TARTESSOS
1000 - 500(?) B.C.E
Alright, I figure, if I'm lucky, I'll have one more BT to go after this one. Therefore, the goal here is to develop our culture, infrastructure, and power as much as possible, to provide a good cradle for successor states.
ECONOMIC ORDERS:
- We expect the Tin Trade to collapse or atleast wither in importance. (Tin will still be a valuable metal, yes, but its value will be much reduced as Iron gains prominence.) Therefore, it is imperative that rather than focus the majority of our mercantile and mining industries on tin, we diversify and expand into other routes. In mining, focus instead on Silver, Lead, Gold, and Iron, of which there is an abudance of in Iberia. In short, the lessening importance of the tin-trade should not damage the Tartessian economy heavily, due to the fact that we continually expand our trade networks and that Iberia has an abundance of other profitable industries.
- As we expand northwards, Towards the Tagus River and along North Africa, the availability of fertile land should increase nicely. Continue the expansion of agriculture as one of the pillars of our economic strength. Focus on usual Mediterranean crops such as wine, grapes, olive-oil, grain, etc. Also, establish and expand our wool industry. Iberia, historically, was a center of the wool trade, and therefore, Tartessos should also be able to exploit this profitable industry. In order to strengthen our agricultural base, do the following:
1.) Create a just system of property and agricultural law. Specifically, enshrine the right of property, the right of a land-owner to protect his property, aswell as water rights, ensuring that farms are all provided the irrigible water required. Furthermore, establish laws for tenant farming, garunteeing payment of rent in times of good harvest, whilst allowing tenants, in certain circumstances, to withhold payment in times of crop failure, though such payments would have to be made up when the economic outlook of the farm improves. As said before, agricultural serfdom shall be banned. Further this with a banning of any sort of agricultural slavery. The only form of servitude which shall exist in Tartessian agriculture is tenant farming, but the rights of tenants are to be protected by law, and tenants are allowed a considerable share of the crops which they reap, paying a tax which is set by the owner of the property, but which can never exceed 30% of the total product. With these laws, we seek to establish an agricultural system based upon competition, rather than exploitation, to ensure the productiveness of Tartessian farms.
2.) Stress the importance of technology. Our banning of any agricultural slavery might lessen our manpower advantage (though not by much, considering we still have the largest population and due to the fact that the banning of slavery will improve competition for jobs), but to compensate for this, and perhaps ignore the fact, we shall put a high premium on the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques and technology. Using our far-flung trade networks, adapt from the agricultural policies of numerous nations, and choose to implement what we see as the most effective/efficient. Primarily, adopt and standardize crop rotation (which was used in ancient Greece and Carthage OTL), the use of iron plows, and focus heavily on sound irrigation (which will be important, as Iberia is somewhat arid), digging an extensive network of canals and aqueducts to provide our farms with the water they require.
- Continue to expand the merchant fleet considerably. Trade continues to be one of the lifelines of our Empire, therefore, it is imperative that our commerce fleet, the means of our economic success, maintain its position as the largest in the world. The goal of our expansion lays in a merchant fleet of atleast several hundred ships (and larger than our closest competitors), all capable of carrying a good amount of cargo. This fleet shall be the instrument by which Tartessos exerts its influence accross the Mediterranean.
- Develop a strong, lasting infrastructure. As said before, develop a network of canals and aqueducts to provide adequate water for our farms. Also, extend aqueducts to urban areas, providing water for civilians. Create resevoirs for the storage of water in times of drought. All such structures are to be constructed in stone, to ensure their permanence and lessen the maintenence required, though ensure that all are properly maintained by the government. Furthermore, besides aqueducts and canals, also begin an extensive network of permanent roads. Major roads, wherever possible, are to be made of stone. Roads shall facilitate the rapid movement of armies, the rapid exchange of commerce and goods, and shall prove an boon to the management of our growing empire, allowing our authority to spread itself much quicker. All buildings of import are hence to be constructed with stone. Place a high value on engineering skills. Tartessos shall not be a mere flash in the pan of history - it shall last, whether through roads, culture, or power.
- Establish a standardized currency, based off of the silver standard. Coins of high value are only to be minted in Tartessos, while allowing provinces to mint lesser coins under the directive of the
Sophetora and the
Optimos (
see: GOVERNMENTAL ORDERS). Use our large and well-traveled merchant fleet to spread the influence of the Tartessian
Arganto (silver coin, equivalent to OTL Roman
Solidus), specifically in Tyrrhenia (Italy).
