Roman Empire (Principia Moderni III Map Game)

The Roman Empire, sometimes referred to as the Empire of the Greeks or the Greek Empire, is a state that borders the Aegean Sea and controls the majority of Greece. 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.

Following centuries of political, economic and cultural success, the Roman Empire went into decline. When the Arabs took Egypt and the Levant from the Empire, the Empire went into constant decline, interrupted only by occasional periods of resurgence.

The Fourth Crusade in 1204 took Constantinople and signaled the virtual death knell of the Empire. Even as the Empire recovered Constantinople in 1261, the Empire continued to decline. Despite the efforts of the Palaiologos dynasty, the majority of whom were capable rulers, external factors continued to reduce the empire's territory and economy.

This reversed at the turn of the 15th century, when Manuel II marshaled aid from Western Europe and successfully recaptured several important cities like Thebes, Nicomedia, and Sinope. Famagusta was the greatest prize, and helped to restore the Empire's rapidly declining economy.

The Empire proceeded to defeat the remaining Latin states in Greece as well as expand its trade across the Aegean and Black Seas. The internal structure of the Empire was improved by the Palaiologan Reforms initiated by Manuel II's son and successor, John VIII. These reforms would be crucial for the defeat of the Latins in the Latin Revolt and the War of the Christian Coalition against the Ottomans.

Before 1400
For more information see main article: 

1400 - 1500
The Empire was in a tough spot in 1400, with the capital Constantinople being blockaded by the Ottoman Empire over diplomatic disputes. As such, Emperor Manuel II traveled across Europe, requesting aid to drive the Ottomans away from the capital. He visited many nations, such as Aragon, Castile, France, and the Holy Roman Empire. Manuel II would be the first Roman Emperor to travel to England in many centuries.

Back in the Empire, the Emperor's rebellious nephew and former Emperor John VII commanded the defense. While John VII was rebellious in the past, he stayed loyal to the cause, and the Ottomans never attacked the city. In the Despotate of Morea, Roman troops were able to seize several more towns and outposts that were deserted or owned by the Latins. This increased the defense and economy of the Empire, if only slightly.

Manuel II managed to get a wide array of nations to contribute troops to the defense of the capital. England, France, Castile, Aragon, Venice, Bavaria, Holland, Saxony, Novgorod, Muscovy, Naples, Sicily, the Papacy, and Genoa all contributed troops or ships. This massive influx of support vastly increased morale in the Empire.

The Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Venice met for negotiations regarding territorial and political disputes. The negotiations concluded with the blockade of Constantinople ended and the Empire gaining back some land, including the Anatolian city of Nicomedia. This resecured Roman control over the Bosphorus Straits.

This agreement would later play an important role in the following months. The Latin Duchy of Athens was broken away from Venetian control and came under the control of a Florentine, Antonio I Acciaioli. Venice countered, and as a reward for Roman service in the war, the Empire received half of Attica and all of Boeotia.

Soon after, general war with Genoa erupted in Western Europe. Wanting a more satisfying conclusion to the Roman-Genoese War in the previous century, the Roman Empire attacked Genoese trading ships, as well as the Genoese trading colony of Galata, in 1407. The war ended with the Empire getting much wealth and many ships, as well as control over Galata and Famagusta.

The Empire began to recover from its problems in this phase, as new territory had been reconquered, the military, while small, was effective enough, and the treasury began to fill again. This new found power attracted the attention of the Empire of Trebizond, who entered into Roman vassalage. These reconciled nations together invaded and organized the disordered Emirate of Sinope, and soon made quick work of the country. The invasion added another trade port to the Empire, along with a sizable shipyard.

The next ten years were ones largely of peace for the Empire, although there were some instances of war. Following the continues attempts of Savoy to get involved in the Aegean, the Empire along with Naples and Florence defeated the Savoyards and the Empire received some Aegean islands, as well as guaranteed independence for its relatives in Montferrat.

