Roman Republic (Earth X)
The Roman Republic The Senate and People of Rome | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Capital | Rome |
| Largest | Capital |
| Official languages | Modern Latin |
| Recognised regional languages | Spanish, French, Greek, Turkish, Hebrew, Arabic |
| Religion | Roman Pantheon |
| Demonym(s) | Roman |
| Government | Constitutional Republic |
• Consul of Rome | Gaius Decimus Meridius |
• Consul of Rome | Quintus Septimus Avitus |
| Area | |
• | 9,077,665 km2 (3,504,906 sq mi) (2nd) |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 538,845,460 (3rd) |
| GDP (PPP) | estimate |
• Total | $32.330 Trillion (1st) |
• Per capita | $60,000 |
The Roman Republic is a sovereign nation-state in Earth X, a polity centred around the Eternal City, Rome, with signficiant territorial holdings around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, North Africa and West Asia, with a history dating back over two thousand years. The modern Roman Republic is a democratic state, with a written constitution first codified in 1350, centred around the city of Rome and the Italian peninshula, although democratic sufferance is universal across the Republic's territory for all citizens. The Republic is bordered on the North by British territory of Northern France, to the East by the Middle East, to the South by the Sahara Desert, and to the West by the Atlantic Ocean.
Administrativly, there is a substantial distinction between Italia and the provinces; historically this was underline the dominance of Rome, however more recently this has become a egalitarian distinction allowing for a Provincial Assembly, representing all inhabitants of the province, citizen or non-citizen, to exist under a Roman Governor, thereby ensuring represenation for all inhabitants of the Republic, and a signficiant degree of autonomy in some provinces. As such, the modern Roman Republic is a diverse, multi-cultural polity, with signficaint regional traditions and languages, all under an overarching sense of 'Romanness' and an alliegance to the Eternal City.
The Roman Republic has remained largely stable for the majority of its history since the end of the Empire in 1349 at the height of the Black Death, with no major political conflict. The Republic has faced some unrest in provinces, newly acquired at the time, the most recent being a reborn Zealot movement in the province of Judea, however successful Romanisation (or in many cases, re-Romanisation) has largely resulted in a peaceful and prosperous modern Republic. For much of its history, from Ancient Times up until the last hundred and fifty years, Rome stood as the main obstacle to the advance of Islam into Europe, with the City of Constantinople being at the front-line for centuries. As a result of this, and in keeping with it's martial traditions, Rome has maintained a strong, professional military since ancient times, with Rome's Legions retaining their prestige and renown.
Due to Rome's vast extent, which included numerous overseas colonies during the Age of Discovery, and endurance, the instutitons and cultures of Rome hae had a profound and lasting influence on the development of language, religion, art, architecture, philosophy, law, and forms of Government all over the world. As such, the modern Roman Republic is one of the world's Great Powers, boasting the largest economy and population, and is a permenant member of the Security Council of the World Congress.
History
Ancient History
TBC
A New Lease of Life
On the Ides of March, in the year 175, Lucius Aurelius Commodus, teenaged son of the Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, died after a short illness, joining his older brother Titus and leaving the Emperor without a male heir. This, in time, led to the Emperor continuing the unofficial tradition of his predecessors in adopting an heir, eventually a successful Legatus from the Germanic Campaigns, Marcus Dextrus Meridus. This was further solidified by Dextrus Merdius, who formalised the trend of appointing a suitably qualified male heir, rather than relying upon male primogeniture, in what became known as the Imperial Succession. Although a biological male son would be the heir presumptive, they were expected to hold various administrative and military appointments in order to prove their worthiness for the Imperial Throne, and the Emperor could, and in later years, would, pass over their son in favour of a more suitable heir. For many prominent Romans, particularly in the Senate and amongst the patricians and equestrian classes, this legitimised the continued existence of the principate and, as such, those passed over heirs subsequently struggled to gain widespread support to press their ‘claim’. This led to a succession of competent, successful Emperors in the years after the death of Marcus Aurelius, and gradually led to a decrease in the number of assassination plots that had started to plague the Empire.
