Haylenica

>Equestrian Harmonism 6%

>Neutral Harmonism 2%

>Lunarism 1%

>Celestianism 2%

>Orthodox Harmonism 78%

Islamb, 11% Nationwide

>Syncretic Islamb 100%

Haylenic Pantheon, 1% Nationwide

Haylenica (Haylen: Σανόλεν, *Sanólen*) officially, the **Parliamentary Monarchy of Haylenica**, is the largest of the Haylenic polities, located in the South Bullkans, east Equestria. Historically a crossroads between Haysia and Equestria, Haylenica shares a border with Almaneia to its west, Marxedonia to the north, Bosneigha to the north-east and Gallobollu to its east with Aachaya sharing a border in the nation's south. Haylenica boasts the longest coastline in the Marediterranean and the 15th longest coastline in the world, thanks in part to Haylenica's many islands, 238 of which are inhabited.

Haylenica is considered the birthplace of democracy and philosophy in the Equestrian World along with major mathematical and scientific principles, drama and the Olympon Games. Historically, Haylenica was organized into independent city-states, known as *poleis*, from which the representational aspect of its Parliament is drawn from. These city-states once spanned the Marediterranean, stretching from western Aneightolia to Neighpoli and some parts of west Haysia. Haylenica's golden age of influence and power happened under Alexsaunter the Great who expanded his Marecadonian Empire through much of the eastern Marediterranean and much of west Haysia and some parts of Brandia. It was during this period when Aegyptos was Haylenized to a large degree. A century later, the remnants of Alexaunter's Empire would be subjugated by Roam in where much of the Haylenic traditions, culture and architecture would be spread by the Roamans. Haylenica would remain an integral part of the Roaman Empire, surviving as its western half in the form of the First Bitzantine Empire which remained predominately culturally and linguistically Haylenic. The Haylenic Orthodox Church played a large part in shaping the culture of modern Haylenica, especially under Trottoman rule and laid the ground work for the near immediate unification of Haylenica after the Great Bullkan Uprising of 220AH of which, the short-lived Second Bitzantium Empire would emerge as an independent polity and nation.

## Current Ruler:

### Full Name and Tiles

Margravine Constance Mov of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

### Spouse:

Crimson of the of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

### Heir Apparent:

Vyssini of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

Haylenica is a Parliamentary Monarchy and is a developing nation with a high quality of life thanks to the Grain Dole and other welfare programs implemented by Margravine Constance Mov of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family.

## History

### Pre History and Early History

Evidence of the earliest settlement in the region dates back to 270,000BH with artifacts found at sites such as Pontola Cave in the Atrotca province and the Apidimane Cave located in Thesstraly. Further evidence would show that the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age began somewhere in the 6th millennium BH. The conditions of Haylenica gave rise to the Haylledic and Myceneighan Civilizations. These great civilizations dominated the eastern Marediterranean and were in contention with the Aegyptians and Hittrotes up until the Bronze Age Collapse.

### Early Antiquity and Late Classical History

Haylenica would never reunite after being shattered by the Bronze Age Collapse, instead, power was centralized among various city states. The most notable Haylenic City States of this period were Athayna, Spurta and Thesstraly which at differing points in time, held hegemony over Haylenica. Though typically enemies, the Haylenican City States would often come together to repel a foreign threat which happened to be the Fursian Empire for most of Haylenica's early history. Thrice did the Haylenics contend with the Fursians and thrice were the Fursians thrown back across the Broncsphorus with any sort of unity among the Haylenic city states dissolving shortly after. Haylas itself would not see any sort of unity until Marecadonia united the region under Alexsaunter the Great and his Empire. Under Alexsaunter the Great, Haylenic influence would reach the its greatest extent with Fursia, Aegyptos and even parts of Brandia receiving varying amounts of Haylenization. Even after the collapse of Alexsaunter's Empire, the successor states would continue his legacy, cementing Haylenic influence in their respective realms for a time.