Following this war, the Empire and Naples attempted to annex the nation of Cyprus in order to further each others influence in that area, but the attack was a failure due to a miscommunication between the Neapolitan and Roman forces. A Cypriot followup attack on Famagusta ended in failure, making the war end in the status quo.

The Empire's influence did expand in this time period, as the Emperor's son-in-law King Stephen of Theodoro submitted to Roman vassalage, and the Empire of Trebizond, already a Roman vassal, rejoined the Empire, ending the Roman schism present since the Fourth Crusade in 1204.

With this part of the nation's history behind it, the Empire turned its focus towards defeating the rest of the Catholic Latin states that also claimed to be the heirs to the Roman Empire, through the Latin Roman Empire that ceased to exist in 1261.

Determined to end it once and for all, the Empire invaded Cyprus in 1423 and 1424, and Achaea in 1424. Both of these states were defeated and their kings imprisoned. This finally ended the schism of the Empire in its entirety, except for the Venetian-ruled dominions in Greece.

By 1425, the Empire was becoming increasingly multicultural once again. The Latins in Greece were still a sizeable minority, and despite the freedom of the Greeks from serfdom, they still occupied several important positions in local commerce and governance, as well as the military. Crimean Goths also immigrated to the Empire, in part because of the rich trade links between the Empire and Theodoro. In the east, the population of Armenians and Georgians also rose.

This was a cause of celebration for the Empire, who saw it as further proof the Empire was expanding once more. The death of Emperor Manuel II in 1425 saddened the Empire, but the ascension of John VIII was a cause for celebration, and John took to reviving the Empire with vigor.

One of the major reforms carried out early in the reign of John VIII was a major military reform for the army. These reforms dismissed many of the Latin mercenaries working in the army, and altered the structure of the army as well. These reforms would be crucial in combating the Latin revolt two years later.

With the Latins pacified, the Empire expanded its control over the rich Black Sea trade routes by annexing Theodoro as the Despotate of Taurica. Land was also gained in Rhodes and Pylos, gifted by John VIII's brother-in-law Vittorio de Luca, the grandmaster of the Knights Hospitaller. The start of the 1430s heralded a new era for the Empire, in which its wealth was increasing due to lucrative trade routes, its culture was expanding due to new cultures in the Empire once again, its military was strong and growing due to numerous reforms, and the capital had recovered. Another Roman Renaissance had occurred.

The 1430s brought in a new era in Roman history in trade and culture. Roman literature and science expanded due to an increased interest in the University of Constantinople and the Imperial Library, bringing back to light important philosophical and scientific texts. The Mausoleum of Bodrum, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, was repaired during this time of cultural interest. The 1440s was largely the same as the 1430s. The Roman Renaissance continued, and the Roman economy continued to gain strength. It was during this time that the unification of the Churches occurred, unifying most of Christianity beneath the Holy Catholic Church. The first half of the 1450s was dominated by the Albanian War of Independence and the defeat of the Ottomans in Europe, pushing Islamic influence from southern Europe for good. The conversion of the Tatars to Christianity over the next few years and the defeat of the Granadan Muslims over the next few years forced Islam out of Europe.

The war was a major turning point for the Empire, who only fifty years earlier was faced with imminent destruction. As such, the victory of the Christians in 1453 against the Ottomans was widely celebrated in both the Empire and the rest of Europe, who had begun to see the Empire's revival as a parallel to the Reconquista taking place in Spain.

Albania also won its war, and gained its independence from the Ottomans. In order to protect the fledgling nation, the Roman Empire and the Albanians entered into an agreement in which the Roman Empire would protect Albania from the mechinations of the Venetians, Italians, or Hungarians.

The Roman Empire began to pioneer the development of gunpowder weapons along with the Netherlands and Castile. John VIII was always highly impressed with firearms, and his continued interest insured its important in the Roman military for decades to come.

