485-537 CE (Superpowers)

Emperor Avitus (485-494)
As the eldest son of the Emperor Draco, Avitus was the most prominent public figure in Rome on his death. The Senate had a good deal of optimism towards this new dynastic line and had so far been far from disappointed. The new emperor, though nothing exceptional, was an ideal candidate for stable times in the Empire as he was neither too ambitious nor too foolish of a leader, either one of which could lead to economic, or worse, complete national ruin. His reforms focused mostly on the newer Germanic Provinces, continuing the industrialization that was well under way by the time of his father's death.

Civl and Military Events
Taking up 10% of Rome's industrial output, Germania was already one of Rome's strongest economic regions and though its population had grown to 890,000 people, most of what was being produced there was shipped away to serve the more well off citizens of the Empire. This movement of goods was a long and costly undertaking until the completion of the Germanic Road Network in 487. Around the same year, the agricultural sector of Germania was emerging to remove the cost of shipping in food to the provinces there. Becoming completely self-sustainable by 490, Germania had by then become the single most profitable expanse of territory under Roman dominance, even more so than Aegyptus. Eventually, the area was experiencing grain surpluses of more than 180%, most of it being shipped south to support the mountainous Balkan Provinces.

In 489 CE a new science was developed by the Romans, a field of study that was the precursor to modern geology. Engineers were taking note of the type of regions, and the type of rocks found where certain vital metals such as copper, iron and silver were located. These new discoveries allowed for an enormous increase in the discovery of mining sites, and therefore, in the production capabilities of the Empire. Not only that, but the technology of creating cast iron was brought back from China only two years later. It found its use in cases were high stress resistance was not needed and lower costs were the priority. This made it the prime choice in figurines, carriage wheels, harnesses for armor and weapon handles, all items that were mass produced on an enormous scale. From these developments the upkeep cost of the army had fallen and the speed of carriages was increased from widespread use of metal wheels, all by the end of Avitus' reign.

Following alongside the recent industrial developments, several reformations of Roman military equipment were made. The Gladius was increased in size by approximately 14 cm, making it more useful against shielded opponents as well as in individual combat. The Spatha was made the standard weapon of the Auxilia and was increased to a standard length of exactly 0.92 m, whilst that of cavalry was increased to about 1.05 m, whilst the edge was also rounded even more to prevent the sword from sticking in enemies. Roman Scutum, and their central boss, were decreased somewhat in size, though not thickness, allowing for legionaries to be far more maneuverable as well as tire less easily, at only the minor cost of less cover under arrow fire. The Plumbatae (Darts) were completely removed from use, ending their steady decline in use since the rise in importance of Sagittae (archers).

The organization of the Legion was also shifted around to increase the standardization of the military. Though each Century remained at 80 men, the Cohors were changed to be made up of 8 of these Centuries, instead of the old 6. Legions remained at 10 Cohors and so now contained exactly 6400 Legionaries each. This number didn't include: soldiers of rank "Centurion" or above, ballistarii (artillerymen), sagittae and medici. The Cabellica (Cavalry Legion) was set at a standard of only 10,000 equites. They had moderate armor, a little more extensive than legionary, a specialized spatha and their own sagitta (the word evolved to interchangeably mean either a bow or an archer, which to a general were basically the same thing anyway). As the reforms were completed by 492, the Roman Army's size stood as follows:
 * 32 Legions - 204,800 legionaries
 * 360,000 Comensati (Auxiliaries)
 * 76,800 Sagittae
 * 10,000 Equites

The noticeable rise in importance of a standing rather than militia based army was the primary feature of the Avitan Reforms. The Roman Legion now cost even less to field, was easier to control and was more effective than it had been at any point in history. This was despite the fact that military technology had advanced very little, even over the five hundred years of the Empire's existence.

Emperor Periclius (494-507)
The next man in line for the throne after the assassination of Emperor Avitus was his youngest brother Lucius Periclius Draconis. Already 46 years old, the only reason Periclius was well liked in the position of emperor was because it meant the next in line was his adopted son Lucius Scipio Derius. A smart man of 22, he was anticipated to be the next great emperor, having passed top of his year at the Academia Bellica in Carthage. In any case, his father did manage several achievements during his life, including a short religious war with the Frankish Union and the putting down of a minor rebellion by a prominent Greek orator.

Back to Timeline or Superpowers

Also see Geopolitics