Historic Request - Salvian Imperiums

[Salvia]

Hello Eurthicans! Inspired by some other community members, I think it’s best to lay out what I have imagined the various Salvian Empires at their greatest reach have looked like. I have done my best to research the histories of those involved and tried to fit it all together into one cohesive piece, but if I’m stepping on any toes or misunderstood something, please correct me!

Salvia’s history is decently developed, which you can read on my wiki page. A very brief clarification for anyone not up to speed: Marenesia is inhabited by the native Marenai (!Maori). The peninsula modern-day Salvia rests on has been called Salvia for the last 3500 years, and where the name of the people come from. In the 2nd century AD, Aroman migrants arrived in waves and intermingled with the native Marenai (known to the other Marenai of Marenesia and to themselves as “Salvians”), creating the ethnic group we now call “Salvians”. Yes, it’s a bit weird. And yes, there is a real-wurld drug known as salvia. I swear that was unintentional.

A couple of notes:

1. This claim is not at all final and is incredibly open to input and changes. The last thing I want to do is interfere or otherwise limit the creativity of others by putting a huge block in their way.
2. I am not seeking to godmod, make Salvia the root of all history, or otherwise rub one out. This is a genuine attempt to finalize and put down on paper a creative attempt at wurldbuilding that I’ve had in my head since I joined Eurth.
3. I’m aware my activity has fluctuated over the past year or year and a half. This isn’t me trying to motivate myself by giving myself more work. I’m also not trying to claim some legacy or whatever before going inactive again. This is an old idea I’ve been meaning to flesh out for a while now, and figured that it’s large enough to warrant presenting it to the community at large through an official channel (i.e: not Discord DMs or the server).

Right, with those disclaimers out of the way, let’s get on with the proposal. I will post a crude map (sorry in advance for the poor quality, both in terms of resolution and the borders I draw) that I wish to refine with this thread, as well as some basic history. I will ping the relevant nations as I go along - apologize for the mass ping in advance. The extent of how your history, culture, etc is affected, and for how long your territory is under the Salvian empire, is obviously something that can be discussed.

Input may either be placed in this thread or on Discord, through the server or through DMs. I am much more responsive to the latter, however if it's a substantial criticism/complaint/whatever you should probably post it here so others may see it and it won’t get lost on Discord.

*Cue Mr. Incredibles “It’s showtime” gif*

 

The First Salvian Imperium (~7th c. BC - 175 AD)

The first empire that would extend outside the borders of modern-day Salvia. Essentially Marenai Rome - not necessarily in terms of structure, just the preeminent economic, military, and cultural power. Rose from the Friulian Kingdom, which declared itself the Salvian Empire sometime in the 7th century BC. Highly proficient sailors, traders, and warriors. The empire enjoyed a few centuries of expansion, prosperity, all the good stuff, before the arrival of Aroman migrants (occurred throughout the 2nd c. AD, but first arrival was 125) brought foreign diseases and war. These negative factors were compounded by natural disasters, including famine. The resulting instability led to the breakup of the empire by 175 AD.

The empire at its greatest extent, ~100 BC

Nations directly affected (in no particular order): @Gallambria, @Capponia, @Roqoo

 

The Second Salvian Imperium (217 - 605)

This empire was primarily characterized by being the preeminent economic power of Marenesia as a trading empire developed, with a culture to back it up. An interesting medley of Marenai, pagan, Aroman, and Christian ideas, philosophies, etc. began to take place - many place this as the root of modern Salvian culture, though others give that title to the First Imperium. Subsequent Salvian states sought to emulate both the First and Second empires for their extensive trade networks, territorial expansion, and rich cultural developments.

The empire at its greatest extent, ~415

Nations directly affected: Roqoo

 

Third Salvian Empire (605 - 685)

A pagan general overthrows the Christian ruling family and attempts to emulate the pagan First Imperium, just without anything that made the First Imperium good. Isolationist policy meant economic decline, resulting in 80 years of instability. Still, it was militarily the mightiest Marenesian power. After its collapse, Salvia would remain fractured, and the states that inhabited the peninsula would no longer be the dominant force in Marenesia until the 13th century.

Empire at its greatest extent, ~640

Nations directly affected: Roqoo

 

The Big One: The Holy Salvian Catholic Empire

This is the main reason I am making this thread, as the Divine Imperium at its height is, according to my head-canon, a global empire. Which is why it needs approval not just from those directly affected, but from admins and the community as a whole. As much as I am willing to work through issues, compromise, draw back my claims, and very much want to work within the bounds of realism/don’t want to godmod, I want to emphasize that I really, really want this. So I would appreciate being met halfway Please let me know if I lose touch with reality, though.

The Divine Imperium and later the Divine Republic (the current form of government) existed in several different “forms”, so I’ll go over them individually.

 

Reunification and Medieval Era (1261 - 1470)

Following the collapse of the Third Imperium, Salvia was divided. This period of disunity would end in 1261 with the proclamation of the Holy Salvian Catholic Empire. Initially as a means of survival, neighboring kingdoms were conquered. The empire suffered a series of crises throughout the 14th century, leading to a decline in the empire, but this trend was stabilized and reversed in the 15th century. By 1470, the Divine Imperium was moderately wealthy and powerful, with a solid trade network waiting to be exploited and expanded. However, it is yet to be the true glubal power it will one day become. This is also the period Christianity truly eclipses Marenai paganism as the dominant religion of the people of Salvia, and Christianity is spread through the empire’s borders from now until its fall.

