories.

The Constantinian Dynasty

The great leadership of Constantine and prosperity of his reign created a model for many following emperors to follow. The creation of a Constantinian dynasty was widely accepted due to the vast popularity of Constantine the Great. Constantine's first son, Constantius, would now succeed the throne as the ruler of the Eastern Romalean Empire after his father's death in December 1st, 344. Constantine's faith would eventually mark his canonization as a saint by the Church.

Constantius continued much of Constantine's policies and led campaigns against Germanic tribes up north. Though war in the east had sprung up again with the not!Sassanids.

Constantine II marked an aggressive campaign against the not!Sassanid Empire and an expansion of the Empire's infrastructure and communications system.

Constantine III was notable for further entrenching religion within the Empire.

Valentinus and Theodosius

Amidst a succession crisis, Valentinus was hastily declared emperor by the military to deal with threats faced along the Empire's borders. Though his military incapability led to his overthrow by an army 41 days after his coronation in March 11th, 389. Theodosius, who was born under slavery but capable through his military command, took his place. He was notable for his military successes against foreign threats and his outlawing of Romalean Paganism in 395.

Fall of the Western Romalean Empire

While the Romalean Empire was de-facto split into two entities, most Romaleans recognized themselves as all a part of the same empire under two emperors of equal power. This changed in 517 as the city of not!Rome was sacked in 517 by barbarian hordes. The Romalean Empire was now one entity again under Constantinople.

Justinian I

Justinian rose through the ranks of the military. After the assassination of Marcian, the military council elected him to reign as an Emperor in 591. He was notable for his conquests. Seeking to revive the size and influence of the original Ronalean Empire, he led a series of conquests over former Western Romalean territory that considerably extended the size of the empire. The conquests added millions of bezants to the Empire's revenue. The added territory also greatly increased the power, prestige, and influence of the Empire.

In 607, he appointed a twelve-man commission to revise ancient Romalean law and create the Justinian Code in 611 that formalized the Eastern Romalean system of law. Largely stable and influential, it remains the basis of some law systems even to this day.

Islamic attacks

The conquests of Justinian were extremely costly but proved to pay off in long-term power and influence. This changed as Islamic attacks near the southern and western fronts that led to losses of land in the mid 8th century. Meanwhile, Slavic intrusions threatened the northern border. The state of the Eastern Romalean Empire was relatively poor at this time, with some scholars calling it a "void in the golden ages." However, the effects of the lost land did not significantly harm Constantinople and its great fortifications.

Philoponus dynasty (773-796)

The Philoponus dynasty successfully reconquered lands that were lost to Muslims and continued to defend against Islamic and barbarian hordes. The Empire's defenses were greatly enhanced and Constantinople became almost untouchable.

Macedonian dynasty (840-1024)

The accession of Basil I marked the beginning the Macedonian dynasty. This dynasty produced some of the greatest empires in Eastern Romalean history, capable of dealing with external threats while strengthening empire internally.

Culture

Religion

The role of the Church was greatly strengthened after its establishment as an official religion by Emperor Constantine. The clergy grew extremely powerful in power and influence. Christianity would soon begin to influence every aspect of people's lives. It legitimized the emperor's divine mandate as a representative of the heavens. It provided a cultural identity to the Eastern Romaleans with the practices of religious life such as fasting, feasts, holy days, and rituals. Churches were constructed throughout the empire and were filled with icons of Christ, Mary, and numerous saints. It was a large influence on culture and manifested itself in many institutions. Eventually, it would supersede loyalty to the Empire. As it integrated itself within Romalean culture, several works of art, architecture, and literature were inspired by Christianity. There was a merge between the knowledge of the classical world with Christian ideas as a result.

The doctrinal nature of Christianity motivated religious leaders to spread and establish the Church to "heathen" lands. Eastern Christian culture widely spread to groups such as the Slavs up north and west, Turkic people to the east, and Semitic people to the south. The Romalean State Political power was tightly centralized in Constantinople where the Emperor reigned as the "sole ruler of the world" and "peer of the Apostles," which was justified under a divine mandate. His will was enforced through an impressive and extensive bureaucracy that borrowed from classical Romalean tradition. Holding a position in the government required education in Greek rhetoric and literature and was reflective of high social status, which mostly consisted of nobles. The prosperity and meritocracy of the government, however, allowed a level of mobility that several ambitious commoners sought to achieve.

