Cyrogelos the Loyal
Cyrogelos the Loyal was a Ytalian general, the most famous companion of Zanis the Great, and the founder of the loyal Kingdom of Ytalia. His name became synonymous with personal loyalty, military professionalism, and the sacred memory of the Cult of Zanis.
Loyalty to Zanis¶
Cyrogelos entered Zanic history during the conquest of Ytalia. In 55 LC, after Zanis had subjugated the Ytalians and declared himself Emperor of the Geallians, an assassination attempt was made by the emperor's own guards. Cyrogelos saved Zanis's life.
Zanis promoted him to second in command of the legions. Later sayings remembered Cyrogelos as the model soldier: loyalty was not standing beside a lord at a feast, but standing before him when the knives were drawn.
King of Ytalia¶
In 75 LC, after Zanis had conquered much of western Intermarenica, he rewarded Cyrogelos by granting him the title of king of Ytalia. The Ytalians fully accepted Zani rule, and Ytalia became one of the most loyal kingdoms of the Zani world.
The kingdom guarded the Golden Pathway and continued to serve the weakened Razani Empire after the Great Collapse.
Reforms and Worship¶
The Cyrogelos Reforms transformed the Zani army into a more professional force. In Zanisite worship, Cyrogelos is remembered as Sol, the companion who stood between the emperor and death.
The Luxterran Calendar also preserves his name. When Zanis added two months in 79 LC, the second new month, Cyrolizan, honored Cyrogelos so that he would never leave the emperor's side in the eternal march.
See also: Zanis the Great, Zani Empire, Kingdom of Ytalia, Zanisite, Luxterran Calendar, and Timeline.