The Romulan Civil War (also known as the Second Romulan War) was a conflict in 2276, between the Romulan Star Empire and the United Federation of Planets and the Free Rihannsu Movement, which rebelled against the authority of the empire. Despite long odds, the Free Rihannsu defeated the Imperial Forces, due to the overstretching of the Imperial Fleet, and the superior tactics of the Rebels lead by Ael t'Rllaillieu and James T. Kirk. (TOS - Rihannsu novel: The Empty Chair)