It had already been three weeks since the Prince returned to Morea.
The envoys from the capital, who were supposed to inform him about the matter of co-emperorship, had yet to arrive.
However, the Prince had no time to concern himself with advancing his relationship with Sophia or meeting the still-elusive Ivania.
It wasn’t that co-emperorship or his relationship with Sophia were unimportant, but the most critical issue was strengthening Morea’s capabilities.
His focus was on Morea itself—on the newly incorporated Greek territories and the Albanian refugees pouring in from the south.
“From now on, Morea will be divided into three major administrative regions: Morea, centered around Mistra; Athens, based on the former Duchy of Athens; and Thessaly, with Larisa as its core. These three regions will be reorganized accordingly, while Epirus will maintain its existing structure.”
Thus, Morea retained Mistra, Leontarion, Patras, Glarentza, and Monemvasia.
Athens, centered around Athens and Thebes, newly incorporated Corinth.
Lastly, Thessaly, with Larisa as its focal point, elevated Bodonitsa and Nafpaktos as new major cities.
The Prince pointed to each of these cities, outlining his vision.
“Each major city within these regions will establish a civic assembly. The assembly will consist of thirteen seats: five appointed officials from me, one judge dispatched from the capital, and seven representatives elected autonomously by the city’s public. A motion passed by the assembly will require a two-thirds majority, though military actions may be subject to additional restrictions.”
Any faction that might have opposed this had long been crushed.
However, merely establishing assemblies was not enough for effective governance.
There was a reason for dividing the regions—it was a safeguard for when the Prince could no longer oversee everything personally.
He had deliberated extensively on how to govern these regions and could not ignore the influence of the Church.
His next statement reflected his conclusions.
**”Each region will oversee the major cities where these assemblies are established. However, this is not akin to the old theme system in Anatolia. No single individual will rule over an entire region—these regions are purely administrative divisions.
Military deployments and organization will follow a slightly different structure. Instead, each region will form a self-governing council composed of a bishop to address regional issues, representatives of minority and non-Christian communities, and leaders from the civic assemblies.”**
The central Greek territories, mountainous and long beyond the Empire’s influence, were difficult to govern effectively.
The Empire was too weakened to enforce direct rule.
The reality of a collapsed order had to be acknowledged.
Overcoming this crisis—and ultimately transforming the Empire—demanded change and reconstruction. The Prince’s next actions aligned with this necessity.
“In the major cities of each region, the existing courts will be reorganized or newly established to enforce the rule of law. The laws proposed and enacted by the assemblies will be known as ‘city laws,’ which will remain valid within the city’s jurisdiction but must always be subordinate to imperial law. If a city law conflicts with the imperial code, it will be rendered null and void. Furthermore, to address disputes between cities or unresolved major cases, a ‘High Court’ will be established in each region.”
This was modelled after the appellate system from the Prince’s former world.
Even in the distant medieval past, similar systems had likely existed.
However, for such a judiciary to take root quickly, the monarch’s unwavering determination was essential—a rare occurrence in history.
Next, the Prince turned his attention to the numerous Turks now residing in Greece. Expelling them entirely was nearly impossible.
If they could not be driven out, they had to be integrated. If they could not be accepted as they were, they had to change.
Religious conviction alone could not forge a path to the future, and so the Prince confronted reality.
**”Now, regarding the most pressing issue: the Turks and other non-Christians.
—I will grant them the opportunity to become citizens of the Empire. Of course, most churches that were converted into mosques will be restored. However, in cities where Turks make up a significant portion of the population, new mosques may be constructed, or ruined churches may be repurposed into mosques. In return, just as they once imposed taxes on Christians, they will be subject to a religious tax or conscription into military service.”**
The coexistence of Turks and Greeks was now an unavoidable reality.
For centuries, their lands had been in conflict, yet their cultures were slowly merging.
At times, the only true distinction between them seemed to be religious identity.
Seeing conqueror and conquered gradually resemble one another, the Prince chose to embrace this reality rather than reject it.
“Their legal system will also be respected. The Turks may establish their own Sharia courts. In future trials, Turks will be judged not only by imperial law but also by Sharia law where applicable. However, Sharia judges will have no jurisdiction over non-Turkish imperial subjects, and Sharia law will apply exclusively to Turks.”
These policies of religious tolerance served two crucial purposes for the Prince: securing both revenue and soldiers.
The decision to allow Turks to choose between paying a religious tax or military service was not a matter of benevolence—it was a calculated move to extract manpower and financial resources.
“The religious tax will be set at one-quarter of the newly implemented ‘defense tax.’ Those who prefer military service over taxation may serve instead. The standard term of service will be ten years, with soldiers required to obtain their own equipment. These forces will be organized into new units known as the ‘Mourtatoi.’”
Having structured his plans thus far, the Prince finally reached for the problem that had long been delayed.
Now that there was no longer any tribute to the Ottomans, this was the last opportunity to act.
The issue had been painfully obvious for a long time, yet too dire to address.
Now, at last, the Prince unsheathed his sword against the problem all had chosen to ignore.
