Southambian Empire

The **Southambian Empire** (Proto-Luari: *Imperium Southambian*), and commonly known as the **Imperial State of Southambia** (Proto-Luari: *Imperial Natione Southambia*) was the post-Kingdom period of Ancient Southambia. As a polity, it included large territorial holdings in most of modern-day Southambia, and the Anvian West Coast, ruled by Emperors. The Empire was declared by then-King Vibius III apart of the ancient House of Vairpiws. Eventually, however, the Empire declined in the mid-600's CE, as ethnic nationalism, and outside barbarism attacks on Southambia caused the government to lose control. The Empire eventually collapsed on Aged Earth 15, 703CE, bringing an end to the 572 existence of the Southambian Empire. It's lesser title, the Southambian Kingdom, collapsed 13 years later, officially bringing an end to Southambia until 965CE when the tribal states of Holney, and Tabrad, agreed to unite, forming modern-day Southambia.

The predecessor state of the Southambian Empire, the Southambian Kingdom (which itself replaced the Grand Principality of Southambia in 73AE.) became heavily centralised under Vibius III from 112 to 128CE, paving the way for the formation of the Southambian Empire. The reigning House of Vairpiws would be the imperial house from 131 to 277CE, lasting around 146 years. The House was also in power of the Southambian Kingdom for over 200 years when the Empire was formed. Despite their reign ending in 277CE, descendants of the Vairpiws house still live, and a cadet branch of the house reigned from 277 to 324CE.

During the height of the Southambian Empire, Anvia was in unprecedented peace and stability known as the Pax Southambian (lit. 'Southambian Peace'). It's greatest territorial expanse was in 531CE. In the early 600's CE, the peace and stability of Anvia, and Southambia quickly vanished as war was waged against the Empire. This war would ultimately lead to the drop of Imperial stability in the mid-600's CE, and eventually the collapse of the Empire on 703CE. This contrast to the great peace and stability of the early to mid-500's CE to the depressive instability and war of the mid-600's CE is known as the Century of Opposites. This time period almost caused the split of the Manburism Church, the state religion of the Empire. Ultimately, the Empire collapsed with the lesser title, the Southambian Kingdom still continuing for another 13 years, though several pretenders made claims to both thrones. The original title, the Grand Principality of Southambia, actually remained in use by the Tabradian tribal chiefs from the collapse of the kingdom to 761CE, 58 years after the collapse of the Empire.

Due to the Southambian Empire's vast extent and long endurance, the institutions and culture of Southambia had a profound and lasting influence on the development of language, religion, art, architecture, literature, philosophy, law, and forms of government in the territory it governed, and far beyond. The Proto-Luari language of the Southambians evolved in the Luari, and Astellian languages.

## History

### Founding

The exact founding of Ancient Southambia is unclear, and many have created myths to fully explain it's creation. The most well-known of these myths is Leo, the ancient ancestor of the Houses of Godsforth, and Kingsjerld. Though many historians agree that Leo existed historically, the quest for the historical Leo has yielded some uncertainty on the historical reliability of the stories of the 2 houses.

Many historians who studied solely on the history of Southambia, and did not include the history of the 2 houses claim that Ruangesia was the founding-state of Ancient Southambia, and that it's influence, and power on the sorrounding states led to the creation of Southambian, and subsequently the Southambian Empire. They also refute the theory of the 2 houses by stating that Leo did not hold a position of power, and thus could not found a nation-state.

## Government

### Central Government

The Emperor was the central, and highest figure and power in the Southambian Empire, though he did not rule alone. Typically Emperors appoint family members, or members of the most loyal house at the time to the position of Chancellor.

Unlike the Emperor, the Chancellor managed everyday management of Government, Law, and Finances.

### Provincial Government

Provincial Governments were typically governed by Governors appointed by the Emperor, or his Chancellor. The heartland territories were typically governed by Non-Military Governors, whereas the outer territories were governed by Military Governors.

Ruangesia was the only exception to this as it was typically governed by the Emperor, or the Chancellor. It was governed by a council of 5 men, or the Secretary-General if neither the Emperor, or Chancellor were present to govern.

### List of Provinces

This is a list of the provinces (prefectures) in the Southambian Empire:

### Peerages

*Main Article: Peerages of Ancient Southambia*

The following is a list of peerages by province

* Ruangesia
	+ A
* Couria
	+ B
* Morevilesia
	+ C
* Meungneaux
	+ D
* Scylesia
	+ E
* Torzhia
	+ F
* Laudarasia
	+ G
* Binz Guo
	+ H
* Oimanchevilia
	+ I
* Artalolia
	+ J

## See also

* Southambian Kingdom
* Grand Principality of Southambia

## Notes & References

1. ↑ It is also known as 'Pax Anvia', depending on the source. Pax Anvia was adopted by rivals of Southambia, and even some provinces of the Empire.