Uranos-Makedon (2): The Coronation of the Roman Emperors
Rome had split into East and West, leaving only the East Roman Empire to effectively rule the Balkan Peninsula and Anatolia. Yet the will to inherit Rome's legacy remained strong, so the coronations of the East Roman emperors still followed Roman traditions. Of course, Roman coronations had evolved over time as well—the shield coronation of the Constantinian dynasty, Leo I's ceremony where he received the crown from a cleric, and so on. Influenced by Germanic and Christian cultures, various forms had emerged.
Among them, the most influential was the acclamation coronation. It involved ascending to the throne amid the cheers and applause of the citizens—a method distinct from gaining divine sanction through clergy or publicly declaring the support of warlords by standing on a shield. This was a way of receiving recognition from the people themselves through their cheers and claps, embodying the legitimacy passed down from the Roman Republic era.
The one who chose this method was none other than Zoi. She wanted the support of the common people over that of warlords or clergy.
It wasn't just because Zoi held populist leanings that valued the masses. "The reason I chose acclamation is because Father is held captive by the nobles," she explained.
Constantine VIII, emperor of Constantinople, captured by the nobles. He had their backing, but none from the military or the populace at large. This wasn't due to any incompetence on his part. From the start, the nobles had blocked his eyes and ears, monopolizing power. In a sense, he was supported only by the nobles, symbolized by the crown.
Zoi wanted to show that we stood in stark contrast to those nobles. "In a way, we're in a warlord position ourselves. If we gain the people's support in that state, we'll become a force backed by both the military and the masses—unlike the nobles."
Zoi's words rang true. Even modern states demanded the army's loyalty from the people for similar reasons, though most bureaucracies colluded with the crown to sideline the masses. In our case, however, we were at odds with the nobles, so their support was out of the question. That's why we turned to the people.
"Besides, it's a fine tradition that signals we're inheriting the Roman Republic's legacy."
Pragmatic Zoi, even more meticulous than I was, never did anything to her disadvantage.
"I shall follow Your Majesty Zoi's will," I replied playfully, and she smiled warmly.
"A wise choice, Emperor Rogerius."
Zoi approached me, slipping into my arms and tilting her head up for a soft kiss on my lips. Wise and utterly lovable—she was the greatest gift in this unfamiliar world for someone like me who had been dropped into it.
"Many people will come when the coronation happens."
"Most to gauge our strength," I added, and Zoi nodded.
If our power seemed weak, those attending the coronation would surely take up arms to seize it from us. "If we look like easy prey, they'll devour us; if not, they'll keep their distance."
Politics was unforgiving. Strength was survival, so I couldn't condemn their actions.
"I hope it's people like my brothers or Lord Asakios who show up, not those types."
The moment we decided on the coronation, I sent word to my brothers in Reggio Calabria. Humphrey and Geoffrey responded immediately with gifts, overjoyed as if it were their own triumph, promising to come at once with their Viking brethren. Blood brothers—my chest swelled with emotion at their response.
Someone else blessed our coronation with equal joy: Lord Asakios. After suffering grave wounds in the Georgian War and effectively stepping down as head of house in place of Lord Manuel, he now led the Komnenos family. While we toiled in the north, he had secured the south, allying with an exceptional mercenary captain named Katakalon he met there to subdue the fractured southern nobles and establish himself as a power.
In original history, Katakalon Kekaumenos was a famed general who served under my adoptive father, Lord Nikephoros—not in the eastern army, but in the Bulgarian wars. He rose so high he personally petitioned the emperor for the title of proedros, speaker of the senate.
Though a brilliant commander, history shifted because my adoptive father fought in Bulgaria instead of the east. Katakalon became a mercenary captain and joined forces with Lord Asakios, who needed a southern base, to pacify the region.
I'd ask Lord Asakios for the details later. What mattered now was his friendly stance—promising to attend our coronation personally as the south's new strongman.
The Komnenos family was tied to us in various ways. My chief of staff and adjutant, Lord Ioannis, was a branch member. Our field army commander, Angelos, had been Lord Manuel's aide. He'd even fought alongside me in Georgia against the enemy general Johan.
