The Seleucid Empire

## History and Current Events

The Mesopotamian region is home to some of the earliest civilizations, comparable only to Egypt. Prior to Alexander the Great's coming in the 4th century BC, the region had been absorbed by the both the Scythian kingdom and later the Persian Archaemenid Empire. Alexander the Great invaded in the 330s, securing the territories of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Syria. He left the land to his companion and Macedonian general, Seleucid I, who ruled from the capitol of Babylon. After Alexander's death (which happened to take place in Babylon), a period of unrest and political struggle followed, including several invasions against Babylon from former Macedonian usurpers. When the three stable Hellenistic governments settled, the Seleucid Empire was finally legitimized.

After a campaign nearly resulting in all out war in the Punjab region, Seleucid instead formed an alliance with the Indian Maurya Empire by marrying one of his daughters away to it. Although this relinquished some of his vast eastern lands, Seleucid was able to focus on his western endeavors without fear of an attack from the east. After his death, Seleucid's successors (under the name Antioch, by which the new capitol was named) waged a continuous war with Ptolemaic Egypt for control of Syria. The massive elephant units imported from Maurya proved essential in their assaults. However, in 246, the Seleucid Empire would be crippled by a civil war, a pillaging band of Gauls who permanently settled in Galatia, and other nations who began taking territory in Anatolia and Asia Minor. This recession of Seleucid power would last for a further 23 years.

**Antiochus III** assumed the throne, initiating yet another war against Ptolemy in Syria. In 217, he was defeated completely by the immense solar beam attacks from the physical manifestation of Horus. After retreating, Antiochus has now decided to focus on the internal affairs of the remaining Seleucid Empire, quashing rebellions and building upon the existing territory.

## Religion and Culture

### Religion

The official religion of the Seleucids is the Greek Pantheon. However, the majority of Seleucids still hold onto the old ways, worshipping the gods of Babylon. Greek gods appear to be less interested in the region, whilst Babylonian gods and demons are much more present in the spiritual realm surrounding the Levant. The most popular Babylonian god is Marduk, still the patron of Babylon and ruler of the skies. Other religions native to the area include the Semitic Jews and Zoroastracists

### Culture and non-humans

The Seleucid people are (although likely forced by the government) generally tolerant of other cultures and races. They worship their respective gods privately and have been encouraged to allow interspecies interactions to occur freely. Them most common creatures to live among humans are the Djinni, a human-appearing race of elementals who worship their Loregiver. Djinni are generous, overwhelmingly lawful, and tend not to falter from the goals of the current regime, making them desirable subjects for the Seleucid governers. Other races having migrated from nearby Macedonia have also made quiet, humble existences within the Seleucid Empire.

## Government

The Seleucid Empire is an absolute hereditary monarchy, ruled today by Emperor Antiochus III. The Emperor holds supreme central power, with *Satraps* acting as regional governors and administrators. A proponent of cultural diversity, the Seleucids welcome foreigners and non-humans alike into its borders. People of every race, ethnicity, and religion are allowed to become tax paying subjects of the Seleucid Empire.