Full History of Cavlan

The Holy Empire of Cavlan, founded in 2018 by Sean Cavanaugh, stands as the culmination of a long and evolving journey of personal nation-building, beginning with earlier micronational efforts under the name Abrus. Over the course of a decade, the project matured from youthful experimentation to a sophisticated symbolic monarchy with a codified legal structure, structured ministries, and a strong cultural identity rooted in Roman Catholic tradition.

From Abrus to Empire: 2015–2018

The roots of Cavlan trace back to November 11, 2015, with the establishment of the Kingdom of Abrus. Originally a monarchy led by Cavanaugh, the project shifted dramatically in January 2016 when it was reconstituted as a Commonwealth Realm under Queen Elizabeth II, with Cavanaugh serving as Prime Minister. This iteration adopted British-inspired national symbols and institutions. However, on March 3, 2016, the realm reverted to its original independent monarchy.

Inactivity plagued the monarchy, prompting a full governmental reset in September 2016, which saw Abrus become a constitutional republic modeled in part on the United States. This structure also faltered. After internal conflict and a final vote in January 2017, Abrus was dissolved.

Yet the vision persisted. On January 23, 2017, Cavanaugh founded the Kingdom of New Britain, a continuation of the previous projects. This too evolved, ultimately giving way to a provisional government that laid the groundwork for a more serious and stable project: Cavlan.

The Republic of Abrus was briefly revived on February 2, 2018, with Cavanaugh as ruling dictator. But by June, this final republic was dissolved. In its place, on July 8, 2018, the Holy Empire of Cavlan was born—founded on a new, deeply religious vision of sovereignty.

Foundation and Early Development: 2018–2020

Cavlan was established as a divine-right monarchy guided by principles of faith, empathy, service, and freedom. The early state emphasized ceremonial governance, but soon began issuing legislation and establishing institutions.

Key early laws included:

• The Day of Rest Act (2019), which recognized Sunday as a national day of rest.

• The Voting Rights Act (2019), opening the door to structured civic participation.

Diplomatically, Cavlan marked its ambitions with the appointment of a Consul General and Ambassador to India in 2019, establishing symbolic foreign relations.

Later that year, Hurricane Dorian prompted Cavlan's first State of Emergency through Imperial Proclamation 11903, which was lifted days later by 11904.

Navigating Crisis: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond (2020–2021)

Cavlan's administrative maturity was tested in 2020, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding swiftly, the government:

• Declared a State of Emergency on March 27, 2020.

• Issued a Stay-at-Home Order via Imperial Proclamation 12001, aligning with North Carolina’s protocols.

• Elevated its Public Health Concern (PHCON) to Level 5, the highest level.

Over the coming months, Cavlan launched "Operation Open Cavlan," a three-phase reopening strategy:

• Proclamation 12004 (May 2020) initiated Phase I: partial reopening with safety restrictions.

• Proclamation 12005 (May 24, 2020) implemented Phase II: lifting the stay-at-home order and allowing limited business and social activities.

A second weather emergency, Hurricane Isaias, prompted another State of Emergency in August 2020.

By mid-2021, Cavlan reported over 19,000 COVID-19 cases and 161 deaths across its symbolic jurisdiction. However, 100% vaccination in its administrative territories allowed for the easing of restrictions:

• Proclamation 12101 lifted mask mandates and gathering limits for fully vaccinated individuals.

• Imperial Directives 7/2021 and 8/2021 responded to the Delta variant, urging caution without reimposing full restrictions.

This period established Cavlan as a unique micronation that exercised serious, structured policy-making during global crises.

Expansion of Governance and Law: 2022–2024

The post-crisis years saw Cavlan move toward full legal and institutional coherence. The Codex Legum Cavlaniensis was drafted as a comprehensive legal code, structured in the format of the U.S. Code of Law.

The Elections Act (2024)—Order 2401—established the Imperial Elections Commission, enshrining procedures for civic participation, candidate registration, and party formation.

These developments signaled a philosophical evolution: while still symbolic, Cavlan aspired to be a functional, principled model of sacred and civic law.

The New Charter and New Era: 2025 Onward

In 2025, on the sixth anniversary of the Empire, Cavlan adopted the Most Serene Imperial Charter, a new foundational constitution. Written in Latin, the Charter replaced the 2018 version and formally articulated the divine authority of the Emperor, the responsibilities of government institutions, and the rights of citizens.

This reform marked Cavlan’s transition from ceremonial state to mature ideological nation-project. Its values—empathy, faith, freedom, and service—became legally enshrined. Digital government tools, national symbols, and formal orders of honor helped solidify Cavlan’s identity.

National Symbols and Civic Identity

Cavlan expresses its sovereignty through:

• National Anthem: Coronata Luce Divina, set to the melody of Noi Vogliam Dio.

• Flag: A square bicolor of yellow and white divided by an inverted cross.

• Coat of Arms: Featuring two Red-Tailed Hawks, the national animal.

• Orders of Honor: Including the prestigious Order of Saint John Paul.

Public holidays emphasize both religious and national reflection. Citizens participate through structured elections, ceremonial appointments, and community initiatives.

Conclusion

The Holy Empire of Cavlan remains a symbolic project—but one with a deeply developed identity, rich history, and functioning legal and administrative systems. From its beginnings in Abrus to its present-day imperial constitution, Cavlan stands as a principled micronation that integrates tradition, faith, and civic responsibility into a compelling vision of sacred statehood.