Europa Universalis IV

Europa Universalis IV

Extended Timeline
A suggestion for sub-roman Briton
Small Suggestion for Post-Roman Briton

I have no idea if this writing will actually contribute toward the mod, but if so I have a small adjustment to suggest in regard to post-roman (known scholarly as sub-roman) Briton following Honorius' response to Briton self-rule following the year 410. As is popularly agreed upon by historians, Briton before the Anglo-Saxon migration to briton was its own political entity, even suggested to be a single entity by contemporary sources (such as gildas). Because of this, I think a new tag should be implemented, with Britain as the name, and a Roman coat of arms, or perhaps a uniquely used British-Roman coat of arms, to represent this polity. While the age of this figure isn't known, Ambrosius Aurelianus is the leader that should be added for this polity, as it is the only significant sub-roman figure named during this period, and was referred to as a military leader who "wore the purple", suggesting noble birth or even imperial lineage as some have suggested. He could be given leadership over this new tag, at least from the date of around 460 to a date of around 500, since he was known to spend the majority of his life combatting the Anglo-Saxons who migrated to Briton during this time. His famous victory against the Anglo-Saxons has been dated to around the reign of Emperor Zeno, between 474-491. Because of this, his reign could either match that of the Emperor, or occur around that time. Before him, perhaps the usual random leader of Roman culture should be given, and following him, his descendants appear to have succeeded him--at least for two generations. As noted by Gildas, by around AD 500, Anglo-Saxons controlled the Isle of Wight, Kent, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and coastal areas of Northumberland and Yorkshire. These could be broken down into the polities that they already are within the mod, however other regions should remain under roman culture, and either under the dynasty Aurelianus (as a figure named Aurelian is named by Gildas), or under random rulers of Roman naming and culture. As the germanic conquest is widely believed to have been gradual over this period (corroborated by the distribution of burial sites) these areas could gradually be given to germanic polities, contrasted by an ever-receding, united Briton. Throughout the 6th century, the mod developers could choose a time they deem to be reasonable to complete the transformation--with the end result resembling what they include in the mod at present time.

I believe this would offer a unique and entertaining challenge that one could strive to achieve in Extended Timeline, one that could even draw some attention to the mod as well. As Ambrosius was later referred to as the Uncle of King Arthur, it is even reasonable to assume that one of these Romano-Britons was the later named Arthur, leading to some interesting gameplay scenarios during the early dark age period. For example, one could compete against the germanic invaders to reclaim Briton, and with Roman culture even strive to reform the Roman Empire. As happened in our own timeline, the Britons did try to install their own Emperor, Constantius III, to the throne in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. They lost in Gaul, however it sets a precedent that could be attempted by players after the fall of the Western Empire. It would integrate the ever-popular Arthurian legend into the mod, add the possibility of unique events for this culture group, and reward modders with the first ever attempt to map out Briton during this incredibly chaotic period. Not only would this be the first depiction to ever be created, but it would be the first gameplay opportunity of its kind in any game, and would be the first to reconcile the legends of kind arthur with the situation of the British isles during this period. So overall, the reward for the pursuit of such an addition would be twofold, and could find popularity among players of Eu4. I understand that this is difficult to do given the complication of the mod already, but if possible, would love to see this suggestion entertained and even pursued. Thank you for reading.
< >
Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
qweytr  [developer] 24 Sep, 2021 @ 2:57pm 
A Britannia tag would only exist as a formable for Briton countries. There was no united Briton country at any point historically, even if some people have claimed that.

But the formable could be added, especially if you are willing to write ideas for it.
The Last Despot 24 Sep, 2021 @ 7:43pm 
Originally posted by qweytr:
A Britannia tag would only exist as a formable for Briton countries. There was no united Briton country at any point historically, even if some people have claimed that.

But the formable could be added, especially if you are willing to write ideas for it.

I suppose it wouldn't be referred to as "Briton", but it certainly was a land of romano-britons that existed as a "unified" cadre of former roman elites--only to be superceded by the germanic tribes a significant amount of time after they arrived on the island. I guess i'm just wondering if there could be a nation there instead of the current rapid split into welsh, essex, etc. that did not exist in such a form until around the 6th-7th centuries. Especially the culture of the groups in power there, as they still followed roman customs and had roman names. Events referring to a more realistic adaptation of arthurian legend would be the "icing on the cake" there

the tag would be similar to the soissons in their place in history, or odoacer in post-roman italy. there would be more flavor for the region going into the early middle ages, and would more accurately show the political situation there following the collapse of roman rule.

finally, it is an honor to see that you read my comment, the amount of time that i have spent on your mod is sometimes too much for even me to reflect on--amazing work :)

is there a good place to reach you regarding the text for the ideas?
< >
Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
Per page: 1530 50