The Empire set about the task of integrating such territory back into the government, and had to address issues such as taxation and a residual Ottoman insurgency. Because of the new population base, the Roman government was able to lower taxes somewhat, gaining support from the new provinces. The insurgent Ghazis were hunted down and either executed or exiled to Ottoman lands. The Roman Empire continued to expand in trade and cultural influence during this decade, although noticeable changes in military structure and technology. During this decade the explosive grenade was first invented in the Empire, and a young Carlo de Patra began to attend the University of Constantinople.

Carlo de Patra's inventions and knowledge revolutionized the world. De Patra became renowned for his scientific knowledge about the physical sciences and Human anatomy were considered breakthroughs, and some of his inventions were not replicated until the modern era. The reign of Michael IX was relatively peaceful and was largely filled with cultural and scientific advancement. This decade was marked by the decline in Roman-Venetian relations following the capture of Arta in Greece and increasing trade competition. This was offset by better relations with Europe, especially Scandinavia due to the new Emperor Thomas I's wife Elsa of Scandinavia, and the newly reformed Tatar Empire.

By this time hospitals had become a regular feature in most major Roman cities and the Roman Empire and its nobility were becoming increasingly Westernized, exactly as John VIII had planned. During this time the newfound antagonism with Venice was reaching a boiling point. The alliance with the Venetians was rendered null and the Venetian ambassador was evicted from Constantinople. A growing rebellion in Crete attracted the interest of many Roman nobles, and the Empire began supported such rebels through the nobles.

1500 - 1600
The war with Venice finally arrived as the Cretan rebels rose up in full revolt and the Empire sent troops to aid them as well as seize Greek land from Venice. Thanks to better technology and superior armies, the Roman Army triumphed on land and occupied many of the Venetian holdings in mainland Greece. The Roman Navy played hit and run tactics against the superior Venetian fleet until the climatic Battle of Naxos that ended the war in the Aegean in the Empire's favor.

Albania also entered the war, both because of the debt owed to the Romans for winning Albanian independence and also to unite all Albanians under the kingdom's banner. Through this war, Albania gained a coast.

The war had interesting social consequences for the Empire and the Greeks, who discovered the brutality of Venetian slavery and the practice of drowning for capital punishment. As part of the first anti-Venetian backlash caused by the aftermath, Thomas I outlawed slavery, viewing it as a tool of oppression unworthy of the Romans and that everyone could become "Roman." Drowning was also outlawed as a form of punishment.

Many Venetians and Italians fled the new Roman territories in the years following the defeat of the Venetians.

During the decade, the Empire suffered two natural disasters that cost the Empire dearly. In 1502 a storm closed the Egyptian canal, cutting off Roman access to the trade goods offered by Indochina and India. In 1509, a devastating earthquake struck Constantinople, killing thousands and damaging the city. In the aftermath Emperor Thomas I was assassinated by a disgruntled Venetian, causing the second anti-Venetian backlash and a crisis in the line of succession.

With Thomas I dead and his eldest sons not yet old enough to take the throne, the nobles compromised and allowed Thomas' consort Elsa of Scandinavia to head the regency. She earned the trust and loyalty of the Roman nobility and people by rapidly rebuilding Constantinople.

After a few years on the throne, Elsa abdicated and her eldest son Theodore took the throne as Theodore III at the age of 16. Theodore III's rule was an important one for the Empire, as he would be the most successful Emperor in terms of territorial conquest since Heraclius or Basil II.

Although young, Theodore III jumped to the task of restoring the Empire's greatness. Over the next twenty years, the Empire regained control of Egypt, Judea, and parts of Anatolia as well as expanding into the Balkans and Serbia after defeating a treacherous Hungary.

Despite these rapid gains, the Empire lost Judea and Egypt at the beginning of the 1560s. This was a hard blow to the Empire and Theodore III, who had aspired to restore the Empire's borders to what they were before the Arabs invaded. The loss of Egypt, while tragic, did allow the Empire to hold onto Bahrain and Socotra, former Egyptian colonies. Anatolia also erupted into warfare between Greek and Turkish militias at this time.