Arts and Literature

Art flourished in the Eastern Romalean Empire during the golden ages. Most surviving art is religious in nature, translating church theology into artistic forms. Originally, mosaics were the primary forms of art in the early centuries of the golden ages. Later, fresco and illuminated manuscripts grew in prominence. Contrary to classical Romalean art, three-dimensional sculptures had largely died out by the middle of the 5th century. The religious nature of the Eastern Romalean Empire prioritized the "heavenly" and "divine" over earthly matters, hence the two-dimensional, colorful, and fantasy-themed art. To the contrary, elements of classical realism survived in some manuscripts. The discovery of large natural resource deposits in the east would integrate precious gems and gold into Church art. The influence of Eastern Romalean art would affect medieval western Ventismar.

Literature flourished in the Eastern Romalean Empire, merging elements from ancient Romaleus, ancient Greece, several Oriental civilizations, and Christian theology. Among the most famous secular pieces include Digenis Acritas. Most surviving literature is religiously focused.

Language

The language of the Eastern Romalean Empire saw a transition from Latin to Greek in the upper class. Greek was the primary civilian language, while Latin was used by the administration and military. Only an educated elite were capable of understanding Latin, casting it as a symbol of wealth and class. This changed during the reign of Gregorius III during the 450s where Greek gained preferential status and began to outphase Latin.

Economy

The Eastern Romalean economy was among the most advanced in the world for much of the golden ages, especially with the fall of the Western Romalean Empire. Constantinople grew as a prominent global center of trade and grew to be an extremely wealthy city–perhaps the wealthiest in the world. Many riches from the empire's possessions and outside found their way into Constantinople, with manufactured goods finding their way across Ventismar, Azarah, and Ophion. Public works and infrastructure, inheriting and innovating upon classical Romalean designs, were built across the Empire with their wealth and resources.

Ethnocentrism

The Eastern Romalean Empire carried a large superiority complex over its success. The Emperor was regarded as the "sole ruler of the world," Constantinople was regarded as the "center of the world," and the Empire's subjects were regarded as "the most civilized people in the world." Outsiders were regarded as barbarians, and their practices were outlawed in order to distinguish and preserve the civility of the Empire's people from barbarian tribes.

High Middle Ages (1024-1300)

Territorial Decline

After the fall of the Macedonian dynasty, the empire's power and influence began to decline. Additionally, a revival was taking place in western Ventismar. The relative prosperity and prestige of the Eastern Romalean Empire declined in relativity to surrounding Kingdoms. Economic problems began to haunt the realm, and economic policies to stimulate the economy failed and resulted in inflation and debased currency. The military was losing much of its prestige while other Kingdoms caught up. A significant amount of territorial loss occured. None the less, the Empire was still a relatively strong Kindgom capable of defending itself.

The 12th Century Revival

The Empire was slowly losing territory after the end of the golden ages. A revival led by competent rulers in the late 12th and 13th centuries helped counteract this and withhold the Empire for some time. After many ages of incompetent rulers after the Macedonian dynasty's fall, emperor Dalmatius Stratioticus (1179-1195) led the Empire's revival and many reconquests. The Komnenos dynasty continued to lead the Empire's revival after the death of Dalmatius and to the mid 12th century. Participation in crusades enhanced the Empire's prestige but were somewhat of a financial burden. The Empire remained as a strong regional power but never regained its prosperity and territorial extent in the Golden Ages.

Crisis of the 13th Century

Financial and economic difficulties of the late 12th century were a large burden on the Empire. The Crisis of the 12th Century, beginning in 1209, accelerated the Empire's decline. Marked by the beginning of political instability in a succession dispute, the Crisis was fueled by increasing border pressures, civil wars, peasant rebellions, and unloyal mercenaries that went rogue over their poor pay. Though perhaps nothing was as detrimental to the empire as the sack of Constantinople in 1242. Alexios II Angelos, angry at the allegedly corrupt coronation of Basil III Chalcocondyles, hired a large mercenary army to assist in retaking the throne. He was unable to pay mercenaries over the Empire's depleted treasury and his reign was poor. As he was ousted from power, the mercenaries sacked Constantinople on August 26th, 1242 in frustration. Buildings were burned, along with much of Constantinople's cultural elements such as literature and art. A third of the population was homeless after the sack.,

The Chaotic Era (1242-1257)

Constantinople was under 16 years of utter chaos where the city was close to its fall. Foreign armies would take advantage of the chaos by coming in to loot some of its great wealth stored over centuries of prosperity. Civil wars occurred on the streets, more buildings were torn down, and many civilians left Constantinople into the more peaceful countryside. Meanwhile, the Empire's territories were falling to barbarians or internal rebellions. Many considered the survival of the Empire after 1257 a miracle.

