Under Construction: Byzantine Government

We are currently discussing some ideas for setting up a restored Byzantine Government on the main Nova Byzantium list. Here are some updates on ideas being debated:

1. We are considering setting up a division between the concept of state and government. In other words the State would be the expression of Byzantium itself, while government would be the day-to-day business of administration of the nation.

With this idea the State would be mostly concerned with identity and symbolism and would be presided over by an Emperor and/or Empress, who would have a public role but would not be in control of the government. The Governement would be presided over by the Senate and magistracies, and would do the business of running and administrating Byzantium Novum.

This is a departure from ancient Byzantium which was both ruled and goverened by the Emperor and levels of advisors. However, it both retains ancient positions and allows a modern representative system of government to flourish in the new Byzantine world.

2. We have also been discussing appointing a "Steward" to fill the role of Emperor or Empress for the present, so that the position of full ruler could be held open for an actual descendent of Byzantine Nobility. Having a member of a legitimate ancient family as Emperor or Empress would ensure continuity between ancient and "new" Byzantium... but the seat of state leader would not remain empty until the position could be properly filled.

3. We are also beginning to discuss magistracies. These changed quite a bit over the more than thousand years of Byzantine history! We are not duty bound to choose from only one era, but will try to make a rational blending of all periods using what works best for our actual needs.

Once the basic positions of government are decided on, we will be creating the first Constitution of Byzantium Novum. We intend to make the Constitution as simple and straightforward as possible. An ongoing goal of Byzantium Novum is to keep "laws and lawmaking" to a minimum. Instead our hope is to focus on growth and manifesting Byzantine civilization in the real world.

In the meantime it is good to see positive discussion in the forums, and so far everyone seems to be "on the same page" with things. Byzantium Novum is so far doing quite well!