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The '''history of | The '''history of Caphiria''' has been among the most influential to the modern world, from the spread of the Latin language and Romance languages as a result of the creation of the Imperial Church to its vast contributions to modern governments, law, politics, engineering, art, literature, architecture, technology, warfare, religion, language, and society. | ||
Caphirian history is divided into six distinct political ages, each having its sociological eras: | Caphirian history is divided into six distinct political ages, each having its own sociological eras: | ||
* '''''Ancient history''''' (9th century BC - 369 BC) - | * '''''Ancient history''''' ({{circa}} 9th century BC - 369 BC) - This period covers the settlement of [[Latinic people]], which originated in [[Urlazio]] and would form the [[Adonerii civilization]]. The [[Latin Heroic Age]] saw the colonization of Latium, a geographic region along the northern coastline of Sarpedon. The city of Venceia was founded during this period as a trading hub and many foundational myths of Latinic societies emerged. For approximately the last century of this period, Caphiria was in a monarchical system and was ruled by 5 kings. Admoneptis, the last king, was overthrown in the [[First Civil War (Caphiria)|First Civil War]] by brothers Martyrius and Darius Lux in 369 BC. | ||
* '''The First Republic''' (369 BC-136 AD) - | * '''The First Republic''' (369 BC-136 AD) - After their successful coup d'etat, the Lux brothers abolished the monarchy and declared that all citizens were equal under the law, establishing the First Republic. The Republic saw a vast expansion of territory, including present-day [[Cartadania]] and [[Pelaxia]], but also saw internal pressure from various ambitious leaders and the aristocracy, leading to the [[War of the Republic (Caphiria)|War of the Republic]] which saw Caphiria transform from republic to empire. | ||
* '''The First Imperium''' (136 - 890 AD) - During this time, Caphiria experienced vigorous expansion of its territory | * '''The First Imperium''' (136 - 890 AD) - During this time, Caphiria experienced vigorous expansion of its territory, having regional dominance and ultimately total control of more than half of Sarpedon. Eventually, the empire began to crumble under its own weight and became unable to manage its vast territorial holdings, dealt with numerous internal struggles for power, and ultimately collapsed in 890. | ||
* '''The Second Imperium''' (900 - 1172) - Augustus Rahla attempted to restore political stability by establishing the "Second Imperium," which was supposed to be a hybrid government that pleased both the ambitious younger generation who wanted a populist government and the elder aristocracy who tried to preserve the centuries-old institutions like the Senate. This government was plagued with issues from the start and quickly reignited more conflict, which led to lots of unrest and political splintering and culminated with the Great Civil War, a brutal 45-year civil war lasting from 1127-1172 which saw the collapse of the Second Imperium. | * '''The Second Imperium''' (900 - 1172) - Augustus Rahla attempted to restore political stability by establishing the "Second Imperium," which was supposed to be a hybrid government that pleased both the ambitious younger generation who wanted a populist government and the elder aristocracy who tried to preserve the centuries-old institutions like the Senate. This government was plagued with issues from the start and quickly reignited more conflict, which led to lots of unrest and political splintering and culminated with the Great Civil War, a brutal 45-year civil war lasting from 1127-1172 which saw the collapse of the Second Imperium. | ||
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* '''The Dark Period''' (1172 - 1283) - Following the Great Civil War, barbarians began attacking the weakened empire; the Senate agreed to let most of its provinces become pseudo-independent states controlled by local warlords while it usurped control over Venceia and effectively reverted to being a Republican city-state. This is known as the era of the Second Republic. Eventually, Șerossaccir Odobricci, a Latino-Slavic warlord of Truřov (one of the established warlord states), began a successful military campaign of conquering his neighbors and reuniting the lost provinces of the empire. Șerossaccir would eventually march on Venceia and destroy the republic, but rather than sacking the city, he stands outside of it and accepts, under the force of arms, the title of Imperator from the Senate, who also passes a bill that makes Șerossaccir the legal heir of the last recognized Imperator, thus establishing the Third Imperium in 1283 | * '''The Dark Period''' (1172 - 1283) - Following the Great Civil War, barbarians began attacking the weakened empire; the Senate agreed to let most of its provinces become pseudo-independent states controlled by local warlords while it usurped control over Venceia and effectively reverted to being a Republican city-state. This is known as the era of the Second Republic. Eventually, Șerossaccir Odobricci, a Latino-Slavic warlord of Truřov (one of the established warlord states), began a successful military campaign of conquering his neighbors and reuniting the lost provinces of the empire. Șerossaccir would eventually march on Venceia and destroy the republic, but rather than sacking the city, he stands outside of it and accepts, under the force of arms, the title of Imperator from the Senate, who also passes a bill that makes Șerossaccir the legal heir of the last recognized Imperator, thus establishing the Third Imperium in 1283 | ||