Palaiologos Dynasty

Eventually, Michael VII Palaiologos claimed the throne in 1257 and restored the city of Constantinople. Reconstruction went on while many civilians returned to the city. Monasteries, public buildings, and defenses were restored and partially improved upon in some cases. The Hagia Sophia, horrible looted and destroyed in 1242, was rebuilt almost exactly as it once was. These actions were costly, especially in the form of higher taxes that would later fuel peasant revolts. The city was restored but not at the same development it once had.

The Palaiologos dynasty relied heavily on diplomacy since its military might was practically extinguished. Mercenaries were reduced in usage, which weakened the army's firepower and numbers but greatly enhanced its honor and prestige.

Late Middle Ages (1300–1423)

Continued Decline

The Palaiologos Dynasty was full of extremely capable Emperors, albeit with exceptions. Regardless, the Empire was in a state of decay. It grew extremely weak and could not fight off against foreign threats that took more of its minimal territory that was left. Slowly, efforts at rebuilding the empire were rebuked in favor of defending Constantinople for as long as possible.

Fall of Constantinople

On the 13th of May, 1423, the Ashukal began to siege the city of Constantinople. At this point, the Romalean Empire was left with nothing but the city and its Athenian vassal. Constantine XI cried for help to many Ventismarian Kingdoms, but only a few mercenaries and ships came. His cries were largely ignored. Many people began fleeing the city. Supplies from Athens were stockpiled and people were drafted to prepare for the upcoming assault.

The Ashukal had 100,000 land forces that outnumbered the 20,000 defenders of the Eastern Romalean Empire. Their weaponry was outdated and their supplies were weak. However, the spirit of the army remained high being the last defendants of the Romalean Empire. The walls surrounding the city provided a great deal of defense that stalled the Ashukal army for 53 days. The cannon attacks by the Ashu were ineffective and the walls were quickly rebuilt. Though the defenses were weakened as the Ashukal navy and backup armies spread out the Romalean defense. This allowed a breach in the walls on July 5th where Ashu forces began to enter the city.

Right as the defenses were weakening and a breach was certain, emperor Constantine XI gave an extremely motivating and religiously-inspired speech to his men. After the Ashu breach into the walls, Constantine tore off his imperial ornaments and threw down his crown so as to blend in with the rest of the soldiers. He had then lead a last charge, standing at the front and center of the army. Believing that it was God's will for the men to fight with all their energy until death, they charged until all were killed by the outnumbered Ashu. And with it, the sun had finally set on the Romalean Empire.

Constantine XI was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Eastern Catholic clergy upheld that all men who died in that last charge were forgiven of all their sins by God and directly ascended into heaven.

To this day, July 5th is called "Remembrance Day." As midnight strikes, an orchestra of people dressed as 15th century Romalean musicians compose a melancholic song in memory of the fall, which is broadcasted on national television. Several ceremonies are held, while a moment of silence across the Empire is mandated on 8:31pm (the rumored time that the Ashu breach on the walls of Constantinople occurred). "Never Forget" is a common motto found across the nation.

Independence and Revival (1703–1834)

Hellenic Revolt

After many years of ethnic and religious oppression under the Ashu, the Hellenic people revolted on July 3rd, 1703. This marked a War of Independence that lasted 7 years. Among one of the most political influential leaders was Stamatios Ypsilantis, a former Greek general of the Ashu army who would become the first president of the Hellenic Republic.

Revolutionary fervor rose up in the Ashu Empire among predominantly Christian ethnic groups. They allied themselves with the Hellenic Revolutionaries but were not as successful and did not manage to earn their freedom at the war's end. They would be under Ashu oppression for several decades or even longer than a century. The collective revolt created both an ethnic and a religious dimension to the struggle. The Ashu responded with increased repression towards the Church. The Patriarch of Constantinople was executed by the Ashu on December 4th, 1707.

