Second Imperium
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Second Imperium of Caphiria
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| 900-1172 | |||||||||
.png) Coat of arms
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| Capital | Venceia | ||||||||
| Common languages |
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| Religion | Levantine Catholicism | ||||||||
| Government | Empire | ||||||||
| Imperator | |||||||||
• 900-919 | Augustus Rahla | ||||||||
• -1169-1172 | Marius Oratonius | ||||||||
| Legislature | Senate | ||||||||
| Currency | Aureus | ||||||||
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The Second Imperium of Caphiria refers to the era of Caphirian history spanning 900-1172. Augustus Rahla attempted to reinstate political equilibrium in Caphiria, establishing the Second Imperium following the collapse of the First Imperium in 890. Envisioned as a conciliatory government, the Second Imperium aimed to amalgamate the desires of a younger, more populist generation with the aspirations of the established aristocracy who were keen on upholding venerable institutions, such as the Senate. However, from its inception, the Second Imperium grappled with inherent contradictions and challenges. These internal strains swiftly fomented additional conflicts, fostering widespread political fragmentation and unrest. This tumultuous era reached its zenith with the Great Civil War, a devastating conflict that raged from 1127 to 1172. The aftermath of this protracted 45-year civil strife culminated in the eventual disintegration of the Second Imperium.
Despite its political turmoil, the Second Imperium saw significant economic growth. New trade routes were established, and Caphirian merchants ventured farther than ever before. Colonies were established in distant lands, bringing in wealth and a great influx of immigrants from neighboring regions, leading to a vibrant blending of arts, music, and literature. New architectural styles emerged, combining traditional Caphirian designs with foreign influences. Despite its eventual collapse, the Second Imperium left a lasting legacy. The cultural fusion of this era still resonates in Caphirian art, music, and architecture. The tales of its rise and fall are often recounted as cautionary tales about the importance of unity and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
History
Interregnum (888-900)
During the late 9th century, as various provinces started to rebel, the First Imperium began to be unstable and the Senate became the epicenter of heated debates and intense political maneuvering. An influential faction within the Senate known as the Purists staunchly advocated for a return to the empire's original values and political structures. They believed that a centralized, strong empire was the only way to maintain order. Their charismatic leader, Severio Verus Rahla, masterminded the coup against the reigning Imperator Onorinus. This not only instigated the Imperator's exile but also intensified political tensions, further fracturing the already fragile empire.
As the central authority disintegrated, ambitious military commanders declared themselves regional "Princes" or Augustus. While these warlords asserted dominance in their territories, they found themselves ill-equipped to govern large swathes of land without the Imperium's infrastructure. This chaotic disarray led to localized feuds and skirmishes, with no end in sight. Centered around Venceia, the Purists, under Rahla, began expanding their sphere of influence. They sought to recapture the territories around the core region, targeting cities like Veropolis and Chrysonum. Rahla commissioned significant infrastructure projects, like the Rahlan Roads that connected Venceia to Leonía and Alcara, strengthening the heartland's communication and transportation capabilities. In the east, close to the Acirian border, provinces like Cesindes and Montafria became frontier regions, constantly under threat from Acirian incursions. As a buffer, these cities often had to rely on their own defences, occasionally paying tribute to neighboring Aciria to avoid confrontations.
To the south, in regions like Legenevum, local chieftains and warlords took advantage of the power vacuum. Leveraging the region's mineral wealth and strategic position near the borders of Pelaxia and Volonia, they fortified their territories in sprawling castles and fortresses. The northern provinces, encompassing Desia, Turiana, Meceria, and parts of Misenia, were known for their fertile lands and agricultural abundance and formed a loose alliance to ensure food security and stabilize trade amidst the surrounding chaos. Being the agricultural heartland, these provinces had to ensure the smooth transport of grain and other foodstuffs to the rest of the nation, particularly the major cities. As Severio Verus Rahla consolidated his power in the heartland, he realized the imperative to reintegrate the fractured empire. He initiated diplomatic overtures to the northern and southern regions, seeking to bring them back under a unified banner. At the same time, he embarked on military campaigns in the east and south, aiming to reclaim territories and fortify Caphiria's borders.