### Roaman Period

The fractured nature of Alexsaunter's successor kingdoms made them fairly easy targets for the rising Roaman Republic and later Roaman Empire to subjugate. and subjugated Haylenica would remain, however, rather than assimilate into the Latrot culture of the Roamans, Haylenica maintained its distinct culture and language, gradually furthering its sphere of cultural influence to dominate Haylenica and Aneightolia under the Roamans. Roam's light would begin to fade in the centuries to come, but its southern and Haylenic portion would endure long past the fall of Eastern Roam, its capital set in Constampedenople. The Roaman Empire in the South, following the downfall of the Roman Empire in the East, is conventionally known as the First Bitzantine Empire (but was simply called "Kingdom of the Romans" in its own time) and lasted until its final defeat at the hooves of the Trottomans. the First Bitzantine Empire was known to exist during the Three Tribes Era of Equestrian history and had some interactions with an Early Equestria.

### Trottoman Rule

During the rise of Equestria, The First Empire of Bitzantium would fall to the Trottomans having outlived the Roaman Empire by nearly a thousand years. Under Trottoman rule, Haylenica began to revert to its previous mentality of competing city states. Such competition was encouraged by many Sultans of the Trottoman Empire as it made the region easier to rule. During this period, the Tackish population slowly removed much Haylenic influence over Aneightolia, subsuming the Haylenic culture there with Tackish culture. However, Haylenic culture remained prominent in the South Bullkans along with a strong adherence to Orthodox Harmonism. The Trottoman Empire would hold onto Haylenica until the Great Bullkan Uprising of 220AH in where the City-State of Athayna lead a Haylenic coalition along side Almaneia, Bullbearia and Romaneia in an effort to break away from the Trottoman Empire who's crown prince has just a few months prior, forced a great exodus of Haylenic peoples from Constampedenople.

### Brief Independence

After the war, the Second Bitzantine Empire was founded with Constance Mov of the Ponyaiologos Family as its first and only Basilia and its capital seated in Constampedenople. A period of reconstruction and consolidation took place and was the time when the Grain Dole was implemented. A Tackish counter revolution was swiftly negotiated with and dissipated with concessions of autonomy. It was during this period as well when the roots of Syncretic Islamb took root in the state of Gallobolu, influenced by traditional Islambic teachings along with the Haylenic customs and Orthodox Harmonism. It would be around this time that Constance Mov would wed Crimson Florette, establishting the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

### Equestrian Suzerainty

The Second Bitzantine Empire would be admitted into Equestria although with many concessions needed to be given. Constampedenople was turned over to Equestria as a Free-City under the protection of the Kaiser and Tackish vassals were created out of Haylenica's eastern most provinces. The title of Basilia was abolished with Constance Mov being granted the title of Margravine. Here, the simply named Bitzantium would endure as a march of Equestria until the the Third Equestrian-Imperium War. Bitzantium would fight alongside Romaneia and Almaneia in the Bullkans against forces of the Imperium and the Trottoman Caliphate. The Bullkans held firm until a war of aggression instigated by Marecadonia caused Bosneigha to rely on Trottoman assistance and granting Tackish troops access through their territory, widening the front and allowing for Tackish numerical superiority to come into full effect. Even still, Bitzantium's armies would be the only force to successfully halt the Trottoman advance prior to the Bullkans surrendering as a whole.

One stipulation of peace with the Trottoman Empire was the rebranding of Bitzantium. As the nation no longer controlled Constampedenople, many believed that such a name no longer made sense. Thus, the name of Haylenica was chosen for the Haylen polity and it would be immediately engaged in a war of retribution against Marecadonia of which, its western portion would be annexed, starting the Marecadonian Diplomatic Incident of 220AH. After a series of intense negotiations, Haylenica was granted the coastal regions of Marecadonia while releasing Marxedona as a member of the Equestrian Empire. Around the same time, a parliament was created with local elections concluding in 221AH. The City-State of Thestallioniki is the only polity within Haylenica to remain as an autonomous entity.