The Hellenic Republic (1704-1714)

The Hellenic Republic was established on February 2nd, 1704. Stamatios Ypsilantis was elected as the first President of the Republic shortly after the First National Assembly had met. Political disagreement was set aside to focus on the war effort. It would re-emerge after the Treaty of ??? was signed.

There was considerable debate over the politics and identity of the newfound nation. The main conflict was whether the nation would model itself off of a Hellenic ethnic identity, or after the Eastern Romalean Empire.

The Republic grew increasingly unstable and corrupt. The republican form of governance seemed to be failing the nation. On May 27th, 1714, the Hellenic Republic was dissolved. Otto I rose to power as a despot, establishing the Hellenic Empire. The Hellenic people, fearful of Ashu invasion, accepted their loss of democratic voting power for the stability brought by Otto I.

The Great Revolts (1719-1727)

Several Greeks and other Christian ethnic groups remained under the oppression of the Ashu. In 1719, with Hellenic funding, they took up arms and revolted. The Hellenic Republic intervened to support the rebels.

Imperial Restoration

After the Great Revolt successfully liberated several ethnic groups from Ashu persecution, Queen Placidina II began unifying several of the independent Christian kingdoms. On June 8th, 1734, after the integration of the Macedonian Kingdom, Queen Placidina II announced a newly restored Romalean Empire.

Invasion of Shastara

Empress Placidina II launched an invasion against Shastara on June 10th, 1734. The island was successfully brought to Romalean rule after the Treaty of Reisstaun in November 30th 1737. Romalean rule was contested by Rhodevian invaders in 1745. The Romaleans and Rhodevians waged war over the island. The Romaleans were overwhelmed and decided that too many resources were being put into Shastara, so the Romaleans withdrew in 1757.

The Ashu-Romalean wars

War broke out between the Ashu and Romaleans over territorial disputes in 1768, especially due to the Empire's funding of separatist groups in Ashu. The Ashu army was mightier than the Romalean army, though the Romaleans had the backing of Christian separatist groups. After a 4 year war, the Treaty of Adrianople ceded land to the Romalean Empire. The Empire re-integrated Greek, Syrian, and Turkic Christians living under Ashu rule for centuries.

The Romaleans declared war again on the Ashu in 1790 to reconquer more areas of their historical empire. They were successful and now brought Turkics and Armenians under Romalean rule after the Treaty of Yerevan was signed in 1796. The Turkic people were under direct Romalean rule, while the Armenians were governed by the Protectorate of Armenia. Most of the Turkic population had converted to Islam under their centuries of Ashu rule, which was addressed through the Inquisition, missionary activity, and Islamic persecution.

Successful and blinded by their previous successes, the Romaleans declared war again in 1821. The Ashu army had strengthened itself and were able to repel the Romalean invaders. The war ended in a stalemate on 1831.

Second invasion of Shastara

Conflict arose in Shastara between Rhodevian invaders and Englean-backed separatists. To take advantage of the conflict, the Romaleans launched in invasion once again in 1771. Successful at first, the dual-front against Rhodevians and Engleans overwhelmed the Romaleans to withdraw in 1780.

Overseas Colonization

The newfound Hellenic Republic was relatively small in size and surrounded by a great Ashu empire. Covert operations allocated funds to rebel groups to weaken the Ashu and eventually gain more land, though some political leaders were inspired by the strength some Ventismarian Kingdoms gained from colonization. Additionally, other groups looked to colonization as an opportunity for advancing their interests. The merchant class sought to profit from new markets and trade networks. The clergy saw it as an opportunity to spread Catholicism, especially to compensate for those lost to Islam and Protestantism.

Otto I approved funding for colonization efforts in 1716. The colonies were established on the coast of Sunafrica, which were usually settlement colonies. They were followed by colonies in the Divergian Ocean, which were usually trading posts and economic colonies.

Sunafrica had been under Romalean rule in ancient times. It was no surprise that there were some elements of Hellenic culture and Christianity still present. Though the vast majority of the population was Pagan, albeit with an Islamic upper class. As the Romaleans arrived and conquered the native people, they were converted to Christianity - sometimes by force.

The largest colony established over Sunafrica was the Viceroyalty of Ambrosia, named after Ambrosius Palamas, who led the expedition to recolonize Sunafrica. Cities, towns, and villages were founded across the coast of Ambrosia. Trade brought wealth to the colony. Ambrosia served both as a gateway to the riches of the far east, and as a gateway from inner African trade networks. Gold, salt, and copper found their way upwards while manufactured goods were sent inland. Some natives of noble backgrounds were assimilated with the Romalean settlers as miscegenation and cultural diffusion occurred.

