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The Achaean Territory of Antarctica was the original name of Westarctica when it was founded on 2 November 2001 by Travis McHenry, who proclaimed himself Consul-General of the Achaean Territory prior to filing his legal claim to the territory. The Achaean Territory was a new country project that evolved into a micronation named Westarctica in June 2004.

At the time he discovered the unique political situation of Marie Byrd Land, McHenry had been reading The Iliad and decided to give his claimed territory a culture that honored the ancient Greeks. It was from the pages of The Iliad that he chose the name "Achaea." He also decided to declare the seasonally-used Byrd Station the capital of his new country and re-christened the station Achilles, after the legendary Greek warrior and hero of the Trojan War. Rather than proclaim himself King or Emperor of the territory, McHenry selected a title that reflected his status as a representative of Achaea to the world at large. He declared himself Consul-General. This title also served as a homage to Napoleon Bonaparte, who held the office of First Consul of France prior to becoming an Emperor.

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In the news

Duke of Faulkender

• 10 Jun - Boyd Glacier National Park is created by the Senate of Westarctica.
• 9 Jun - The Duke of Faulkender becomes the new Chancellor of Kolios.
• 9 Jun - The Count of Krigsvold is appointed Ellsworth King of Arms.
• 1 May - Sheherazade is awarded the Count of Krigsvold Fellowship for biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.
• 28 Apr - Baron Blake is appointed Chief Air Marshal of Westarctica.
• 20 Apr - A Royal Decree establishes protected areas under the Westarctican Parks Service.
• 18 Apr - The Count of Konter carries the Flag of Westarctica on a diplomatic tour of Monaco.
• 22 Mar - The Flag of Westarctica is raised over Penicuik Manor in Scotland.

This month in history June - The Consul-General restructures the regions of the Achaean Territory and divides the land into two Grand Duchies. George Morin is appointed Grand Duke of Ellsworth and the Grand Duchy of Byrd is reserved for the future heir to the throne. (2002) Flag of the Antarctic Treaty 04 June - Following the removal of Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence from power, Grand Duke Travis is again proclaimed the ruler of Westarctica and the Transitional Government is established. (2010) 06 June - The Consul-General issues a Statement of Faith, publicly proclaiming his devotion to the Holy Trinity. (2004) 10 June - The Consul-General dissolves the Chancellery and proclaims the establishment of an interim government to guide the transition of the Achaean Territory of Antarctica into the Grand Duchy of Westarctica. (2004) 13 June - Grand Duke Travis has an epiphany of a cross with a crown around it and is inspired to design a new flag, he also pledges to make Westarctica a Christian nation. (2004) 14 June - Don't Want to Miss You single is released to benefit Westarctica. (2021) 19 June - The Earldom of Truett is established in the Rockefeller Dukedom and given to Jeffery Truett. (2003) 19 June - Honorary Consuls are appointed to Spain, Italy, and the Philippines. (2018) 23 June - The Antarctic Treaty (flag pictured) is ratified by the United States. (1961) 23 June - The Duke of Moulton-Berlin sends an urgent plea to the former Grand Duke Travis asking him to intervene in Westarctican affairs. (2008) 24 June - A delegation from Westarctica attends the 2nd Biennial MicroCon in Atlanta, Georgia. (2017) 28 June - Westarctica's Consul to the UK attends the 2019 GUM Summit in Birmingham, UK. (2019) 30 June - The Grand Ducal Mandate is passed into law and becomes the constitution of Westarctica. Grand Duke Travis abolishes all the old titles of the Achaean Territory and appoints new members to the Baronage and nobility. (2004) 30 June - The GUM awards Westarctica its 2022 "Best non-GUM Micronation" award. (2022)

Featured image The Orca is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and dolphins. They have been known to attack baleen whale calves, and even adult whales. Killer whales are apex predators, as there is no animal that preys on them. Killer whales are considered a cosmopolitan species, and can be found in each of the world's oceans in a variety of marine environments, from Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. Photographer: Joe Stanford (More Images)

Featured Quote "It's not getting to the pole that counts. It's what you learn of scientific value on the way. Plus the fact that you get there and get back without being killed." - Richard E. Byrd

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