In the Theklan hegemony (e.g. During the Archaic Period), the monarch of an involuntary member of the hegemony, or of a state reduced from allied status after a rebellion. Subject kings, although accorded the courtesies of their royal rank, have no command status within the hegemonial forces, and are often viewed with suspicion by Theklan soldiers. Subject states paid tribute to Thekla, and if their soldiers or rowers were required on campaign they were hired on a mercenary basis. Subject kings were guaranteed no part in the councils of the anaxos of Thekla.
After loyal and distinguished service subject kings were occasionally elevated to the status of allied king. One noted example was Daramalan of Kos.
When the empire of Gehennum was constituted, the subject kings were given the same rank in the Gerusia as their allied and recently-conquered fellows—a measure intended to reduce their dissatisfaction with their position. Most were forced to cede their lands to the emperor, and very few were allowed to keep their castles. This left them, regardless of rank, among the poorer, less powerful, and least independent of the dynastai.
Copyright © 1991 by Brett Evill. All rights reserved.
