Spotlight: Hellenic Religion news - A.D. 633: Rise of Islam mod for Crusader Kings II

Variations of the basic tenets of the Hellenic religion dominated the Mediterranean even before the advent of the Roman Empire, and it continued to be the primary religion in the Empire until the eventual and gradual advent of Christianity. By the 8th century in our timeline, it had disappeared completely save for a few backwater villages in northern Syria and the Peloponnesus, accounting for its neglect in the base game. Fortunately for you, the year 633 sees the religion on the brink of extinction, but not yet quite extinguished. Under the shrewd leadership of a capable ruler, the Hellenic faith can rise from the ashes and become mighty once again!

Although there is little trace of its former glory in A.D. 633, the Hellenic faith was once a well-organized and focused religion. The position of Pontifex Maximus, the ultimate authority on all Roman religious matters and the head of the Collegium Pontificum, was subsumed into the Imperial office during the reign of the first Roman emperor, Augustus. As Pontifex Maximus, the emperor had the authority to marry and divorce Roman couples, to mete out punishment for moral offences, to preside over all religious ceremonies, and to regulate the calendar. The title was abandoned when Christianity became the official religion in A.D. 380. The religion has become disorganized by 633, but an ambitious player can reform the faith and recreate the Pontificate Maxima. The in-game Pontifex Maximus is playable, similar to the Islamic Caliphates and the Germanic Fylkirate. He has the power to excommunicate other Hellenes and to declare Holy Wars (other Hellenic characters may not declare holy wars). The in-game flag is displayed to the left.

The Hellenic religion no longer has any noble adherents in Greece in A.D. 633, but there remains one noble house of Syriac language and culture that follows the old ways. Chief Bardol Kokabthad of Aleppo and Aintab is a vassal of Strategos Ioannes of Edessa, who is in turn a vassal of Basileus Herakleios of the Byzantine Empire. It will be a long struggle if he wishes his faith to once again dominate the Western world.

In light of their new dedication to restoring the old Hellenic traditions and glory, reformed Hellenic rulers have new decisions available to them. They may decide to change their culture to either Greek or Roman in tribute to their Hellenic predecessors, depending on whether they want to focus on spreading the glorious culture or the victorious arms of Hellenism. The "Restore the Roman Empire" decision is also now available to reformed Hellenic characters. Unique events are planned for future releases.

Do you want to reverse the fortunes of Hellenism and restore its former glory? Download the full version of A.D. 633: Rise of Islam now by clicking the download button.