History of Ithrien

Amongst the myriad of civilizations in Gotha, Ithrien holds a special place for its enduring history, primarily chronicling the events connected to the Ithrieni people. Predominantly set in Ithrien Island and its nearby territories, our understanding of this history is enriched through archaeology, oral traditions, and written records. One particular work that stands out is The History of the Ithrieni by Sha Ahmed Wahid, written between 7212 U8E28093 – 7349, a paramount text in the Ithrieni historical landscape.

Prehistory

Homo Ithrienus' Arrival

Approximately 2 million years ago, a distant homonid cousin of Homo sapiens sapiens, called Homo Ithrienus, reached Ithrien Island. The evidence of this presence was manifested in the form of burial remains, including fossilized bones, stone tools, and traces of fire use. These relics were discovered in the Cave of Al-Hamid by Dr. Sha Mahmud Abydeen in 7509. Due to the cave's location, this extinct homonid is colloquially known as the Al-Hamid man. Physiological reconstructions from the bones illustrate that the Al-Hamid man, while shorter, was bulkier in comparison to modern humans. Distinct features included a broad brow ridge, flat nose, pronounced cheekbones, upper jaw, and notably larger canine teeth, indicating a carnivorous diet.

Arrival of Modern Man

Circa 7000 BRH, modern humans made their entry into Ithrien Island, leading to the eventual extinction of Homo Ithrienus. Dr. Sha Mahmud Abydeen posits that factors such as changing climate, which restricted the Homo Ithrienus' habitat and prey, combined with the adaptability of Homo sapiens to new dietary and environmental changes, led to this eventuality. The last of Homo Ithrienus likely perished due to starvation or conflicts with the modern man.

Settlements and Evolution

The modern humans, post the Homo Ithrienus era, proliferated across the island. They left traces of their existence in the form of pottery shards, foundational remains of wooden houses, and burial sites. Some continued to be hunter-gatherers, establishing their presence in the highland forests, thereby evolving into the Ithrieni aborigines. In contrast, those who created settlements in lowlands and coastal regions likely became the foundational Sekhet culture.

Age of Jahiliyyah

Defining the Era

The Age of Jahiliyyah, also termed the Age of Ignorance, spans the mythical submersion of the holy city of Zohor until the emergence of the first Audhdom under Audh Al-Atar. This period signifies when knowledge and tenets of the Anuric Anur religion seemingly vanished.

Sekhet Culture

While termed an age of ignorance, archaeological findings continue to illuminate a flourishing civilization on Ithrien Island, named the Sekhet culture. This culture is identified by stone steles embellished with indecipherable pictograms, predominantly found along the coast of Sekhet near Dahabia. Around the 1000s BRH, there's evidence suggesting the introduction of agriculture and animal husbandry to the Sekhet people, either indigenously or through influence from Tharna.

Either Influence

By 500s BRH, the Either people made their presence felt in Ithrien. Distinguished by their unique pottery and tools, the Either also used bones and stones for divination. These artifacts, marked with stellar constellations, hint at their advanced knowledge of astrology and religious rites. Notably, their early abjad script is believed to be the precursor to the contemporary Ithrieni script. The Either also introduced various grains, fruits, vegetables, and pigs to Ithrien. The amalgamation of Sekhet and Either cultures fostered prosperous coastal city-states, often in trade competition and conflicts.

Height and Decline of Sekhet-Either Civilization

The pinnacle of the Sekhet-Either city-states was reached by the early 100s RH. Their legacy includes ritual mounds, foundational remains of walls and structures, clay tablets, and stone steles. It's postulated that around the 1800s, bronzework and metallurgy were brought to Ithrien via Tharna trade routes. By this time, the Sekhet-Either people viewed themselves as a unified entity, despite many of their city-states being deserted. Reasons for this decline range from famine and drought to disease introduction by the proto-Ithrieni.

