Agrippan Rome
From Turtledove
Agrippan Rome was the name commonly used to describe one of the alternates Crosstime Traffic did business in.
This reality differed from the home timeline in that Rome never fell. General Agrippa did not die and thus was able to fight off the barbarian invasion against Rome.
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[edit] Roman Empire
The Roman Empire occupied most of Europe, from Britain to Dacia (Romania in the home timeline), including Greece. It bordered on the Lietuvan and Persian empires.
[edit] Technology
Not facing multiple threats as it otherwise could have made the Roman Empire stronger, but technologically slower. Gunpowder was perhaps the last major discovery, as it was used profusely by the military in muskets and cannons. Gunpowder allowed Rome to keep would-be invaders outside for centuries.
As with Rome of old, running water was available, but at a price. Many women still went to the local fountain for water (and gossip).
[edit] Medicine
Medicine in Agrippan Rome was described as ghastly by Crosstime travelers. There were no anesthetics and the only disinfectant was wine. Patients took opium to dull the pain. Dentistry was likewise unrefined.
[edit] Society
Twenty-first century Romans lived in much the same way their ancestors did 2000 years before them. Status and wealth were important factors in every city, and citizens showed both with their clothing. Citizens enjoy the circus whenever possible, where gladiators are pited against each other, and slaves against beasts.
Slavery still existed, though a slave could be freed by his/her master. A freedman or freedwoman still owed loyalty to his/her former master, but had rights as a citizen. A freed slave's children are considered totally free. (Note: Crosstime Traffic prohibited the trade, ownership, and freeing of slave in all alternate worlds.)
Agrippan Rome was a bureaucracy: one had to register when entering and leaving a city. Returning to a city after prolonged absence meant an offering had to be made at the local temple, which was recorded.
[edit] Politics
Rome was led by the Emperor. The Senate continued, but its power was limited.
[edit] Language
The language spoken by modern Romans is refered to by Crosstime travelers as "neoLatin". It is a simplified form of classical Latin used in everyday parlance. Official business can be conducted in classical Latin, and all contracts are written in the old language. It is a sign of prestige to know how to read and write neoLatin, moreso to know classical Latin, and even moreso to read and write it.
[edit] Military
Battles were fought in formation, much their ancestors would have fought, except with extra cannon and infantry divisions. Roman armies still sported the "SPQR" banner. Young able men were drafted into the army easily; a lone man on walking down the road could suddenly find himself a soldier should a marching army pass by.
[edit] Religion
Rome favored the state religion of the traditional Roman gods. It also accepted Imperial Christianity, which believeed in a single God and the teachings of Jesus. Imperial Christians did not consider the emperor a god as other Romans would, but believed he was guided by their God. Offerings in the form of incense (and spilling wine on the ground at home) were made to the good health of the emperor which satisfied the local authorities. More orthodox Christians existed who did not believe the emperor was guided by God; their faith was tolerated by Rome. Other religions were present in neighboring empires. Islam did not exist, Muhammad being never born in this alternate reality.
[edit] Neighboring empires
Persia and Lietuva persisted as enemies. China was, like Rome, a gunpowder empire and had some dealings with Rome. Japan was the home of a pirate society.
