Ecumene

The Ecumene was an ancient Human empire that existed in the Inner Rim from c. 26000 BBY until its dissolution in 12000 BBY. The ruler of the Ecumene held the title Ecumenim. The term "ecumenopolis", which referred to a planet-wide city, was initially the name of the supercity that covered Denon's surface.

History
The Ecumene was founded after a number of Human colonies in the Inner Rim were conquered by the monarchy of Denon. A civil war occurred within the Ecumene's borders which resulted in a shift of government. The Ecumenites eventually reached the borders of the Galactic Republic after several millennia of interstellar conquest, which resulted in the Ecumenite War. The war, which would last nearly one millennium, would be remembered as the largest and bloodiest conflict in the galaxy until the Pius Dea Crusades and involved battles on more than 150 worlds. After Denon was conquered by an army led by the Pius Dea cult, the Ecumene's member worlds began gradually seceding and joined the Republic.

Government
The Ecumenites were ruled by the Ecumenim and a council of planetary governor who each held the title 'Ecumenar'. The Ecumenim, who acquired their position through inheritance, held absolute power on Denon, while each Ecumenar, who was appointed by the Ecumenim, held similar authority on the worlds they individually governed. Following the civil war, the Ecumenim became a democratically elected position.