As a result, the Empire entered the Crisis of the Third Century in a strong position, a competent, respected, and more importantly accepted, Emperor was able to respond to the Antonine Plague far more effectively, as well as the changing climate and the increasing potential for famine. Effective handling of the natural disaster enabled the Roman Military to resist a wave of barbarian invasions, brought upon by the same changing climate. The more peaceful tribes were closely monitored and assimilated into the Empire, whilst those that refused to accept Roman authority were militarily resisted, as were incursions by the Sassanids throughout the century. The increased pressures on the Empire also gave rise to some economic troubles, particularly in the wake of increased military spending, however stability in the way of Emperors had avoided the need to debase currency to pay for accession bonus to the military that would have occurred in the event of a rapid series of short-lived Emperors, indeed throughout this period, only one new Emperor acceded to the throne and as a result, whilst economically weakened the damage to the long-term prospects of the Empire’s economy were not as catastrophic as they might have been. Moreover, the success of the Roman Military in holding back barbarians, and the relative lack of internal strife, ensured that the internal trade network, essential to the Roman economy, continued to operate with only minimal interruptions.
By the early 4th Century, tensions between Christianity, and the still more popular Roman Pantheon, continued to rise until the Emperor of the day proclaimed the Tolerance Decree in 304, in which Christianity would become officially tolerated within the Empire and it’s followers able to worship freely and without persecution. Moreover, subsequent Emperors would set aside land on the far side of the River Tiber, for the Christian’s to build their Church in Rome, St Peter’s Basilica, in what would become known as the Vatican. Although the Roman Pantheon would remain the majority, and official, religion of the Empire, Christianity continued to grow in size and influence and spread throughout the Empire. Never the less, the avoidance of internal strife allowed the Empire to resist a new wave of barbarian migration, although Roman territory in Britannia and northern Gaul were slowly withdrawn from in the face of a deteriorating military situation as the Visigoths and Huns, amongst others, were redirected away from the Italy and Greece and further into Northern Europa before a fragile peace was eventually achieved.
The Islamic Threat and the Reconquest
No sooner had the Roman Empire emerged, battered and bruised but intact, from the Barbarian Migration was it faced with an entirely new threat; one far less likely to accept peaceful assimilation or religious tolerance; Islam. Over the following decades Rome steadily lost ground across North Africa and Asia Minor, although it was able to hold on to key positions in Egypt around the Nile Delta, as well as the coastal provinces, but all soon found themselves surrounded on all landward sides by the Umayyads, although attempts by the Muslims to seize Scicily and gain a foothold in Italia itself were thrown back without issue. The Umayyads, taking advantage of stretched Roman supply lines, were able to defeat Roman forces in the province of Mauretania Tingitana and crossed the Straits of Gibraltar into Hispania, and swept across the Iberian peninsula. With the bulk of Rome’s legions concentrated in North Africa and Asia Minor, to defend against the Umayyad forces there, Hispania was overrun both Legions from Italy could respond, and the Muslim forces dug in and established their own control, despite their own tenuous supply lines. Although the Umayyads were stopped at the Pyrenees, the loss of Hispania was a significant blow to Rome and it would take many years for the Roman Reconquest to push the Umayyads, later known as the Moors, out of the province entirely.
In the east, things were little better, Roman forces were consistently pushed back across the board; early losses to the Sassanids included Damascus and Jerusalem, leading to a Siege of Constantinople in 626 before being pushed back as reinforcements arrived from Rome. If moderately victorious, this long conflict left the eastern provinces vulnerable to Muslim forces over the following years, culminating in another Siege of Constantinople, between 674-678, by the Umayyads before being repulsed and an uneasy peace agreed. Nevertheless, although the Roman position in Egypt and in and around Constantinople remained isolated and vulnerable, and subject to period raids and skirmishes, maintaining a continuous land connection between Rome and Constantinople, as well as maintaining the grain shipments from Egypt, allowed Rome to maintain a stable, if weakened position. Once the initial Muslim advance was checked, at the Pyrenees in the West and Constantinople in the East, there was a general consensus in Rome that the military situation had stabilised. Indeed, after a time Rome was able to cross the Danube and re-conquer lost lands in Dacia, resulting in an expanded province whose borders survive to the modern day.
Throughout this period the Roman Legions steadily evolved, largely maintaining a heavy infantry core, supported by a sizeable Auxiliary Force, however the focus remained on fighting in formation, discipline and professionalism. As the use of heavy cavalry began to gain increasing prominence, the Roman legions steadily evolved to be principally armed with pikes and halberds, and the Legion’s already substantial reputation was only enhanced by their ability to withstand fierce cavalry charges. Although the Roman state would never develop ‘true’ Knights, in the sense traditional sense due to the lack of a feudal system, the Roman Equites took on a similar role as part of their military service serving a similar role, due in no small part to their traditional role. As a result of this, although by no means intentional at the time, the increased tendency of the Equestrian class to serve as heavy cavalry resulted in senior staff and command roles in Legions no longer being solely the purview of the upper classes, although connections and money was still required, plebeians began receive appointments as Military Tribunes.
