Greater Greece

*This article was written by Este and infomation provided by the historian Herodotus*

## Map

Claims of Greater Greece as of 13/04/2023

## About

**Greater Greece** , officially known as **the Delian League** is a confederation of Greek city states, unified under one central Democratic Government, in its Capital-**Corinth**. The Nation is run under a type of Athenian Democracy, with core values of worship, democracy and freedom.

Despite its small size, Greater Greece has been involved in numerous conflicts and territorial disputes since its founding, especially surrounding the rights of the Greek peoples in other nations, and a rising threat in the east. In light of this, the Greek people are proud of their great and prosperous nation, and the history and heritage it represents. The motto of Greater Greece reads: **"ΕλευθερίΑ Ή ΘάνατοΣ"** or "**Either Freedom or death"**

## History

Founding

The Delian League was founded as of 28/02/2023, with its ancient classical founding coming around 508 BC. The history surrounding its First Citizen Este are much less rose tinted, after being exiled from the Mediterranean power - Globecraft, for alleged "Griefing" allegations. However with the memories of the Greek heroes behind him, Este grew his claim in Greece, until most the Greek speaking peoples were under his legislation.

Initial diplomatic efforts went well, with relations established with the nearby Greek speaking island of Cyprus. Initial reports of a rising threat in the east however, not seen since the Persian Empire of antiquity, were soon arriving. The First Citizen Este knew if he and his Delian League were to survive, they would need to fight for the Greek peoples. Corinth was founded soon after, with initial public work projects setting up the infrastructure for a grand city. Knowing they would need the Gods on their side, work began on the most ambitious building project since the Parthenon.

### The era of Este

Now under its first goverment in a millennia, the Greek people toiled to improve their nation. Due to the extortionate cost in both material and physical wealth, each Greek citizen was required by state law to contribute. It is said that even pots and pans were melted down, to help build the roof of the temple. Fully bronze encrusted, with sharp sleek columns rising from the ground. To the people of the Delian League, each layer constructed simply increased their morale. And finally, on the 12/03/23, the temple was constructed and consecrated. It would be a temple to all Gods, and more importantly- a symbol of Greece on the world stage. But while others looked on with delight- a Turkish enemy looked on with envy. The era of Este had brought the Greeks a new temple, a strong leadership and a nation to call home. For his distinctions, Este was awarded the title of "Macedoniarch" the leader of many.

*An example of Turkish aggressive action*

*The Temple of Corinth, a staple of the era of Este*

### A cold war

War had been brewing behind the scenes for sometime now, between the Delian League and the mighty Islamic Empire of the Ottoman Empire, headed in Kayastaninople by Kaya Cool man. The emperor of a resurgent fallen empire was looking for glory, and he found it in reconquering the lands lost to history. Threats of war and the annihilation of the Greek peoples landed in Corinth. Just like Darius and the Persians eons ago, Greece faced a threat from a large empire, who sought only blood and slavery. The Greek people prepared for a war to defend their nation only so recently restored. Memories of the great victories at Marathon and the stand of hoplites at Thermopylae rang throughout the land. Finally the Sultanate sent his final message, "are u sure u dont whant to join us". Este replied: "No." But just when it seemed all was lost, an envoy appeared in Corinth seeking a secret alliance. Al-Halal had pledged to fight for the Greek people. It seemed the war was winnable, and Este confirmed the secret alliance, with promises of land to Al-Halal, now seen as the saviours of Greece. Hoplites were mobilised, ready to defend their home and the temple of Corinth became a site of prayer and sacrifice. In the east Kaya had assembled his horde of dark legions, and a grand Armada. The historian *Herodotus* put troop numbers in the millions. Whispered on by members of Al Halal in his court, he declared war on the Delian League.

*The Greco-Al Halal defensive alliance*

### War

On the 17/03/23 The Ottoman Empire declared war on the Delian League, officially beginning the Greco-Ottoman war

## The Greco-Ottoman war

Persian soldier (left) and Greek hoplite (right) depicted fighting, on an ancient kylix, 5th hour BC

## Belligerents

### Allies of defenders

Great Sicily, Al Halal, (Not including foreign mercenaries)

## Times

### Length

A day (30 years according to Herodotus sources)

*The declaration of war*

*“You are in your present plight because you do not do any part of your duty, small or great; for of course, if you were doing all that you should do, and were still in this evil case, you could not even hope for any improvement. As it is, Kaya has conquered your indolence and your indifference; but he has not conquered Athens. You have not been vanquished, you have never even stirred."*

