Thrashia
17-09-2008, 22:30
Samaten Empire of the Greater East
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/banner.jpg
History
The founder of this dynasty was supposedly Saemens: هخامنش (Old Samaten Haxāmaniš "Of Kind Mind"). He was succeeded by his son Teispes (Cišpi), who first took the title King of Falakee after seizing Falakee city from the Elamites. Inscriptions indicate that when Teispes died, two of his sons shared the throne as Cyrus (Kuruš), king of Falakee, and Ariaramnes (Ariyāramna, 'Having the Samatens at Peace'), king of Jamsheed. They were succeeded by their respective sons Cambyses I of Falakee (Kambūjiya, "the Elder"), and Arsames (Aršāma "Having a Hero's Might") of Baghaad.
In 559 BC, Cambyses I the Elder was succeeded as king of Falakee by his son Cyrus II the Great, who also succeeded the still-living Arsames as King of Baghaad, thus reuniting the two realms. Cyrus is considered to be the first true king of the Samaten dynasty, as his predecessors were subservient to Nazeem. Cyrus II conquered Nazeem, Zair, and Nasim. Cyrus was politically shrewd, modeling himself as the "savior" of conquered nations. To reinforce this image, he instituted policies of religious freedom, and restored temples and other infrastructure in the newly acquired cities. (Most notably the Jews of Rasool, as recorded in the Cyrus Cylinder and the Tanakh). It was the general policy of the Samatens to continue the Zairian and Nazeemian practice of transferring large populations between areas. This caused a great deal of cultural diffusion, blending many of the disparate clans together, and thus reducing previous tribal (and territorial) loyalties. As a result, the era was known as a relatively peaceful period.
His immediate successors were less successful. Cyrus' son Cambyses II conquered Fahesh, conquering the rich delta there, but died in July 522 BC as the result of either accident or suicide, during a revolt led by a sacerdotal clan that had lost its power following Cyrus' conquest of Zair. These priests, whom were called Magi, usurped the throne for one of their own, Gaumata, who then pretended to be Cambyses II's younger brother Smerdis, who had been assassinated some three years earlier. Owing to the despotic rule of Cambyses and his long absence in Fahesh, "the whole people and all the other nations," acknowledged the usurper, especially as he granted a remission of taxes for three years.
According to the Behistun Inscription, pseudo-Smerdis ruled for seven months before being overthrown in 522 BC by a member of a lateral branch of the Samaten family, Darius I. The Magi, though persecuted, continued to exist, and a year following the death of the first pseudo-Smerdis (Gaumata), had a second pseudo-Smerdis (named Vahyazdāta) attempt a coup. The coup, though initially successful, failed.
The native leadership then debated the best form of government for the Empire. It was reported that it was decided that an oligarchy would divide them against one another, and democracy like the Greeks would bring about mob rule resulting in a charismatic leader resuming the monarchy. Therefore, they decided a new monarch was in order, particularly since they were in a position to choose him. Darius I was chosen monarch from among the leaders. He was cousin to Cambyses II and Smerdis, claiming Saemens as his ancestor, thus restoring the Samaten line.
The Samatens thereafter consolidated areas firmly under their control. It was Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great who, by sound and farsighted administrative planning, brilliant military maneuvering, and a humanistic world view, established the greatness of the Samatens and, in less than thirty years, raised them from an obscure tribe to a world power. It was during the reign of Darius I that Sahran was built (518BC) and which would serve as the capital. Falakee was greatly expanded during this period and served as the summer capital.
MAP
Image (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3690/samatenempirebp4.gif)
Government
The Samatens are absolutists who allow a certain amount of regional autonomy in the form of the satrapy system. A satrapy is an administrative unit, usually organized on a geographical basis. A satrap (governor) administers the region, a general supervises military recruitment and ensures order, and a state secretary keeps official records. The general and the state secretary reported directly to the central government and not to the satrap.