The Black Death and the Roman Resurgence
Heavily distracted by the situation in Hispania and the East, Rome’s own political situation was fractious to say the least. Although the authority of the Emperor was generally accepted, the city of Rome itself was increasingly seen only as the ‘first amongst equals’ by other Italian cities in ascendance. The loss of all but southern Gaul to Charlemagne, combined with the prominence of Constantinople as a city to rival Rome itself, the city lost some of its lustre after centuries of decline. Although largely stable, and in no immediate risk of collapse, the Roman Empire largely stagnated, surrounded on all sides by enemies and challenged by rivals from within. It would take the Black Death, and the devastation that swept across Europe, for a true Roman resurgence. After decades of decreasing influence, the last nail in the coffin for the Roman Emperor was the death of the Emperor at the time, and his entire family and most of his court, leaving a power vacuum in Rome; one that the Roman Senate was eager to take advantage of, having been growing in unofficial power and influence for decades, with prominent families, such as the Sforza, Medici and the Orsini.
In the sudden absence of the Emperor, and without a clearly appointed heir, the Senate asserted its ‘historic and traditional’ right to lead, and quickly gained the support of the various apparatus of the Roman State, steadily achieving the long-held desire by the Senatorial Class to restore the Republic, more than fifteen hundred years after its fall. Although this transition would lay the framework for the modern Roman state, with a written constitution to back-up the checks and balances of a reformed Republican system, it was not without political intrigue and bloodshed. The ancient families of Rome found themselves contending with the noble families of Italy for supremacy in the Senate, leading to street brawls between the supporters of the various factions. After weeks of unrest, Senators from Rome, representing ancient families, were able, through skilled political manoeuvring, to establish a quorum in the Senate despite the absence of many of the Senators from the other Italian cities. Taking advantage of this unexpected quorum, the Roman Senators resurrected the ancient Republican office of Dictator, not held by anyone since Julius Caesar, appointing Marcus Valerius Corvinus to a six-month term.
Valerius Corvinus, an experienced military commander from an ancient family with well-known Republican leanings, immediately reached out to his former contacts in the military and was able, between his connections and his authority granted him by the Senate (such as it was) was able to assemble a force of four legions. Rather than assailing the Italian cities, to put down their political resistance by force, Valerius Corvinus instead marched on Rome, establishing martial law and restoring peace to the city’s streets. With order restored in the Capital, the Dictator quickly got about the task of continuing the Senate’s reforms, concentrating initially on Rome itself; establishing electoral wards and holding elections, in a more modern format than had been the case in the old Republic, and thereafter seating a new Comitia Civis (Citizen Assembly), as a check on the re-found power of the Senate. By the end of his term as Dictator, Valerius Corvinus oversaw the elections of the first two Consuls, empowered as they had been in the old Republic, in centuries, stepping aside gracefully in the best traditions of Roman statesmanship. The Consuls took power on the first day of 1350, and in keeping with their election pledges, continued the reforms of the Dictator.
With the Senate and Comitia Civis in Rome, along with the newly elected Executive Magistrates, appearing to the common people to be the legitimate successor to the Emperor, the Eternal City regained much of its lost prestige. As such, when the other Italian cities were brought to the negotiating table over the Summer, the ancient families of Rome were able to extract certain concessions; when the full Senate finally sat in the autumn, more than half of its members were traditionally Roman, with the remaining Senators being drawn from across Italy, ensuring that no city other than Rome could claim dominance in the Senate. The following year, a Constitutional Convention was held in Rome to codify the various checks and balances of the traditional Roman system, with some adjustments and improvements, in an attempt to solidify the laws that underlined the ‘state’ as a concept to which all, in particular the military, were expected to remain loyal.
