The Basileia of the Romans has grown by one Theme, increasing their number to 4, after the incorporation of Novo Ashukovo. The new territory is in close proximity to the Administrative Capital of the Empire, Hagiopolis, as well as the Theme of Eliopolis and the neighboring Kingdom of Pangration (360m, 820m, and 900m respectively) and belongs to the wider metropolitan area of Hagiopolis.
The decision to incorporate an additional territory under Crown control had been taken long ago, as several lands already lie under the Imperial Family's ownership but have not yet been incorporated into the Empire. The territory that now forms Novo Ashukovo was chosen for its strategic significance in the wider area of Hagiopolis, as it, together with Eliopolis, place the Administrative Capital in the middle of the two Themes, forming a "shield" of sorts around the Empire's decision-taking center.
Novo Ashukovo is named in honor of Ashukovo, one of the most prominent and historical micronations of the 2010s. Territories now forming part of the Basileía of the Romans, such as the Kingdom of Mouzilo, once were pieces of the Ashukov Federation and the Tsardom of Ashukovo between 2013 and 2017. Basileús and Autokrátōr of the Romans Emmanuel I & II also ruled as Tsar of Ashukovo from 2014 to 2017 and still nominally maintains the Title, while also having held several offices in Ashukovo and overseen the development of the Ashukov language, a separate and unique Slavic language.
Novo Ashukovo is to become a unique territory for the development of the former Ashukov culture with the goal of exploring new possibilities and ideas around the Ashukov identity, while also paying tribute to the rich history of one of the most prominent micronations in recent memory. The connections between the old and New Ashukovo are immediately seen on the territory's symbols, with the flag and coat of arms being directly inspired by those of the Second Ashukov Federation.