Proximus was using human resources to fast track ape society however making their system flawed by using broken systemic structures like dictatorship and imperialism as the answer. (Not to mention that ape perception is that these failed systems are synonymous with human flaws and failings of their societal system.)The apes before were all united as individuals before this as part of a collective tribe. He was a villain because he was both oppressing his fellow apes, appropriating the image of Caesar and turning ape against ape creating tribalistic behaviours. When a race becomes too big they are naturally going to splinter off into different sects and tribes and fall for tribalism anyway. Proximus was solely reading about roman history to use as the basis for the structure of his kingdom.
It's a shame, because I actually cut about 2 minutes from this video discussing Proximus and his overwhelming obsession with Roman History. Glad you mentioned it anyhow haha! There's a huge sense of irony with the Apes following the twisted word of Caesar. Love the elements of idolatry spread through the blind worship. If we compare Proximus to that of a false prophet, weaponising the words of the dead was by far his best asset before conquering the vault. Love how he was written with mordancy, a more calculated creature to best his followers. Hoping he does return! Phenomenal character and performance. :)
