A Treatise on Economic fulfillment, the funding of the nobility and the Theme system/The Theme System

The Theme System/Map

The Theme System

This final chapter will discuss the importance of a well managed empire. Whilst we have examined the running of efficient regions and how the nobility and treasury should be maintained to the benefit of those regions, and the realm, we have not discussed the importance of a strictly ordered realm. This is vital to the success of any empire that wishes to expand, yet maintain stability and balance. The sections I will aim to discuss are as follows:

• The 'Theme': The titular topic, what a Theme is and its importance to a superbly managed realm. This is known in many different names, the most common is the Duchy, although the Theme differs in legal and cultural respects.

• Imperial Responsibility: There cannot be empire without imperial authority, and where that rears its head there must be responsibility, both to and from the crown. Here I will attempt to ascertain the right conduct that should be shown to vassals and lieges alike.

• Decentralisation vs Centralisation: As will be espoused very soon, a decentralised realm far outstrips the effectiveness of a centralised one, but requires more careful politicking of the various estates involved. I will show you the benefits and the drawbacks of each, and explain why the former defeats the latter.

• Titles and their Meaning: Often there are many titles for regional lords, let alone dukes, kings and emperors. I will outline not the titles so much, but what their bearing should mean to the realm at large.

• Obedience over Glory: To wrap up this treatise, I will discuss the importance of each individual nobles responsibility to the realm first, and their own personal needs next. A realm cannot prosper without order and productivity, and that can only be achieved with combined, disciplined efforts.

The first section will outline what a 'Theme' actually is.