Agrippan Rome

Agrippan Rome is the name commonly used to describe one of the alternates in the Crosstime Traffic series.

This reality differs from the main timeline in that Rome never fell. General Agrippa did not die and thus was able to fight off the barbarian invasion against Rome.

=Roman Empire=

The Roman Empire occupies most of Europe, from Great Britain to Dacia (Romania in the home timeline), including Greece. It borders on the Lietuvan and Persian empires.

Technology
Not facing multiple threats as it otherwise could have made the Roman Empire stronger, but technologically slower. Gunpowder is perhaps the last major discovery, as it is used profusely by the military in muskets and cannons. It has allowed Rome to keep would-be invaders outside for centuries.

As with Rome of old, running water is available, but at a price. Many women still go to the local fountain for water (and gossip).

Medicine
Medicine in Agrippan Rome has been described as ghastly by Crosstime travelers. There are no anesthetics and the only disinfectant is wine. Patients take opium to dull the pain. Dentistry is likewise unrefined.

Society
21st century Romans live in much the same way their ancestors did 2000 years before them. Status and wealth are important factors in every city, and citizens show both with their clothing. Citizens enjoy the circus whenever possible, where gladiators are pited against each other, and slaves against beasts.

Slavery is still very present, though a slave can be freed by his/her master. A freedman or freedwoman still owes loyalty to his/her former master, but has rights as a citizen. A freed slave's children are considered totally free. (Note: Crosstime Traffic prohibits the trade, ownership, and freeing of slaves in all alternate worlds.)

Agrippan Rome is very bureaucratic: one must register when entering and leaving a city. Returning to a city after prolonged absence means an offering must be made at the local temple, which is recorded.

Politics
Rome is led by the Emperor. There is a Senate, but its power is limited.

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.

Military
Battles are fought in formation, much as older Roman armies would have fought, except with extra cannon and infantry divisions. Roman armies still sport the "SPQR" banner. Young able men can be drafted in the army easily, if for example a marching division should find a lone man on its way.

Religion
Rome favours the state religion of the traditional Roman gods. It also accepts Imperial Christianism, which believes in a single God and the teachings of Jesus. Imperial Christians do not consider the emperor a god as other Romans would, but believe he is guided by their God. Offerings in the form of incense (and spilling wine on the ground at home) are made to the good health of the emperor which satisfies the local authorities. More orthodox Christians exist who do not believe the emperor is guided by God; their faith is tolerated by Rome. Other religions are present in neighbouring empires. Islam does not exist, Muhammad being never born in this alternate reality.

=Neighbouring empires=

Little information is available on the neighbouring empires. Persia and Lietuva persist. China is likewise a gunpowder empire and has some dealings with Rome. Japan is the home to a pirate society.