- Our first, and immediate expansion goal is the securing of the banks of the Tagus River. The Tagus river will be essential in attaining full control over Iberia. Securing the banks of the Tagus will also be essential in expanding our agricultural industry, and widening our population base. Expand northwards through a mix of conquest and alliance making - promise those who freely join our Republic (see:
GOVERNMENTAL ORDERS) a degree of citizenship and the protection of the our armies. Those who resist our settling of the area will be dealt with force, which our reformed army should be able to deal with easily. (see:
MILITARY ORDERS) Our eventual goal of expansion is the linking of our main territories with the colony-city of Barkenon (Barcelona). Push to the north and the northeast, securing the remainder of the Iberian mediterranean coast, aswell as the majority of central Iberia. If the Lusitanians prove to be amiable fishermen, content with their lands, then allow them to survive under the protection of our forces, as an ally (essentially, do not expand into their areas, and allow them to live and cooperate with us as allies). Generally, stop this leg of expansion as we reach the natural border of the Pyrenees - it is here where we shall build strong fortifications, ensuring our permanence on the Iberian peninsula.
- Also expand along the Ligurian coast, building up our colonies there. Specifically, link all of our colonies together, and especially focus on the colony of Massalia, as its location as a port will allow us to circumvent Sardinian ports, and it will prove a vital link to Italy and the remainder of the Mediterranean. Turn Massalia into a strong fortress aswell as a port city, naming it the capital of Tartessian Liguria and placing a sizeable military garrison in the city. As a center of trade, it should prosper, as it links Italia with the west, and links both the west and Italia with the interior of Liguria (our name for Gaul). Build up our presence in this region, and use a mixture of military and infrastrucutre improvements to cement our hold over the coast. If possible, expand along OTL Southern France, linking with our Iberian frontier along the Pyrenees. If also possible, expand up the Rhodanos river (OTL Rhone), and establish a settlement at Lugodunon (OTL Lyon) and declare this the frontier of our western territories. Our envisioned border is Massalia, swinging up to Lugodunon, and then swinging down to the Garumna River (OTL Garonne).
NOTE: For assimilation and conquest policies, see: GOVERNMENTAL ORDERS.
- Finally, our last goal will be the securing of Mauretania. Expand our settlements along the coast, and engage in lively trade with Berber city-states. Eventually, as our influence continues to grow, offer these Berber city-states the chance to join the Tartessian Republic in exchange for citizenship and other rights. Also, use our military to "back up" our offers, and incase of resistance, use our military to conquer the cities, executing all rulers but generally being favorable to the populace. If a people continually resist, than their settlements will be burned down. In Mauretania, hug the coast, and allow the Berber tribes autonomy in the interior in exchange for recognizing our dominance of the port cities. However, maintain a strong military presence here to ensure that the Berbers do not attempt anything treasonous. Secure our borders at the Tartessian-Arecomian border at Berberia.
- Establish the Tartessian Republic (Official name:
The Demarchy of Tartessos):
1.) The power of the Regus, over time, will slowly unravel as the Sophetora-Magus, the assembly representating the entirety of the state, will grow in strength. Eventually, the office of the Regus will be devolved into a ceremonial title, whose main duties shall be to head the Cult of the Sacred Bull, consult the omens in representation of the state, and maintain the great temple at Tartessos. The executive power of the state will then pass onto the two Optimos, elected as the twin leaders of the Sophetora-Magus. Optimos are to be elected for a period of 5 years each, from the members of the Sophetora, and they shall be charged as the commanders in chiefs of the military aswell as the representatives of the Tartessian Republic in foriegn affairs. Meanwhile, the Sophetora will handle domestic affairs, yet its legislative agenda requires the approval of both Optimos. In addition, Optimos will also be given veto authority over eachothers actions aswell as the authority to appoint provincial governors which must be validated by the Sophetora.
2.) Meanwhile, the various provinces of the Tartessian Demarchy are to be governed by governors appointed by the Optimos and the Sophetora. The primary duty of the provincial governors (or Optimos Provincos) is to act as the Demarchy's agent of taxation and finance within his province, ensuring that taxes are collected on time and equitably. Furthermore, the Optimos Provincos shall also serve as a province's chief general and as chief judge, though he cannot take direct military action unless sanctioned by the Sophetora and the Optimii of the Demarchy.
3.) Finally, under the Optimos Provincos, there shall exist the Sophetora-Provincos, or Provincial legislative bodies. They will work under the authority of the governor, and shall resolve local disputes and set the local legislative agenda.
- Establish a system of Tartessian Citizenship:
1.) First, establish blanket citizenship for all Tartessian males, born within the core provinces (Tartessos and its surrounding southern Iberian region, let's call it
Tartessos-Magus). Citizenship will then be granted to all born from legal, Tartessian marriages recognized by the state. A sampling of the rights of full citizens are as follows:
The right to vote.
The right to make legal contracts.
The right to have a lawful marriage.
The right to stand for civil or public office.
The right to sue (and be sued) in the courts.
The right to appeal from the decisions of magistrates.