The written Roman Constitution extended the elected representatives in the Comitia Civis to all Roman citizens, with voting wards set by the Censors, meaning that the law-making power of state was spread across Italia (as all citizens in the provinces, even those born and raised there, are required to have a residence in Italy, although in the modern day this requirement is typically met through a ‘residence’ with a family member (often distant) in Italy). However, given the prominence and influence of the Roman-dominated Senate, and that fact that aspiring government officials and magistrates tended to flock to the city, the political power and prominence of Rome was restored and would not again be seriously challenged. Other Italian cities gained prominence, Florence became well known for its banking under the Medici, Mediolanum (Milan) would become a global fashion centre in future centuries, but Rome remained the political, social, cultural and religious centre of the Republic.
The Roman Renaissance
Although early Renaissance ideas had already begun to appear, and had heavily contributed to the return of Rome to a Republican form of government, the Roman Renaissance truly developed in the 15th and 16th Centuries. In the West, the Roman Republic thrived, with successive Consular campaigns conducted by Rome against the Muslim presence in Hispania, which was steadily pushed back across the province
Modern Rome
Government and Politics
Executive Magistrates
The Executive Magistrates constitute the executive government of the Roman Republic; individuals elected by popular vote to fulfil certain roles within the Roman Government. Each magistrate is vested with a degree of magisterial power, termed ‘potestas’ depending on the office they have been elected to in order to allow them to carry out their duties. Additionally certain magistrates are granted ‘Imperium’, the power to command, initially the authority to command military troops the term effectively refers to the magistrate’s constitutional right to issue commands rather than to simply administer within existing legislation. A Quaestor, the least powerful (and most numerous) of the executive magistrates, hold potestas but do not hold imperium, and as such are principally administrators, usually executing the commands of higher ranking magistrates. The Roman Magistrates operate on a principle of checks-and-balances, and as such every level of magistracy is held by at least two individuals, such as the two Consuls, who have the ability to obstruct (veto) and action being taken by a magistrate of equal or lower power. Whilst in the day-to-day running of the Roman state each individual magistrate concentrates on their own specific responsibility the presence of colleagues with veto ensures a check on balance on any individuals power, even at the highest levels of the Roman Government.
Once a magistrate had completed a term of office, to avoid any one individual gathering too much power, a magistrate would have to wait several years (as many a ten between Consulships) to hold the same office again, or to meet the age requirements for a higher office. Immediately after completing a term of office a magistrate can be appointed a ‘promagistrate’, such as a Proconsul or Propraetor, and was assigned as a provincial governor or diplomatic envoy.
Consul
The highest elected office within the Republic is that of Consul, held by two individuals, each with veto power over the other, who serve as both heads of state and heads of government, save for when a Dictator is appointed by the Senate during an emergency. The Consuls are responsible for the administration of the Roman Government, holding significant authority over all other magistrates who are subordinate to them. In the execution of the day-to-day superintendence of the internal machinery of the Republic the Consuls, singularly and together, hold significant authority to oversee the execution of laws. The Consuls convene and preside over meetings of the Senate, one of the key functions of the body is to provide ‘considered advice’ to the magistrates, serve as the Chief Diplomats of the Roman State, and retain the authority, if rarely exercised, to preside over, and pass judgement upon, criminal and civil cases. The Consuls also preside over the Comitia Civis, allowing them to heavily influence the legislative agenda, but they do not hold voting rights in this body. The Consuls also serve as the Commanders-in-Chief of the Roman Military, with extensive powers in this regard, although day-to-day control and administration of the military is exercised by the Praetor Militum. It is not unusual for a Consul to exercise direct command authority over military forces, as almost all Roman Consuls have a military background, although this is typically for offensive operations as defensive operations are under the jurisdiction of provincial governors.
As the Consuls hold significant, almost King-like, power over the Roman State, there are numerous checks and balances on these powers to prevent an abuse, the main such mechanism being the veto power held by each Consul, meaning that one cannot act against the other’s determined will. It is for this reason that the two Consuls are not elected on the same ‘ticket’, and indeed in many cases are political opposites, and are each elected to four-year terms, with Consular elections held every two years although only Consulship is open for election. Although most Consuls are political rivals, it is expected that they maintain a consensus wherever possible, and to avoid unnecessary conflict the two Consuls typically rotate the day-to-day duties of the Consulship, particularly in the legislative arena, and blocking attempts by a Consul to meet a campaign promises are considered taboo. Moreover, a Consul is unable to stand for re-election, ensuring that no individual retains such power for a prolonged period of time, and indeed have to wait eight years (or two full Consular terms) before standing for the Consulship again. As a result, the Consuls of Rome are extremely powerful executive leaders, ensuring clear and decisive leadership, but their power is restrained by the built-in checks and balances of the Roman system.