Accomplishments of Darius' reign included codification of the data, a universal legal system upon which much of later Iranian law would be based, and construction of a new capital at Sahran, where vassal states would offer their yearly tribute at the festival celebrating the spring equinox.
The practice of slavery in the Samaten Empire is generally banned, although conquered and/or rebellious armies are sold into captivity. Zoroastrianism, the de facto religion of the empire, explicitly forbids slavery, and the kings of Samaten Empire follow this ban to varying degrees, as evidenced by the freeing of the Jews at Rasool, and the construction of Sahran by paid workers.
The thirteen satrapies were linked by a 4,500-kilometer highway, the most impressive stretch being the Royal Road from Baladi to Laheeb, built by command of Darius I. Relays of mounted couriers could reach the remotest of areas in fifteen days. Despite the relative local independence afforded by the satrapy system, royal inspectors, the "eyes and ears of the king," toured the empire and reported on local conditions. The king also maintained a personal bodyguard of 10,000 men, called the Eternals.
Darius, and his son and present king, revolutionized the economy by placing it on a silver and gold coinage system. Trade is extensive, and under the Samatens there is an efficient infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of commodities in the far reaches of the empire. Tariffs on trade are one of the empire's main sources of revenue, along with agriculture and tribute.
The Samaten Empire is divided into 13 satrapies, each of which owe taxes and tribute to King Cyrus. Besides owing money to the state, each satrapy is ordered to raise and fund a local army according to its populace to keep order and to send to the King’s banner when called for.
Population
1,200,000
Monetary System
The Samaten Empire relies of the Greek designed drachma and talent system. The Samaten Drachma and Talent system is as follows:
1 Gold Samaten Talent - 33kg in weight
1 Gold Samaten Drachma - 4 grams in weight
----------------------------
1 Gold Talent = 8,250 Gold Drachma
1 Silver Samaten Talent - 33kg in weight
1 Silver Samaten Drachma - 6 grams in weight
----------------------------
1 Silver Talent = 5,500 Silver Drachma
10 Copper Drachma = 1 Silver Drachma
30 Silver Drachma = 1 Gold Drachma
Economy
Gold and Silver Mines
Several gold mines are located along the shores of the and [Caspian Sea] of the Empire's land, all owned directly by the King. On average, each year some 200-300 gold talents are mined from the north and sent south to the King's treasuries. Silver mines along the Gediz basin river valley also produce great amounts of wealth for the Empire. The coin mint at Baladi and Mus-ad are some of the best outside Greece.
Agriculture
The Samaten Empire is blessed by the two regions of the Nile Delta and the Tigris and Euphrates. From these lands every year come bounties of wheat, barley, and cereals by which practically the entire Empire can be fed on alone from just one of these rich lands. Because all three giant rivers grant such bounty, the Empire constantly has a surplus of food which it then exports to other parts of the known world. In Asia Minor the cultivation of figs, nuts, grapes, and poppy all gain a tremendous abundance.
Ores and Wood
The vast forests of Northern Asia Minor and of the lands between the Black Sea and the Inland Sea grant the Samaten Empire enough wood, it is said, to build more than a million ships should ever the Great King command it! Great tracks of strong wood is also found in the former lands of Judah. In Egypt are the reeds of papyrus plants gathered for the creation of the world's only supply of paper. Linen silks are also woven and produced in Egypt. Iron and lead metal ore is mined from the edges of the North and from the mountains of the south.
Trade
All maritime trade is dependent upon the local satrap governors, with only the supply of grain being controlled by the state. Other exported products included papyrus, spices, fabrics, metals, and shipbuilding materials such as wood, linen, and pitch are all produced within the Empire and sent to the other regions of the world along the old lanes of seafaring first discovered by the Phoenicians.