* '''The Third Imperium''' (1283 - 1782) - This period is marked by the state's reunification, the creation of the Constitution of Caphiria, and the establishment of dozens of Latino-Slavic dynasties and cultural/political institutions. At the same time, this period features the [[Great Schism of 1615]], where a break of communion between what are now the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Imperial Church|Imperial Church of Caphiria]] occurred. The Great Schism | * '''The Third Imperium''' (1283 - 1782) - This period is marked by the state's reunification, the creation of the Constitution of Caphiria, and the establishment of dozens of Latino-Slavic dynasties and cultural/political institutions. At the same time, this period features the [[Great Schism of 1615]], where a break of communion between what are now the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Imperial Church|Imperial Church of Caphiria]] occurred. The Great Schism played a significant role in the fall and decline of the Third Imperium. Throughout the mid to late-17th century, Caphiria lost the majority of its western territory. Known as the [[dissolution of the Western Provinces]], several countries gained their independence, such as [[Pelaxia]] in 1615 and [[Cartadania]] in 1630. The Imperium also experienced an Eastern collapse, where [[Aciria]] gained independence in 1625 and Caphiria lost a 13-year war against Veltornia in the [[Veltorine War of Independence]] in 1771. | ||
* '''The Fourth Imperium''' (1782 - present) - After the | * '''The Fourth Imperium''' (1782 - present) - After losing most of its territory and control over the continent, the Imperium went through a significant reformation period - The Senate deleted most Slavic dynasties and institutions, re-established Caphiric ruling dynasties and families, as well as forming the [[National Assembly (Caphiria)|National Assembly]] and eventually creating the [[Corcillum]]. Caphiria's role in the First Great War re-asserted it as a global power and regained hegemony in Sarpedon - it re-annexed Veltorina and instituted a diplomatic system of controlling its neighbors known as [[Imperial Diplomacy (Sarpedon)|Imperial Diplomacy]]. However, Caphiria's relationship with [[Levantia]] - specifically [[Urcea]], became increasingly hostile and Cartadania and Pelaxia began to align themselves with Levantine interests, sparking the state-sponsored propaganda [[Levantine Creep]]. | ||
==Prehistory== | ==Prehistory== | ||
{{Main|History of the Ancient Latinic civilization}} | {{Main|History of the Ancient Latinic civilization}} | ||
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This period, from 1127 to 1172, is known as the Civil War Era due to the dozen civil wars over four decades as contention for leadership and political groups vied for control over the massive and wealthy state. The most famous of these was between Marius Oratonius and Quinus Sator Alercius and the subsequent war between their successors and die-hard loyalists. The Civil War Era began as a series of political and military confrontations between Marius Oratonius and Quinus Sator Alercius, who were looking to shift Caphiria in opposite directions. Oratonius wanted to continue to become an empire and spread Latin culture to the known world, whereas Alercius wanted to bring back the politically conservative and socially traditionalist Republic. This led to the state splitting into two: a monarchy in the north and a republic in the south. To complicate things further, the spread and dominance of Christianity could no longer be shunned; until this time, the official policy towards Christianity was hostile, and at some points, simply being a Christian could be punishable by death. Oratonius used this to his advantage, officially converting to Christianity in 1079. While he isn't recognized as the first Imperator to convert to Christianity due to the circumstances, he is recognized as the first person to give it legitimacy within the Imperium. Oratonius was then seen as a man of God, a man on the right side of the war. This helped him win the minds of many who did not initially support him and ultimately gave him an edge that the elder Alercius did not have on his side, the side of the old guard. | This period, from 1127 to 1172, is known as the Civil War Era due to the dozen civil wars over four decades as contention for leadership and political groups vied for control over the massive and wealthy state. The most famous of these was between Marius Oratonius and Quinus Sator Alercius and the subsequent war between their successors and die-hard loyalists. The Civil War Era began as a series of political and military confrontations between Marius Oratonius and Quinus Sator Alercius, who were looking to shift Caphiria in opposite directions. Oratonius wanted to continue to become an empire and spread Latin culture to the known world, whereas Alercius wanted to bring back the politically conservative and socially traditionalist Republic. This led to the state splitting into two: a monarchy in the north and a republic in the south. To complicate things further, the spread and dominance of Christianity could no longer be shunned; until this time, the official policy towards Christianity was hostile, and at some points, simply being a Christian could be punishable by death. Oratonius used this to his advantage, officially converting to Christianity in 1079. While he isn't recognized as the first Imperator to convert to Christianity due to the circumstances, he is recognized as the first person to give it legitimacy within the Imperium. Oratonius was then seen as a man of God, a man on the right side of the war. This helped him win the minds of many who did not initially support him and ultimately gave him an edge that the elder Alercius did not have on his side, the side of the old guard. | ||
