Emperor Romanos V (Premysloides Dynasty)

Foreword
"Very few man achieved such great triumphs and victories in their life, not just in whole life, but already in their early lifes. Very few were able not only conquer Imperial Title before adulthood, but also reigned in name of justice, peace, prosperity, in name of chivalry, traditions, genius, as Romanos V of Angelos-Premysloides Dynasty. His rule is much glorious as he established his rule as great-grandson of most corrupted, most cruel and most incompetent Roman Emperor Isaac II Angelos. Romanos deed however redeemed his Dynasty and we believe, his successors will be very same," - Patriarch of Constantinople, Theodor, Romanos burial ceremony.

Early life
Romanos V was born in Městec Králové, in Kingdom of Bohemia, during stormy night when his mother Kunigunde was on her way to Prague. Romanos was named Premysl to honor his grandfather Premysl Ottokar I, first successive king of Bohemia and one of Holy Roman Empire strongman who helped elevate Hohenstaufen Dynasty to Imperial Rule. In later years, Premysl will not be only thing inherited from his grandfather. Also brilliant political instincts, great administrative skills, education and ambitions.

However, until late teens, Romanos was educated by Phillip of Spanheim, priest and was decided to be Priest, as he was second-born son, after older Vladislau, Margrave of Moravia and first-born son of Wenceslau I. Everything changed when he was 13 years old. Romanos father Wenceslau was weak ruler with many mental illness (psychosis, addictions, alcoholism, neurosis, phobia of cats and gold) and except very few achievements (defeat of Tatars invasion of Moravia), his rule dissatisfied many Bohemian lords and as they seen Vladislau very similar to his father personality, they decided to initiate coup against Wencelau and Vladislau and appoint Romanos (Premysl) as new Bohemian King.

Unexpected death of young Vladislau make their cause very easy. Short and bloody civil war was at first in favour of "Rebels" who conquered Prague and coronated Romanos/Premysl as "Younger King", while Wencelaus was forced to retreat to Western Bohemia and gather his last loyalists. Romanos/Premysl decided to pursue father loyalists and, to much surprise of all sides, he was defeated near Pilsen, where his encampment was encirceled and surrounded by Wencelaus Loyalists. Romanos/Premysl was put under arrest, but not executed, as he was still son and last heir of Premyslid Dynasty. Most rebelling lords were executed or exiled.

Ascension to Nicean Throne
Under arrest and waiting for King final decision, Romanos was secretly visited by stratégos Severus Septimius Flavius, commander-in-chief of Nicean Imperial Army, with group of Nicean dignitaries and officials. They reminded Romanos that he is great-grandson of Issac II Angelos, Roman Emperor and they want him to be new Nicean/Roman Emperor. At first, he was very skeptical, especially when these officials (except Severus), revealed they are Latin Empire supporters and want Romanos to became puppet and corrupted ruler, who will plunder imperial treasury and destroy remnants of Nicean Empire by his cruel rule under their guide. Romanos was offended and wanted to decline offcer, until Severus Septimius, Nicean loyalist, took him away and offered him to be real and truly Emperor, to defeat Latin traitors and to rule in right and in the name as Roman Emperor and pledge loyality of his and his imperial troops. Romanos lied to Latin traitors and accepted their proposal. Then, traitors and Severus liberated Romanos from prison and under disguise, they went on way to Nicean Empire.

In middle of way, group of Severus allies infiltrated their column and with Severus help, smuggled Romanos away. Romanos moved with Severus allies to southern Bulgaria, where he joined secret Roman loyalist group operating in underground against Bulgarian Tsar and Latin Empire. This group was devoteed to prepare Romanos ascension on Nicean Throne and to prepare and educate Romanos to be just and rightful ruler. As this, he was educated in large scale of subjects (mathematic and natural sciences, rhetoric, Classical Latin, Classical Greek, Roman Law and legality, military theory, tactic and strategy, financial affairs, diplomacy, history of Roman Empire, ancient philosophers and statesmen, theory and practice of rule of selected worst and best Roman Emperors...)