As of 2020, the two Consuls are:
- Gaius Decimus Meridus, assumed office in 2020
- Quintus Septimus Avitus, assumed office in 2018.
Praetor
The Praetors are high-ranking executive magistrates within the Roman Republic, holding a variety of offices and official capabilities, and responsible for the superintendence of a specific aspect of the administration of the Roman State, answerable only to the Consuls of Rome. The Praetors are elected to their positions every two years, and candidates stand for election each of the specific offices on the basis of their previous training and experience. Each of the Praetorships occupies a position within a hierarchy, largely based around the importance of the position, which serves as an order of succession, with the senior Praetor, known as the Praetor Urbanus, responsible for serving as the acting head of the Roman Government in the event that both Consuls are not in Rome.
As of 2020, the Praetors, in order in the hierarchy, are:
- Giovanni Valerius Lucullus, Praetor Urbanus (Justice and Security)
- Publius Cassius Varus, Praetor Militum (Defence and Military)
- Lorenzo di Cosimo di Medici, Praetor Pecunia (Finance and Commerce)
- Sextus Curtius Vetus, Praetor Peregrinus (Foreign Affairs)
- Manius Atilius Cordus, Praetor Docens (Education)
- TBC TBC TBC, Praetor Rustica (Agrictulrue)
Aedile
The Aediles are middle ranking magistrates, originally responsible for temple building and religious festivals the modern Aedile serves as deputies to the Praetors, responsible for different aspects of a given Praetors portfolio. The Aediles are principally responsible for expanding and detailing the general policies put forward by their Praetor.
Questor
The Questors are the lowest ranking magistrates to hold Imperium, responsible for the day-to-day managements of various aspects of the Roman Government. In addition to those Questors stationed in the central Roman Government there are also Questors all over the Republic, serving provincial governors and other key officials.
The Senate and People of Rome
The Senate
The Comitia Civis
Provincial Administration
Provincial Governor
Provincial Assembly
Tribunate of the Plebs
Originally elected officials, from the ranks of the Plebeians exclusively, whose sole purpose was to serve as a check and balance on the power of the Executive Magistrates, possessing a right of veto over any and all Government functions, the Tribunate of the Plebs has expanded extensively over the centuries. Although the Tribunes of the Plebs, of which there are ten, remain responsible for providing oversight on the Roman Government and interceding on behalf of citizens who believe their rights are being infringed, the Tribunate as a whole is also responsible for the administration of the support of the State provided to the poorest members of society. Typically, the College of Tribunes will allocate specific responsibilities depending on the experience and interests of it’s members, to ensure that all duties are suitably carried out, usually with two Tribunes working together to fulfill each duty, as a check and balance on each other. Typically, two Tribunes will be present whenever the Senate is in session, two Tribunes will be present whenever the Comitia Civis is in session, two Tribunes will be responsible for responding to any requests for intercession from the citizenry (which can take them all over the Republic, two Tribunes will be responsible for reviewing Judicial actions, and two Tribunes will be responsible for administering the State Welfare system.
The Tribunes are elected to four-year terms, with staggered elections to ensure a regular turn-over in the College of Tribunes. In addition, the Tribunate, as an organization, also employs a large number of civil servants who, although not possessing full tribunician power, have the limited right to stay any action in the name of the Tribunes until one can arrive on the scene to assess the situation themselves. After a tribunician veto, regardless of the circumstances, the College of Tribunes will convene a Tribunal, a gathering of at least five of their members (although all Tribunes have a right to sit on such Tribunals, meaning that in cases of extreme import all ten may be present), to judge the matter and pass a binding judgement. Although there is no punishment for a Tribune whose veto is overruled by a Tribunal, as a Tribune must be free to follow his conscience and the law, it is expected that a Tribune not exercise his power lightly.
In general, the roles of the Tribunate can be split into three categories:
Governmental Oversight
Any Tribune of the Plebs has the right to veto any action conducted by the Roman Government, whether that by the Executive Magistrates (up to and including the Consuls), the Senate or the Comitia Civis, if they feel that it is not in the best interests of the Roman People. In order to enforce this, two Tribunes are present whenever the Senate is in Session and two Tribunes are present whenever the Comitia Civis is in session, in order to exercise their veto at any point during proceedings that they deem necessary, requiring the judgement of a Tribunal before a passage can be attempted again. In addition, existing laws can also be challenged as ‘unconstitutional’ to a Tribune in which case, if there is a case to answer, the Tribune may place a veto on the enforcement of the existing legislation pending a Tribunal to assess the constitutionality of an existing law.