The Great Civil War was a fifteen-year-long politico-military struggle fought over most of Caphiria, Cartadania, Pelaxia, | The Great Civil War was a fifteen-year-long politico-military struggle fought over most of Caphiria, Cartadania, Pelaxia, Lariana, and even Audonia. The culmination of the Great Civil War was the Battle of Silanus, where Oratonius' army defeated Alercius'. Oratonius sustained severe injuries in the battle and died shortly before the victory. He told his general Lucius Legarus Pius to spare Alercius if they were to capture him since he had deserted from battle after surveying the landscape and figuring he would lose. Pius assumed command and took over the army, and wasted little time in searching for Alercius. After several months of searching, they found him hiding in the Cimisi-Extressio region of Abderia, a city-state bordering the Lacio mountains. Abderia wanted no part in the war, quickly giving Alercius to Pius and, true to his word, after bringing him back to Venceia, spared Alercius' life. He did, however, strip him of his power, status, and class, effective neutering if there ever was one. Pius then exiled Alercius in 1110 and spent the next five years putting Caphiria back together after the last several decades of disarray and borderline anarchy. Pius was as intelligent in politics as he was on the battlefield and knew that the only way to solve the issues once and for all was a compromise. The stresses and strains of those years (chronic usurpations, military insurrections, simultaneous military conflicts across multiple frontiers) exposed the weaknesses in the Caphirian Republic and the Principate, forcing a radically different approach to governance. | ||
Pius also granted greater autonomy to the the [[Isurians|Isurian]] nobles in the western part of the Imperium, both as a way to lessen the government's obligations there as well as a reward for backing the Oratonian faction in the earlier conflict. | |||
==The Dark Period (1172 - 1283)== | ==The Dark Period (1172 - 1283)== | ||
=== | The Dark Period, spanning from approximately 1172 to 1283, was one of the most tumultuous eras in Caphirian history. After the Great Civil War, the splintered Imperium found itself vulnerable and weak. Its once vast territories lay in disarray, torn between internal strife and external pressures. To the south, the Sarpic barbarians took advantage of the power vacuum and began launching raids across Caphiria's southern border. Caphiria also experienced pressure in the province of [[Cognatia]] - the southwest region of the empire that includes the provinces of [[Cartadania]] and [[Pelaxia]]. [[Sebastian Pasillas|Sebastián Pasillas]], a [[Carto-Pelaxian]] politician of the [[Castrillón Estate]], had been named Consul of the region and was tasked with maintaining Caphiria's control there. However, Pasillas and his family exploited the weakened defense and diminished central authority in the area, and with the [[Santialche Estate|Santialche Dynasty]] and [[Kazofort Estate|Kazofort dynasty]], launched into full rebellion against Caphiria. With the Castrillóns already having legal control over Caphiria's western borders, the family aligned itself with the [[Darciarchi Estate]] - one of the last prominent families left in the Senate. | ||
=== Rise of Șerossaccir === | |||
After a series of campaigns and engagements - the most humiliating being [[Cadrian's Battle]], where the Legions had a catastrophic defeat against [[Elentius Odobricci|Elențius Odobricci]], a Sarpic warlord known for his tactical genius and charismatic leadership. Ceding to the overwhelming pressures, the Senate took the unprecedented decision to relinquish control over most of the southern provinces. This mass surrender led to a new geopolitical landscape where these provinces became pseudo-independent territories governed by regional warlords, each commanding their loyal militias. Fresh from his victory against Caphiria, Elențius founded the [[Kingdom of Truřov]], with its capital in present-day northern [[Volonia]]. Truřov, under Odobricci, saw rapid development, establishing itself as a regional powerhouse. | |||
In the power vacuum that ensued, Caphiria was reverted back to its ancient governance and became a Republican city-state once more, heralding the era of the [[Second Republic (Caphiria)|Second Republic]]. Despite the loss in territory, Venceia thrived as an epicenter of trade, culture, and innovation. Its harbor saw ships from all corners of Sarpedon and beyond, bringing in traders, craftsmen, scholars, and even adventurers. The multicultural influx transformed the city's demographics and cultural fabric, with various ethnicities and cultures living side by side, contributing to a unique blend that defined the Second Republic. | |||
Despite the political setbacks, the Second Republic, always conscious of its history and legacy, focused on rebuilding its military prowess. With reduced borders to defend, the Senate invested heavily in military research, drills, and strategy formulation. They recognized that to ensure their survival in these uncertain times, they needed a robust defense mechanism. This period saw the development of several land warfare strategies, emphasizing fortifications, siege weaponry, and combined arms tactics. Many of these strategies, refined and perfected over the years, laid the foundation for Caphiria's legendary land forces in the centuries to come. | |||
=== The Second Republic === | |||
{{Main|Venceian Republic}} | |||
While it might have been an age marked by loss and limitation on the political and territorial front, the era of the Second Republic was anything but dark in terms of cultural, intellectual, and artistic achievement. Even with its reduced stature politically, Venceia maintained its reputation as one of the Occident's key city-states, partly due to its prime geographical location and historic significance. Its ports served as key junctions for maritime trade routes, attracting traders from [[Levantia]], [[Audonia]], and beyond. Over time, Venceia became a vital hub for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. | |||
