Constantine IV of Diadochia

Constantine IV (12 December 1563 – 10 August 1599); widely known as Ko̱nstantínos Aléxandros or as Ko̱nstantínos IV Aléxandros, or as Ko̱nstantínos Aléxandros the Great (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος ο Μέγας Αλέξανδρος, Latin: Konstantínos Alexandros Magnus, French: Konstantínos Aléxandros le Grand, a formal posthumous distinction passed by the Parliament of Diadochia in 1600); was the Emperor of Diadochia from 1582 to 1599 and is credited as the founder of Diadochia as a Great Power in Esquarium.

Constantine is often regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time, with innovative use of combined arms. He is also one of the greatest in Diadochian history.

He was known by the epithets "The Golden King" and "The Golden Lion of the North" by neighboring sovereigns. Constantine IV is commemorated today with city squares in major Diadochian cities like Atlantis, Thessalonica, and Pella.

Life

Constantine Alexander, has he was known from birth, was born on 12 December 1563 in Atlantis, the capital of Diadochia. Upon his father's death in June 1582, a nineteen-year-old Constantine inherited the throne and begin his seventeen years of rule.

His successful involvements in the numerous wars of the century gave rise to the saying that he was the incarnation of "the Golden Lion of the North", portrayed in the popular Diadochian epic poem, the Knight in the Lions Mane.

Military Genius

Constantine IV was an extremely able military commander. His integration of wise tactical innovations in the infantry, cavalry, and navy; as well as his use of new logistics and artillery advancements, earned him the title of the "Father of Modern Warfare" in Diadochia, as well as several other foreign countries who admired the emperor for his bravery, integrity and his overall upright behavior.

Constantine was the main figure responsible for the success of the Diadochian armies during the 16th century leading Diadochia to great prestige. Because of this he is considered the primary reason why Diadochia, after nearly thirty years of disintegration was boosted into great power status. As a general, Constantine IV employed mobile artillery on the battlefield, making use of very aggressive tactics, stressing the importance of the offensive over the defensive. Also during his reign mobility and the use of cavalry were emphasized, giving rise to the saying "The Great army of Diadochia is the cavalry"

His armies were very well trained for the day, so that his armies were known all over Esquarium for their firing accuracy and reload speed: some have said it was ten times faster than any contemporary Esquarium rivals. By the time, Constantine IV died in 1599, he had formed a strong and powerful army that was quick to attack but also easy to defend.

Victorious death

Constantine IV often fought battles without wearing any armor. When asked by his worried advisors to put on armor for his own protection, he is said to have proclaimed, "The Lord God, is my only armor!" This is generally regarded has a legend devised to boost the prestige of the Emperor. In 1594, a enemy soldier shot him in the muscles above his shoulders. During this time the fate of his empire hang in the balance. To the joy and praise of all Diadochia he managed to survive, but the doctors could not remove the bullet. From that point on, the emperor was unable to wear iron armor.

Constantine was killed in battle in 1599, when, at a crucial point in the said battle, he became separated from his troops while leading a cavalry charge into a dense smog of mist and gunpowder smoke. The 35-year-old Constantine IV was shot in the back. He fell and was dragged for some distance by his horse. He managed to free himself from the stirrup, but while lying on the ground "The Golden Lion of the North" the Great Emperor of Diadochia was killed by another shot through his head. By nightfall both armies were exhausted, however the Diadochian army ruled the day. The Emperor's body was found and brought home to his hysterical wife and son, the new Emperor of Diadochia.

After his death, his wife initially kept his body, and later his heart, in the Komnenos Castle for over a year. His remains (including his heart) now rest in Michael and Gabriel Cathedral in Atlantis.

Constantine IV Day

Constantine IV Day is celebrated in Diadochia each year on 10 August, the day the Emperor was killed in battle.