## Geography and Climate

Located in Southern and Southeastern Equestria,mainland Haylenica consists of mountainous coastline along the Neihgdriadic Sea that culminates in the Peloponysian peninsula. The largest island incorporated into Haylenica is Coltfu with other notable islands including BaAaxos, Hoxos and Rhoades. Haylenica's location naturally makes it a crucial crossroads between Equestrian and West Haysia. Due to its highly indented coastline and numerous islands, Haylenica has the 15th longest coastline in the world in the world and the longest in the Marediterranean.

Roughly seventy percent of Haylenica consists of mountains or hills, making the country one of the most mountainous in Equestria. The highest peak in Haylenica is the legendary Mount Olympuss, the mythical home of the Haylenic Pantheon of old. Western Haylenica is dominated by mountains and rivers which lead to sporadic bouts of small farmland. In central Haylenica, the Pondus mountain range dominates Peloponysian, nearly dividing it east-west and is believed to be the reason Spurta and Athayna developed so drastically differently. The peaks of this range would continue under the Haygean Sea, its peaks becoming several of Haylenica's southern most islands. Much of the nation's agriculture is based on the peninsula. Northeastern Haylenica is where many of the nation's forests and where the Rhodoepe mountains server as a barrier to the Peloponysian.

#### Islands

Haylenica boasts a stunning number of islands, 1,500 to 8,000 depending on one's definition, 238 of which are inhabited. The largest inhabited island, is Coltfu followed closely in population by Screete and then Lesbulls.

#### Climate

Haylenica's climate is nearly entirely Marediterranean featuring warm, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The Pondus mountains affect the climate of the Peloponysian peninsula drastically, giving the eastern side of the peninsula more rainfall during the winter months while the western side receives more rain during the summer.

## Politics

Haylenica is a federal parliamentary monarchy with its first constitution being drawn up by the First Haylenic Parliament overseen by Margavine Constance Mov who also serves as the nominal head of state and head of government. Executive power lies in the hooves of the Monarch of Haylenica and is a topic of debate. However, as of 221AH, the popularity of Constnace Mov of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family has kept the old Haylenic Monarchy as the executive office of the nation.

Legislative authority is given to the Parliament of Haylenica which is divided into two houses, the upper Assembly of Archons and the lower Popular Assembly. The Assembly of Archons is staffed by Archons, of which each theme and municipality will send 2 Archons to the Assembly. The Popular Assembly is made up of representatives which are proportionally distributed based upon the population of a theme or municipality. Both Archons and Representatives are elected through system of Single Transferable Vote by the denizens of their respective theme or municipality. As of 221AH, the legal voting age is 16 and is open to both mares and stallions.

Judicial authority lies with the Grand Courts which consist of the Popular Tribunal and the Elder Tribunal. The Popular Tribunal is staffed by elected philosopher judges and is considered the highest civil court in the nation as well as its auditory court. The Elder Tribunal is staffed by individuals nominated by the crown and affirmed by Parliament. The Elder Tribunal serves as the nation's highest administrative court.

#### Political Parties

As of 221AH, no political parties have fully crystalized or have made official but a few names have already been given to the proto-parties in the midst of forming. The two largest proto-parties are the Monarchist Party who are in agreement that the Haylenic Monarchy provides much needed stability and the Haylenic Conservative Party which largely coalesced to challenge the Progressive Party. Said Progressive Party which seeks to limit displays of homosexuality in public and introduce stricter clothing standards in order to appeal to the minority, non-Syncretic Mooslams living in Haylenica and abroad. Other smaller proto-parties include the Bitzantine Restoration Front, the Delian League and the Thestral Night Party.

#### Foreign Relations

Haylenica is a member of the Exalted Equestrian Empire, formally entering when it was still known as Bitzantium. Otherwise Haylenica is a part of the Marediterranean Trade League under Almaneia, along with Veneightzia, Ragaitsa and Aegyptos. Due to the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family having a long history, Haylenica has deep monarchal ties with Aegyptos of which they have many trade deals. Due to Crimson Florette having deep ties with Hayrabia, Haylenica also has cordial relations with Hayrabia. Romaneia, despite having some negative history with Haylenica, is a member of the Marediterranean Trade League and a close ally of Haylenica.