While many parts of Sarpedon were marred by religious conflict, Consequently, Venceia stood out as a haven of religious tolerance while many parts of Sarpedon were marred by the [[Crusades#Istroyan Crusades (1084–1314)|Istroyan Crusades]]. The Senate, recognizing the benefits of a cosmopolitan population, actively encouraged religious freedom, drawing in not just Levantine Catholics but also Muslims from the [[Oduniyyad Caliphate]] and other faiths from distant lands, such as [[Vallos]]. This religious diversity became a trademark of Caphirian life, and the city began to be celebrated for its religious festivals, where multiple traditions were observed side-by-side, fostering interfaith dialogue and harmony. The influx of diverse traders and merchants brought more than just goods; they brought wealth, innovation, and different governance ideas. The Senate, originally an assembly of native Caphirians, began to see the inclusion of these wealthy immigrants. These non-Latin senators brought a fresh perspective to governance, influencing policies that further entrenched Venceia's cosmopolitan nature.With their growing influence in trade and their newfound roles in the Senate, these immigrants laid the foundation for the Equite social class. While not of noble birth, the Equites were characterized by their immense wealth and influence in trade, often rivaling the old patrician class in terms of power and prestige. | |||
In the midst of the sociopolitical challenges presented by the Dark Period, the culture and arts in Venceia became an oasis of innovation, providing solace, identity, and pride to its people. With the influx of diverse communities, Caphiria experienced a cultural renaissance. [[Liberloci|Literary salons]] (''liberloci''), frequented by poets, writers, and thinkers from different backgrounds, sprouted across Venceia. These gatherings were not just for the elite but were often open to anyone with a thirst for knowledge. [[Levantine romanticism]], [[Audonian realism]], and traditional Caphirian epics converged, giving birth to multi-faceted tales that blended heroism, love, and existential thought. Philosophical dialogues were influenced by both the logical rigors of Oduniyyad scholars and the metaphysical musings of Vallosian thinkers, resulting in a new era of Caphirian humanism that emphasized both reason and emotion. Artists, inspired by the diverse populace of Venceia, began to experiment with a plethora of styles. While Caphirian frescoes retained their grandeur, they began to be infused with the intricate patterns of Oduniyyad art and the vivid color palettes of Audonian painters. Sculpture saw a renaissance as well, with local artisans incorporating the elegant curves of Vallosian artistry with the stoic majesty of traditional Caphirian statues. The rich textiles of the Oduniyyad regions, combined with Levantine embroidery and traditional Caphirian drapery, made for outfits that were both functional and chic. Jewelry, often a blend of Vallosian gem-crafting skills and Caphirian goldsmith techniques, adorned both men and women, signifying the city's opulence. | |||
Institutions of learning began incorporating the advanced mathematical techniques of the Oduniyyad scholars, the medicinal knowledge from Levantia, and the astronomical observations of Audonian scientists. Venceia became a center for intellectual pursuits, drawing scholars from all over Sarpedon. In this age of intellectual ferment, Venceia saw the blossoming of its educational infrastructure, both in the construction of new institutions and the renovation of old ones. The historical [[Education in Caphiria#The Academies|Academies]], from which the contemporary ones draw their lineage, became focal points. The Academies also began to house vast libraries, repositories of knowledge from across Sarpedon. Scholars were encouraged to contribute, and a tradition of manuscript preservation was initiated. With scrolls and books from various civilizations, these libraries were not just a place of reading but also of translation and adaptation. Dedicated teams of scholars worked to translate important texts, ensuring that the wealth of global knowledge was accessible in Latin. | |||
While the cultural and educational advancements of Venceia in the Second Republic era are widely celebrated, its political and economic history during this period is no less remarkable. Given its reduced military might during this era, Venceia pivoted towards diplomacy. The Senate established embassies in major city-states and kingdoms across Sarpedon, including many of the Sarpic barbarians - the assimilated groups were now referred to as ''martiales'' - who still occupied their southern territories. With its location and reputation, Venceia quickly grew as a mercantile hub. The city-state's coffers swelled from port duties, tariffs, and taxes. This wealth, managed judiciously by the Senate, was used to maintain and expand the city's infrastructure, supporting its growing population and ensuring that Venceia remained a destination of choice for traders and immigrants alike. The Senate, while incorporating non-Latins, undertook several administrative reforms to streamline governance. Bureaucratic offices were established to oversee specific sectors such as trade, infrastructure, and public health. This efficient division of labor ensured that Venceia's administration could respond rapidly to emerging challenges.This is still observed today, as Venceia is effectively still a city-state. | |||
