| [IC] History of Selene |
![[Image: HX4c2i1.png]](http://i.imgur.com/HX4c2i1.png) There is little doubt among modern scholars and the general population that Selene is the sole superpower nowadays. It remains the largest country in the world and the largest and most diversified economy, largely due to its control over the Artemian Strait and the Gate Islands, which gives puts it in a strategic position to control the folow of commerce between continents. However, not everyone knows how Selene became what it is today. This collection of records and documents aims at shedding some light into the origins of Selene and its development throughout the centuries.
Table of Contents:
Fall of the Artemian Empire
Excerpt from 'On the Founding, Independence and Growth of Selenia' Nerisus Pileus Historians have three main theories on the origins of Selene. While many have their own personal theories, most follow one of these three routes. Until recently, the most popular theory among historians was the Hircanes Theory. This stated that Selenius was likely a autonomous entity during the Artemian Empire, part of the larger province of Syrenia, but loosely governed by it. It is believed that the push for relative independence in Selenius was the result of years of degradation of relations with the capital and its own internal development. Important evidence for this theory includes the knowledge that Selenius was politically and economically dominant in the area, and the mention in some texts of a Salenius Borealis as a province in some texts as early as the late 2nd century BCE. The second theory, a derivative of the first one, is the Reinvestment Theory. It states that Selenius was founded by a so-called the Order of Selenius, likely a rebellious nobility faction hailing from the capital, who took control of the province in order to help secure the collapse of the Artemian throne. This theory has little evidence and is mostly based on sociological speculation, and thus is rarely discussed in the more serious of historical discussions regarding the subject. In addition, it failed to take into account the fact that the Order of Selenius was in support of the Artemians until they lost at Tedimidge, having sent over 34 000 men to that fateful battle. The third and newest theory is the Syrenian Theory, arising from a 1st century map found in the area around Syrenia that does not include Selenius as an autonomous province. This contributes to the idea that Selenius was, at least until the third century, an integral part of Syrenia, It is likely that it later came to encompass other lands, including Lithynia and Poriniria. Supporters of the theory are quick to point out that Salenius Borealis can be attributed to a northern province of the Artemian Empire where salt production was once common, leading to the name Salenius, which while close to Selenius, carries a much different meaning. Excerpt from 'Last Days of Artemis' Anonymous I cannot remember seeing many senators in the days leading up to the Fall of Tedimidge. That is not to say they had mixed with the people in times past, there was no senator worth his gold who would let himself be seen in the market. But this time it was different, this time one could feel their fear. They were scared about their safety should they venture out of their palaces, should they have to face the people, aware that everyone knew the rampant corruption and political machinations had allowed the rogues to invade. It was irrelevant that the legions had failed to defend the borders. It was irrelevant that the Imperator had failed to act decisively when the rogues were still weak and disorganised. In the eyes of the people, senators were the ultimate sign of Artemian decadence, the sign of the greed and disconnect that came to characterise the final days of the Empire, which is why it was the senators who received the rage and hatred of the people, as both citizens and slaves became desperate, the dark shadow of the rogues looming upon them. In the end, the demise of the Artemian Empire became obvious not through the invasion of the rogues or even the subsequent Fall of Byzantium, but through the stoning of a senator by the name of Julius, who foolishly ventured outside his home at noon, the busiest time of day, when the city walls were reinforced and people went to the market. Wearing his white robes brown sandals, the senator was an odd sight in a city already crumbling under its own weight. Insulted by his seeming obliviousness to their plight, shielded as he was behind fresh walls and unlimited pleasures, some began yelling at him, throwing fruits and eventually rocks. Julius was said to be a proud man, but even he had a limit to the kind of physical abuse he could stand. I was there that day, a child buying goods for my mother, watching an unbelievably clean man running away from an enraged crowd, wondering what a shame it was that someone so clean should suffer at the hands of a mob. I cannot say for sure what happened next, but the following day I woke up hearing screams out on the street, and my mother was very adamant that I should stay inside. Rumour says that Imperator Lucius had ordered that people be randomly selected and executed, as a lesson to those who dared attack those in the higher classes. He must have underestimated the severity of the impending collapse, because rather than being intimidated, the people rose up against the city guards, starting a five-day riot that resulted in the burning of most palaces. Lucius managed to escape, but senators were not so lucky, most being dragged out of their houses and stoned to death. All that was left of a once mighty city was empty palaces and a leaderless people, either unable or unwilling to stand together against the impending arrival of the rogues. Excerpt from 'On the Founding, Independence and Growth of Selenia' Nerisus Pileus These three theories aside, most historians agree on the history of Selenius, largely based on two ancient documents: the writings of Palineus and the Thoradic Manuscript. Palineus (c. 561-620) was a scholar from the northern districts of Selenius, though historians are unsure of the exact location, since his homeland is only referred to as Leminisus, a regional name that has been unused for at least 1200 years. Palineus wrote many stories of centuries past, most notably the classic Curse of Pallas, recounting the Fall of Tedimidge. In his story, he goes on a brief tangent about what he calls the Ordo Selenivs. As he wrote: The men of Ordo Selenivs, a faction of the West, arrived in their typical fashion, with garments of white in stark contrast to the tattered beige of the Imperial Army, and to the Southern Barbarians, who had shamelessly hardly dressed at all besides their shields and paint, almost as it they were animals rather than men. This faction of Selenivs had long been given leeway by the Emperor to do as they wished, as long as they paid him minor tribute and pledged their military loyalty to his throne. As the man arrived on the scene, the barbarians immediately began to charge, and Cronus before his son, the Selenids fell. The 34 000 retreated, never to return, and hence why to this day they will say ‘Will you too leave me like a Selenid at Tede?’