#### Military

The Haylenic Armed Forces are overseen by the Military Magistracies of which the Monarch serves as commander in chief. It is divided into three branches.

The Royal Haylenic Army

The Royal Haylenic Navy

The Royal Haylenic Airborne

The Haylenic Army is largely a defensive tool, earning great prestige during the Third Equestrian-Imperium War for being the only organization to halt Trottoman-Imperium forces with assistance from Hayrabian volunteers. The Haylenic Navy by contrast is built around the doctrine of being Haylenica's offensive arm with the Haylenic Airborne being a specialist arm of the military which supports both the Army and Navy.

## Economy

#### Agriculture

The largest sector of the Haylenican economy is agriculture which produces much of the wheat, rice, seaweed, tomatoes, olives, figs and pomegranates in the region. In addition, Haylenica's agricultural sector also produces feta cheese and wool. Improvements to farming techniques as well as subsidies such as the Grain Dole keep the agricultural sector very strong.

#### Industry

Haylenica's industry largely centers around shipbuilding with native iron, coal and timber easily sustain the industry. The Haylenic Jewelery industry is also gaining traction what with luxury resources such as copper and gemstones being available in the region. To supplement the Haylenic agriculture sector, large salt farming businesses are present and extract sea salt from the Marediterranean sea. Such sea salt is popular among the Flankfurtian migrants, who use it to season their pastries and snack breads.

#### Trade

Haylenica's most profitable economic sector is trade. Sitting at a major crossroads between West Haysia and Equestria along with a large merchant marine, Haylenica has truly profited from its geographical location, deep ties to many nations, excellent trade policies and business friendly taxation. Haylenica itself is also a large market both for import and export. Merchants can expect to pay an abysmally low docking fee when berthing in any Haylen port with Rhoades sporting some of the highest at 5% due to it being a vital base of operations for the Haylen Royal Navy.

#### Tourism

Tourism is a growing industry in Haylenica ever since its independence from the rules heavy Trottoman Empire and her greater attempts to integrate into Equstria. Haylenica's historical sites, warm weather and food attract more and more visitors each year, the most high profile vacation goers were the Twin Viceroyals of Guangdoe.

#### Taxation

Haylenica did away with anything resembling a religious tax following independence. National taxes however, are being discussed further in detail. As of 221AH, Haylenica sports a marginal income tax split between Low Earners, Middling Earners and High Earners each paying 15, 20 and 35 percent respectively. A sales and property tax also exist to help fund the government, however, Margravine Constance Mov considers tax income barely more than supplementary and has canceled their collection for the latter half of 220AH and the first half of 221AH to help the nation recover from the worst effects of the conflict, contributing to the Haylenic Parliament's seemingly lethargic approach to settling on a national tax law. In truth, the Haylenic Parliament is carefully deliberating the effects any set of tax laws may have on the nation as a whole, given the divide between themes and municipalities and knowing quite well that Haylenica's position in trade and production can more than cover the cost of the nation's expenses.

No estate tax exists and no tax on religious institutions exist in Haylenica.

#### Welfare

The most notable and most successful government program to be instituted was the Grain Dole of 220AH. Through this act put into practice by Margravine Constance Mov, the citizens of Haylenica were ensured daily bread of their choice. The Grain Dole was also extended to the former vassals of Bitzantium and refugees from the Third Equestrian-Imperium War. This measure propelled Constance Mov's reputation skyward as well as made Haylenica by far the most stable nation in the Bullkans.

Farming subsidies were instituted in order to secure the livelihoods of the Marecadonians prior to being released and where a large part in winning over Marecadonian support. Said farming subsidies were then passed onto the farmers of Haylenica once Marxidonia was released.