While trade was a significant contributor, Venceia also realized the importance of self-sufficiency in food. Lands around the city were cultivated, utilizing advanced farming techniques from Levantia and Audonia. This not only ensured a steady food supply but also provided employment to many. Realizing that they couldn't compete militarily with larger empires, Caphiria invested in developing a formidable land force and constructing fortifications around the city. Ingenious architectural techniques, combined with knowledge from foreign engineers, created a defensive structure that deterred potential aggressors and turned Venceia into "the walled jewel of the Occident". | |||
The Second Republic eventually saw a decline based on numerous internal and external issues. The Equites, made up of the wealthy immigrant merchants and traders, had firmly entrenched themselves within Caphirian society. They held sway over trade routes, monopolized markets, and had considerable representation within the Senate. The traditional Latin estates, who had historically been the power holders, found themselves marginalized. This shift created social tensions, with the Latin elite trying to retain their waning influence by any means necessary, even if it meant allying with potential external threats. To the east, the ambitious and expansive Oduniyyad Caliphate had set its sights on Venceia. The Caliphate saw Venceia not just as a strategic conquest but also as a prized jewel with its vast wealth and vibrant culture. While direct military conflict was averted due to Venceia's weakened state, the Caliphate imposed stringent trade restrictions, hampering Venceia's primary revenue source. Furthermore, Cognatia's internal conflicts began to spill over into Caphiria. The influx of refugees, combined with occasional skirmishes on the western front, drained Caphiria's limited resources. To the north, Urcea, having established its base on the [[Urlazio]] island, was eyeing a mainland incursion. They began exerting pressure, making diplomatic demands and seeking territorial concessions. | |||
The Senate, once a beacon of Caphirian governance, had become mired in corruption. Infighting, backdoor dealings, and bribery became rampant. Many senators, both Latin and non-Latin, prioritized personal gain over the city-state's welfare. This corroded public trust in the establishment, leading to frequent public protests and sometimes even riots. With trade routes compromised by the Oduniyyad restrictions and the looming threats from Cognatia and Urcea, Venceia's economy began to suffer. Merchants, once the city's pride, faced bankruptcy. Unemployment surged, leading to urban decay. The banking institutions that had once supported trade were on the brink of collapse, as debts went unpaid and loans defaulted. The societal fabric began to tear as different ethnic and religious groups, who had coexisted peacefully only years prior, now turned on each other. The religious tolerance that had been a hallmark of Caphirian society was strained as groups started blaming one another for the city's misfortunes. | |||
In the midst of this chaos, several visionary leaders emerged, attempting to steer Venceia back on track. They proposed radical reforms, sought diplomatic solutions to external threats, and tried to bridge the divide between the Latin and outsider estates. However, the momentum of decline was too strong, and while there were brief periods of stability, the overall trajectory was one of steady decline. The once radiant city-state of Venceia, which had been an exemplar of cosmopolitanism, innovation, and culture during the Second Republic, entered into a twilight phase. The culmination of these challenges eventually marked the end of the Second Republic, as the ''martiales'' continued to push further into the Caphirian heartland from the south. | |||
While Venceia faced challenges from all directions, the southern frontier proved to be the city-state's Achilles' heel. The ''martiales'', the very same Sarpic barbarians with whom Venceia had established embassies and built diplomatic ties, were evolving. From disparate tribes, they were coalescing into formidable federations under charismatic warlords. Emboldened by Venceia's weakening state, and aware of its riches, these federations eyed the prosperous city-state with increasing greed. Rumors started circulating in Venceia about large armies of ''martiales'' mobilizing, forging alliances, and preparing for a grand push northward. Venceia, with its already spread thin defenses, was particularly vulnerable from the south. Soon, large waves of martiales began migrating into Caphirian territories. Initially, they came as refugees, driven by climatic changes, or internal tribal conflicts. But as their numbers grew, so did their ambitions. | |||
==== Siege of Venceia ==== | |||
On 31 August 1198, as dawn broke, the citizens of Venceia awoke to an ominous sight on the horizon. What initially appeared to be a dark line against the sunrise soon revealed itself to be a vast, undulating mass of ''martiales''. This wasn't a singular, unified army but a collective of tribes and bands, all drawn to Venceia with the same intent – plunder and conquest. They were driven not just by ambition but also desperation. The various ''martiales'' groups had faced droughts, intertribal conflicts, and population pressures, pushing them towards Venceia. They didn't come to settle or govern; they came to raid. | |||