The right to have a trial (to appear before a proper court and to defend oneself).
The right not to be subjected to torture or scourging.
2.) In the outlying provinces, then, grant a form of limited citizenship, gradually granting some rights to the masses, with the eventual goal of granting full citizenship to all Iberians under the Demarchy. Use citizenship as a tool of foreign policy and control. Colonies and political allies will be granted, as stated above, a limited form of Tartessian citizenship, there being several graduated levels of citizenship and legal rights. The promise of improved standing within the Tartessian sphere of influence, and the rivalry for standing with one's neighbours, will keep the focus of many of Tartessos' neighbours, provinces, and allies centered on the status quo of Tartessian culture, rather than trying to subvert or overthrow Tartessos' influence. Eventually, we wish for full citizenship of all Iberian and North African residents, with citizenship fastly spreading amongst the Ligurians accross the Pyrenees.
- Establish a general policy of "Tartessianization":
1.) As our Empire expands, the routes of peaceful expansion will soon dwindle, and requiring more land and wealth, the only options which may present itself in order to extend our power would be conquest. However, mere conquest will not prove enough to extend our authority over the conquered peoples, and it is our goal to make them wholly Tartessian through a series of steps:
1.) Hostile soldiers or tribespeople will firstly either be dead after a conquest, or sold into slavery. This would lessen considerably the resistance which we would have to face in the event of conquest.
2.) Any tribal chieftain or local city-ruler who was friendly and cooperated with Tartessos is to be awareded for his help and re-affirmed in his position. He shall be granted land and loot from the defeated hostile tribes.
3.) Local nobility are to be awareded citizenship and bribes in order to win over their support. They should find that being integrated into the Tartessian system will have many benefits, and as the leaders go, so too go the people.
4.) Establish a military presence, building military outposts and placing soldiers in garrison at key locations, showing that Tartessos will not be trifled with.
5.) Link the regions to Tartessian infrastructure through the construction of roads. These roads will facilitate the movement of troops, communications, and the transport of people, goods, and ideas, bolstering the commerce of the area and allowing it to mingle with the outside (Tartessian) world.
6.) Soldiers will eventually be discharged from duty, and awarded local land. (see: MILITARY ORDERS) These soldiers will then either marry into the local population, or bring their families to these areas, and in both ways would caus a mixing of Tartessians and natives.
7.) Meanwhile, local warriors would enlist in the Tartessian military as Auxiliaries and at the end of their military service would also be rewarded with Tartessian citizenship. During their service they would learn Tartessian and adopt, to a certain extent, the trappings of our culture.
8.) Finally, local elites, in an attempt to improve their stock and position in the Tartessian world, would adapt our language and our culture, educating their children in our teachings, and gradually disseminating Tartessian influence.
- In Italy, maintain strong trade and other ties to our friends, the Arecomians. Sign an alliance with them, citing mutual protection, to ensure our influence in Tyrrhenia (Italy). Also, cooperate with them in their war against the Parthenian Republic (see: MILITARY ORDERS).
- Work to slow or impede the rise of Rome as a pre-eminent city-state within the Tyrrhenian peninsula. Do this through expanding our influence among the northern Rasna, increasing our trade-missions to them and reducing the prices for metals and other luxuries in order to curry favor. Do what we can do to ensure that Tartessos is viewed not as an enemy, but as a friend (we do not want any sort of Latin league forming...) Furthermore, garuntee the Rasnan states protection should they need it, but emphasize how Tartessos views the Rasnans as equal, not lesser partners in trade and friendship. Help the Rasnans crush the Roman upstarts. (see: MILITARY ORDERS)
- Work with Arecome to end Parthenian competition against both Arecome and Tartessos, aswell as to secure Arecome and ourselves a foothold on Magna Graecia. Gradually, lessen our trade ties, then act militarily. (see: MILITARY ORDERS)
- Begin a policy of ignoring Sardinia. Trade ships shall move around it if it continues its isolationist stances, but should it open itself to trade, then flood it with Tartessian merchants. However, for the most part, merely bolster our fleet and isolate this little island, to ensure that it does not become powerful.
- Open trade relations with the Ligurians who settled in Genova, and generally, maintain friendliness with them, working to exert greater economic influence over them and to bring them into the Tartessian sphere.
MILITARY ORDERS:
- Move to change our army from an army of wealthy landowners to a professional, full-time fighting force:
1.) The army, previously, was a force of men who could afford their own weapons and armor. However, the numbers of men who are able to do such will eventually dwindle as our nation expands - greater threats will bring about a crisis in manpower, and the need to expand our frontiers will mean that prolonged military action is needed, something which an aristocratic military could not sustain. Therefore, the army of the Demarchy is to be reformed into a full-time, professional army, and the main source of our manpower shall be the landless, disenfranchised masses. Offer these masses professional careers in the army, with the state providing them arms aswell as a salary, and also with the hope of eventual spoils in conquest. These men, who will otherwise have no real oppurtunities, should flock to the army, and enlist them for periods of up 20 years.
