Dekaelic League
The Dekaelic League is a federation of city-states on the northern coast of the Meridean Sea. Each city-state is ruled by at least one hereditary king. These kings elect a consul from among themselves. The consul directs the foreign policies of the Dekaelic League
The Genesis of the League
For most of recorded history, the Dekaelic peninsula was the home of numerous independent city-states. This geopolitical landscape was dominated by short periods of inter-city trade and commerce periodically interrupted by local wars normally regarding border disputes. In later years, city-states often joined in temporary alliances to repel incursions from various Hebetic warlords. These alliances planted the seeds of cooperation between city-states, and even began to define a common Dekaelic identity.
Unification and the High Kingdom Period
During a Hebetic invasion that campaigned deep into the Dekaelic peninsula, Emros, King of Torona, led a coalition of southern Dekaelic forces in turning the Hebetic advance. In a series of impressive strategic victories, Emros advanced North and reconquered several Dekaelic settlements. Crossing into Hebetic tribal territory, Emros conquered until stopping at the banks of the Mermon Strait.
With the Hebeticans west of the Strait subjugated, Emros chose to seize the opportunity that lay before him. He marched his coalition forces southwest back into the peninsula, arriving at each remaining city-state with an ultimatum: bend the knee, or be subjugated by force. Emros' Dekaelic campaign lasted for several years. By then, Emros had established himself as hegemon of the Dekaelic peoples. Those who subornated to Emros retained their positions as vassals of Emros. Those who resisted were replaced by loyal generals of the coalition.
Economic Synergy
The Dekaelic League harnessed its member states' economic potential through resource-sharing and coordinated trade endeavors. A common currency, emulating the Daric, Persian gold coin, was introduced, enhancing economic integration. A network of roads and maritime routes enhanced connectivity between city-states, fostering commercial exchanges that propelled their collective prosperity.
Cultural Synthesis
The League bore witness to a fascinating confluence of cultures. Influences from Greek and Persian traditions interwove with local customs, giving rise to a distinctive Dekaelic culture. This fusion extended to art, architecture, and literature, cultivating a cosmopolitan milieu that intrigued scholars, artists, and philosophers from across the region.
Territorial Expansion
In a manner reminiscent of the Persian imperial expansion, the Dekaelic League embarked upon a campaign of territorial expansion. Harnessing the collective military strength of member city-states, they annexed neighboring regions, employing a blend of military prowess and strategic alliances. This expansionist fervor mirrored the ambitions of historical empires while maintaining the League's decentralized governance.
Challenges and Legacy
The ascent of the Dekaelic League was not without tribulations. Internally, the challenge of balancing the ambitions of individual city-states with the collective pursuits of the League was a perpetual struggle. Externally, regional powers viewed the League's rise with a mixture of apprehension and admiration, fostering diplomatic intricacies.
The legacy of the Dekaelic League is one of intricate diplomacy, cultural synthesis, and territorial expansion, echoing the historical trajectories of the Greek city-states and Persian Empire. Its rise and fall carved an indelible imprint on the socio-political fabric of the land, influencing subsequent generations and shaping the course of fictional history.
Federated City-States
Dafna, Ornylia
Located in the central valley of Ornylia.
Dimitsana, Hebetica Minor
Located at the south entrance to the Mermon Straight, Dimitsana is the largest trade hub and the most populous city in the world.
Idra, Safinim
Epetros, Epetruria
Vetluna, Thoralia
Torona, Chalcedonia
Located on Cape Torona, on the northern coast of Chalcedonia.
Byllatrea, Ventzia
Lareneia, Galenia
Helara, Haemodia
Thassalon, Kydos
Provinces
Austasia
Hebetica
Istania
Neva
Ortasia
Caste System
The caste system of the Dekaelic city-states defines four natural social groups. These groups are rulers, warriors, artisans, and servants.
History
Ancient Era
Records indicate the Dekaelic city-states existing by circa 350 AE. These city-states were each independently ruled by their kings. Armed conflicts between city-states were common, mostly due to territory disputes.
By 5 AE, outside entities had begun to encroach upon the Dekaelus. From the north, the Raetovari tribes. The Mahdian empire crossed the Middle Sea to establish colonies on Ornylia's southern coast.
Common Era
Foreign pressures drove the kings of the Dekaelic city-states to meet at the Council of Torona in 1 CE. This council established the Dekaelic League, electing the king of Torona to be the first consul.
History
Emros' Conquests
See Article: Emros' Conquests of Dekaelus and Rhaetovaria
Upon the death of Kydos, king of Dekaelus in 3 BCE, 17-year-old Emros ascended to the throne. The following year, most of the city-states rebelled against the young king's rule.
Emros gathered his forces and marched across the Dekaelic peninsula. He offered each rebellious city-state a choice: subjugate or face total destruction. Most chose to return to Emros' rule without bloodshed. The few that did not were beseiged and then sacked. Ruling nobles were executed and new families took their place under the new order.
The last siege concluded a year after the beginning of Emros' campaign of reunification. With the last of the Dekaelic cities under his reign, Emros sought to expend his father's kingdom.
In the sring of 1 CE, Emros marched his army through northern Dekaelus and into the Rhaetovarian Lowlands. There, he methodically conquered the Rhaetic Tribes and organized them into civil districts.
Emros crossed the Lydean Straight in 3 CE and began the conquest of Rhaetic tribes in Lydea.
By 13 CE, Emros had conquered the Rhaetic Lowlands and Lydea.
Establishment of the Empire
In 213 CE,
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