The Poor Era (1834–1917)

"The Sick Man of Europe"

In the 18th century, the Romalean Empire earned its legitimacy as a great world power with its rapid rise to power. From its Greek heartland, it ruled over various ethnic groups and extended overseas in a vast colonial empire. It protected pilgrims to the holy land and was the center of Eastern Christianity. It inherited a long and rich history and culture from several different ancient empires to the east, along with the ancient Romalean Empire. It carried a great level of prestige that challenged and even threatened Kingdoms in western Ventismar.

The prosperity of the Romalean Empire began decaying with the rise of the industrial revolution. Besides losing some territory, the Empire became relatively backwards as it failed to catch up with the rest of Ventismar. It failed to industrialize, which set itself far back in technology. In fact, many of its once great industries were losing their edge as foreign imports out competed them through industrial technology, often leading to urban riots. Overall, the economic decline of the Empire's industries contributed to urban decline. Its cities were becoming smaller and buildings were abandoned as people left to farm since opportunity was waning. The divide between western Ventismar and the Empire grew wider as the industrial revolution led to more scientific and technological advances in the west that the Romalean Empire had missed out on.

The Shastaran Invasion

The divide between the west and Romaleus became quite clear as the Shastaran launched an invasion in 1860. Alexios VII wasn't too concerned since the Romalean Empire was a much larger nation that had a much larger army, which he believed would easily repel the invaders. To his surprise, the 5th regiment sent was defeated and had retreated. Backup forces and drafted soldiers eventually repelled the Shastarans from further advances, though Alexios VII was forced to concede some coastal territories at the war's end in 1864.

The successes of the much smaller Shastaran army were evident from their industrial military technology. The empire's subjects were aware that their empire was not what it once was, though most civilians weren't aware of how wide the technological gap was until word spread of the Shastaran's alien-like technology. In response, Alexios VII sent several scholars overseas to study the industrial revolution of the west and how it could be brought to the Empire.

The Conservatism of Romalean society

To this day, historians and scholars debate the precise reasons for the Romalean Empire's fall from a revived Empire to a state of utter decay in the 20th century. Some scholars look towards the ultraconservatism of Romalean society as a cause. While democracy and liberalism echoed in the west, Romaleus became an outpost of absolute monarchy and conservatism. The state exercised greater control and power over individuals and society than almost any other place in the western world. The structure remained as an absolute monarchy with no parliament, political parties, or national elections. The concept of divine right remained ingrained. The emperor had little checks on power as absolutism dominated contemporary political thought. Social and economic change was almost entirely a top-down process rather than through change bubbled up from society through farmers, workers, and businessmen in the west. Thus, conservatism was widely entrenched in politics.

Religiously, Romalean society was as religious as it was in ancient times–perhaps more so. There seemed to be no rise of secularism and humanism as in the west. Eastern Catholic Christianity continued to dominate society and its institutions. With it, religious laws and enforcement remained in place. Religiously-inspired social codes prohibited some social and individual freedom that were present in western countries.

Some foreign scholars attribute the conservatism of Romalean society as creating a sense of "closed-mindedness" that prevented the "necessary social change for modernization." Nationalist scholars critique this by claiming there is little to no link between the conservative social order and presence of modernization.

Reform and its criticism

Romalean intellectuals were quick to realize industrial technology as a cause for western supremacy. An early response was described as the saying, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." The extent to this was debated by intellectuals and scholars. A fundamental conflict arose between what would be modernized and what would be preserved.

Francio Angelus and Westernization

Francio Angelus echoed the calls for reform. He initially called for revival and reforms in their (decaying) educational system and military organization that would model those in the west. Alexios VII placed Francio Angelus as a political advisor in 1854 and instituted some reforms modeling his ideals. However, his views became more radical over time. Initially controversial for wanting to abdicate with much of Eastern Romalean tradition, he began adopting controversial viewpoints. He then went on to challenge the Empire's social order. Angelus called for what he called "absolute modernization," otherwise called westernization by critics. He called for the establishment of a parliament, democratic elections, constitutional government, religious tolerance, and the separation of church and state. Eventually, he was banished from the Romalean Empire for his influential anti-clerical sentiment.

