"Oh? The Empire..."
"Yes, I want to be the Basileus of Greece, the emperor of Greece."
Basileus means "great leader" in Greek, which is the same as Augustus in Latin. However, in Greek history, no one has ever used Basileus as their title, but Hilde decided to be the first.
Chapter 10, Section 7: The Great Leader of the Greeks
Hilde's idea was not a sudden inspiration.
She actually thought about it for a long time.
Attacking Persia and uniting all Greeks requires a great cause.
Although the Greeks were a nation, they were not united because of political and geographical divisions. For example, the Athenians were Greeks of Ionian culture. They spoke the same dialect as the people of Ionia, a coastal region of Asia Minor. They advocated a democratic system of small states and few people, and had developed commerce. The city-state was mainly composed of business aristocrats.
In the Peloponnese, the city-states of Sparta and other places dominated by Dorians had a different style. They spoke the dialect of the Dorian region, and the agricultural aristocracy became the mainstream of society. The country's political reforms were generally conservative, and monarchy or retaining the king was common here. Therefore, the city-states in these places paid more attention to agricultural production and the foundation of agricultural production, slavery.
Not to mention some quasi-Greeks, such as the Thessalians who have close ties with the Macedonians, and the Epirus in northwestern Greece. These people are all Greeks, and their culture is also influenced by mainstream Greek culture, but for many reasons, these Greeks cannot unite together to establish a unified country.
And this may require one.
A role similar to that of Qin Shi Huang.
Comprehensive unification has been carried out.
Although the Byzantine Kingdom came from the northeastern border and was regarded as a barbaric country by city-states such as Athens, it was a very complete Hellenistic country. The king was a Greek, and Hilde was of course an Athenian. Greeks accounted for more than 70% of the population in the country, mainly Ionians. The mainstream language of the country was the Ionian dialect of Greek, and the currency used was the drachma. The gods believed in by the country were also Greek gods, and the king was nominally the oracle of Athena.
You said the Byzantine Empire was not a Greek country?
That's a bit too ridiculous.
At least more Greek than Macedonian.
Moreover, the Byzantine Empire, with its extremely powerful army, had already conquered Athens and a number of allies, and possessed full combat power. Although Athens suffered heavy losses, it was captured quickly and the casualties of soldiers were relatively small. Hilde rushed into the Ares Mountain alone, which had frightened the resistance. In the end, most of the Athenian soldiers who died in the battle were mercenaries, and the elite conscripts and Cretan archers were still alive.
Until now.
No one could stop the Byzantine Empire anymore.
So, it's time to start this plan.
——The Basileus Project.
After listening to Hilde's thoughts, Xerxes couldn't help but laugh.
"Haha, hahaha..."
"what happened?"
"I knew, Xixi, that your ambitions definitely go beyond this."
Xerxes crossed his arms and said happily, "Great! You don't just want to be an ordinary king, but have a broader goal. This god of yours... Basileus, I support you! With your current strength, you can completely integrate the entire Greek world and establish a powerful Greek empire. Moreover, it is not limited to the present, but also includes the Peloponnese in the south and the Greater Greece in the west. These places are all the places you want to conquer!"
"Is it too late?"
Hilde looked at Xerxes with some concern.
Xerxes was stunned.
"Don't worry, it's still in time."
"Really?"
"I know my own body."
"……it is good."
Xerxes had said so, and Hilde had no way to refute it.
"Well, since our Sissi has made this decision, I have to help Sissi. Regarding the matter of becoming an emperor, it is actually not complicated. It's just that you were originally a king, and now you want to establish an empire that includes many kings under your rule. Becoming the 'King of All Greeks', isn't it?"
"correct."
This is what the word Basileus means.
The great commander of all Greeks.
So, Hilde has also considered it.
"Hey, what should I do about this matter?"
"It's very simple. You have already conquered Athens. At least, you have the prerequisites. After conquering Athens, you can directly announce the establishment of the Greek Empire in Athens and become the king of all Greeks. At the same time, you must make your soldiers love you, the officers support you, and all the citizens of Athens see your glory. Finally, make all the city-states in Greece submit to you, and kill anyone who resists."
"I see."
Hilde nodded.
"In that case, tomorrow?"
"tomorrow!"
Xerxes and Hilde thus came to an agreement.
However, Hilde's heart was still shrouded in a haze. There was no clue about Sophia's matter, and she didn't know what to do next. But, there will be no problem, Hilde thought.
The next day.
After the Byzantine invasion of Athens.
The army entered the city in an orderly manner and managed the city of Athens in an orderly manner.
First, they distributed food to the hungry citizens of Athens to meet their most basic needs. At the same time, they called together the original Athenian officials and asked them to continue to manage Athens without making any other demands. The soldiers who were not injured were temporarily disarmed and restored to their status as free citizens. The Byzantine soldiers did not burn, kill, or loot when they entered the city, and the city did not suffer much damage. In fact, the high pressure caused by the siege was now exposed, which was what surprised them the most.
The only difference was that all the Athenian flags were taken down and replaced by the Byzantine flags. The double-headed eagle flag from the Byzantine Empire replaced the Athenian owl.
So far——
The occupation of the entire Athens was declared complete.
And Hilde's plan to become emperor.
It is now progressing slowly.
The one who was in charge of the coronation was Xerxes, who was the best at royal etiquette. Xerxes knew very well what it would be like when he ascended the throne, and what kind of momentum was needed as a Basileus who informed many people and territories. Later, Xerxes also told Alcibiades and others about Hilde's coronation. As expected by Xerxes, Alcibiades, Amyntas and others agreed with Hilde's decision, and believed that it was a blessing for Greece to let Hilde become the "great commander of all Greeks".