Venceia's defenses braced themselves. The magnificent walls that had withstood countless threats in the past became the city's last line of defense. But the sheer number of ''martiales'' posed a challenge the city had not witnessed in its history. As the horde encircled the city, they started their relentless assault. Inside Venceia, the situation grew dire. Supplies dwindled, and a state of emergency was declared. Every citizen was mobilized for defense. For weeks, Caphiria held on, repelling wave after wave of attackers. As days turned into weeks, the ''martiales'', frustrated by the stiff resistance and facing their own shortages, hatched a cunning plan. Venceia, with its proud maritime history, had long been known as a beacon of trade and civilization. Its vast port, once bustling with merchant ships from every corner of Sarpedon, symbolized its power and prestige. However, in their preparations for defense, Caphiria had concentrated heavily on its land forces and fortifications, overlooking its maritime vulnerabilities. | |||
The ''martiales'', often perceived as brutish and unsophisticated, surprised everyone with their adaptability. Gathering the ships they had either commandeered or constructed, they formed a ragtag fleet. While their naval skills were rudimentary compared to the Caphirians, their sheer numbers and audacity were staggering, at approximately 7,500 ships. The Caphirians watched in shock as an armada of ''martiales''<nowiki/>' vessels, crudely built but teeming with warriors, appeared on the horizon. The martial horde launched a dual assault - from land and sea simultaneously. Venceia's naval defenses, geared for protecting trade routes rather than repelling invasions, were quickly overwhelmed. As the ''martiales'' sailed into the harbor, they disembarked and began their ferocious assault on the city's waterfront defenses. The simultaneous attacks from the shoreline and the port sowed chaos amongst the defenders. With their attention divided and their resources stretched thin, the Caphirians began to falter. The martiales exploited this confusion, securing a beachhead and pressing their advantage, pouring into the city in vast numbers. Once inside, the ''martiales'' unleashed their fury. Buildings that stood for centuries were set aflame, libraries with irreplaceable manuscripts were looted, and priceless art was either stolen or destroyed. The ''martiales'', having come for plunder, didn't discriminate between the sacred and the profane. Temples and marketplaces suffered equal devastation. | |||
The invasions' aftermath was catastrophic for Venceia. The ''martiales'', in their quest for loot, razed historic buildings, looted invaluable manuscripts, and devastated both sacred and public spaces indiscriminately. With their objectives achieved, they swiftly departed, leaving Venceia to grapple with its devastating losses. This event set the stage for Truřov and King Elențius to rise, filling the power vacuum left in the wake of Venceia's tragedy. | |||
=== Sebastián Pasillas and the Western Rebellion === | |||
=== Rise of the Martiales === | |||
=== Șerossaccir's Conquest === | |||
==The Third Imperium (1283-1782)== | ==The Third Imperium (1283-1782)== | ||
=== Reformation period (1283-1348) === | === Reformation period (1283-1348) === | ||
In 1290, recognizing the steadfast devotion and invaluable contributions of the Martiales, Imperator Șerossaccir proclaimed the ''Edictum Culaturum Martialis''. This landmark edict elevated the Martiales from their Equite standing straight to the revered Patrician status. Beyond a mere token of gratitude, this shrewd move strategically augmented the cohort of elites inherently loyal to the central Imperium. The implications of this edict were profound, resonating through the socio-economic fabric of the empire. By elevating such a substantial and central-authority-aligned group, Șerossaccir astutely countered the subtle yet potent sway of the "elder families", some of whom harbored separatist ambitions. Moreover, the Martiales didn't just offer allegiance – they infused the patrician tier with vast territorial expanses, strategic trade networks, and immense riches, enhancing its economic vitality and diversifying its portfolio. With the Martiales' transition leaving a void within the equite echelon, an emergent breed of aspirational families and individuals – both indigenous and from the empire's assimilated territories – ascended to take their place, maintaining a dynamic socio-economic mobility stream. Șerossaccir's tactful elevation of the Martiales stands testament to his strategic acumen. This maneuver not only fortified a robust base of loyalty for the Imperium but also laid the foundation for ensuing transformative reforms, culminating in the ascendancy and solidification of the Third Imperium. | |||
Under the [[Odobricci Estate|Odobricci Dynasty]], the Third Imperium, in its early years, was riddled with inefficiencies in its military, due to different regional lords and patricians having their own varied militias and practices. Military doctrine was diverse and often conflicting, with legions from different regions sometimes having trouble operating cohesively in larger campaigns. This lack of unity was a persistent vulnerability, making the empire susceptible to both external invasions and internal insurrections. | |||
In [[1305]], [[Răzvala|Imperator Răzvala]] - a brilliant tactician, having spent much of his youth on the battlefield, embarked on what historians would later call "The Iron Reformation". He initiated a series of military reforms, aiming to: centralize command under the Imperator's direct jurisdiction, removing the influence of regional lords; standardize military doctrine and training, ensuring all legions operated under a common framework; and establish military academies across the empire to scout and train talent, ensuring a consistent influx of skilled officers and tacticians. | |||