[b]Culture
The Samaten Empire, now at the height of its glory has more than 20 nations under its control, is built on the most basic principles - that of truth and justice, which form the basis of the Samaten culture. Based on the Zoroastrian doctrine, it was the strong emphasis on honesty and integrity that gives the Samaten Dynasty credibility to rule the world, even in the eyes of the people belonging to the conquered nations. One account of Samaten residents of Faras recorded that the most disgraceful thing in the world think is to tell a lie; the next worst, to owe a debt: because, among other reasons, the debtor is obliged to tell lies.
Samaten youths, from their fifth year to their twentieth year, are instructed in three things - to ride a horse, to draw a bow, and to speak the Truth. Truth for the sake of truth, is the universal motto and the very core of the Samaten culture that is followed not only by the great kings, but even the ordinary Samatens, who make it a point to adhere to this code of conduct. This makes them some of the most honest traders and merchants in the world.
In Samaten Iran, the lie, druj, is considered to be a cardinal sin, and it was punishable by death in some extreme cases. It was Darius the Great, who laid down the ordinance of good regulations during his reign. King Darius' testimony about his constant battle against the lie is found in cuneiform inscriptions. Carved high up in the Behistun mountain on the road to Kermanshah, Darius testifies:
“I was not a lie-follower, I was not a doer of wrong ... According to righteousness I conducted myself. Neither to the weak or to the powerful did I do wrong. The man who cooperated with my house, him I rewarded well; who so did injury, him I punished well.”
Darius had his hands full dealing with large-scale rebellion which broke out throughout the empire in the later 500s. After fighting successfully with nine traitors in a year, Darius records his battles against them for posterity and tells us how it was the lie that made them rebel against the empire. At Nader, Darius said:
“I smote them and took prisoner nine kings. One was Gaumata by name, a Magian; he lied; thus he said: I am Smerdis, the son of Cyrus...One, Acina by name, an Elamite; he lied; thus he said: I am king in Rasool... One, Nidintu-Bel by name, a Falakeen; he lied; thus he said: I am Nebuchadnezzar, the son of Nabonidus.”
Then an advice to his son Cyrus the Great, present king of the Samaten Empire, who is to succeed him as the great king:
“Thou who shalt be king hereafter, protect yourself vigorously from the Lie; the man who shall be a lie-follower, him do thou punish well, if thus thou shall think. May my country be secure!”
Military
By right of the Gods and of the Realm, his Highness, Emperor of the Medes and Zairans, Lord of the Jews and Ephytians, Warlord of the Jamsheed, and rightful King of Samaten, Cyrus the Great is the absolute commander of all soldiers and conscripts of the Empire.
Each satrapy of the Empire is ordered to raise and fund a local army according to its populace to keep order and to send to the King’s banner when called for; so that when a time of war is not at hand, each individual province has its own army that acts as a policing force. At all times the King has a personal body guard/army known as the Eternals. They are the most highly trained and well equipped armed body of men in the Empire.
In times of war the king can raise an army as high as perhaps 200,000 within a short enough time of three weeks, with all Satraps supporting in kind. The training and equipment of these troops is largely responsible for the individual satraps (governors) and the regions they come from. The most basic weapon is the bow, after which comes the spear and sword.
Military Units
Samaten Bowman (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/220_AGR_PersArcher.jpg)
The most numerous soldiers within any Samaten army, the archer is the mainstay of the long ranged engagement unit for the Empire. Armed with his special recurve bow the Samaten archer has enough range and puncturing power to challenge even the vaunted Cretan archers of fame.
Ionian Conscript (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Agrianian3.jpg)
Hired or pressed into service from amongst the cities and people of the Ionian and Troad regions, these are reliable enough troops within the Samaten army that they see continual use, varying from different tasks and roles. Most often they are employed as peltasts.
Haburian Peltast (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Harad_skirmisher_by_Merlkir.jpg)
Due in large part to the influence of Greek culture and style of warfare, the western most provinces of the Empire developed a skirmisher unit based on the Greek Peltast. Armed with several javelins, a bronze helmet, a wicker shield, and a sword if they can afford it, the Haburian Peltasts are another mainstay of the Samaten armies. They tend to be well enough trained for skirmish battle, but can not stand up against heavier infantry.
