Sophia
The Callipolis of Sophia Καλλίπολις της σοφία | |
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Motto: "ὁ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ" "The Unexamined Life is not Worth Living" | |
| Capital and largest city | Sophia |
| Official languages | Hellian |
| Ethnic groups | Hellian- 93.7% Other- 6.3% |
| Religion | Hellian Catholic- 94.1% Other Catholic- 5.2% Other- 0.7% |
| Demonym(s) | Sophian |
| Government | Technocratic Aristokratia |
• Archon Kidemónas | Nikephoros Diogenos |
| Legislature | Philosopher's Council |
| Ekklesia of the Kidemónas | |
| Boule of the Commons | |
| History | |
| Population | |
• 1936 estimate | 931,212 |
| Currency | Drachma |
| Driving side | left |
The Callipolis of Sophia (Hellian : Καλλίπολις της σοφία), known more commonly as Sophia or the Callipolis, is a sovereign state in northern Aestia in the world of Verthandi, bordered by the Grand Priory of Demoran to the West and The Depsotate of Nikeaneon to the South.
Founded by Hellian settlers from the Holy Aventine Empire, the Polity was founded to be the ideal and virtuous state, influenced by the ideals of Platon and Aristoteles, especially upon the Republic and the Nicomachean Ethics. The Emperors supported and help to fund this particular colonial effort, allowing it to grow and prosper for over two centuries. The Polity became known for its unique form of government, where Philosophoi, literally "Philosophers", govern and dictate the affairs of the city through the Council of the Kidemónas. It became a haven of learning and wisdom in the New World, often attracting men and women from all across the globe seeking to live the good life.
During the Clementine Wars, when Imperial support was cut off after the fall of Hestaica, the Polity became independent and birthed its new independence by declaring itself a 'Callipolis': "the beautiful city". It adapted to its new circumstances smoothly, forming an alliance with its neighbor, the Grand Priory of Demoran, ruled by the Knights of St. Christopher. Together they were able to fend off attacks from other former Imperial colonies, especially later the militaristic Nikeaneon. With additional protection from the Knights, Sophia has had the freedom to continue its growth and pursuit of the good life. However, recently, an increasing minority of Philosophoi argue for the modernization and change of the Polity.
Sophia ranks highly amongst HDI measures and generally performs well in measures of quality of life, but is also known and criticised for its mandatory conscription for a year at age 18, its high social stratification and certain censorship that detractors claim distance it from its original intention. Some have criticised the Kidemónas as ruling as technocratic oligarchs as opposed to true philosophers.
Etymology
Sophia, literally "wisdom" in Hellian, was named by settlers from the Aventine Empire, specifically Hellians, hoping to form an idealised community in the new world. The name references Platon's definition of the term; a "love of wisdom".
The city styles itself as a "Callipolis". Whilst literally meaning the "beautiful city", in the context used by Sophia it refers more to the "ideal", "just" or "good" city.