Roman Emperor Citizens One Year

Roman Emperor

Citizens

One year ago, I was but another noble, however one possessed of a sense of higher power. By now you know the story of my visit to the ancient oracle, and how I learned of my divine lineage. From that lineage I draw my strength today, and have ascended to the status of Emperor. I address this letter to all of my subjects. You will know that my mandate to lead you may be derived from the gods who are my ancestors, but I have been given many human gifts as well. I am learned in all of the ancient empires near and far, and will use the best traits of the world's finest leaders to build Rome and expand our great empire to the ends of the Earth.

My rule will be enlightened. What is the point of having a great empire if we as people are not free to live as we please? We span many countries, many languages, and many religions. I take influence from the great leader Cyrus of Persia and of Ashoka the Mauryan, who united equally vast and diverse empires under peace, tolerance and prosperity (Dhammika, 1994). Our military shall be reconfigured, our strategies to mirror those of Alexander, the world's greatest conqueror. His ability to unite the peoples he conquered and use them to help expand his empire is a model we, too, shall adopt. I shall incorporate the ideas of other empires as well. In the far eastern lands, the Qin Empire has streamlined commerce by imposing unified currency, measurements, and written language (TravelGuideChina, 2008). Learned men today need to know Latin and Greek both, and this forms a barrier for commoners to advance themselves, a barrier I shall eliminate by establishing a common language.

In keeping with the tradition of both the Qin, and of the exalted Mauryan rule Ashoka, I will free the peasantry from the burden of local taxation, and restore the strength of the centralized government. You need only pay taxes to me, which will increase your wealth and free you from the multiple levels of bondage you once faced. My system of justice will be strong. In the Mauryan Empire they eradicated banditry, and I shall do so here as well. The rule of law is essential to commerce, and commerce is essential to wealth. To longer shall local chieftains and would-be kings rule over the Empire - they are all subject to me, no different from anybody else.

A call upon the soldiers. Military might is the key to our success, in establishing rule of law and expanding our borders. Your support is required for this endeavor and for it you will be rewarded handsomely. I call upon the administrators. You are the ones who will do my work, and ensure that our country is filled with peace and prosperity. I call upon the merchants and the traders. My reforms will give you the opportunity to become wealthy beyond belief. Support me, go forth and trade. Bring us the goods of the orient.

My subjects, all I ask of you is for your help. I need your support. Be peaceful, love your neighbor. Avail yourselves of the educational opportunities we will provide. Be giving to me. I ask for your second son, to serve in my military, and any sons thereafter to work in the fields and feed my Empire.