Samaten Light Spearman (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/785-705_Elite_Infantry_Guard.jpg)
Armed with little more than a short 6-foot spear, a bronze helmet, and a bronze-capped wooden shield the Samaten Light Spearman is the most numerous after the archers in most Samaten armies. They are only trained as well as the satrap governors or the King trains them, making their reliability suspect unless they are massed in great numbers.
Northern Spearmen (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/785-705_Vassal_Levy_spearman.jpg)
Recruiting from the tribes and provinces of the north around the great Inland Sea, the Empire has recruited from these hardened folk a strong and reliable force of foot soldiers. Armed most times with leather breastplate, short sword, greaves, spear, and shield they are better trained than normal light Samaten spearmen, though are in too few numbers to be incorporated in every army of the Empire.
Egyptian Spear Levy (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/untitled.jpg)
Drawn from the large population of what was once the proud kingdom of Egypt, now the Satrap Ephyt, these soldiers of the Samaten army are a proven fighting force. Well trained and equipped, they are often asked for by several commanders within the Empire when they are forced to deal with different campaigns against rebels or barbarians.
Atvesian Heavy Infantry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Assyrianinfantryman7thcenturyBCnott.jpg)
Raised from amongst the middle class of the major cities from the satrap province of Atves such as Baghaad and Falakee, these are some of the best equipped soldiers within any Samaten army. Armed with a 6-8 foot long spear, sword, light to medium armour, a bronze helmet, and an Egyptian-styled shield they are a powerful force. Because of their equipment is so extensive, the provincial governors have begun programs of training so that units of Atvesian Infantry are some of the best trained outside of the King’s Eternals.
Royal Guard | The Eternals (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Assyrianinfantryman7thcenturyBC.jpg)
A unit specially recruited to be body guard to the king of the Samaten Empire and as the most elite unit within the armies of the Empire, the Eternals of the most well trained and equipped soldiers in the Empire. To be an Eternal one must pass strenuous physical and martial tests, as well as physical requirements such as height. They are armed with a 7-foot spear, a sword, a full-length body shield reinforced with iron, a specialized bronze helmet, greaves, and a bronze breastplate. At all times the Eternals remain at a constant 10,000 in number, no more or less, making the impression that no matter how many are killed there are always more, which earned them their name as enemies came to see them as immortal warriors.
Samaten Horse Archers (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/cd6afb5c844d.jpg)
A relatively numerous cavalry force within the Samaten army, the horse archer is the largest proportion of mounted soldiers within any given Samaten army. They are highly skilled in marksmanship and some of the world’s most accomplished riders. They are recruited from amongst the northern and eastern provinces. Armed only with a bow, quiver, light leather armour, and helmet they are quick and fast at maneuvering.
Samaten Light Cavalry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/714_Sargonid_Cavalry.jpg)
Armed with a spear as their main weapon, instead of the bow, the Light Cavalry are a strong, but somewhat poor force. Most are used as scouts or on the flanks of Samaten armies, used only to harass troops instead of being committed to melee combat. They do not wear any heavy armor, but do wear bronze helmets and greaves.
Atvesian Heavy Cavalry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Haradrim_cavalryman_by_Merlkir.jpg)
The crack force of the cavalry and within the Samaten army, the cavalry recruited from the province of Atves is some of the best in the Empire. They are well provided for, being armed with full length, thick robes over which they wear chain-mail breast plates or studded leather armour; they are armed with a long lance, a sword or war axe, and have a bronze helmet. They tend to be well trained and very reliable.
Northern Steppe Cavalry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Scythians002.jpg)
Recruited from the barbaric northern tribes of the steppe, they make excellent light cavalry and at times are a match even for heavier opponents. They are avid in terms of fighting, as they are prone to charging into the enemy without orders. They are armed with the lightest of armor, wicker shields, a sword, and a long-bladed lance which is their selected weapon of choice.