2.) With a permanent standing army, Tartessos will be able to standardize training, equipment, and organization throughout our Demarchy. Drilling and training is to take place year round, not simply in times of crisis, and all military equipment is to be made from the finest iron. Furthermore, the military will be organized as follows:
The base unit for the Tartessian army will be the
Divisio, or the Division. The total number of men in a full strength Division was about 6,000, of whom 5,000 were actuall soldiers. The rest were classified as noncombatants. Internally, Divisions shall be organized in a systematic breakdown, with the smallest units consisting of about 100 men, who were further broken down into 10 camps. Smaller units within the Division carried all supplies required for immediate survival and camping, and this reduced the size of the baggage train required as support and will make the army much more mobile. Usually, an army consisted of around 5 Divisions, though some were smaller and some were larger, depending on the conditions. These reforms should ensure that our military will be at its peak condition in drilling, training, and organization, perhaps making them the most formidable fighting force in our world. In terms of equipment, we are to focus on heavy infantry and heavy cavalry, with foot soldiers using short, stabbing steel swords (remember, the Gladius originated in Iberia
) and large oval or square shields. Cavalry will be armored with lances, and general armor for both cavalry and infantry will be either plate or mail.
3.) Finally, as an added incentive in our military, both officers and soldiers alike will be garunted land grants and pensions by the state, usually in the regions which they have conquered. Officers, obviously, will be granted greater pensions, but common soldiers will recieve land and thus propagate the Tartessian way. Finally, grant our Iberian and other tribal allies full Tartessian citizenship if they fight for us and complete a minimum term of service in the Tartessian army.
- Continue to aggressively expand our Navy. Again, as with our army, stress the importance of training and equipment, and work to build the most advanced ships possible, using our merchant contacts to implement various designs, finding the best possible. The majority of our fleet is to be made up of Triremes, backed up by a smaller amount of Quinquiremes. Our goal is to have several hundred ships patrolling our sea-lanes in ther western mediterranean, and we must ensure that at all times we have a large lead over all rivals in the size and skill of our navy. In our fleet doctrines, stress manuveurability and long-range fire through archers and catapults. However, at all times there is to be a sizeable contingent of armed troops on deck, incase fighting devolves into close quarters naval battles. Furthermore, employ a well trained, moderately sized force of marines to be used in our major naval engagements.
- Begin our military campaigns on Tyrrhenia (Italy):
1.) As Parthenian-Arecome relations begin to deteriorate, side with our allies in Arecome, due to the fact that the Parthenian Republic is a competitor both in Tyrrhenia and abroad, in the Mediterranean. We wish to cement the influence of the Celtic states (Tartessos and Arecome) in Tyrrhenia, and thus it is imperative that we defeat our largest competitors. Arecome will engage in a land war with Parthenia, and we shall employ our massive navy to aid them in the destruction of the Parthenian fleet. If possible, seize Parthenia's Illyrian colonies. After we have helped Arecome destroy the Parthenian fleet, land a large army of several Divisio in our colonies and move against the Parthenians if Arecome requires our aid. Having finished this campaign, the army is to return to our colonies in southern Tyrrhenia and re-supply, preparing for our next campaign.
2.) The next campaign being, of course, our campaign to secure central italy, and destroy Rome. Rome will likely splinter from the Rasnan confederacy and establish itself as a separate city state, and attempt to gain influence of its own on Tyrrhenia. Rome, if it were to survive, would prove a potent threat due to its central and fertile location stradling the peninsula. Therefore, we will aid the Rasnans in the destruction of the city, while securing for ourselves Rome as a colony. The army in the south, of several Divisio, is to be reinforced by a second army of the same size, ensuring us a large military presence on the peninsula. Use our navy to destroy and any Roman coastal presence, and our army is to engage the Romans and then sack the city (If additional forces are required, Tartessos is to not hesitate in sending them). If resistance is heavy, which we expect it to be, then take heavy, punitive measures against the Roman population, burning the city, killing the males, and enslaving the rest. Afterwards, build our own settlement on top.
- Continue to prostelyze the Cult of the Sacred Bull. However, in order to assimilate other peoples more easily, do not hesitate to adopt other religions into our own, to allow a greater following in the religion. Adopt dates for major festivals, etc., much like the early christians and Romans did.
- Put a high premium on education. Send merchants to the east, to Greece, and offer large sums of money for Greek scholars to come over and teach in Tartessos. Obtain copies of greek classics, and then make several state-sanctioned copies of each peice of literature, to store in the Tartessian library. Establish a basic public-schooling system, aswell as a system of universities for pay.