“Now, regarding the defense tax I just mentioned—”
“I have long thought that the collection of taxes imposed under various names attracts considerable costs, and that their complexity hinders the smooth operation of state finances. Furthermore, we no longer have the capacity to enforce these taxes fairly. Therefore, I am consolidating the existing tax categories and reducing them to four: ‘Government Tax,’ ‘Defense Tax,’ ‘Religious Tax,’ and ‘Customs Duties.’”
Tax Reform.
A mission that was once impossible to attempt due to financial hardship and the constant pressure from the Ottomans.
The Prince’s confidence in undertaking such reforms was based on three factors: the imposition of the religious tax, the newly favourable relations with the Jewish community, and the final set of reforms yet to be executed.
Each of these measures had the potential to provoke immense backlash.
However, the empire was already in ruins—ironically, this very fact worked to his advantage.
At present, no force within Morea or the empire at large could challenge the Prince’s authority.
“The Government Tax encompasses former poll taxes and similar taxes. It will be used to sustain administrative officials and maintain infrastructure, and it is set at 30% of income. While tax rates may fluctuate, any changes must be proposals that the civic assemblies of the affected cities can accept.
The Defense Tax consolidates the various taxes previously allocated to maintaining military forces. It will be used to feed and pay soldiers, and it is set at 10–20% of income. The exact rate will be adjusted based on the economic conditions of each region, with detailed criteria to be determined after a forthcoming financial assessment.
The Religious Tax applies to non-Christians, as mentioned earlier. It can be substituted with military service, and its revenues may be used to either support these communities or supplement state finances.
Lastly, Customs Duties will be imposed on trade goods. The existing tax rates will be maintained, but merchants engaged in intercity trade within Morea will be exempted once they acquire the appropriate license.”
A total tax rate of 50% was no easy burden, yet the Prince showed no mercy.
Simply lowering tax rates would not suffice.
Morea needed to undergo a sweeping military reorganization and raise a formidable army.
The costs required for this made further tax reductions impossible.
Nonetheless, the true significance of these tax reforms lay in their simplicity—streamlining revenue collection for the state.
“The organization of the military will also be clarified, with some changes to the existing structure.
From now on, all infantry units will be structured according to the Paramone and Alagia system. A Paramone consists of 500 men, while two Paramone units form an Alagia, totaling 1,000 soldiers. The primary forces making up an Alagia will be the Skutatoi, Chacones, Gasmouloi, and Mourtatoi.
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Skutatoi will serve as the backbone of the front lines, equipped with long spears and chainmail. In an independent Alagia, 400 men will be Skutatoi, forming the central battle line.
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Chacones will function as light infantry, reorganized from previous supporting troops. Armed with spears, shields, and light armor, they will act as reserves, harass enemy lines, or delay collapsing formations. In an independent Alagia, 200 will be Chacones.
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Gasmouloi will be a mixed unit composed of Latins and those with the financial means to afford their own equipment. In an independent Alagia, 200 will be Gasmouloi, forming the flanks. Equipped with swords, shields, and either chainmail or heavier armor, their role is to hold the line and prevent a collapse on the wings.
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Mourtatoi will consist of those who came for military service instead of the religious tax. In an independent Alagia, 200 will be Mourtatoi, supporting the flanks or using bows to weaken the enemy before engaging in melee. Their equipment will primarily be self-provided, and their main role will be as archers.”
The Ottomans were powerful.
To be unprepared was to invite destruction.
“Funds will also be allocated for local militias to defend cities and fortresses.
The militia system will largely be maintained, but some adjustments will be made to its scale. Each city’s civic assembly will have the authority to maintain:
- A permanent force of 100 heavily armed Chaconike Philax (medium infantry equipped with spears and chainmail),
- A militia force to be mobilized in emergencies,
- A standing force of 100 guardsmen for regular security.
The government will fund the Chaconike Philax and the guardsmen. However, civic assemblies will be strictly prohibited from using these forces for any purpose other than maintaining public order.”
The Prince was steadily laying the groundwork.
“Measures will also be taken regarding the monasteries.
Monasteries with fewer than fifteen members will be subject to a formal review conducted by an inquisition composed of bishops and monastic representatives. Those deemed unnecessary will be dissolved, and all their assets will be confiscated by the state. The monks of these dissolved monasteries may seek to join larger, established monastic communities. However, they will be required to testify in court to prove whether their motives stem from genuine faith or a mere attempt to evade taxation and military service.
Additionally, henceforth, all land donations and inheritances granted to monastic orders will be subject to formal review to determine their legitimacy.”
Eight years remained.
“The Albanians will be permitted to settle wherever they wish. However, those who choose to reside in Athens or Thessaly will be exempt from taxes and military service for the next three years.”
A fragile grace period—perhaps far shorter than expected.
There was no telling what could be accomplished in that time.
The Ottomans might recover from their losses and once again draw their swords before the Prince’s reforms could take full effect.
Thus, while time remained, he had to act.
To make his decision final.
To make Morea strong.
TL : The military forces mentioned are also real forces that existed in Byzantine Empire. To be honest, if you don’t feel like waiting for the next chapter, just pick up a history book about the Byzantine Empire.
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