Anur I Era

Founding of Anur

The epoch termed Anur I or the First Audhdom symbolizes the crystallization of the Ithrien populace under one umbrella. Spearheaded by the legendary Audh Al-Atar, this phase saw the solidification of the Anuric faith, a blend of religious, political, and military prowess. Al-Atar, viewed as a trailblazer, is believed to be a descendant of the venerated line of the Audhs of submerged Zohor. By his lineage, Al-Atar declared his divine governance and aimed to integrate all Ithrieni under one nation-state.

Technological and Cultural Prowess

Al-Atar's reign is attributed to several technological innovations, particularly the development of iron tools and weaponry. These advancements not only bolstered food production but also augmented the might of his military. This golden age of religious enlightenment spanned 300 years but waned by the 3200s, attributed to internal challenges like famine and external threats from Tharna.

Anur II Era: Revival of Ithrien under the Second Audhdom

Rise of Audh Al-Aliyah (3345)

Upon the decline of the First Audhdom, Ithrien faced the threat of the Tharnan invaders. Stepping into this tumultuous setting, Audh Al-Aliyah, with strategic acumen, successfully repulsed the invaders and accessed the throne. Widely revered as the savior of Ithrien, her legitimacy was not only due to her successful campaigns but also her bloodline, being a direct descendant of Al-Atar. The tragic demise of her son-in-law, Audh Al-Kasim, further solidified her claim, and she quickly became the people's choice.

Mabadh Al-Faiz and Naval Expansion (3400s)

Audh Al-Faiz, a visionary ruler of the era, undertook massive infrastructural projects, the most iconic being Mabadh Al-Faiz, a paragon of Ithrieni architectural prowess. Anticipating retaliation from the Tharnans, Al-Faiz bolstered the navy, ensuring Ithrien's maritime dominance.

Decline of the Second Audhdom (Late 3800s)

The prosperity and growth witnessed under Al-Aliyah and Al-Faiz began to wane due to internal rifts. The royal houses, driven by personal ambitions and vendettas, weakened the unity of the Audhdom, leading to its eventual decline.

Warring States Period I:

Succession Crisis (3815)

Following the death of Audh Al-Latif, Ithrien plunged into political instability. Husni Huda's audacious claim to the throne was met with resistance, triggering widespread unrest and giving rise to the Warring States Period. Despite the turmoil, this period witnessed remarkable cultural advancements. The introduction of parchment revolutionized the literary landscape, with poets like Ibtisam, Haidar, and Jalal enthralling the masses with their compositions.

Dawn of Anur III (early 4000s)

Emerging from the shadows of chaos, Audh Al-Aqil proclaimed the Third Audhdom, Anur III, aiming to heal the wounds of a divided nation.

Anur III Era: The Third Audhdom and the Struggle for Unity

Controversial Alliance (3989 - 4053)

To achieve his vision of a unified Ithrien, Al-Aqil made a controversial pact with the Tharnans. While successful in re-establishing control over fragmented territories, his alliance was a contentious issue. His demise during the Siege of Dahabia left his mission incomplete, a task his brother Audh Al-Fuad took upon himself.

Campaigns of Audh Al-Ayda (4197)

The ascendancy of Audh Al-Ayda marked a turn in Ithrieni history. Faced with Tharnan invasions, she embarked on a brutal campaign, not just to repel them but to obliterate them from Ithrien and their own lands. Despite her military successes, her reign was marred by dissent and public antipathy.

Legislative Reforms and Golden Era (4213 - late 4700s)

Audh Al-Hakim, succeeding Al-Ayda, introduced the Code of Hakim, a foundational legal code for Ithrien. The Third Audhdom flourished, with intellectuals like Ahmed Hamid making significant contributions. However, natural disasters and external threats eventually heralded its decline.

Warring States Period II:

Turmoil and Transition (4800s)

Economic Woes and Rebellion (4800s)

Repeated natural disasters wreaked havoc, leading to famine and disease. With the audhs relegated to ceremonial roles, the real power was concentrated in the hands of the nobles and priests. When Audh Al-Zalim increased taxation, the public's frustrations boiled over, culminating in his assassination.