And Tomyris agreed.
Becoming an emperor is obviously in the interests of the vast majority of people.
(I will start updating three times tomorrow. Last month, I updated 18 words. I hope everyone can give me some monthly votes this month. Please QAQ)
Chapter 10, Section 8: A Moment of Historical Significance
Hilde knew this very well.
Proclaiming himself emperor was undoubtedly a historic moment.
In Greek history, there has not yet been a hero who can unite all of Greece. Of course, if the normal course of history is followed, a young man named Alexander may appear in the next few decades with this ability. But now, the Macedonian Kingdom is still strong enough to protect itself, but it has no way to resist the current Byzantine Kingdom.
During the siege of Athens, envoys and diplomats from many parts of Greece were trapped in Athens, including those from Sparta and even Syracuse in Greater Greece. This time, ascending the throne in Athens was also a show for these diplomats, telling them that Hilde had established a unified Greek dynasty, and all they could do was either surrender or be destroyed.
So, preparations began to be made for becoming emperor.
With the help of Xerxes, the work began in full swing.
The streets of Athens were quickly cleared, and a road from Athens to the Ares Hill was opened. The port of Piraeus was put into use again, and the powerful Byzantine fleet could finally enter the naval port of Piraeus. During these days, the Athenians gradually got used to the arrival of the Byzantines and their rule over them.
Athens' democratic system must have come to an end. They were well aware of this, but that did not mean they had to give up. Many Athenians still held on to a last glimmer of hope. Perhaps, Hilde, also an Athenian, could be more moderate in her attitude towards Athens and its democratic system, and not be too tough.
However, becoming emperor was bound to shatter their fantasies.
Three more days passed.
Something suddenly changed in Athens.
The soldiers went around Athens, telling the citizens that Hilde would soon be sworn in as emperor on Mount Areopagus.
"The coronation ceremony is about to take place, please don't cause trouble!"
"Citizens of the city, please leave your homes and go to the streets to welcome His Majesty Hilde!"
The Athenians did not know what it meant to be an emperor. Although they knew that Basileus meant leader, it was still confusing to ordinary citizens why Hilde wanted to call herself Basileus. However, some opportunists smelled something meaningful in it. Combining the content of the soldiers' preaching with their own understanding, they understood that Hilde did not just want to be the king of the Byzantines, but wanted to be the king of all Greeks, which was very surprising.
But this is also an opportunity.
Megahelnicism was common in Athens.
Many Athenians believed that Athens had the strength to integrate the divided forces in Greece and establish the Athenian Empire with Athens as the core. Of course, the predecessor of this Athenian Empire was the Delian League, whose core purpose was to use the strength of Athens to squeeze other regions and city-states and seek sufficient benefits for the Athenians. For the Byzantines, if the Byzantines wanted to establish such a country, it might not be good news for the Athenians, but it might also be a good opportunity.
It all depends on how Hilde formulates the policy.
"…Athens, Thebes and other city-states and regions, forming the Athens Province?"
"Correct."
Hilde nodded.
The Athenian officials asked curiously:
"After forming a province, we will..."
"Athens will serve as the capital of the new Athens Province and will also become the core city of the Greek Empire, enjoying the same treatment as Byzantium and Ephesus. At the same time, within the new Greek Empire, the status of citizens will be further changed. All Athenians will become citizens of the empire and enjoy all the protection and preferential policies of the Greek Empire. All citizens of Athens can freely engage in business and trade within the Greek Empire, or become officials and officers without any restrictions."
Hilde smiled and held up a finger.
"That is to say, once you become part of the empire, there will be no shortage of opportunities to make money."
"Yes, that would be the best."
Most of the officials came from commercial aristocrats, and they were very clear about the issue of opening up trade.
This will be a great opportunity to make money.
only……
"What are you still worried about?"
"So, about Athenian democracy, this..."
"Athens' democracy is destined to be unsuitable to continue, but each province and the core city of the empire have a certain degree of autonomy. Athens is allowed to retain a citizen assembly of 100 people, which is called the Imperial Parliament, just like Byzantium and Ephesus. At the same time, the imperial government will send archons and generals to Athens to be responsible for a series of affairs in the Athens province and the city."
"Yes, I understand."
The officials had no choice but to bow their heads.
Now, Hilde ruled Athens, and even if she wanted to turn Athens into a dictatorship, the officials could not say anything.
At this time, Xerxes came over holding a set of clothes.
"Sissi, this is the finest purple cloth. I made it into a cape for you."
"Purple again..."
"You will be the Greek Basilius in the future. No matter what, you will look much more majestic in this purple cape."
Hilde was still wearing the armor she wore when she was fighting. She had originally planned to change it, but Xerxes and Tomyris emphasized that Hilde wearing armor, holding a spear and a shield, was the most suitable image for Athena, and if she ascended the throne as a soldier, she would be awe-inspiring, which would naturally convince everyone. However, at Xerxes' strong request, the red cape behind the armor was replaced with a purple cape that represented power and nobility.
After Xerxes helped Hilde put on her cloak.
Then he took two steps back and looked at Hilde.
"Yeah! That's great!"
"looks good?"
"beautiful!"
Xerxes also admired from the bottom of his heart.
"I believe that all Greeks will be convinced by you, the beautiful and powerful queen."
“Is that so…”
Hilde turned around and looked at the Athenian official.
When the official saw this, he immediately knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty! Your beauty is really like the reincarnation of Lady Athena!"
"Thank you."
Hilde smiled, waved his hand and said:
"Okay, you go down first."
"Yes."