Maurianus Psellus

Maurianus Psellus was extremely critical of western influence in East Romaleus. The upper class began adopting some western ways by the 1870s, drawing harsh criticism from Maurianus Psellus. Psellus called for East Romaleus to be extremely wary of western ways, drawing a distinction between modernization and westernization. He believed in an industrialized Mysenaea that would be powerful enough to stand up to the west and preserve its traditions.

Ambrosius Glycas

Ambrosius Glycas was an Eastern Catholic monk that rejected some aspects of the industrial revolution. He noted the devastating impacts of the industrial revolution on the working class of foreign nations and their destabilization of society. He also grew critical of excessive materialism and secularism that grew in industrialized countries, rejecting their traditions and heritage.

The Rise of Nationalism

Nationalism rose to assert the Empire as its own unique nation with a degree of cultural and national unity. While the Empire was home to several ethnic groups, the nationalist motto of "Many ethnicities, United as One" became popular. Nationalist scholars and clergy sympathized with Psellus and Glycas. Domnicus Diogenus claimed that the Empire was "in danger of losing its very soul, identity, and faith to the cult of westernization." They were critical of western models of modernization that promoted secularism, democracy, and liberalism. The exploited working classes and growth of materialistic money interests in the west were shocking to the Romaleans.

Falling behind

The Empire was increasingly falling behind its western neighbors. The gap grew wider over time during the 19th century. It was especially prominent and made clear with the Shastaran invasion. Some modernization efforts had a limited level of success in the 1860s. They became increasingly less effective as imperial authority declined, local governments usurped power, and civic infrastructure became corrupt.

A lack of industrialization led to the Empire relying more on goods from its western Ventismarian neighbors for its raw materials and food exports. The effect was an essential deindustrialization that put Romalean proto-industrial manufacturing out of business. Urban decay and ruralization took over urban areas. Growing social unrest naturally occured, with many rebel groups enforcing demands.

Turkic revolt

The Turkic population declared an independent Republic of Turkey in 1887 until being reconquered in 1890. Though there was a considerable loss of sovereignty.

Attempted Revival

The Empire's decay began ending with the reign of Basil V, suppressing several rebellions and reinforcing imperial authority. He introduced a series of extensive reforms that began a revival of the Empire. Economic reforms and modernization attempts effectively began the Empire's industrial revolution around 1889. These were largely top-down approaches to industrialization relying on state owned industry. They were fairly slow paced. Meanwhile, the Bezant currency was moved to the gold standard. Ambitious public works and infrastructure projects were initiated. The Imperial railway fully connected the Empire from its edges in 1911. Foreign investment poured into the seemingly revived economy.

Working conditions were extremely poor and strikes were suppressed (sometimes brutally). Workers' protections instituted by Basil V and Basil VI were ignored by local aristocrats and capitalists. The benefits of industrialization were lopsided towards the upper class. The urban poor were increasingly exploited and impoverished, struggling to make ends meet. Thousands of peasants became landless and were forced into joining the urban working class. The cities were not equipped with adequate infrastructure or housing for rapid industrial growth.

The working classes, clamped together in harsh work and poor conditions, grew suspectable to revolutionary ideology as middle-class ideologues turned towards left wing ideas. More conservative and religious ideologues were sympathetic to worker exploitation but fiercely opposed to communism. Corporatism grew in popularity during the 1890s and drew sympathy from Basil VI.

The return of chaos

Basil VI's death prompted Constantine XIII's succession to the throne. Constantine XIII was well-intended as a ruler with a good moral character but was said to "not be ready for ruling." He entered the Romalean Empire into World War I in attempt to assert the Empire's strength. Though the enemy armies were underestimated. Initial successes were made and Shastaran land was reconquered, but the war was exhaustive for the Empire and had stirred domestic troubles. A famine began in December 1916 as the last straw until revolution. Constantine XIII drew out of the war on December 21st 1916 to deal with domestic issues at home and the rising revolutionary sentiment.

The Republican Era (1917–1936)

The Revolution of 1917

Conditions of the late Empire were a source of agitation to the working classes. Modernization efforts of the economy and military while maintaining the older social order were seen as a failure. The Empire never truly modernized and had only brought burden to the lower classes. Cruel treatment of peasants and industrial workers combined with the spread of western democratic ideals created political and social discontent. The people desired a more radical transformation of the country than the "conservative modernization" favored by the imperial government.