Imperator Răzvala observed the fragmented nature of military command, with regional lords often maintaining their private militias. This decentralization led to discrepancies in orders, divided loyalties, and, on occasion, even conflicts between regional militias. To solve this, he formed the [[Caetus Legati]], a special military council composed of the empire's finest military minds and served as the nerve center for all military operations; the council survives to this day. Two more actions he took were integrating local militias and establishing regular audits. Regional lords were commanded to merge their private militias into the central army. This meant relinquishing their control, a move which was met with resistance. To quell discontent, Răzvala cleverly offered these lords representation within the Caetus Legati and other benefits. To ensure loyalty and adherence to the central command, regular audits of regional battalions were conducted, ensuring they operated per central directives. | |||
Răzvala's second major military reform was the standardization of Doctrine and training. Over time, different legions had developed unique fighting styles, strategies, and weapon preferences, making combined operations cumbersome. He instructed the newly-formed Caetus Legati to study the best practices from each legion and combine them into a singular, efficient doctrine that prioritized land warfare. Once the doctrine was established, Răzvala instituted standardized training regimes across the Imperium. These camps focused on unified combat techniques, ensuring every soldier, irrespective of their regional background, was trained in a consistent manner. Răzvala also pushed for the standardization of weapons and armor. This not only streamlined production but also ensured that any soldier could pick up a fellow soldier's equipment and use it efficiently. | |||
The last major military reform Răzvala instituted was the establishment of military academies. Răzvala emphasized education to foster a culture of excellence and ensure a continuous supply of skilled tacticians, believing the best military is just as mentally fit as they are physically capable. He created the [[Grand Academies]]: These institutions, erected in key provinces, became the bastions of military education. Offering rigorous programs, they produced the empire's future generals, admirals, and strategists. Talent scouts were then dispatched across the Imperium, seeking promising candidates for the Grand Academies. These scouts looked for physical prowess, strategic acumen, and leadership qualities, ensuring the academies had a diverse and elite student body. | |||
However, these reforms required enormous funding – money that the Imperial treasury alone could not provide. Recognizing the wealth of the patrician class and understanding the mutual benefits of a strong empire for both the state and its elites, Răzvala issued his now-famous Edict in 1312. This decree emphasized the ''aurum pro ferro'' - "duty of gold for steel", obligating every patrician family to continuously invest in and support the military. In return, they would receive special privileges, like access to military contracts, which would further bolster their wealth and influence. The burgeoned patrician base, after the inclusion of the Martiales, meant that when Imperator Răzvala commenced his ambitious "Iron Reformation", he had a vast pool of elites to draw resources from. Freshly crowned as patricians, the Martiales were likely driven by a compulsion to reaffirm their allegiance, hence offering zealous support to Răzvala's reforms. To further incentivize compliance, patricians who exceeded their investment quotas were given tax breaks, ensuring a continuous flow of funds. | |||
==== Creation of the constitution (1419) ==== | ==== Creation of the constitution (1419) ==== | ||
=== Dominate era (1591-1677) === | === Dominate era (1591-1677) === | ||
The late 15th century heralded a significant transformation in Caphiria's socio-economic and military dynamics, often traced back to Imperator Răzvala's ambitious "Iron Reformation". But beyond the immediate restructuring and investment in the military, deeper currents of change were set in motion, laying the foundation of Caphiria's military-industrial complex. The "duty of gold for steel" edict didn't merely oblige the patrician class; it also opened doors for a symbiotic relationship between the state and private enterprise. As patricians poured wealth into the military, they also began partnering with the state, leading to the first public-private military ventures. These collaborations fostered innovation and efficiency, as the state provided the demand and the private sector brought in competitive technology and methodologies. With an influx of funds and the push for centralization, there was an enormous emphasis on improving military infrastructure. Roads were built to facilitate quicker troop movements, and ports were fortified to support a burgeoning navy. These developments also benefited trade, fostering a cycle where commerce and military interests reinforced each other. | |||
The best talents of the era — blacksmiths, engineers, inventors — weren't just patronized; they were congregated. Special zones, akin to modern-day research parks, known as ''zonarum'', were established in strategic locations around the province [[Legenevum]]. Here, under state patronage and patrician funding, innovation thrived. From better metallurgy for armor and weapons to the early designs of siege engines and naval advancements, these hubs were at the forefront of Caphirian engineering and technology. The military-industrial complex didn't just boost Caphiria's defense capabilities; it had significant economic spin-offs. Industries unrelated to defense, like textiles, agriculture, and pottery, saw benefits. The improved infrastructure meant traders could transport goods more efficiently. The demand for supplies for the troops resulted in the growth of local industries to meet those demands. As a result, the population of the Imperium grew rapidly. | |||