When Latin traitors found out Romanos is missing, they panic and decided for very despair solution. Returned to Bohemia, they took away first young boy in Romanos age and proposed him to became greedy and gluttonous emperor of Nicean Empire. Young Moravian apprentice of local blacksmith gladly accepted their proposal and went with them to Nicea. Meanwhile, in Nicean Empire ended short civil war between Theodore Laskaris and Michael Palaiologos, and as both side were defeated (one lost army, second lost their pretender), Latin traitors misused situation and appointed new Emperor, Alexios V. Alexios reign was short, full of corruption, sins, cruelty, mismanagement. Alexios as ruler of Nicean Empire borrowed massive amount of money from foreign moneylenders, plundered imperial treasury, killed or exiled many important and skilled officials, appointed pro-Latin and pro-Catholic officials to many positions, disbanded number of military units, sold many ships and weakened Nicean Empire. His cruelty also cost him his health, as he increased weight from 165 pounds to 350 pounds and was weakened by numerous diseases.

During June 1248, Alexios V called Obésus, arranged large ceremony and feast to celebrate first year of his cruel and decadent rule. Anti-Latin and Romanos conspirators decided to use this chance. Constantine Chadenos bribed large number of members of Imperial Senate to support Romanos, while Severus Septimius dismissed all pro-Latin officers and commanders of garrisons and appointed his loyalists, admiral Philantropenos gathered remnants of Imperial Fleet to cut off all eventual naval support to Alexios Obésus from Latin Empire and lawyer and judge Demetrios persuaded city guard officers to join plot against hatred Alexios. Many of corrupted pro-Latin lords were blinded by their love for power and money, so they were not able to discover conspiracy.

8 June 1248, year after Alexios took throne, many foreign and imperial officials and dignitaries were invited to Nicean Palace to great feast. Conspirators meanwhile secured all strategic positions in city, their guards and troops took control over Palace and waited for final signal. Alexios Obésus, in that time ruin suffering from gout, diabetes, high pressure and migraines, joined feast and welcomed various dignitaries and emissars. Everything changed when arrived last guests. Marcianos, member of conspiracy and one of personal teachers of Romanos and Romanos himself. When Romanos revealed himself, all pro-Latin traitors among guests were shocked and panic. Before they were able to do anything, Severus troops arrest them and dethroned Alexios V Obésus from his position. Romanos introduced himself to foreigners and imperial court as real throne pretender and heir.

Traitors were sent to prison, include Alexios and Romanos was acclaimed and celebrated by Imperial Court. Especially, when contrary to behave of his predecessor, Romanos promptly called Imperial Government to assembly and start rule and restore peace, stability and order in crippled Nicean Empire.

Nicean Emperor (1248 - 1250)
When Romanos took throne, he was Emperor of shadow realm. Nicean Empire was burden in enormous debts, with few military units, disbanded navy, extreme expenditures of court and church, with economy and administration lagging and newly formed Latin League invaded Balkan to destroy Republic of Marmaria and support Latin Empire. Emperor dismissed all pro-Latin officials, called exiled Roman officials back to Empire, decreased court expenditures by 75% and forced Church to decrease expenditure, as well as accept Church taxation. When Church leadership protested, he reminded them that only alternative is Roman Catholic rule over Nicean Empire and they reluctantly accepted Romanos taxation and orders.

After Fall of Marmaria and reconnection of Latin League with Latin Empire, Romanos realize he have only one chance. Foreign policy and allies, despite he must did very deceitful act. He arrested his fiancée, Bulharian princess-in-exile Anna Theodora and sent her to her cousin, Bulgarian tsar-in-exile Constantine Tikh, in exchange for military assistance and free passage of Varangian Guard from Ukraine to Nicean Empire. Constantin Tikh reward was more then generouse. He allowed to pass through his territory of 2,000 Varangians and he, with 12,000 of his troops and cavalry, went to help Emperor Romanos against Latin League and Latin Empire. Second ally was from Romanos own blood. His granduncle, Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen. As they had very fond relations and Frederick was Romanos godfather and enemy of Papal State and Latin League, Romanos sent message to his granduncle and begged for help. In that time, unified Latin League and Latin Empire armies moved toward last real bastion of Nicean Empire, Thessaloniky. While Nicea, Smyrna and other cities in Western Anatolia were important cities, they were much more impoverished and smaller and Thessaloniky was de facto capital city of Nicean Empire.