The Thoradic Manuscript, on the other hand, is from an unknown source, as the author refers to himself only as “The Seer”. This manuscript describes the actions of the Order against the Artemians in the form of a contemporary poem. It is written as follows: ![[Image: 8ZoKRh9.png]](http://i.imgur.com/8ZoKRh9.png) The Thoradic Manuscript was found in a cave outside Old Tedimidge in 954 The Order left the emperor
As leech leaves its host Full and bloated on its blood Tedimidge was too much for the dog It could not gain So it thought ‘I will beg with the barbarians’ Then it refused to help its former master Saying ‘What part have I with you’ As an ungrateful child says to his father A call for independence from the crumbling Artemian Empire is said to have been issued soon after the Battle of Tedimidge, but no record of such call is yet to be found. Most western provinces followed suit between 370 and 406, when the capital finally fell to its foes.
Initial Expansion and Development
Excerpt from 'On the Founding, Independence and Growth of Selenia' Nerisus Pileus Little is known about the early Selenid period, besides their declaration of independence from the crumbling Artemian Empire soon after the Battle of Tedimidge, along with most other western provinces between 370 and 406, when Byzantium finally fell to its foes. What happened after that point is mere speculation, until the 6th century, when several outside sources mention trade and relations with Selenius, although their usefulness beyond proving that Selenia still existed is minimal. Records greatly increased by the end of the century, when historians like Palineus, Paternius and Gerimagnus of Thracta began to record various tales in the vernacular of the time, presumably for the common folk rather than public officials. In addition, they often recorded government actions, as in the following excerpt written by Gerimagnus in 584: Let it be known on this day that Governor Selecus pardoned the execution of threescore rebels who had plotted to kill him before, on the excuse that their actions to kill him were pathetic at best and they could not have killed him even if he was asleep in bed, and so was the whole Prefecture. Gibaldus son of Kyklos was tried on the same day for stealing seven hundred and twoscore measures of grain over 3 years from Lord Lycanos of Similine. He was committed to a yoke of an ox, and was made to plow grain with the ox until he fall of exhaustion. The ox trampled on him, and he passed of bad humours from the trampling soon after the sun had gone down.
It is at this point during the 6th century that Selenius began to expand into its former neighbouring provinces, most notably into the lands of Oriental Syrenia and Lithynia. This expansion was led by Hathas, a general from the region of Iothilus in south Selenius, where it is likely he spent his youth personally fighting off the southern barbarians. He was recorded by Gerimagnus and Paternius to be a ruthless man, bent on the idea that the Selenid were the strongest peoples. He considered the Syrenians as essentially equal, and thus Oriental Syrenia was incorporated into Selenius. There is little knowledge on what happened to the original Lithynians, but genetic tracing suggests that the vast majority was wiped out around the year 615. Once this was attributed to a genocide result of the Iothilean expansion, but contemporary theory points to a plague brought about by foreign incursions. Excerpt from 'Records of Selecus IV' Selecus IV Let this be a day remembered by all. A day when our great province honoured the memories of Selecus Second and Selecus Third by achieving the unachievable. Today we reclaimed the lost land of Byzantium, cradle of our civilisation and home of the ancient Artemians, to whom we owe not only our past but also the course upon which we are set. This conquest is the result of six score years wherein my predecessors expanded our lands and incorporated them into our province with fearless settles, enabling our army to reclaim the city that had been forcefully taken so many years ago. Surely this success will anger our foes, but this is cause for celebration among our people. This ancient city must become our capital, a sign of the power and plenty in Selenius. Our province has expanded not only in lands, but also in people. What once was three hundred and fifty thousand score has become seven hundred and fifty thousand score. We shall build cities and roads and buildings so our people will enjoy as much success in Byzantium as they do in Cyron and all through our lands. With our sea jewel back where it belongs, all is possible. Excerpt from 'On the Founding, Independence and Growth of Selenia' Nerisus Pileus A second period of expansion started under Tephipater II in 762, with the conquest of the remainder of Syrenia, Porniniria and incursions into the northern province of Magdalus. However, most of Magdalus had been invaded by Malara, an eastern province of which little was known until then. What is now called the Malaran Wars was in reality a series of brief but brutal battles that lasted for the next hundred years, mostly in Magdalus or its border with Malara. By 879 neither side was able to gain a permanent foothold beyond the Gates of Linus, which surrounded the capital of Magdalus, though at this point the city was little more than rubble. Considering the prospect of another hundred years of endless war, Governor Leonides proposed an