## Demographics

According to the census of 220AH, Haylenica, sports a population of 2,280,000, making Haylenica one of the most populous nations in Equestria. After the Third Equestrian-Imperium War, is largely culturally and linguistically homogenous with minorities of Tackish, Marecadonian, Almaneian and Bosneighan peoples at the borderlands of Haylenica.

Species wise, Haylenica is dominated by Pegasi with Earthen and Thestrals close behind and small numbers of Bears, Sphinx and Unicorn.

#### Religion

Haylenica is quite easily dominated by the Celestialunarist faith with 78% of the population adhering to some denomination of Celestialunarism of wich, strangely, 78% of those who practice Celestialunarism adhere to the tenants of Orthodox Harmonism. The next largest following is Syncretic Islamb of which 11% of the population follows. Lastly and stranger still, 1% of the population keeps the traditions of Haylenic paganism alive, worshiping the old pantheon of the Haylens. As of 221AH, no legislation has made any faith the state religion though Constance Mov has mentioned Orthodox Harmonism was the 'prevailing faith' of the nation.

#### Languages

The vast majority of Haylens are known to be dual or even tri lingual, having done business with Equestria and the Trottomans in years past. Equestrian is the by far, however, the most prevalent language in Haylenica aside from Haylenic. Haylenic itself is believed to date as far back as 3000BH and is considered one of the oldest continuously used languages in the world. Tackish was considered to be a secondary language in Bitzantium, but after its dissolution, Haylenica became incredibly homogenous linguistically. The only minority languages of note are Germane, Marecadonian and Bosneighan of which, Germane, specifically the Flankfurtian dialect, is the most spoken.

#### Education

Haylens have a long history of placing importance on education. Be it famous philosophers such as Hockrates, Diogeneighs, Pladoe, Piethagoras and so on, to the secular universities of Constampedenople prior to Trottoman conquest. A strong tradition of public schooling had always been in place in many of Haylen city states even up to modern times. Foals typically attend public schooling at the age of 6 but can start earlier or later depending on the circumstance of the parents. Classes are not organized by age group but rather the year of which the students enrolled in the class. Students are allowed to redo classes as needed and can easily be held back a year or two if the student is deemed to need such an action. Primary schooling has six levels to it, thus students will spend six years there unless held back.

Past primary schooling, students will attend gymnasia for three levels, which prepares them for higher education at a technical guild or university. Both technical school and university have five levels one needs to complete before graduation. It is possible to attend both technical school and university, however, the public education system in Haylenica will only cover seven levels worth of education.

#### Healthcare

Healthcare is largely free between institutions like the Orthodox Harmonist churches and the Knights Clinician. To facilitate this, the Haylenican government subsidizes the latter and does not require religious institutions to pay taxes for the former due to the two organizations providing an 'essential public service'.

## Notable Characters

#### Margravine Constance Mov of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

Formerly Constance Mov of the Ponyaiologos Family, Constance Mov was born to Thymós Ponyaiologos and Nómimos Mov and their second child. Despitet his fact, she was appointed as the successtor to her father thanks to her skill with administration and capable speechcraft. The young mare was thrusted into her position as Sanjak of Athayna when her father dies of a stroke, many believed to be caused by his great bouts of anger. Since then, she had lead Haylenica to prominence and prosperity but has had her share of defeat and loss. She is a close friend to Nabila and a loving cousin of Pharaoh Isis of Aegyptos.

#### Crimson of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

Ex-Lunar Spy, Archeologist, a dapper Bittish officer and the husband of Constance Mov. Confusingly, despite Florette being the stallion's family name, everyone refers to him as 'Florette'. Even his wife can't escape that habit. Though not a Margrave thanks to the dictates of Vienneigh, Florette works alongside Constance when ever he can and has been her anchor through the most turbulent times.

#### Vyssini of the Ponyaiologos-Florette Family

Vyssini is the first born daughter of Constance and Crimson and has recently learned how to roll around.