Romanos took all remaining forces in to battle which was dubbed as "Last Stand of Roman Empire". With governor Theodor Palaiologos, 4,000 infantry, 1,000 cataphracts and 5,000 poor equiped and untrained volunteers, Emperor defended Thessaloniky against 32,000 experienced and well armed knights, infantry, siege weapons, archers and cavalry. Whats more, Thessaloniky did not had any real fortification, as it was city in rear for most of history and suffered only few sieges contrary to many other cities and fortresses. Battle started on first anniversary of Romanos rule and Romanos, at earliest point of battle, had not answer from Tikh, nor from his godfather.

Greatest mistake of Latin forces was decision to besiege and starve city, instead of swift and decisive attack. Latins want to left city intact for plundering and it was grave mistake, as 9 June 1249, scouts of Bulgarian and Frederick Army arrived to besieged city and informed Emperor Romanos about arrival of massive armies to help him with siege. From East, 12,000 Bulgarian troops with 1,500-2,000 Varangians and 3,000 mercenaries and 8,000 knights and cavalry and 17,000 levied troops from Holy Roman Empire from north direction. 10 June arrived Genoese emissar, becaus Genoa decided to help Nicean Empire in defeat of Latin League, as main power of Latin League was Genoese hatred enemy, Republic of Venice.

Battle ended during night from 11 to 12 June 1249, when Thessaloniky garrison with Emperor and general Flavius in lead started large raid in to siege camps and with that, reinforcements attacked rear of Latin League from north and east. In few hours, Latin League and Latin Empire Armies were annihilated, supreme commanding staff of Venetian forces were killed, as well as Latin Emperor Baldwin, Charles of Anjou and many Latin lords and barons who were killed or captured. About 90% of Latin Empire Army was destroyed and remnants retreated to Constantinople. One of very few casualties of Imperial Army, was death of stratégos Severus Septimius Flavius, who was killed in personal fight with Emperor Baldwin II, but was able also to mortally wound Emperor Baldwin before he died.

For next three weeks, in ruined city of Achtopol, in restored shipyards, Roger Bacon and groups of skilled workers and technicians forged many artillery and constructed ships or installed artillery to imperial navy remnants. Empire was able to collect captured Venetian ships, bought ships from various pirates and mercenaries and Frederick gifted Romanos with about dozen war galleys.

From June 1249 to January 1250, Imperial Forces under personal guide of Emperor Romanos and his army and naval commanders, achieved numerous military victories in Dalmatia, Genoa, Venice and Balkan, initiated reunification of many lost provinces of Roman Empire in these areas and destroyed Venice and traitorous Genoa, who defected to Venetian side.

Meanwhile, one of former Latin traitors John Gabal, now known as Yahya al-Gabal, initiated Seljuk revolt in Anatolia and invaded Constantinople with his rebel army to conquer Latin Empire throne, to became "Sultant of Roman Caliphate" and to defeat Romans, as well as Mongols. His reign was short, as Mongolian horde under command of Hulegu Khan was able to defeat Yahya forces and capture Constantinople, arrest former Latin court and forced Romanos and other participants of these struggles, to participate in "Constantinople Summit" to achieve effective end of various civil wars and power struggles in Western Anatolia and on Balkan.

On Constantinople Summit, Emperor achieved numerous political success, include enlargement of imperial territories in Asia Minor, on Crimea and Balkan, completed reunification of pre-Fourth Crusade Roman Empire territories and reconquered Crete and few islands. Most of these success were paid by promise of active participation in Hulagu Khan invasion of Arabia.

Already during Siege of Venice, Emperor ruled his realm. With Constantine Chadenos, Emperor initiated large administrative reform and declared 7 civilian and 16 military provinces in his Empire, with local elected civilian governors and Emperor-appointed military governors. With Alexios Stratégopulos, Emperor accepted numerous military reforms to increase morale, capacities and military capabilities of Roman Imperial Army. Emperor reformed Imperial Government in to 9 member collegium and accepted various economical, social and political reform to modernize internal structures and imperial society, as well as ordered imperial census and geographical mapping of Empire.

Emperor returned with massive amount of spoil from Venice. About 50 million hyperpyrons in gold, silver and jewels. Emperor used this spoil to increase gold purity of hyperpyron, as payment for soldiers and officers, repayment of debts and used it to various projects (reconstruction of Constantinople, Imperial Road network, Constantinople Arsenal, University Pentarchy...).

