Basileus

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).

Historical Basileis

The title "Basileus" was first used by Vladimir Ivanov, the founder of the unified state of Constantinopolis. Ivanov 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."