Alright, first off, important this one, this was already discussed in a topic a few weeks ago (?) and the post I am to add here is from that topic. Why do I make this topic, then? Since I wouldn't want to revive an old topic (Unless it's only wrong after x weeks/months or something). So yeah, if this is frowned upon, apologies.
Secondly, I will not write a timeline about this, this is just for the potential after effects, mainly for the Cult of Isis, but when can talk about additional effects as well if anyone wants. Why not, you ask? Simple. I know that if I start writing a timeline, I'll be making either 5 or 6 updates, then forget about it, then read about it a few months later. Wouldn't be the first time...
Finally, have fun. A nice little discussion or interesting arguments are always a good spending of time! (Love reading some of the comments on this site after all)
So, without further ado (sp?), here is the post:
32 B.C. - War is declared on Cleopatra and Antony aids her instantly. The Senate strips him of his powers and labeled him as enemy and traitor to the Roman people. But a few nights later, a guard loyal to Octavian's side, defects and tries to assassinate Cleopatra and Antony. He fails, leading to Antony going through a purging of the people to root out potential traitors.
31 B.C. - With the purges full on their way, a lot of native people find themselves fleeing the executioners, towards the West. Many settle near Latium, especially in the poorer districts of Rome. The Cult of Isis begins an increased growth inside Rome.
Later the year Octavian invades Greece in mid-summer. Antonius, having aimed his sight at potential traitors, isn't properly prepared. The battle of near Actium is a crushing defeat for Antonius' forces. Based on reports of both Egyptian refugees and scout reports, Octavian takes a gamble and attacks by land, gaining a strong advantage over the badly assembled troops of his enemy.
Deciding to cut the snake's head off, he has his fleets block all entrances, crushing the enemy forces. Antonius commits suicide. When the news reaches Cleopatra, she too takes her own life. With his foes finally defeated, Octavian now marches on towards Egypt.
30 B.C. - The Cult of Isis is spreading through the rest of Italy. It proves to be constantly growing amongst the poorest of civilizations, though it manages to creep its way up to higher classes. Livia, Octavian's wife, finds herself intrigued by the religion, taking an increased interest.
29 B.C. - Octavian, having secured his lands, starts writing new laws, laying the foundations for the future empire. The Cult of Isis still spreads.
28 B.C. - Livia officially she announces she wishes to be part of the Cult of Isis, forcing Octavian to reconsider his stand against it (He was opposed in OTL due to his rivalry with Antonius and Cleopatra. Now, with a shortened war, lessening his dislike, and his own wife officially converting, he can reconsider easily)
27 B.C. - Octavian is officially named Augustus. Following the example of the First Citizen's wife, many of the upper-class women start considering conversion as well. The Cult spreads throughout the rest of Europe.
So yeah, basically this is a very short "timeline", but what I want to change by this is the following:
- The Cult of Isis faces less persecutions in the Empire.
- Due to the masses, it's the Cult of Isis that's promoted, not Mithras.
- An earlier spread throughout Europe helps secure its holdings.
- Having both poor and rich in the Cult also makes it easier to last.
So, what would you say? Plausible? ASB?