Despite the loss of Egypt, the Empire also entered into the world stage as a colonial power, settling colonies at Atlantis (OTL Bermuda) and the city of Reme in Roanoke (OTL Outer Banks). The Italian city-state of Banche Esterno was also obtained in this time frame as a protectorate, later to become a full colony. Due to aid provided to Urdustan in one of their many wars, a small enclave in southern India was obtained as a refuge for Indian Christians.

Theodore III restored considerable prestige to the Empire when it defeated the Austrians along with a coalition of other Western European nations. The Empire gained the Ionian islands and the Austrian colony of Schlossburg, which was renamed Powhatan in honor of the Empire's native allies. The Empire also recieved the Iron Crown of Lombardy and the Bridle of Constantine, two relics that had significant importance to the Roman people.

Politics
The Empire is an absolute hereditary monarchy. The current emperor is Thomas I Palaiologos of the Palaiologos dynasty.

The Empire is also governed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, which follows the Patriarch of Constantinople, who in turn is appointed by the Emperor. The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the major subdivisions of the Holy Catholic Church.

There is also a Roman Senate that meets in Constantinople, but over the years the title of Senator meant little and the Senate now exists in name only.

Subdivisions
The current division of land in the Roman Empire is into three different types of divisions. Despotates are the most common subdivision and its rulers, while hereditary, excersize minimal independent authority from the central government. Exarchates are territories with special needs or are considerably far away from central authority. As such, they are ruled by military governors. Archonates are the most independent subdivision. Its rulers are also hereditary, have broad control over what happens in their own realm, and can, within limits, raise and manage their own armed forces.

Overseas colonies part of the Roman Colonial Empire are typically administered as Exarchates.

The capital of Constantinople has a population of about 300,000, and the total empire is estimated to have 25,000,000 inhabitants.



















{{legend|pink|Despotate}} {{legend|lightblue|Archonate}} {{legend|wheat|Exarchate}}

Roman Colonial Empire
The first permanent Roman presence was on the island of Atlantis, which was settled in the late 1520s and early 1530s. The first colony on Borealia was Roanoke with its capital of Reme, both of which were founded in 1544 by Greek and Latin settlers. The Empire also has claims in the Imperial Sea, namely the island of Antillia. In 1556 the Empire annexed the independent nation of Banche Esterno, renaming it Yamasee. The Empire also has an enclave in southern India for a refuge for Indian Christians.



International Relations
The Empire has marriage alliances with Italy ever since the marriage of Lasidlaus I and Maria and with Rumania ever since the marriage of Radu I and Sophia.

Vassals

 * Flag of Albania 1913.gif Albania (1453 - Present)
 * Naxos (1502 - 1513)
 * Epirus (1502 - 1513)
 * RagusaFlag.png Ragusa (1502 - Present)
 * Flag of Alexandria Governate (PMIII).png Egypt
 * Serbia
 * Cyrene

Allies

 * Flag of Most Serene Republic of Venice.svg Venice (1402 - 1490)
 * NaplesFlag.png Italy (1430s - Present)
 * Pavillon royal de la France.svg France (1460s - Present)
 * 600px-Flag of United Principalities.png Rumania (1454 - Present)
 * Flag of the Kazan Khanate.svg Tatar Empire (1460s - Present)
 * Flag of Habsburg Spain center eagle monarchs.png Hispania (1480s - Present)
 * Albion 3.3C.png Britain (1402 - Present)

Military
The Roman Military is the descendent of the legions and navy of the classical Empire. While famous for its history and prior strength, the armed forces are not the elite of the world's military any longer.

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 50,000 total soldiers, most of them being native Greeks, Latins, or Tauricans. Imperial guard units included the Varangian Guard, the Paramonai, and the Vardariotai.

Since the military reforms of John VIII, the the allagion has been changed from a formation of 300-500 soldiers to one of 1000 soldiers. In addition, the Imperial guard units were merged into a new one, also called the Paramonai

The weapons commonly used in the army are spears and crossbows. Shields are common, as well as chain mail or scale mail. Muskets and arquebuses are becoming increasingly popular for use because they are cheaper to manufacture than crossbows and require much less training.