The Road to Anur V (Late 4800s - 4098)

Amidst the chaos, with rebel states emerging and dissolving, the realm awaited a strong leader. That leader was Audh Al-Haniya, who declared the onset of the Fifth Audhdom, Anur V.

Anur V Era: Balancing Act of Power and Progress

Al-Haniya's Strategies (4098 - 5022)

Combining both carrot and stick approaches, Al-Haniya used amnesty and spiritual claims as tools of persuasion while employing her Nafuran cavalry for ruthless suppression. Her reign ushered in three centuries of relative peace.

Ideological Developments (5022 - 5208)

Abu Hassan's "Al-Umma" became a guiding text, delineating Ithrieni governance and race. However, the mid-5200s saw rising tensions. Audh Al-Said's confrontations with the landed class led to the signing of the Ithrieni Charter of Benevolence, a constitutional pivot that empowered the Majlis Al-Ayan.

Decline of the Fifth Audhdom (5208 - 5339)

With the new-found powers, the Majlis Al-Ayan, primarily comprising the elite, shifted the tax burden onto the peasants. This economic disparity, coupled with other challenges, precipitated the decline of Anur V.

Imarat I (5339 - 5455)

Foundation and Coup (5339):

• Emir Fahid Al-Rasyiq emerges as a dominant force, staging a successful coup against the assembly of lords. Rather than obeying the command to pacify the citizens of Dahabia, Fahid boldly leads his army against the palace, eliminating the ruler Audh Al-Ihab and the assemblymen present.
• He methodically tracks down every assemblyman, establishing a secular, military-driven government. Fahid derives his authority from the writings of Abu Hassan, in particular, his work "Al-Umma."

Cultural and Literary Progress:

• Under Imarat I, a key achievement is the creation of the Ithrieni script in 5345, fostering a national language and identity.

Golden Age:

• The era was a zenith of liberal values, marked by flourishing art, freedom, and prosperity. It stands as a beacon in Ithrien's history.

Imarat II (5455 - 5655)

Shift of Power:

• Emir Asma Al-Nedjma rises, bringing about the fall of Fahid's dynasty. Her charisma and influence are so profound that she faces little resistance in consolidating her power.
• Inam Il-Inas, Fahid's grandson, fails to rally support against her, leading to his exile and eventual death as a mere commoner.

Stability and Progress:

• The reign of Imarat II is characterized by 150 years of growth and stability, solidifying its mark in Ithrien's legacy.

Imarat III (5655 - 5800)

Ali's Ascendancy:

• A change of guard occurs with Ali Al-Qawlya’s coup, ending Asma's dynasty. After a failed campaign to Haniyyah, Ali turns his gaze to Dahabia, seizing the throne of Ithrien.
• His military expertise allows him to quell rebellions and challenges, solidifying his dominion.

Expansionist Ambitions:

• Ali's strategic acumen leads to the annexation of Haniyyah in 5656, bolstering the territorial expanse of Ithrien.

Decline:

• Lasting a short 150 years, Imarat III grapples with succession challenges, signaling the end of the era.

Warring States Period III (5800s - 6000)

• An era of chaos ensues as various generals, armed with significant military might, vie for control of Ithrien. This prolonged conflict cripples the land for 200 years, leading to widespread instability.

East-West Ithrien Era (6000s - 6200)

Political Bifurcation:

• Ithrien experiences a schism, giving rise to East Ithrien (under the Imarat) and West Ithrien (under the Ithrieni Republic).

Naval Power and Expansion:

• Both states engage in frequent maritime skirmishes, leading to territorial gains and losses. A notable conquest is West Ithrien's annexation of Aqilyyah in 6025.

Exploration and Decline:

• In the shadow of division, both states embark on overseas explorations. However, the latter part of the 6100s sees a barrage of challenges, including inflation, unemployment, natural disasters, and famines, debilitating the region.

Anur VI Era (6211 - 7002)

Unification under Al-Khalid:

• Al-Khalid achieves what seems like the impossible: uniting East and West Ithriens under Anur VI. His victories, considered miraculous, draw a massive following.

