Cedelphia
Cedelphia is the capital city of Auresia, located on the Corbolo River in the heartland province of TBD. It is a hub of economic activity as well as the seat of the government as site of the principal residence of the emperor and the Imperial family, the meeting places of the Senate and Supreme Court, and the government ministries. The city is one of the oldest major metropolises in the world, known as the "Eternal City" and "Imperial City." Natives of the city are referred to as Cedelphians.
History
Pre-Empire
Before the formation of the Empire, Cedelphia was a flourishing city-state within the Karsk Kingdom of Treviliari. It served as a neutral meeting ground for the various kingdoms, especially during conflicts over the Hattaro Straits and fishing rights, with its neutrality and strategic location made it a pivotal city for diplomatic negotiations and trade.
New imperial capital
In the century leading up to the Ante-Imperium War, Cedelphia became the meeting place for the founders of the new empire. The city's historical role as a neutral ground and its central location were crucial factors in its selection as the new imperial capital.
LLayout
Cedelphia is a popular destination for tourists, boasting a rich array of architectural and historical wonders. The city was originally a small village that expanded over time into a vast metropolis covering the Five Hills and surrounding areas. Today, it blends classical and modern styles, divided into twelve main districts, with a thirteenth district (the Works) located underground.
Districts
- Five Hills - The heart of the nation, containing the hills it is named after: Aurelio (Veneziano Palace), Palatane (site of the Camera della Legislatura), Esquilius (site of the Palazzo di Giustizia), Serviona (TBD), and Caelius (site of the great chapel).
- Epoch Plaza - The official center of the city, south of Five Hills, featuring the Cephorus Maximus Monument.
- Magliana - Home to the Piazza Impellizeri, the Great Clock of the Imperium, the Villa Publica, and the city administration.
- Videnza - Also known as the Ambassadorial Ward, it hosts various embassies from foreign nations.
- Solaris Gardens - Location of the Imperial Botanical Gardens.
- Fobosi - A patrician residential district known for the Parco della Fontane, featuring numerous waterfalls and elaborate fountains.
- TBD Park - Another patrician district famous for the Parco della Statua.
- Casalotti, Salario, Parioli - Upper-class residential districts.
- Flaminio - A business and financial district hosting banks, investment offices, and the Cedelphia branch of the Imperial Mercantile Exchange (IMEX).
- Prenestina - Another business district with a range of shops from luxury to common, and home to Grimaldi & Company and Perelli Brothers.
- Settocamini, Bellarigio, Garbatella, Infernetto, Gandolo, Massaminia, Tuscolana, Tarronova, and Arnaceto - Middle-class residential districts.
- Capanella - Also known as the Military District.
Works
A twenty-third, mostly underground district not counted among the regular districts. It encompasses a vast network of tunnels and serviceways for city utilities, including water, power, fuel, and heat.
Services
Utilities
The Cedelphia Works is one of the most extensive networks in the world, comprising hundreds of miles of corridors for accessing and servicing the city's infrastructure needs. Located beneath the city, this network also includes machine shops and workshops stocked with materials for maintenance.
Transportation
Cedelphia offers various modes of transport, including taxis, trolley cars, buses, the Cedelphia Metro, bicycles, motorized bicycles, and private vehicles. The Cedelphia Metro, or "Imperial Tubes", is a renowned underground rail network. The Ludovisi Airport provides air travel to major cities across the nation and beyond. The city's rail network converges at Grand Imperial Station, connecting to all major lines.
Central Avenue
The main thoroughfare, Via Camorazza, runs from the Great Gates of Cedelphia through the city to the southern periphery of the Aurelio District.
Defenses
Despite its central location, Cedelphia maintains concealed anti-air defenses and artillery batteries. Four Groundnaut Legions and a Groundnaut Mechanical Legion are stationed at Fort Tellar nearby. Within the city, law enforcement is managed by the Vigiles Imperiosus and the Cedelphia Police.
Notes
The twelve districts listed above do not include the underground district known as the Works.