From Roman Emperor to Traveller (1250 - 1260)
Emperor Romanos rule was very agile and energic. Since arrival to Constantinople, Romanos week was 7 days of work and study. Each day, Romanos studied Orthodox Catechism to convert to Orthodox Christianity before coronation, studies status of Empire, inspected reconstruction of Constantinople and even by himself helped local workers with cleaning streets, tearing down devastated buildings and repairing walls and fortification. For this, he earned soon respect and loyality of Imperial Senate, Imperial Government, Imperial Army and people of Empire. But he was not just in Constantinople and not just in Roman Empire.

Few weeks after arrival to Constantinople, Romanos left Empire with large fleet of transport and warships heading to Dover in England. When Romanos found out intention of English king to kill English Jews, Romanos met with English emissar in Constantinople and they achieved agreement. Emperor Romanos will take protection over English Jews and take them to Constantinople on Roman expenses and England will take over all Jewish property. While at first, it was seen as ill-minded and foolish agreement, in long-terms, Constantinople Jewish community became important part of imperial life, as they found protection in Roman Empire, they used their own connections and allies to protect Empire and rather then lend, they gifted sums of money to Emperor Romanos, initiated many trade agreement and helped with opening trade routes and establishing port cities.

Crucial and also most expensive part of Constantinople Reconstruction, was "Theodosian Walls". As Imperial Army started with mounting mortars and artillery, Theodosian Walls builded from limestone, were not able to endure not just bombardment, but even shoting from their own artillery. Romanos assigned best engineers and architects to plan new fortification system, about 1 mile western from Theodosian Walls and again from Marmaria Sea to Golden Horn. At first, Emperor was shocked and nearly collapsed when engineers informed him they will need about 750 million solid bricks and dozens thousands tonns of cement and concrete and the new, "Romanos Walls", will be build for next 25 years, but Emperor agreed and accepted this investment, which became later crucial to defend of Constantinople.

For communication improvement, Emperor established system of highly developed postal service through whole Empire with quick couriers, armed guards and transportation of packages and letters between cities and provinces. Aside of classical postal system, Emperor builded system of "Signal Fires" through Empire, pigeon post and flag system. With this, Emperor was able to quite effective rule realm from various places in Empire and allowed him to travel through provinces and regulary visit them. Every civilian province was visited every year, at least for one month. Second half of year, Emperor remained in Constantinople or visited foreign countries.

In August 1250, gigantic feast occured in Constantinople to celebrate Emperor baptism by Orthodox Patriarch, Imperial Coronation and wedding of Emperor Romanos and princess Tarakai. This feast was also invitation for many people to return or resettle in emptied Constantinople. Feast was participated by 7,000 guests, include Hulagu Khan, Frederick II, Constantine Tikh and Hungarian King Andrew, who became ally and friend of Romanos, especially after he arrested and executed John Angelos, last living son of Isaac II Angelos and took over John Angelos young son to Emperor Romanos as hostage. For this, Emperor Romanos abandoned claims on Voivodina, opened Empire to Hungarian merchants and signed alliance treaty with Andrew.

From 1254 to 1258, Romanos went on very long adventurous travel. This travel is describe in own page, as it was long and wild adventure.

Crusader Emperor (1260 - 1264)
Since 1259, Emperor and his realm had to prepare for Mongol invasion of Arabia, as they were oblige to sent their armies to help Hulegu Khan against Arabs. Emperor himself participate in war and led his regiments in various battles (Siege of Ascalon, fought in Siege of Damascus and Battle of Homs, wounded in Battle of Sinai). Emperor led his armies and military in war to achieve as much experiences and victories as can with low casualties. He never committ any ferocious, dangerous and riskant action without agreement with his military commanders, most of time, he was in battlefield to help with morale, help his troops and only few times he personally led his armies or gave orders and changes tactic and strategy in battle.

Great Crusade, however, was futile for Roman Empire, as Romans did not achieve any territorial profits and even loss many merchant and war ships during struggle with Mamluk Fleet. Only profit was monetary, as Hulegu Khan gifted Empire with 100 tonns of gold and silver from plundered areas.

Bohemia and Premyslid Legacy
In November 1264 died Wenceslau I, King of Bohemia and Romanos was his only and controversial heir beloved by ones and hated by others. Kingdom of Bohemia was divide, as in Prague was meeting of General Estates that declared Romanos as new king, while in Brno was gathering opponents of Romanos and searched for potential anti-King. It was irony, as Romanos once time served as lord of Moravia and was popular among locals.