The burdensome impacts of the war, its mismanagement, and the December 1916 famine were the last dominoes to fall. In January 1st, 1917, the masses took up arms to revolution. A crowd stormed Constantinople on January 4th. Imperial banners and symbols were torn down. Support for the monarchy was slim. A minority of the Eastern Catholic clergy even believed that the Emperor lost the divine right to rule. Evident through the poor and sorrowful state of the Empire since the early 19th century, perhaps they were on to something.

The capital was in a state of anarchy. Constantine XIII's police force was useless as the military turned against him. He abdicated from the throne and allowed the revolutionaries to seize power in January 8th.

Establishment of the Republic

The Romalean Empire officially fell after Constantine XIII abdicated. The Imperial Council was ousted and replaced by the National Congress. The Romalean Republic was declared with President Lukas Stauricius being elected to serve the honor in being its first ruler. Centuries of absolute monarchy had been put to an end.

The New Constitution of the Republic established freedom of speech, press, association, and religion. The nobility were stripped of legal status. A universal democratic franchise was setup for all adult men but with women having suffrage in some provinces. It also established a secular state and removed political power from the Eastern Catholic Church. Inquisition courts and religious law were replaced with secular alternatives. The government abandoned its imperial traditions for a more westernized style of governance and in education. Sodomy laws were even abolished.

The 1920s

A post war boom occurred after World War I ended. The nation now looked towards peaceful trade and modernization throughout the 1920s. Many people were looking in a positive direction as their leaders surely convinced them that a new modernized government would allow Romaleus to catch up with the rest of the world. Progress was made and a level of industrialization occurred. While many lenient workers' protections were instituted, corruption and decentralization made them hard to enforce.

The Republic became increasingly corrupt and divided as the 1920s progressed. Things appeared to be prospering on the surface but beneath that were problems. The rapid pace of industrialization and lack of enforced protections led to a working class that had their conditions stagnate or even worsen. Some groups began questioning the Republic and were turning to radical answers. Political polarization emerged. Things were worse after peasant rebellions and industrial strikes were brutally put down in the late 1920s, which were supported by business lobbies in the government.

The Great Depression

Things became worse during the Great Depression that began in October 1929. Chaos and anarchy found their way to Romaleus once again in response to the economic crash. Hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and a drop in living standards caused frustration. There was little to no faith in the original dream of a free and democratic Republic as radicalism rose to the stage.

The election of 1930 ousted almost all right wing forces from the government. The left wing began consolidating their grip on power and imprisoned political opponents. An authoritarian state was effectively established, ending democracy. By motivation of revolutionary left wing ideologies, the traditions of Romaleus were put on target. Among the most controversial was the persecution of the Church. Leading members of the clergy were imprisoned, clerics in positions of power were sacked, Churches were subject to arson, and all references of God and religion were replaced.

The general election of 1932 placed a right wing government under Maximus Palamas into power. They reversed many of the liberal reforms in place. Part of this was enabled by the anarchist boycott of the government over corrupt business lobbies enforcing worker repression.

The anarchists reversed their abstention and voted in the 1934 congressional election. Maximus Palamas was still in power, though an anarchist by the name of Honoratus Rhangabe had assassinated him in December 5th, 1935. The following assassination by the Vice President on December 11th placed the moderate-left Paulus Bardanes into power.

The general election of 1936 placed a left wing coalition into power under the Socialist leader David Palamas.

The Great Civil War (1936–1940)

Coup

Right wing military leaders planned a coup and declared a military opposition on July 1st, 1936, against the Republican government under the leadership of Marcus Psellus. They formed a coalition known as the "Nationalists." The coup gained support from all right wing factions and several military units. Military units in the Turkic provinces, most of Bulgaria, and the regions near Constantinople were in favor of the government. Several foreign powers aided the Nationalist coup. The USSO responded through joining the war in July 24th, 1936 on the side of the Republicans.