Samaten Chariot (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Mittanni.jpg)
Still used within the Samaten Empire, the chariot is a mobile archery tower on the battle field and mobile enough to make it a useful tool. With two armored individuals, an archer/spearman and a driver the chariot is a useful platform of combat. When given sharp scythes on the side of their wheels, the chariots turn into fearsome weapons that inspire dread amongst Samaten enemies.
Royal Guard Cavalry | Eternals (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/000_Persian_Heavy_Cavalry.jpg)
Another part of the 10,000 man Eternals, is the Royal Guard Cavalry. Using imported ideas from Greece and the Northern Steppes, these men are the most heavily armed and armoured men in the Empire, and some of the best trained soldiers. They wear Greek-inspired heavy lamellar-bronze armor which makes them more flexible, a Theban-esque style helmet, and are armed with javelins for distance combat, then either a spear or sword for melee. Generally they do not carry shields, unless the battle is deemed to be required of them as such.
Naval Ships
Galley (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/ships2.jpg)
The most simple ship since the time of the great Phoenicians, the Galley is a single masted ship with a single deck and between ten and thirty oars on either side, depending on its length. These are great river travelers and coastal ships, making them the widest used for trade and transport. On average, there are more than a thousand such vessels along the coasts and on the rivers of the Samaten Empire. In times of war they can be pressed into service to carry troops and supplies.
Trireme (http://www.armchairgeneral.com/wordpress/wp-content/features/salamis/trireme.jpg)
The most common military vessel in the Mediterranean, but no less expensive, is the trireme. Samaten triremes have three decks of 30 oars each, with covered tops to protect the rowers from missiles during battle. Each can carry either 80 soldiers or enough supplies to feed and provide for, for 200 men. The Samaten Empire maintains 100 of these vessels in and around its major ports. During times of war these ships converge to make a single combined fleet.
Quinquereme (http://www.areamilitar.net/DIRECTORIO/im_MAR/GAL_quinquereme_BW.jpg)
Developed from the trireme, the quinquereme takes the design to a whole new level of sophistication. Entirely covered rower sections, with a wider middle, enabling towers to be built on either end of ship, making it more capable of carrying more soldiers and mariners. From these towers archers and siege engines can be given a more powerful position of fire. The Samaten Empire maintains 20 of these around the Empire, and can, in times of need, build more.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/banner.jpg
History
The founder of this dynasty was supposedly Saemens: هخامنش (Old Samaten Haxāmaniš "Of Kind Mind"). He was succeeded by his son Teispes (Cišpi), who first took the title King of Falakee after seizing Falakee city from the Elamites. Inscriptions indicate that when Teispes died, two of his sons shared the throne as Cyrus (Kuruš), king of Falakee, and Ariaramnes (Ariyāramna, 'Having the Samatens at Peace'), king of Jamsheed. They were succeeded by their respective sons Cambyses I of Falakee (Kambūjiya, "the Elder"), and Arsames (Aršāma "Having a Hero's Might") of Baghaad.
In 559 BC, Cambyses I the Elder was succeeded as king of Falakee by his son Cyrus II the Great, who also succeeded the still-living Arsames as King of Baghaad, thus reuniting the two realms. Cyrus is considered to be the first true king of the Samaten dynasty, as his predecessors were subservient to Nazeem. Cyrus II conquered Nazeem, Zair, and Nasim. Cyrus was politically shrewd, modeling himself as the "savior" of conquered nations. To reinforce this image, he instituted policies of religious freedom, and restored temples and other infrastructure in the newly acquired cities. (Most notably the Jews of Rasool, as recorded in the Cyrus Cylinder and the Tanakh). It was the general policy of the Samatens to continue the Zairian and Nazeemian practice of transferring large populations between areas. This caused a great deal of cultural diffusion, blending many of the disparate clans together, and thus reducing previous tribal (and territorial) loyalties. As a result, the era was known as a relatively peaceful period.
