Roman Empire (Principia Moderni III Map Game)

The Roman Empire is a small state occupying the Golden Horn in Thrace as well as the southern part of Morea (Peloponnese). The Empire is one of the three survivor states of the classical Roman Empire, the other states being the Empire of Trebizond and the Despotate of Epirus. The Germanic Holy Roman Empire is a claimant to the same title, but has different origins.

Before 1400
For more information see main article: History of the Roman Empire

Government
The Empire is an absolute hereditary monarchy. The current emperor is Manuel II Palaiologos of the Palaiologos dynasty.

Military
The Roman Military is the descendent of the legions of the classical Empire. While famous for its history and prior strength, the armed forces are in a state of disrepair and disrepute.

Army
The Roman Army is based on the organizational unit called the allagion, and each regimental commander is known as an allagatōr. The overall commander of the armed forces, other than the emperor, is known as the protallagatōr. The army numbers around 5,000 total soldiers, some of them native Greeks while others are foreign mercenaries. Imperial guard units include the Varangian Guard, the Paramonai, and the Vardariotai.

The weapons commonly used in the army are spears and crossbows. Shields are common, as well as chain mail or scale mail.

Navy
The Roman Navy was once the most powerful navy in the world, but now the navy is limited to a mere ten galleys.

The navy is still known for its recipe for Greek Fire, but this weapon has not been used for some time.

Economy
In 1400 the Imperial Treasury is empty, and the Empire is having an increasingly difficult time managing to pay its dues.

Trade
The capital of Constantinople was once the capital of world trade, and the Empire was made rich from its strategic location. Now the Empire has its trade increasingly controlled by Genoese and Venetian merchants.

The most economic location of the Empire is the Despotate of Morea, where goods such as wine, raisins, wax, honey, oil, and silk are exported.

Currency
The currency of the Empire is the Stavraton, which is issued in silver coins of 1, a half, an eighth, and a 16th of its value. Also issued are the copper follaro and tornesse. Gold currency was discontinued in 1367.