Seleucid Empire

Seleucid Royal Banner

**Seleucid Empire**, otherwise known as the **Empire of Seleucus** is an Empire centred around the fertile crescent. It was created as a result of the breakup of Alexander's Empire and the conquest of various regions under Seleucus Nicator.

## Geography

The Seleucid Empire occupies a large geographic area stretching from Cilicia in Asia Minor to the shores of Persian Gulf in Mesopotamia, along with the levant down to Judea.

## History

### Rise of Seleucus

Following the Conquests and Death of Alexander the Great, Seleucus would exploit his given position as Satrap of Babylon to quickly conquer and absorb surrounding regions such as Syria, Persia, Asia Minor, Bactria, Cappadocia, Armenia etc. These conquests would leave the Seleucid Empire overstretched, bled out and with few friendly powers regionally.

### Parthian Invasion

The Parni tribes, ancestors of the Parthians, sensed weakness within the Seleucid Empire and began a campaign to conquer towards Persia and Mesopotamia, this invasion resulted in the loss of the Persian Satrapies while Mesopotamia was held on by only a thread. With all attempts by the Empire to recover the Persian lands (both diplomatic and threatening) failing a new war between these parties seemed likely.

### Armenian Breakaway

With anarchy and war plaguing the eastern satrapies, the Kingdom of Armenia was able to break away from Imperial control, both states have since come to common understanding and friendship.

## Politics

The Seleucid Empire is an absolute monarchy under the control of the Basileus (Emperor), there are however various factions within the Royal Court which provide intrigue which is furthered by the Satraps. Satraps are effectively regional level governors who are subordinate to the Basileus, although they can collect taxes, raise armies and promulgate laws (provided they do not conflict with Royal Law) within their Satrapies.

### Satraps of Syria

Seleucid power is largely centred in Syria, this is due to the prominence of Antioch and access to both trade with the Mesopotamian interior and the Greek/Egyptian exterior. The Satrapy of Syria encompasses the entirety of the Levant and is ruled from Antioch .

### Satraps of Babylon

While power in the Seleucid Empire is centred in Syria, the rich lands of Mesopotamia still remain highly important for their agricultural value and productive towns. The Satrapy of Babylon encompasses these territories and is ruled from Uruk .

## Cities

### Antioch

Antioch is the beating heart and center of the Seleucid Empire, a large and glorious city built in traditional Greek style. It has a temple, a residential district, a villa and the large bay/dock area. Founded just after the conquest of Syria itself by Antiochus the Eye-bleeder, a close confidant of Seleucus.

### Uruk

Uruk is the home of beauty being a town that is almost entirely irrigated gardens, in an increasingly dry Mesopotamia it is a bastion of green in a desert. It is one of the oldest cities, occupied since the early bronze age, and was the second city of the empire during the lifespan of the Babylonian Empire.

## Economy

The Seleucid economy is relatively advanced and is highly prosperous, due to her extensive territorial holdings all resources required to run, manage and feed an empire are readily available. Being situated in the Fertile Crescent, the empire has inherited a system of over a millennia of trade between the peoples, this complex system is highly efficient and very self-sustaining.