====Great Schism of 1615==== | ====Great Schism of 1615==== | ||
The culmination of theological and political differences between the Christian north and south was the Great Schism of 1615, where a break of communion between what is now the Catholic Church and the Imperial Church of Caphiria occurred. Over the previous centuries, during the Dominate era, the role of religion was under heavy scrutiny and skepticism. Ecclesiastical papers began being published condemning the Catholic Church over several issues in the late 16th century, with the Catholic Church producing propaganda blaming Caphiria's rise of imperialism and wicked ways. The Latin Christian community was being split along doctrinal, theological, linguistic, political, and geographical lines, with each side sometimes accusing the other of having fallen into heresy and of having initiated the division. In 1615, the formal break occurred when Imperator Pius XII formally announced that the Basilicæ Magni, the cathedral and home of the Caphirian Church, would be breaking communion to form the Caphiric Catholic Church. This led to combining the secular and religious authorities and a new form of government, the caesaropapacy. The caesaropapacy meant emperors were regarded as more excellent than other mortals, though not quite as deities in their own right, further playing into the concept of princeps. For many years, pro-Catholic factions continued to challenge the leadership of the new Caphiric Church. These factions, and the people that supported the Catholic Church still, were known as Traditionalists and were heavily persecuted and executed under heresy laws. This period is known as the Months of Bloody Sundays as it was common practice for the Imperator to simply execute any people who were not coming to church in protest. Traditionalists were executed under legislation that punished anyone judged guilty of heresy against the Caphiric Church. Ultimately, the Caphiric Church went through a series of reformations (The Reformations of 1627), and the church was renamed the Caphiric Catholic Church. There were only a handful of modifications, namely that the Imperator of Caphiria was given many ecclesiastical titles: Episcopus Caphiria ("Bishop of Caphiria"), Pius Felix ("Pious and Blessed"), Santissimus Pater ("Most Holy Father"), Vicarius Christi ("Vicar of God") and was named Pontifex Maximus, giving him the ultimate authority of presiding over the Imperial Church. This was codified in the Constitution of Caphiria and constitutionally established the Imperial Church by the state with the Head of State as its Pope. As time went on, the identity of the marriage of the Imperatorship with the papacy became less clear. Eventually, the emperor became recognized more for his legal authority than his religious one. | The culmination of theological and political differences between the Christian north and south was the Great Schism of 1615, where a break of communion between what is now the Catholic Church and the Imperial Church of Caphiria occurred. Over the previous centuries, during the Dominate era, the role of religion was under heavy scrutiny and skepticism. Ecclesiastical papers began being published condemning the Catholic Church over several issues in the late 16th century, with the Catholic Church producing propaganda blaming Caphiria's rise of imperialism and wicked ways. The Latin Christian community was being split along doctrinal, theological, linguistic, political, and geographical lines, with each side sometimes accusing the other of having fallen into heresy and of having initiated the division. In 1615, the formal break occurred when Imperator Pius XII formally announced that the Basilicæ Magni, the cathedral and home of the Caphirian Church, would be breaking communion to form the Caphiric Catholic Church. This led to combining the secular and religious authorities and a new form of government, the caesaropapacy. The caesaropapacy meant emperors were regarded as more excellent than other mortals, though not quite as deities in their own right, further playing into the concept of princeps. For many years, pro-Catholic factions continued to challenge the leadership of the new Caphiric Church. These factions, and the people that supported the Catholic Church still, were known as Traditionalists and were heavily persecuted and executed under heresy laws. This period is known as the Months of Bloody Sundays as it was common practice for the Imperator to simply execute any people who were not coming to church in protest. Traditionalists were executed under legislation that punished anyone judged guilty of heresy against the Caphiric Church. Ultimately, the Caphiric Church went through a series of reformations (The Reformations of 1627), and the church was renamed the Caphiric Catholic Church. There were only a handful of modifications, namely that the Imperator of Caphiria was given many ecclesiastical titles: Episcopus Caphiria ("Bishop of Caphiria"), Pius Felix ("Pious and Blessed"), Santissimus Pater ("Most Holy Father"), Vicarius Christi ("Vicar of God") and was named Pontifex Maximus, giving him the ultimate authority of presiding over the Imperial Church. This was codified in the Constitution of Caphiria and constitutionally established the Imperial Church by the state with the Head of State as its Pope. As time went on, the identity of the marriage of the Imperatorship with the papacy became less clear. Eventually, the emperor became recognized more for his legal authority than his religious one. | ||
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[[Category:History of Caphiria]] | [[Category:History of Caphiria]] | ||
[[Category:History]] | [[Category:History]] | ||
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