In Spring 1265, General Estates envoy arrived to Constantinople and informed Emperor about uprising of his supporters in Prague, Pilsen and local house of Lords of Krumlov in name of Emperor Romanos and asked Romanos for travel to Kingdom of Bohemia and be coroned to King of Bohemia. Romanos accepted and with about 3,000 imperial troops and 200 Varangians traveled to Bohemia, crossed Hungaria and forced passage through rebelling Moravia. In Prague, he was coroned King of Bohemia and ruler of Moravia and Silesia and suppressed revolt of anti-Premyslid rebels.

Coronation was celebrated by 40,000 people and at first, it look that Emperor have very stable and strong position in Bohemia and even in reluctantly accepting Moravia and Silesia. For Emperor, it was important as Silesia was rich about iron and especially coal mines and Moravia had very prosperous agricultural areas. Emperor never hidden that he want to use Bohemian rich to enstrenght imperial rule and Empire.

Emperor position crumbled when he, through imperial governors, pressed 10 points imperial decree that hit aristocracy, implemented land reform, disbanded lord levies, enstrenght position and powers of cities and implemented religious tolerance through Constantinople Edicts. These modernization and progressive reforms had strong backslash from Roman Catholic Church, German-speaking minority and powerful barons. Land reform, which had to help peasants, led to displease even among themselfs, as because of land reforms, they lost their lords and they were not able to handle it any many lost their property and fall in debts because of moneylenders.

Meanwhile, while sowing dissent, many churchmen and German-speaking lords went to Rome and asked Pope for military and financial help against Romanos. Pope agreed with his support and was joined by James I of Aragon who sent heavy cavalry. Until November 1267, rebels gathered their supporters, collecting resources and organized Crusade against Romanos. 17 November 1267, rebel insurgency has began in Brno and Olomouc.

Rudolph of Habsburg, military governor of Bohemia and Moravia, was assigned to suppress rebellion as soon as possible, however, guerilla-like warfare style led to collapse of imperial rule over Moravia very soon, as rebels killed numerous officials, imperial sympathizers and destroyed various supply depots and barracks.

After year of very bloody civil war, Imperial loyalists were defeated, Rudolph of Habsburg killed and Prague captured. On other hand, even loyalists achieved some successes, as they were able to collect tonns of gold and silver and coronation jewels and sent them to Roman Empire. Victorious rebels conquered plundered and impoverished realm with only half of population, as second half moved to Roman Empire or died because of famine and war.

Under Saint Atlantis rule and rule of puppet king Vok and his successors, Kingdom of Bohemia never achieved previous prosperity and never returned to pre-war economic output and its existence ended during Second Pan-European War and victorious campaign of Imperial Army.

Manuel Angelos rebellion
Nearly Byzantine-like rebellion and coup happend in 1270, when Manuel Angelos, last living son of Isaac II Angelos, great-grandfather of Romanos V, declared his and his son claim on imperial throne, with massive support of large Crusader Army, volunteers, mercenaries, Teutonic Order, Hospitallers, separatists and Grand Commonwealth. Empire formed their own coalition Order of Templars, Bulgaria and later Mongolia.https://althistory.fandom.com/wiki/Second_Imperial_Civil_War_%28Premysloides_Dynasty%29 Second Imperial Civil War

Evaluation of Reign
Universal consesus accept Romanos V as one of greatest Emperors in history of Roman Empire in Classical and Post-Classical history. His early military triumphs over Venice and Latin Empire are comparable with victories of Basil II, while his diplomatical and political legacy are comparable to Antoninus Pius, Iustinianus or Augustus.

His reign laid base for Golden Era and survive of Roman Empire in next centuries. Romanos reign was very progressive, modern, but also imperialistic and autocratic, possessed with restoring former imperial glory. He was egalitarian in many cases and issues, many times, he met and lived with normal citizens and peasants, he was very hostile towards aristocracy and landlords, but had good relations with wealthy merchants and burghers.

Personality, Religion and Physical Description
Romanos personality and behavior were very mixed. He was able of great cruelities (like in case of Venice), but also great generosity and polity (toward his subjects, soldiers and loyalists). He was talkative, curious, gregarious and friendly, very open in public, radiant and inspiring. Also, he was active in work, especially during early years when active participate on cleaning and rebuilding Constantinople, side by side with normal workers.