Civil Rights Protection and Judicial Review
In addition to the legislative oversight, the Tribunate also has a responsibility for interceding on the behalf of citizens who believe that their rights are being threatened or violated by an Executive Magistrate. The act of appealing for intercession alone is sufficient to prevent the action from going ahead (with the Magistrate having a legal responsibility to report the appeal), and is usually backed up by a formal stay issued by a Tribunate official pending the arrival of an actual Tribune. Upon arriving, the Tribune will assess and investigate the situation and make a judgement, which is usually the end of the matter, although both the Citizen and the Magistrate may appeal the ruling to a Tribunal, although this is rare. In addition, the Tribunate is also responsible for reviewing judicial cases to ensure that there have not been any miscarriages of justice, typically those flagged to them by campaigners, but also those escalated from a small staff who review all judicial judgements.
Social Welfare Administration
Perhaps the most substantial addition to the Tribunate in its long history is the responsibility for Social Welfare. The Roman view on social welfare is that the State has a moral responsibility to ensure that it’s citizens do not go hungry or want for shelter, but that the end state of any program of social welfare should be employment, as this allows the poor to stand on their own two feet rather than being a burden to the state. As such, the Roman social welfare system is designed to be a safety net for those that have handled on hard times, but is not designed to allow them to be ‘comfortable’, thereby encouraging the unemployed to seek employment, with the sole exception to this being those with mental or physical disabilities that make it impossible for them to work. In short, the Roman system is intended to prevent unnecessary suffering by those in need but also to provide a specific framework to get a citizen back on their feet.
The principle means by which the Roman State provides social welfare is through Tribunate Boarding Houses all over the Republic. These are buildings, typically large although this is not a requirement depending on the location, which have been constructed (or more commonly converted) to have as many small rooms, possessing a single-bed, toilet and shower, as possible, in addition to a small number of common rooms and an in-house kitchen. As this level of support is provided by the State, specifically to get the homeless poor off the streets, there is no charge for staying in these rooms but they are very basic, intentionally, to encourage tenants to seek employment. In addition to those run directly by the Tribunate, a network of Private Boarding Houses exist which serve as the next step in the framework; typically being a smaller building consisting of somewhat larger rooms with more comforts and facilitates, at a cost, although a large portion of this is subsidized by the State. Typically, a citizen will spend a relatively short amount of time at a Tribunate Boarding House, on average no more than two or three months, a generally longer period at a Private Boarding House, with a year being average, being securing a private tenancy in the conventional renting market. In addition, the Roman State guarantees to find employment for all who request it, although this may be in unpopular or unpleasant roles; citizens can find their own employment however a prolonged stay in a Tribunate Boarding House whilst turning down jobs offered by the State will typically be handled in a dim light by the Tribunate.
In addition to this safety net, the State also provides some subsidies and support to low-income families, however these are contingent upon the citizen being employed. As a result of this framework, the homeless population within the Republic is very low, typically only those with a criminal record or a drug habit are unable to find a place at a Tribunate Boarding House (and thereby enter the system) as trouble is not tolerated, with these issues being handled by other arms of the Roman state.
The entire social welfare system is overseen by two Tribunes, who have extensive responsibilities.
Demographics
Military, Law Enforcement, Judiciary and Crime
The Roman Military
Roman Army
Roman Navy
Roman Vis Volantes
Praetorian Guard
Stationarius
The Stationarius, so named for the old Roman designation for military troops assigned to policing duties, is the Republic’s principle national law-enforcement agency. The Stationarius (officially, the Cohortes Stationarii) are a military force, with its officers and men holding Legion commissions and appointments, and as such the Stationarius comes under the jurisdiction of both the Praetor Militum and the Praetor Urbanus, in keeping with Republican ideals on shared power. The Stationarius is responsible for providing law enforcement services on public land, such as highways, providing law enforcement services to rural areas and municipalities too small to have their own Vigiles (civilian police) and providing national law enforcement capabilities, such as counter-intelligence. Moreover, the Stationarius also have responsibility for policing the military, and as such members of the Stationarius regularly participate in military missions overseas. The Stationarius have law enforcement powers that can be exercised at any time and in any part of Rome, or the provinces, and are always permitted to carry their weapons as personal equipment.