Navy
The Roman Navy was once the most powerful navy in the world, but now the navy is a shadow of its former self. The Empire has major shipyards at Sinope, Rhodos, Patras, Constantinople, Athens, and Thessalonica. The navy is still known for its recipe for Greek fire, but this weapon is rarely used. The navy appears to have reclaimed a significant level of prestige following its conclusive defeat of Venice in the Battle of Naxos.

The composition of the navy as of 1545 is about as follows:

Total: 650 ships
 * 5 Frigates
 * 25 Galleasses
 * 220 Carros
 * 100 Cogs
 * 300 Galleys

Economy
In 1400 the Imperial Treasury is empty, and the Empire was having an increasingly difficult time managing to pay its dues. By 1410, this has reversed dramatically, and while not the economic powerhouse it once was, the cities of Galata and Famagusta have restored the Roman economy considerably.

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 captured Galata from Genoa, the capital is once again a major trade city and is increasing in size.

The most economic location of the Empire is the the city of Famagusta on Cyprus, which attracts a wide variety of merchants and is one of the richest cities in the world. The Empire is now an important member of the Mediterranean Trade League and as such controls a significant portion of international trade.

Currency
The currency of the Empire is the Stavraton, which was issued in silver coins of one, one-half, one-eighth, and one-16th of its value. Also issued was the copper Follaro. Gold currency was discontinued in 1367.

The currency was reformed by Emperor Manuel II in 1420, standardizing the currency and also officially re-introducing gold currency. The currency is now officially known as the Stavraton regardless of gold or silver composition, while the Follaro remained the copper currency and became the subdivision of the Stavraton.

Nobility
The most senior noble in the Empire is, as expected, the Emperor. Below him is his family. The Archons, the rulers of independent realms inside the Empire, are the next most senior, answering to the Emperor only. Below the Archons are the Despots and Exarchs, who are regional governors. Bwlow them are members of the Empire's native knightly orders, the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Order of the Phoenix, as well as minor nobles and any recipients of foriegn honors.

Commoners
Most of the Empire is composed of commoners, or people who have no noble blood or reward. Despite this, it is entirely possible for commoners to become nobility, as hard as it is.

There are no serfs in Roman society nor has there ever been. Slavery was legal in the Empire until 1503 following the war with Venice. Despite this, slavery is still present in many areas of the Empire, and is only persecuted in Constantinople and the outlying parts of the city.

Art
The Empire is known for its many versions of art. The medieval art of the Empire is known as Icons, and it is a characteristic part of medieval Roman culture. Mosaics and sculpture are also prominent in Roman art, and such art is widely recognized as beautiful.

Architecture
The Empire has a wide array of architecture that sets it apart from the rest of the world. Some prominent structures are the Mausoleum of Bodrum, the Parthenon of Athens, and the Imperial Palace and the Haiga Sophia of Constantinople.

Cuisine
Roman cuisine has evolved over the millenia, but at the current mostly consists of seafood, vegetables and fruits, along with luxury foods like honey. The Empire is a melting pot of cuisine, and it has changed widely over time. One thing that Romans are fond of is salad, something that sets them apart from their European brethren.

Calender
The Roman Empire uses the calendar of Creation, which puts the current date of 1401 AD as 6909 AM (Anno Mundi, or Year of the World). One of the first reforms of Thomas I was to make the Julian calender of Western Europe official as well. As of now both calenders are officially used in the Empire.

Ethnic Terms
The Empire is noted for its distinct way of referring to ethnicities. While all members of the Empire are legally Romans, it has a diverse background of Greeks, Latins, and Tauricans (OTL Crimean Goths).

In referring to other ethnic groups outside the Empire, "Latin" or "Frank" is used to describe Western Europeans. In the same manner, "Varangian" is used to describe people of Germanic descent, and "Rus" is used for people who are of Russian descent.