Difference between revisions of "Basileus"

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Basileus (plural: Basileis) was the title used by the rulers of Constantinopolis from 1436 until 1921, and then again from 1925 until 1986. While the title was the same during both periods, it defined two very different kinds of rulers. The Basileis between 1436 and 1921 are referred to as Historical Basileis or Autocratic Basileis, while the ones between 1925 and 1986 are known as the Modern Basileis or Democratic Basileis.

For further details on the causes and nature of the change between the two different types of Basileis, see the history of Constantinopolis (and specifically the Great September Revolution and the Civil War).

While this article only concerns the Constantian use of the title "Basileus", it should be noted that the same title is also used by the Emperors of Pantocratoria, who claim direct descent from the Byzantine monarchy, as well as a number of other states with Byzantine cultural heritage.

Historical Basileis

The title "Basileus" was first used by Vladimir Ivanov the Great, the founder of the unified state of Constantinopolis. Vladimir was crowned Basileus in his capital city of Byzantium, at an unknown date in the spring of 1436. The word "Basileus" was also used at the time to describe the rulers (emperors) of the Byzantine Empire. Vladimir Ivanov's choice of the same title was clearly motivated by his desire to portray himself as an equal of the Byzantine emperor. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, Constantinopolis declared itself that empire's rightful cultural heir.

Over time, the official title of the rulers of Constantinopolis grew in length. By 1699 (when Constantinopolis declared itself a Holy Empire), it had grown to Basileus Basileon Basileuon Basileusin ("King of kings, ruling over kings"), which was also a title of Byzantine origin.

From the late 19th century, and until the monarchy was overthrown in the Great September Revolution of 1921, the official title of the Basileus was:

"His Imperial Majesty, by the grace of God, Emperor and Autocrat of all Constantinopolis, king of kings, ruling over kings (Basileus Basileon Basileuon Basileusin), defender of the faith and vanquisher of evil, Grand Duke of Eschatopia and the Eastern Lands, Prince of Bobylon Minor and Lord of Watfordshire, and Heir to the throne of Augustus Caesar."

The last historical Basileus was Andronicus II, who ruled from 1903 to 1921. He was deposed during the Great September Revolution, put on trial and found guilty on 8,952 counts of first degree murder (there were 8,952 innocent people whose executions he had personally ordered), as well as a number of other crimes against humanity, and high treason. He was sentenced to death and executed on December 17, 1921.

Modern Basileis

The Treaty of Krasnygrad, signed in 1925, marked the end of the Constantian Civil War. The communists were victorious, but in order to avoid further bloodshed and reunite the war-torn country, they agreed to make a few concessions to the defeated royalists. The new state of Constantinopolis was to be socialist and democratic, but it retained the name of "Holy Empire". Also, the head of state was to be called once again the "Basileus", although he was to be a democratically elected leader rather than any kind of royal.

Modern Basileis ruled for 10-year terms, and were forbidden to run for the office a second time. Despite the designation of Constantinopolis as a "Holy Empire", modern Basileis were, for all practical purposes, identical to republican heads of state. In addition, their official title was only "Basileus", and they were to be addressed simply as "Comrade Basileus" (not "Your Majesty", as was the case with the historical Basileis).

In total, Constantinopolis had 7 modern Basileis, from 1925 to 1986 (two of them did not rule for the full 10 year term).

The last Basileus was Justinian Tiberius, who ruled from 1982 to 1986. He was extremely popular and very reform-minded, and he was regarded by many as the greatest leader Constantinopolis had since Rosa Krupskaya. Justinian implemented many reforms and changes in long-standing policy, but his most important act was the abolition of the Empire and the establishment of the Holy Socialist Republic of Constantinopolis. A referendum was held in 1986, regarding the question of whether the Treaty of Krasnygrad should be preserved or nullified, and whether Constantinopolis should remain an empire or become a republic (a detailed proposal for the organization of the new republic was given). The results were: 86% in favour of nullifying the Treaty of Krasnygrad, and 79% in favour of making Constantinopolis a republic.

As a result of the 1986 referendum, the office of Basileus was abolished. The new, republican head of state was to be called Chairman [of the Council of People's Commissars], serving a maximum of two 4-year terms. The first Chairman, elected in 1986, was Justinian himself.