The Stationarius are commanded by a senior military officer, the Imperator Stationarius, supported by a staff of Legatus Princeps, each of the subordinate commands are under the charge of a Legatus, supported by a staff of senior Tribunes, with various regional or specialised Prefectures commanded by a Prefect.
Vigiles Urbani
Every major municipality within the Republic maintains a combined law-enforcement, fire-suppression, and emergency medical service known as the Vigiles Urbani (Watchmen of the City), responsible for providing those services to the municipality and surrounding suburbs under its general jurisdiction. Outside of the major municipalities, smaller towns and villages receive their law-enforcement services from the Stationarius, Rome’s national military police service, with fire-suppression and emergency medical services administered on a local basis. Each municipality’s Vigiles Urbani is split into at least three cohorts (specialising in law enforcement, fire suppression and emergency medical services), whilst the largest organisations (such as the Vigiles of Rome) can be split into large number of cohorts to cover such a larger urban area. The Vigiles are organised in a military manner, although unlike the Stationarius its officers hold Auxiliary Commissions, and each cohort is split into various centuries each responsible for a given precinct or speciality. The Vigiles are typically led by an officer holding the rank of Prefect, typically named after the city they serve, such as the Prefect of Rome.
Justice System
The Roman justice system has changed and evolved over the centuries, with the majority of judicial power being removed from the hands of the already powerful Executive Magistrates and instead entrusted to professionals, particularly after the Roman Renaissance.
The lowest level of the Roman Judiciary is the Arbiter, typically a former prosecutor or defence advocate, who oversees the vast majority of civil law and is typically the first judicial official before which a criminal is arraigned. An Arbiter has extensive powers to levy fines and other related punishments, as are typical in civil cases, but only limited powers to pass custodial sentences. There are thousands of Arbiters all over the Republic, as it is a legal requirement to bring all arrested individuals before an Arbiter within seventy-two hours of arrest or otherwise release them, in most cases the Arbiter will either authorise the further detention of suspects who are a flight risk or release them on bail before referring their case to a Judex (Judge).
Almost all criminal cases, and the most complex and far-reaching civil cases, will be heard and tried by a Judex, one of hundreds of experienced judges who oversee the majority of criminal trials. All criminal cases in the Republic are trial by jury, in which a dozen citizens are appointed to sit in judgement over their fellow citizen on matters of fact whilst the Judex is concerned with matters of law. Almost all criminal cases end in a Judex Court, with the Judex being empowered to pass any and all sentence, including capital. Unless specifically waived by the defendant, or as part of a plea bargain, all criminal convictions are automatically reviewed by the Tribunate of the Plebs’ judicial review division and may be appealed to a full Tribunal at either the request of the convicted or at the impetus of a Tribune of the Plebs.
Alternatively, a defendant may appeal their conviction to a Praetor or, more rarely, a Consul, although this is typically for a pardon rather than an overturn of their conviction. Typically, any given Praetor is responsible for a given area of the law; the Praetor Militum will hear appeals from Courts-Martial, whilst the Praetor Rusticus will hear appeals over land law, for example. Typically, a Consul will only agree to hear an appeal for Capital cases. However, appeals to Praetors or Consuls for most criminal cases (those not covered by a specific Praetors’ remit) are very rare, as the Tribunate of the Plebs power of judicial review is normally sufficient to avoid miscarriages of justice.
Crime
Economy
The Roman Republic has the largest economy in the world, it’s strength in no small part to the diverse range of economic activity spread all over the Republic. By virtue of its sprawling territory, Rome has access to a wide range of resources and a vast worker base. The Republic is a manufacturing giant, particularly in areas of automotive vehicles, aerospace, and both military and civilian shipbuilding, with some areas, such as Italia, being renowned for the production of high quality luxury goods. By virtue of its manufacturing strength, the Republic is also one of the world’s largest trading nations, with an extensive merchant marine, as well as a well-developed internal trade infrastructure with international links, with infrastructure construction companies being a large part of the economy of Hispania. In addition the Republic, particularly in Italia, but also Hispania, Galatia and Raetia, has a large financial services industry with half a dozen global financial hubs and numerous secondary hubs, as well as two of the world’s largest stock exchanges; the Mediolanum (Milan) Stock Exchange and the Madrid Stock Exchange, and possessing several global banks, most prominently the Medici Bank, which is the world's largest bank by market capitilisation.