*-Athenian orator Demosthenes on the eve of battle*

#### The battle for Greece

Kaya personally lead his ground invasion of Greece, using the hellespont as a natural crossing point for his men. His engineers built a pontoon bridge, lashed together with ropes and bamboo, to complete this impressive feat of the ancient world. Seeing the hopelessness of standing to fight, Este immediately ordered an evacuation of Cornith, shadowed by the Ottoman army now only minutes away. The ancient historian *Herodotus* writes in his book The *Turkish Wars* that "The sky was filled with black smoke, almost as a sign from the Gods of our devilish misfortune. The boats arrived and left Cornith with the pace of a thousand men, their rowers urged on by an army on the horizon drawing closer."

Sources indicate however that the evacuation was a success, and by the time Kaya Cool Man appeared at the head of his legions, the city was abandoned. Kaya declared victory, and sent a letter to Este, offering peace terms and the end to the war. But he never recieved a response, and like Napoleon from Moscow, Kaya would realise the situation he was stuck in. His armies, battered from the harsh summer march, were out of supplies and food- stranded miles from friendly territory. Reluctantly on the 17/03/23, Kaya ordered a retreat from the city.

#### The war shifts

The Delian League (now officially in a coalition with Al-Halal) closed in on his supply lines. The Greeks were also aided by guerilla fighters, who strangled Kayas supply wagons and ambushed troop columns moving through the country. Perhaps the biggest help however, came from the Delian Leagues unexpected allies, who, (whether from rival city states such as Sparta), (or foreign mercenaries) joined the fight. Names such as *Joe Biden the great (Sicily), Velvas slayer of kings (Sec), Willie the goat Haaland (NSOA) and Bird the kingsman* stood and fought.

The mercenaries under the initiative of Velvas, took command- and at *The battle of the thebian plains* utterly routed the Ottoman army, capturing at least 5 Ottoman standards after a legendary Cavalry charge headed by Wald of Al-Halal. Coalition forces forced marched in pursuit of Kaya, crossing the bridge mere hours after him and successfully preventing Ottoman engineers from scorching it in a daring night raid. Soon the walls of Kayastantonple were under siege, and Este finally returned from exile to take control of the siege. However the walls of Kayastaninople were large, at least 5 metres thick, and 1- metres tall. A gruelling siege awaited, while a relief army (Headed by Zilo of the Dutch East Indies) threated to undo coalition gains.

#### **The fall of Kayastantinople**

*“As my city falls, I fall with it”*

*-Constantine XI at the fall of Constantinople*

Kayastantiople had now been under siege for 53 days, with its defenders and attackers growing restless. Furthermore, rumors of a large Dutch army only a few days march away had sunken morale in the Greek camp, as their rear guard began to skirmish with the Dutch Vanguard. Este was almost killed in a cavalry charge by a light detachment under the generalship of Zilo, saved only by Wald of Al-Halal, who lead a solo melee to drive them off. Este would carry a poison vase attached round his neck incase of capture after this incident. Finally, one massive attack was launched on the walls of Kayastantinople.

Elite greek units of the Sacred wind detachment under Velvas and Wald broke through the crumbling defences, and established a hole in the wall. A general assault was ordered through the breach, and masses of men and equiptment began to surge through. Seeing his city to be lost, Kaya is quoted to have said "God forbid that I should live an Emperor without an Empire! As my city falls, I fall with it," mimicking the last sacred Roman emperor. After a gruelling 53 day siege, the war was over, however Greek forces, tired and hungry, began to sack the city. It took 3 hours to get the sack under control, but the city was left in ruin. Kaya fled to a nearby costal settlement, where he agreed to talk terms. And on that very same day, 18/03/23, the treaty of Ankara was signed, by members of all warring states. In order to appease the massive Dutch army now in allied lands, the Dutch Dominion of Turkey was established. The Delian league was awarded southern anatolia, and it was on the 18th of April, that Este in a speech to his troops proclaimed a new era for Greece, formally to be called **Greater Greece.**

