Thank you for all of the feedback and questions that you have been sending me. I have had three questions come to me.
1. If Rome had computers wouldn’t they get rid of the Roman Numeral System for a Base 10 or Decimal system?
In everything but the Military, yes they have gone to a Decimal system, however the Military still uses Roman Numerals when it comes to their Legions. It has become tradition because the Roman Republic began numbering and naming their Legions. The Modern Empire still does this today. If you see a Roman Numeral other than for Legions or for the Emperors, please let me know.
2. Are North and South America allies of Rome or enemies?
For that you will have to read more. I promise you the answer comes later.
3. Does the Ides of March have any significance in the Empire?
Yes it does. It is a festival day to Mars, the God of War. It is not a day that people honor Julius Caesar, that day is in January on the day of his supposed birth. On the Ides of March, there is a Military Parade and a horse race all honoring Mars, the Roman God of War.
A little history:
From the beginning of the Roman Empire in 27 BC until about 285 AD, it had been ruled by one Emperor. There were times when there was a Co-Emperor, but usually only when the senior Co-Emperor was much older. In 284 AD Diocletian came to power. Some say he was the son of a freedman, a former slave. He rose through the ranks to become a cavalry commander under Carus. When Carus and his son Numerian died in Persia, he was proclaimed Emperor. However, Carus’ other son Carnius was also proclaimed Emperor. After their armies battled each other Diocletian won.
It is thought that Diocletian looked at recent history and saw that a sole ruler did not help the stability of the Empire, as the competing claimants fought against each other and not the enemies of Rome. At this time, around 285 AD Diocletian named Maximian as Caesar or Junior Co-Emperor, while Diocletian retained the title Augustus or Senior Co-Emperor. A year later Maximian is elevated to Augustus with Diocletian and is given command of the Western half of the Empire while Diocletian takes command of the Eastern half. Later two Junior Co-Emperors are named, one for each Emperor. It is thought that this is the pre-cursor to the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire.
My Timeline:
In my time line, everything is good until Diocletian takes power. At this point he still sees the problem of only one ruler and the stability of the Empire, however, he sees that this could lead to the fracturing of the Empire, causing it to fall faster. Divide the Empire, divide both your military strength and your tax income. This is where the timeline split. If the Empire did not split into two, then there was enough money coming in from taxes, and enough Legions to help defend the Empire.
Hello all my fans...
I know this is a little late, but better late then never. Thank you to everyone who has sent me an email giving me feedback, I do appreciate it.
This story is me testing the water, so to speak. I know that my grammar is not the best, but this story is not about my grammar, it is about my imagination. Could I take an idea from my head and make it a story? That doesn't mean I want you to stop telling me about my bad grammar.
Some people have asked me where the time lines diverge. They begin to split around 286AD with the reign of Diocletian. It is around this time that the idea of an Eastern and Western Roman Empire start to form.
For now I plan to upload chapters on Saturday, and post a message when I can.
James Douglas