Coronation of the Diadochian monarch

The coronation of the Diadochian monarch is a ceremony in which the monarch of Diadochia is formally crowned and invested with the regalia. As early as the 6th century the Diadochia has claimed to be the "Third Rome", some eight centuries before Constantinople even fell.

Because Diadochia is a multinational empire there are many forms of coronations that the Diadochian monarch must go through, because besides being Emperor of Diadochia (Anatoliká, Elláda, Calabria, New Aígyptos) he is also monarch of various autonomous states.

Coronation in Diadochia proper

The coronation in Diadochia proper is the most elaborate of the Diadochian coronations. It is also the one that most comes to mind when a person mentions the coronation of the diadochian monarch. It has various parts combining the coronation rituals of the four main Constituent countries or provinces of Diadochia proper: Anatoliká, Elláda, Calabria, New Aígyptos.

New Aígyptos

The coronation of the Pharaoh of New Aígyptos is the earliest coronation rituals. They are has old has Diadochia itself. The earliest coronation rituals stem from New Aígyptos and are pagan in origin. The rituals are performed by the Patriarch of Atlantis who adds a christian flavor to the centuries old traditions. The Coronation of the Emperor of Diadochia as Pharaoh of New Aígyptos takes place in New Memphis.

The ceremony begins when the Emperor appears wearing the Nemes crown (striped headcloth), a false beard made from goat's hair, dressed in the ancient costume of New Aígyptos wearing the Shemset apron. A bull's tail hangs from his belt, symbolizing strength and virility. The Emperor's face and skin are painted with a brownish color in imitation of the original Pharaohs' of New Aígyptos who were of Afro-Asiatic descent. The Patriarch than hands the Emperor the Crook and flail, consisting of the shepherd's shaped crook called the Heka, and the fly whip called the Nekhakha, symbols of the power and authority of the Pharaoh.

After the Patriarch presents the Emperor with the Crook and flail, he than first presents the Emperor with the White Crown, or Hedjet (the crown of Upper New Aígyptos), after this the Patriarch presents the monarch with the Deshret or Red Crown (diadem of Lower New Aígyptos).

After placing both on separately the Patriarch combines them both to form the the Pschent (the Double Crown). After this the Patriach speaks to those in attendance talking of the great battles and wars the Pharaoh will win. While the Patriarch does this the people present the Emperor with the Khepresh or the Blue Crown of war.

After the coronation the new Pharaoh performs the ritual "smiting of the enemy" During the ceremony the Pharaoh appears before the leader or leaders of a defeated realm ceremonially strikes the vassal with a mace. Up until the end of the medieval time the smiting usually ended in the death of the defeated vassals.

After this the Pharaoh performs the ceremony of the "circumambulation of the White Walls" of New Memphis, by ceremonially performing a ritual procession around the city with his entire Court. The ritual is used to strengthen the Pharaoh's right to the throne and is the ceremonial way in which the Emperor of Diadochia lays claim to the city. After this the Pharaoh appears before the people of New Aígyptos and a state banquet is given.

The following day the Pharaoh performs the final ritual of importance in the coronation rituals of the Pharaoh of New Aígyptos. This is the Sed festival which includes elaborate semi-pagan rituals, great processions, and the ceremonial raising of a djed monument.