The West Endures

After an attempted coup by General Ricimer in 461 AD, Emperor Majorian initiated a purge of the Roman Military high command along with senators who had conspired alongside Ricimer. The resulting weakness of the Roman army caused the collapse of nearly all the territories within the Western half of the Roman Empire, excluding Italia. However, the loss of land turned out to benefit Rome far more than expected, as the lost land contained some of the most unstable and defiant regions within the Empire. With the replacement of the Senate with not only loyal, but competent senators, as well as support from the Eastern half of the Empire, Italia has reached a level of stability not seen in centuries. Still, the erosion of Roman territory amounted to a total Roman land area not seen for 700 years, resulting in a massive decrease in power and an enormous loss of national pride within the Roman State. The date is now 673 AD. Eastern Rome is facing increased instability in the face of new religions and invasions from Persia. Along with the emergence of new technologies and ideas, as well as a general malaise among the population, Rome’s future has become very uncertain.