Combatants

Nationalists

• Falange Romaleus (fascist political party)
• Imperial Renewal (monarchist political party)
• The Clerical Confederation (clericalist political party)
• Holy Front (Catholic militia)
• Army of Macedonia
• Army of Armenia
• Islamic Resistance of Jerusalem
• Engleberg
• Rezua
• Umbrellya
• Talvistova
• Foreign volunteers

Republicans

• Grand Army of the Republic
• Bolshevik Party
• Anarchist Confederation
• Socialist Workers Party
• International Brigades
• Army of Bulgaria
• Army of Athens
• Republic of Turkia
• USSO
• Foreign volunteers

Nationalist factions

The Nationalists were fiercely anti-communist and largely pro-religion. They included several groups that were able to set aside their differences. The Falangists followed the East Romalean version of fascism created by Mitre Deskov. They looked towards creating a new order under a strong, centralized, dictatorial state. The monarchists and reactionaries were against the Republic for the corruption and instability during its years. They carried nostalgia for the old days of East Romaleus and the old institutions that were abandoned under liberalizing reforms, especially restoring the monarchy. Some of them believed in aspiring towards a form of imperialism to restore the power and influence of the original Eastern Romalean Empire during its height.

The religious groups and clericalists were most motivated by religion. They lamented the moral decline under the Republican years and the reducing influence of religion, believing that their nation was straying further from God's light.

Additionally, the Nationalists were joined by the Macedonians and Armenians. The Armenians sought the restoration of the monarchy and the protections and autonomy that the monarchy granted the Armenian Protectorate. As such, there was mild tension between the Armenians and Falangists due to the Falangist ideal of an extremely centralized state.

The Islamic Resistance of Jerusalem included Muslims living in the holy land that believed in the need to declare a Jihad against the anti-religious policies of the Republican government.

Republican factions

The Grant Army of the Republic was the official army of the Republican government. They made alliances with other, radical factions to spite the Nationalist uprising.

The Bolshevik Party was a communist party that subscribed to Leninist ideals. They were led by the charismatic communist leader, Stefo Deskov. They believed in establishing an authoritarian state under the "dictatorship of the proletarian." The Anarchists were anarcho-communists that believed in the absolute abolition of the state and all aspects of the old order, in favor of a direct democracy.

Meanwhile, the Republicans were joined by the Armies of Bulgaria and Athens. The Athenians were supportive of the Republican government given their strong belief in a democracy. Athens had been the global birthplace of democracy, yet their democratic franchise was frequently suppressed or manipulated by the extremely despotic Romalean Empire. Some of the 1917 Revolution's most prominent leaders were either Athenians or had been educated in Athens. As such, they were at slight odds with the Bolshevik Party and the Leninists.

Civil wars within civil wars

The Republican government failed to unify the separate groups the same way the Nationalists did. The communist Bolsheviks and Anarchists were increasingly opposed to the government over being too "moderate" for their liking. They were strongly dedicated to the establishment of a new order, yet were frustrated by the actions of the Republican government. This divide grew worse over time until creating a civil war within a civil war. The Communist armies soon began to turn against the Republican government, prompting a series of conflicts in the northern regions of the nation. The Nationalists slowed their advances in the northeast as soon as word went around about the civil war in a civil war. Not too long after, war broke out between the Bolsheviks and the Anarchists. This created a civil war within a civil war within a civil war. The Anarchists were outnumbered until the Bolsheviks split in half over their differences. The Nationalists quickly made advances as the divided Republican front devastated itself in the northeast over infighting. The Nationalists simultaneously were dealing with Turkic guerillas towards the eastern front. They employed scorched-earth tactics in response to the killings of Greek civilians by the Turkic armies and anti-separatist Turkics.

Brutality

The war was the bloodiest conflict that Ventismar experienced since the end of World War II. 600,000 people died as a result of crossfire, killings, mobs, torture, or other brutalities. The Nationalists cleansed any traces of leftism in Romaleus while the leftists cleansed all traces of what they deemed to be part of the "old order," interfering with their revolutionary ideology to establish a new state. The brutality of the war was aided by the testing of new technologies, the ideological fervor of the combatants, and its transformation into a proxy war where foreign intervention added on to the fire.

Nationalist Victory

Eventually, as the Republican armies were devastated and pushed back, the Nationalists stormed to the capital of Constantinople. After street fighting, the Republicans gave up and retreated as it seemed as if they had lost. Their forces were crushed and split up. They officially surrendered on June 17th, 1939. Marcus Psellus pronounced himself as the leader of the new state. He announced the new state as a restoration of the Romalean Empire with himself as the emperor. Manuel IV Palaiologos was set as his heir. The new government rolled back several of the policies under the Republic. Several changes were put in place to restore the Empire as it once was. For 1939 to 1950, a reign of "white terror" was put in place. Political opponents and left wing ideology was severely cracked down upon through imprisonment, public executions, and torture.