Emperor frequently visited provinces, military and civilian, however he spent at least few months every year in Constantinople. During Summers, he was on Marmaria islands and relaxing for few weeks. Romanos was not participate in hunting or great feasts, as both he despise because of his father behave and wrong examples.

Despite early objections and doubts, Romanos life with Tarakai was very happy and they were able to reach harmony in which Tarakai was very active Emperess who opened many orpahanges, supported women and children, visited peasants and was listening to problems of people, while Romanos builded Empire.

On other hand, Romanos relations with his children were more difficult, especially after death of Tarakai. He was harsh to them, strict and demanding. He assigned them their life roles. His daughters were cultivated for beauty to be valuable consorts for powerful rulers, while his sons were educated in politics, economics, law, foreign affairs and other fields. First four years, every child had their childhood, but with reaching 5th year of life, Romanos sent his childs to various educators and institutes. We know at least about one case when Romanos child committe suicide because of Romanos approach. In other cases, however, he was very successfull and most of his children became important successors of great Romanos legacy.

Romanos appearance were clearly distorted by artists, painters and especially later Romantic painters who created image of Romanos as strong, robust and tall man able to destroy every enemy only by his fists. Later research determine Romanos height about 1.65m (5.41ft) and weight about 50-60kg (110-132 lb). However, Emperor was strong, he had muscular figure and solid bones. Contrary to previous post-Classical Roman Emperors and like Classical Roman Emperors, Romanos was most time shaved. He had dark brown hairs, dark skin and dark eyes. Because of these attributes, probably inherited from his grandmother Irene Angelos, he was accepted by Greek and Balkan population as their own.

While in question of appearance and his personality to various people we have many informations and indications, his religious stances are very enigmatic and unknown to present time. Historians can not agree on Romanos religious stances. There are very large number of possibilities: he remained Roman-Catholic (Latin), became Orthodox Christian, he secretly converted to Judaism, he secretly followed Hellenic or Slavic Paganism, or he did not belive in God or Gods and his religious stances were only for political efforts.

Romanos as Roman-Catholic
Pros: Romanos was educated to be priest in Roman Catholic Church. He was born and rised in Catholic realm. Until his uplift to Nicean (Roman) Emperor, he never stood against Catholicism.

Against: Romanos led brutal reprisals against Roman Catholic Church during his reign, prohibited public worshipping of Latin Church, cut off all connection with Roman Church and his foreign policy was very anti-Catholic, even in case of his Catholic homeland.

Romanos as Orthodox Christian
Pros: Romanos had sympathies for Orthodox Christianity, he absolved whole Orthodox Cathechism and excelled in it, he led active support for Orthodox Christian Church and was active in leading Orthodox Church, admired connection between Orthodox Church and Imperial State.

Against: Romanos did not accept Orthodox Christianity before Liberation of Constantinople, he misused Cathechism and Orthodox baptising as his political weapons to enstrenght control over Orthodox Church, he taxed Orthodox Christian Church and many times overruled decisions of Orthodox Councils.

Romanos as Judaist
Pros: Very open and friendly policy toward Jews, active support of Jewish community and synagogues, friendship with various rabbis and at least one lover of Jewish origin (Rachel).

Against: No deep interest in Judaism, never circumcised, never observed Judaist feasts and led polemics against Judaism, especially against Karaite.

Romanos as Pagan
Pros: Strong support of Varangian Guard, open freedom of worshipping of Varangian Paganism, collected numerous pre-Christian texts and authors, openly admired Julian the Apostate, critcism of all Christian Churches, while admiration of Paganic cults, especially Imperial Cult. Sympathy of Imperial Cult and participation in Orthodox Church hierarchy had various similarities.

Against: No public declaration of Paganism, no observation of any Paganic feast, collected also many Christian or Judaic books and texts.

Romanos as Atheist
Pros: Mostly misused religion and religious affairs as his tool of power, every religious step based on pragmaticism and not on faith, supported only those faiths he needed (Varangian Paganism, Orthodox Church, Judaism, Shia) while prosecuted hostile religions (Latin Catholicism, Sunni), admired many religion critics, Epicureans and his contemporary poet and religion critic Rumí.

Against: Never declared atheism, criticised religions concepts, but not God as Deity.