In a way, they were practically allies, if not more.
"Yes, I hope reliable people like Lord Asakios and your brothers come in numbers," Zoi agreed, chiming in. Emerging from my embrace, she asked, "By the way, this will be my first time seeing your brothers. What are they like?"
"Fierce warriors with indomitable spirits, like the Varangians here."
Northmen heroes, descendants of Vikings—Normans fearless in battle. But that wasn't their whole identity. They longed for brothers, pondered the future, lived their lives. That's what I knew of brothers Geoffrey and Humphrey.
"And wise men who taught me much."
"They must be fine people," Zoi said with a smile. I bowed my head in gratitude.
As we talked, a familiar voice came from behind. "Aren't you two being too affectionate in the middle of the day?"
Theodora stood there, arms crossed, looking grumpy. Zoi greeted her with an awkward smile. "Wh-what brings you here?"
"What do you think? To discuss tomorrow's coronation."
Like Zoi, Theodora bore the purple blood, so she would attend to lend prestige.
"Thank you, Theodora."
"No need. Honestly, it would've been nice if Uncle and Father could be here too..."
Theodora expressed regret. Even years after Basil II's death, she remembered that day vividly.
"I'm representing the family in their place to offer congratulations, so be happy about it."
Smiling, Theodora spoke to Zoi, who clasped her hand in thanks.
"And Your Majesty—or since the coronation hasn't happened yet, brother-in-law is fine, right?"
"Y-yes."
"Just try making my sister cry. I won't stand for it."
Her expression said she meant it, so I nodded vigorously to survive.
"By the way, I hear it's an acclamation coronation this time."
"That's right."
"Have you prepared the people in advance?"
Without cheers resounding, it would be a disaster. We'd seeded some of our own in the crowd to leverage mob psychology—once cheers started, others would follow.
"Preparations are solid."
Zoi interjected, addressing Theodora. "Thanks. But the bureaucrats aren't fully ready yet. Can you help?"
It sounded like a line Zoi had prepped, but Theodora, as if expecting it, placed a hand on her hip with a reluctant expression.
"Since it's my sister's request, I have no choice."
The close sisters—I watched them, certain the coronation would unfold under everyone's blessings.
The pre-prepared altar. Two figures ascended it: clad in purple robes reserved for the purple blood—the emperor's color, Tyrian purple—adorned with gleaming golden embroidery.
Rogerius and Zoi. As the two emperors took their places, their generals approached one by one to pledge loyalty.
"Angelos Emedos Moselaph pledges absolute loyalty to Rome's rightful rulers."
"Ioannis Komnenos-Laika respects the sacred bloodline and swears before heaven to serve the two emperors eternally."
"The Kantakouzenos family shall serve as faithful vassals of Rome and the emperors, contributing to the empire."
Greek generals' oaths of loyalty. The emperors expressed their gratitude.
"The Alans shall serve Your Majesties with utmost loyalty."
"The Varangians swear by blood and axe to slay Rome's foes."
"The Turks, by the laws of the steppe, honor and serve Your Majesties as khagan."
Bachana and Alton for the Alans, Halvar for the Varangians, Arslan and Chaur for the Turks—each pledged fealty. The katepanes and administrators followed suit, proving their devotion with full ceremony.
With the cabinet's oaths complete, Asakios, who had watched it all, stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesties' enemies are mine. The Komnenos family shall safeguard Your Majesties and the empire."
Approaching the emperors, Asakios swore as an ally. Rogerius and Zoi bowed deeply in sincere thanks.
As Asakios returned to his place, Geoffrey advanced as if waiting. Draped in a Norman outfit with a special Viking fur cloak, my brother knelt before me.
"I swear before the Almighty God in heaven: the emperors' enemies are mine, and any who oppose Rome is the foe of Reggio Calabria."
Rising, Geoffrey looked at Zoi and me, then bellowed, "To my blood brother, I entrust my life."