act of personal union between himself and Governess Domitiana of Malara. She promptly agreed, likewise fearing the continuation of the war. It is thus that Selenius and Malara became on in October 891. Excerpt from 'Records of the Royal Court' Tetrus And the Governor descended the stairs with the Governess Domitiana, and the archbishop solemnly said the rhythmic vows in the old language and proceeded to forever bind the two nations in the union declared by heaven. At the blessed moment that the Governor kissed the hand of the lady Domitiana, there erupted a beam, breaking through the clouds on the kissed hand, as if it was always to be by decision of fate. There was a great cheer in that palace in Byzantium on that day, and great feasting as well, with various and divers lambs, calves, pigs, and multitudes of birds were served to all guests. Excerpt from 'On the Founding, Independence and Growth of Selenia' Nerisus Pileus Despite the initial joy surrounding the occasion, there was an air of jadedness that could not be ignored. These two peoples spoke different languages, displayed completely different traditions and overall had little in common, making integration incredibly difficult. Malara was populated by the Katratic people, foreigners who had occupied the land after the collapse of the Artemian Empire. Selenius was overwhelmingly Artemian, populated by the descendants of those who had previously ruled the land. Malarans were farmers, Selenians were fishers. Malarans favoured a simple life on the field, Selenians favoured grand halls and sophisticated societies. It took decades to overcome those differences and avoid a collapse of the initially unstable union. By 924 the situation stabilised, under the leadership of Governor Erasthenes. It was clear that Artemian culture would become dominant, albeit with notable Katratic influences, including holidays and attire. Most notable, senatorial white robes slowly ceased to be the sole attire of the higher classes, with darker clothes becoming more acceptable. Erasthenes took advantage from his parents’ legacies. He used the geographical dominance left by Leonides to fortify the trans-continental strait and nearby islands. He enhanced the ports and granaries from Domitiana, rebuilding the fortified city of Tedimidge and constructing what became Selenius’ second largest city, the southern port of Salbar. Strategically located on an island off the mainland, Salbar held important defence capabilities, including narrow passages and guard towers that can fire at invading ships. In addition, Erasthenes also fortified and developed the port cities of Ianos, Likos and Limesios, slowly but surely consolidating Selenius as the sole empire on the Malaran Peninsula. Introduction to 'A Study of the Dynamics of Change' Justin Kalominos Many predict that Selene and Kalos will merge at some point in the next twenty years. As we witness the final years of a decades long process that led the once enemies to become allies, it stands to reason that we should examine the dynamics that drive change in Selene and make its leaders change previous policies and transform the way their nation views itself. To accomplish this, there is no better case than the transition from the Province of Selenius to the Principality of Selene, a two-centuries process that did away with the last vestiges of loyalty to the Artemian Empire and fully established the Selenian identity, a concept that had struggled to take hold in the centuries after the Artemid collapse. There are those who disagree with the above suggestion. Andros Manikolos from the University of Tedimidge still claims that the transition from Selenius to Selene was swift and largely inconsequential to its society. I strongly disagree with that view. Letting go of the Artemid legacy was immensely consequential for Selenius, not only in the immediate aftermath, but also for the centuries to come. At the onset of the 11th century, Selenius was ruled by a governor who still swore loyalty to ‘the eternal glory of Artemis’ and its people still spoke Artemian. By the 13th century, Selene was now ruled by a prince who swore loyalty to the ‘stature and beauty of Selene’ and its people spoke different languages, most prominently one resulting from the fusion of Artemian and Katratic. When Theodosius IX crowned himself Prince instead of Governor in 1189, the outcry was such that he was forced to publish his famous 10 Excuses, an extensive explanation for his attempt to break away from the Artemid tradition. This is why he remained a prince and Artemian lost its official status by 1200. His successors dutifully followed in his steps, and so change was afoot. This goes beyond a change of rulers and languages. This signifies a break from the Artemid tradition, the moment Selene stopped thinking itself an extension of its predecessor and instead started making its own history, and acknowledged it as such. What Manikolos calls a cultural shift, I call the defining moment when Selene adopted its own identity. How did this change come to happen? What forces were at work when this happened? What were their effects? Identifying and analysing these dynamics is the purpose of this study. Extract from the Notes of Geriatrus Geriatrus ![[Image: aocHaLZ.png]](http://i.imgur.com/aocHaLZ.png) Article from the Byzantium Reporter Archelaus ![[Image: f0PZrvH.png?1]](http://i.imgur.com/f0PZrvH.png?1) |
| Users browsing this thread: |
| 1 Guest(s) |