Progressive Reforms:

• Al-Wahid, succeeding Al-Khalid, crafts a regime blending the Imarat's military rigor with democratic principles. He reforms the Majlis Al-Ayan and centralizes authority, sidestepping the pitfalls of nepotism.

Economic Boom:

• Chartered companies become instrumental in driving economic growth. The annexation of the Raian coasts in 6289, for the tea trade, exemplifies this prosperity.

Age of Reason (6700s):

• A new dawn breaks with the introduction of printing in 6705. The rapid spread of knowledge fosters increased literacy and civic engagement. Yet, it's not without strife as the government combats criticisms.

Puritanical Era (Late 6900s):

• A grim period shadows Ithrien as corruption, disease, and economic collapse ravage the land. The era is further marred by witch hunts, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 2 million people.

Ithrieni Hegemony Era (7002 - 7265)

The Fall of the Aswazarry Regime (7002 - 7025):

• Following the devastating floods of 7002, public sentiment grew increasingly hostile towards the Aswazarry regime. Discontent was fanned by the regime's mishandling of the aftermath.
• Audh An-Nawra broke free from the Aswazarry's control and fled to Nafurah Baragayah. Here, she assembled an army and fleet to overthrow the unpopular regime.
• By 7025, the regime had been dismantled entirely, with the last of the Aswazarry executed using newly-developed flintlock muskets.

Rise of Audh An-Nimr and the Tavzarry (7031):

• In the wake of the fallen regime, Audh An-Nimr established the Tavzarry, one of the first corps of musketeers globally.
• An-Nimr's reforms were progressive, encouraging criticism of the government, restoring the press, and revising the political structure. The Majlis Al-Ayan remained intact, but he introduced the Majlis Ad-Dawlat as a voice for the working class.
• However, the Majlis Ad-Dawlat's powers were limited. They could review laws from the Assembly of Lords, but they couldn't amend or introduce new ones.

Infrastructural Development:

• The country embarked on a vast infrastructural overhaul. Roads were improved or built anew, which simultaneously increased the slave workforce on grain farms.

Technological and Colonial Advances:

• Ali Daud's invention of method farming and chemical fertilizer in 7185 greatly improved food production, leading to a surplus.
• Formerly neglected overseas colonies were reclaimed, either by force or diplomacy. This period also saw the annexation of Haniyyah as an Ithrien province in 7115, allowing Ithrieni colonists representation in the Majlis Al-Ayan.
• In 7206, the Syarikat Al-Bahr Symal chartered company annexed more land from Nagar Iagara, leading to the creation of Aqiliyyah.

War of the Assemblies (7265 - 7315)

• The Majlis Al-Ayan, which represented the landed class, had become exceedingly corrupt. Their abuse of power, particularly in taxation, angered the populace.
• The Majlis Ad-Dawlat championed the cause of the people, rallying them against the Majlis Al-Ayan, and a long-drawn conflict, the War of the Assemblies, began.

New Society Era (7315 - Present)

Reformation Post-War:

• In 7265, with the army's support, the Majlis Ad-Dawlat emerged victorious. They introduced the Manifesto of the New Society, ensuring all Ithrieni citizens equal rights and establishing the National Assembly as the supreme lawmaking body.

Cultural Renaissance:

• This era brought about an intellectual renaissance. Teahouses and coffee shops became bustling centers of discourse on poetry, religion, and science.

Industrial Revolution and Overseas Expansion:

• The post-war recovery, coupled with innovations like Abdul Malik's use of coke for smelting iron in 7325, signaled the Ithrieni Industrial Revolution. It paralleled similar developments in Anaria.
• Further territorial gains were made, such as the annexation from the Ishvaran Raj in 7400. However, the latter part of this era saw Ithrien's technological and economic dominance challenged by the fast-progressing Anaria.

• In 7567, Audh Al-Aziz assumed the throne. His reign has been marked by skirmishes with Anarians in West Haniyyah and efforts to decongest the overpopulated Azraq by revitalizing Dahabia.