#### A tribute to the men who fought for the survival of the Greek nation

*Lest we forget*

Velvas

Bird

Willie

Joe Biden

Wald

CN46

And all members of Al-Halal

*"It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience."*

*-Julius Caesar*

### The Golden age of Greece and beyond

Now that the war was over, Princeps Este began to rebuild a nation shattered by war. More construction projects were planned and completed, including a new running track, Pantheon, Temple of Zeus and statue to honour the fighters of the Greco-Ottoman war. The economy grew a staggering 50%, with GPD, life expectancy and standard of living all seeing a major tick up. The increase in globalisation brought in new jobs in the finance industry- while diplomatic pacts and alliances meant Greater Greece would continue to be a player on the world stage for years to come. New sports competitions such as the Globelympics, are set to arrive in Greece soon, while tourism has expanded as a new industry. Under the leadership of Este Greece has finally claimed its rightful place. **For Greater Greece.** **ΕλευθερίΑ Ή ΘάνατοΣ.**

### Important sites of Greece

We know that for a first time visit to Greece, it can be tough to choose. We know that sense of bombardment of marble, that feeling like "Isnt this just the same temple for the third time?" What a drag. Luckily for you, you have this guide! labelling each and every important site, with helpful infomation to keep you and your kids interested. Dont believe me? Tourism@Greece.com offers a **Full** (lets say that one more time) **FULL money-back guarantee** to any visitor unsatisfied with their visit. So you can rest easy, knowing you and your family are in one of the most beautiful sites in the world. Explore Greece. Travel today!

*"I came to Cornith when it was a city of brick, and left it a city of marble"*

*-Este*

#### The Pantheon

*"M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM.FECIT"*

*Inscription on the Pantheon*

Built in just under a year, the pantheon stands tall, as one of Corinths' most elaborately designed buildings in the city. Made of brick and fused together with special Greek concrete, it represents not only the abilty of her designers, but also the prowess of Greek engineering. Its most impressive feature is its solid bronze plated roof, with a central hole in the middle providing the only source of light to the structure. It has a white marble facade at the entrance, projecting light and its connection to the divine, on any who visit Corinth. It represents a temple to all Gods in Greece, a place of worship, prayer and sacrifice.

The interior also leaves nothing to behold, with sleek Corinthian marble columns rising from the moment of entry. The room was purposely designed to make a visitor feel in awe of the grand design. Statues on each side, surrounded by a facade also help replicate this feeling. And placed at the centre, one of the holiest sites in all of Greece, *The mantlepiece*. Picturing the ancient God *Nike*, or The god of Victory, the Greek people know that with *Nike* on their side, victory is inevitable.

#### The running track

*“At the Olympic Games, it isn't the most beautiful or strongest who are crowned, but those who compete.”*

*-Aristotle*

Placed at centre stage in the city of Corinth, the running track was the second major project embarked by Este, in his redevelopment of the city. Large areas of slums were cleared, as well as the terrain flatted in order to provide a suitable arena for track. Currently, the track holds numerous events, such as but not limited to: Running, Wrestling, Discus, long jump, javelin and chariot racing. Every 4 years, all city states of Greece compete in a proto-olympic games, first held at Olympia but now permanently held in Cornith after the completion of the track. The current defending champions are Cornith. As well as proto-olympics, it is hoped that this track can be used (if not ceremoniously) for the upcoming Globelympics.

#### The statue of Halal

The statue of Halal (Formally the statue of Zeus) is a large bronze sheathed statue, that stands on the corner of the forum and the running track. It stands at over 30 metres tall and is the largest statue of the ancient world. *Herodotus* famously described the being as "Like seeing God on earth" because of the way the light is reflected off its bronze cast. Currently it stands as one of 2 surviving wonders of the ancient world (The other being the pyramid of Halal in Arabia). It was post honourly named after the Greco-Ottoman war in favour of Al-Halal, being a memory to the blood and sacrifice they suffered, coming to the Greeks aid. As well as a golden rod that Zeus holds, he also can be seen holding the figure of Nike.

*The inscription on the statue*

#### Temple of Zeus

The temple of Zeus stands, as the most recent set of construction work by Este, on the development of Cornith. Made entirely out of quartz, it contains new and complicated building techniques, only discovered in the last few years. It's shiny facade paints a glowing image of the peace and prosperity enjoyed in Greece, and it also serves as a bank to the nation. As the temple is sacred, any means of stealing from its vault can be seen as an act of sacrilage against the Gods- punishable by death. The beautiful square of St Stephen is located infront if the temple, with a large central obilisk, obtained through the recent war on Fungistan- in which Greek forces were deployed to keep the peace, and obtained the artifact.

### Greece Today

*"I am not an Athenian, or a Greek, but a citizen of the world"*

-Diogenes

1. ↑ History