Galactic Empire

The **Galactic Empire** is the imperialist monarchy that replaced the League of Civilised Worlds over a century after its establishment by Tanith and Marduk. The Empire rose to prominence to bring order to the worlds of humanity. Rising from the Kingdom of Marduk, the Empire quickly seized control of the worlds once allied to the league. Declaring the end of the Space Viking raids and the villainous Sword Worlds. It oversaw a period of heavy expansion and mounting conflicts to eradicate space vikings from known Terran space. The subsequent Imperial era would last over ten centuries, through five iterations of the Empire.

## History

### Early Foundations

The Imperial ideals of the Empire began during the time of the Space Vikings. Originating on the Planet of Marduk, a constitutional monarchy ruled by a king and subject to democracy. Following a failed coup by the politician turned revolutionary Zaspar Makann and his attempts to usurp the throne as the elected chancellor. His reign was short-lived because of the actions of Prince Simon Bentrik and his ally King Lucas Trask. Forming an alliance of fleets they won the battle of Marduk and reclaimed control of the kingdom.

This event shifted the culture of Marduk forever and soon the nascent League of Civilised Worlds was dissolved in favour of the Mardukan Empire. Founded on the principles of order, peace and no competing galactic polities. The Empire sought to unify every world humanity has stood upon.

### The First Galactic Empire

The First Galactic Empire can trace its origins to the House of Bentrik, a Mardukan noble house. Originating from the Lord Protector of Marduk, Simon Bentrik. The Bentrik dynasty rose to prominence in the year 1730 AE (3673 AD), becoming the ruler of Marduk. Over the next century the House of Bentrik consolidated its rule over the planetary kingdom of Marduk. Declaring the first Galactic Empire in the year 1880 AE (3823 AD). Over the next two decades the newly established imperial family, conquered many worlds, including the future capital of Odin.

Transferring their capital from Marduk to Odin in the year 1980 AE (3923 AD) by order of Emperor Steven IV. The Empire expanded rapidly over the next two centuries. Conquering the Sword Worlds in the year 2035 AE (3978 AD), abolishing slavery on Aditya and adding the planet to the Empire in the year 2150 AE (4093 AD). Formally consolidating the first Galactic Empire in the year 2295 AE (4238 AD) by the hands of Emperor Rodrik VI.

### The Age of the Empire

The Empire over the next ten centuries consolidated its power, becoming the all encompassing ruler of the galaxy. Maintaining its principles of no competing polities and planetary self governance. The Empire absorbed the many planets of humanity, encouraging them each to have a single planetary government. Rarely interfering in the internal matters of each planet, the Empire maintained its military and imperial dominion over all Terran space.

## References

1. ↑ [Zatharni, Future History Chronology 18th Century].
2. ↑ [Zatharni, Future History Chronology 19th Century].
3. ↑ [Zatharni, Future History Chronology 20th Century].
4. ↑ [Zatharni, Future History Chronology 21st Century].
5. ↑ [Zatharni, Future History Chronology 22nd Century].
6. ↑ [Zatharni, Future History Chronology 23rd Century].