Sandbox:Emperors

Ethereal Empire (? - 221)
''The Etherial Empire is a time of myth and legend. The Emperors in this period are supposed to be descended directly from the Deities. Magius himself is considered a God, and according to scripture, did not die, but ascend to heaven upon the passing of his earthly body. Later emperors would be deities or half-gods depending on their legacy and always inferior to Magius Aeternus.''

During this period rulers would have complete control of the state.

The name Magius is commonly used as a title meaning highest ruler.

Seven emperors from the Magian Dynasty were incorporated in the Pantheon.

Dominate (221 - 452)
The dominate starts with Titanius III who was adopted by Levitatus the second and the first emperor without a direct bloodline to Magius Aeternus. Titles would be passed on through bloodlines or adoption during this period. During the dominate rulers wielded dictatorial powers and were not subjugated to any council powers.

The period is initially marked for great conquests and stability. After the reign of Aelius Pius decline gradually sets in and the system is set to collapse after a sequence of poor rulers.

1st Electivate (452 - 1072)
During the last years of the dominate the power of emperors gradually decreased and a new power, named the high council, came into being. The high council brought together the powers of religion (Concilium Hierophanticum), earthly rulers (Concilium Principis) and magic (Concilium Magicum), each holding a 1/3 share and would jointly decide upon who was to be fit to rule the realm. The council would generally choose older emperors-elect (Imperator ) to avoid centralization of power. Emperors would still rule untill their death.

During this period a three-name system was utilized. The first name usually indicated the month in which someone was born. This system gradually fell from favor until it was abrogated under Numerius III Faustus.

2nd Electivate (1072-1720)
The 2nd Electivate marks the start of an element of democracy in the empire. Representation for the common people had been non-existant during the 1st electivate, which was controlled by three pillars; the three councils that represented nobility, magic and religion. During the 10th and 11th century this had caused uprisings among the plebeians in various parts of the empire. Various elements of the empire had already introduced democratical elements to its state structure. Eventually, pressure increased and the emperor Martius Democratus established the senate in the Promulgatio Popularis.

This senate was given limited powers initially, but would in time form the basis of the modern Imperial democracy.

Constitutional Democracy (1720- present)
During the 2nd electivate clamour for further democratization became more vocal towards the end of the 17th century. Under Aurelius Catus some changes were implimented and under Iulius Cordatus of the Bassus the government was profoundly reformed. The reformation (reformatio rei publici) was the change to a constitutional democracy.

The executive branch would be formed by the Epistalma (A cabinet, formerly chosen directly by the emperor) and two consuls (one directly chosen and the other chosen by the high council).

Emperors were relegated to a mere honorary position, but, the office was to be hereditary in the future. The senate would, from now on, select a suitable candidate of the Bassus Cotta family.