Empire at its greatest extent during this period, 1470. Note much of the external territory is small pockets of ports and coastal towns, reflecting the focus on a strong commerce network rather than the imperial domination that the First and Second Imperiums enjoyed.

Nations directly affected (in no particular order): Gallambria, Roqoo, Capponia

 

Salvian Renaissance, Beginning of Colonial Empire, Peak and Decline (1470 - 1707)

Renaissance! Early capitalism! Imperialism! We got it all here! Copying this over from Salvia’s wiki to explain for me what happens here: “The expansive trading empire [...] began to expand on a scale not seen in centuries as improvements in sailing technology and the adaptation of Europan techniques meant that the distance a ship could sail in one trip increased dramatically. The proto-capitalist trading empire [...] was expanded in both size and scope. [...] Extensive trade, the desires for future profit, and a motivation to spread Salvian Catholicism were all contributing factors for the 16th century Crusades and establishment of colonies. Colonial holdings and trading ports were established throughout the New wurld, further profiting the Salvian empire.”

Thanks past me! The creation of colonies was gradual and began in the late 15th century, probably before our IRL date of 1492 - contact with the New Wurld might’ve been possible through island hopping across the Adlantic prior to the technology needed IRL. The newfound wealth would also fund an army that could expand in Salvia’s own backyard. Economic troubles, high taxes and !Enlightenment ideas created tensions in the late 17th century, setting up a revolution. 

Empire at its greatest extent during this period, mid to late 17th century. Dotted circles - Kidney Islands, south of Fulgistan, and Eulycea are established through RP as already being part of the Salvian empire. I’m not changing them unless specifically requested by Fulgers, Eulycea, or Porto Greco. As for the other territories, it's obviously much more ambitious than the previous incarnations. I’m very willing to talk about what’s too much and what’s not - and if it’s ok, I would be happy to expand this as well. I could go either way - I don’t know what this community sees as too much and I very much do not want to step on toes here. Rhava is circled in black because we have talked about Salvia colonizing it at some point, but it was never official - I’ll circle it again in the next phase, but still, I’m not claiming it unless Rhava explicitly wants it.

Nations directly affected or nearby (in no particular order): Gallambria, Roqoo, Capponia, @Rhava, Porto Greco (@GrecianJorge), @Kertosono, @Eulycea, @Fulgistan, @Mevraq (islands to their east), @Safiloa (islands to their south), @Fubukino (through Mesothalassa) 

 

Formation of Divine Republic, Brief Recovery, Fall and End (1707 - early 20th c.)

Tensions reach a height in the early 1700s and a revolution breaks out. Overseas colonies and territories take the opportunity and declare independence. The monarchy is deposed by the republicans and flees to Eulycea, which declares independence. This is the lowest Salvia has been since the Third Imperium collapsed, even losing a border conflict with Alvernia (Salvia’s next door neighbor and partner in killing and conquering - so romantic!). However, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there’s a bit of a recovery. The Industrial Revolution occurs, providing even more incentive to reestablish some form of “empire”. Salvia, instead of taking direct control of foreign territory (its favorite pastime), established spheres of influence. Oh, and it still takes territory, because old habits die hard. 

This period is characterized by conflict with Gallambria, which is now threatening Salvia’s hegemony over Marenesia. I plan on it going back and forth, but there’s only one way it ends - with a Gallambrian victory. Sometime in the 20th century, Gallambria and Salvia fight and war and Salvia decisively loses. Gallambria is able to inflict some harsh terms, including splitting Alvernia and Salvia up again which had reunited briefly in order to oppose a growing Gallambria.

Empire at its greatest extent during this period, 1850. Dashed areas are Salvian spheres of influence. Alharu is dotted as potentially Salvia might still have some economic power - but this would need to be discussed with the relative powers and is more just an idea, rather than a claim, which is what the rest of the circled territories are.

 

Conclusion

So, there’s the claim. It feels good to finally get all this head-canon out and onto paper - I’m pretty satisfied with all this. If we’ve talked about specific things and I’ve forgotten them here, please let me know! 

Let me know what you guys think. I’m not looking for a specific number of yeas, just general approval from the community and admins so as to make this official.

Thank you for reading

P.S: I don't hate you Roqoo, I didn't mean to constantly invade you  

EDITS:

1. @Tagmatium Rules has told me that this group of islands (circled in purple) that are part of this claim have already been claimed by him through discussions with Aurelian members and Gallambria, so they are no longer part of this claim.
2. If there is any confusion on the borders, just ask and I'll clarify.

Edited August 8, 2022 by Salvia (see edit history)

[Guest]

Interesting that in early ages the empire didn't want to extend to southwestern marenesia but always on the islands, it's really nice because will create a little difference on the regions since guadelupe island will be majority catholic with that influence, even if it's was in the 16th century🙂

[Salvia]

On 8/17/2022 at 10:07 AM, Capponia said:

Interesting that in early ages the empire didn't want to extend to southwestern marenesia but always on the islands, it's really nice because will create a little difference on the regions since guadelupe island will be majority catholic with that influence, even if it's was in the 16th century🙂

Yea, I figured the mountain range to the west would limit expansion in that direction to some extent. DM if you want to discuss any specifics! I'll happily work with you on that stuff