In addition, the Republic retains an extensive agricultural sector, with more than enough produce to sell the surplus internationally, with the most notable such export being Wine; being the world’s largest wine producer primarily from vineyards in Italia, Aquitania, and Hispania. Although not able to compete with the likes of Babylon, the Republic also has sufficient reserves of oil, natural gas and other key hydrocarbons, particularly in North Africa, to ensure its own energy independence for the foreseeable future, and the Roman economy is beginning to invest heavily in diversifying it’s own energy profile away from non-renewable sources.
Manufacturing
The Republic has an extensive manufacturing industry, accounting for a quarter of its economic output, ranging from a small number of large corporations spread across the Republic and many small and medium-sized enterprises in individual provinces. Unsurprisingly, given Rome’s martial tradition and large standing military, the Republic is home to several major defence contractors, ranging from aerospace, to shipyards, to armaments and vehicles, the former two of which have significant commercial arms as well. In general, manufacturing in Italia is largely focused on the export of niche market and luxury products, whereas the provinces have a far more traditional manufacturing sector. Although there is no formal planning within the Republic, as it maintains a free market, certain provinces have developed a reputation for certain; Hispania is best known for its mass-produced automobiles, although Italia has a reputation of luxury cars, for example, with Galatia close behind whilst also being known for consumer electronics. As a result, the Republic is largely self-sufficient as far as manufacturing goes.
Financial Services
Agriculture
Hydrocarbons
Infrastructure
Transport
Personal and Passenger Transport
The transport infrastructure of the Roman Republic is extensive and well-funded, being of critical importance to both the Roman economy and maintaining connections between Rome and the provinces, not to mention the ability of the Roman military to rapidly respond to any crisis.
Roads and Highways
Perhaps one of Rome’s best-known innovations was an extensive road network, and the modern Roman road system remains vitally important, connecting the Republic for all, from the rich to the poor, private citizens to commercial traffic. At the highest level, the Roman Highways connect Rome to the provinces, typically in a largely centralised manner; with a major highway linking the provincial capital to the other major cities in the province, a circular or coastal ring road, and a connection back to Rome (and in many cases other provinces as well). In addition, each provincial government maintains a number of secondary highways, however these are funded by the Provincial Government and not directly by Rome.
Passenger Railways
In addition to an extensive commercial railroad network, dating back to the Industrial Revolution where it became the backbone of the Rome’s growing industrial capability, the Republic has developed the most extensive high-speed rail network in the World, which thousands of kilometres of high-speed tracks linking all of the provincial capitals to Rome, and largely to each other. Indeed, some provinces also enjoy high-speed links between the provincial capital and other major provincial cities. The crown jewel of the Roman railroad system is the Republic Circular.
Passenger Aviation
The Roman Republic’s aviation industry is extensive, consisting of one consolidated major international airline, as well as several regional, domestic carriers. Jupiter Airways is the world’s largest international airline, both in terms of fleet size (over five thousand aircraft of various sizes) and passengers carried (over a billion, per year), and serves destinations across the Republic and all over the world, and dominated the Roman aviation industry until the rise of regional carriers in the 1980s. Due largely to the extensive high-speed rail network, and regional airlines, Jupiter Airways operates under the hub-and-spoke model; with a heavy focus on long-haul flights. Jupiter Airways has three key hubs; it’s main hub is Rome, connecting the Capital to the provinces, Madrid, which it the airline’s main transatlantic hub flying to destinations in the Americas, Constantinople International, which is the airline’s main transcontinental hub flying to destinations in Asia and the Pacific, and Cairo International, which is the airline’s main hub flying to destinations in Africa.
Cargo Transport
Roads and Highways
Commerical Railroads
The Republic maintains an extensive cargo railroad network within it's borders, including both dedicated lines for commerical traffic and shared lines with passenger services, in which the latter has priority. All railroads in the Republic are build to the Rome-Guage specifications, ensuring interusability regardless of operator, which is also critical in allowing military rail traffic, a key aspect of the Roman Military's strategic flexibility, to move large numbers of troops and equipment within the Republic's borders. Under normal circumstances, the priority of military railroad movement is determined by the nature of the cargo and any security concerns, however in time of war or a state of emergency military traffic assumes top priority to enable Rome to move troops quickly and effeciently.
Commerical Aviation
The Republic maintains an extensive