His immediate successors were less successful. Cyrus' son Cambyses II conquered Fahesh, conquering the rich delta there, but died in July 522 BC as the result of either accident or suicide, during a revolt led by a sacerdotal clan that had lost its power following Cyrus' conquest of Zair. These priests, whom were called Magi, usurped the throne for one of their own, Gaumata, who then pretended to be Cambyses II's younger brother Smerdis, who had been assassinated some three years earlier. Owing to the despotic rule of Cambyses and his long absence in Fahesh, "the whole people and all the other nations," acknowledged the usurper, especially as he granted a remission of taxes for three years.
According to the Behistun Inscription, pseudo-Smerdis ruled for seven months before being overthrown in 522 BC by a member of a lateral branch of the Samaten family, Darius I. The Magi, though persecuted, continued to exist, and a year following the death of the first pseudo-Smerdis (Gaumata), had a second pseudo-Smerdis (named Vahyazdāta) attempt a coup. The coup, though initially successful, failed.
The native leadership then debated the best form of government for the Empire. It was reported that it was decided that an oligarchy would divide them against one another, and democracy like the Greeks would bring about mob rule resulting in a charismatic leader resuming the monarchy. Therefore, they decided a new monarch was in order, particularly since they were in a position to choose him. Darius I was chosen monarch from among the leaders. He was cousin to Cambyses II and Smerdis, claiming Saemens as his ancestor, thus restoring the Samaten line.
The Samatens thereafter consolidated areas firmly under their control. It was Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great who, by sound and farsighted administrative planning, brilliant military maneuvering, and a humanistic world view, established the greatness of the Samatens and, in less than thirty years, raised them from an obscure tribe to a world power. It was during the reign of Darius I that Sahran was built (518BC) and which would serve as the capital. Falakee was greatly expanded during this period and served as the summer capital.
MAP
Image (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3690/samatenempirebp4.gif)
Government
The Samatens are absolutists who allow a certain amount of regional autonomy in the form of the satrapy system. A satrapy is an administrative unit, usually organized on a geographical basis. A satrap (governor) administers the region, a general supervises military recruitment and ensures order, and a state secretary keeps official records. The general and the state secretary reported directly to the central government and not to the satrap.
Accomplishments of Darius' reign included codification of the data, a universal legal system upon which much of later Iranian law would be based, and construction of a new capital at Sahran, where vassal states would offer their yearly tribute at the festival celebrating the spring equinox.
The practice of slavery in the Samaten Empire is generally banned, although conquered and/or rebellious armies are sold into captivity. Zoroastrianism, the de facto religion of the empire, explicitly forbids slavery, and the kings of Samaten Empire follow this ban to varying degrees, as evidenced by the freeing of the Jews at Rasool, and the construction of Sahran by paid workers.
The thirteen satrapies were linked by a 4,500-kilometer highway, the most impressive stretch being the Royal Road from Baladi to Laheeb, built by command of Darius I. Relays of mounted couriers could reach the remotest of areas in fifteen days. Despite the relative local independence afforded by the satrapy system, royal inspectors, the "eyes and ears of the king," toured the empire and reported on local conditions. The king also maintained a personal bodyguard of 10,000 men, called the Eternals.
Darius, and his son and present king, revolutionized the economy by placing it on a silver and gold coinage system. Trade is extensive, and under the Samatens there is an efficient infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of commodities in the far reaches of the empire. Tariffs on trade are one of the empire's main sources of revenue, along with agriculture and tribute.
The Samaten Empire is divided into 13 satrapies, each of which owe taxes and tribute to King Cyrus. Besides owing money to the state, each satrapy is ordered to raise and fund a local army according to its populace to keep order and to send to the King’s banner when called for.
Population
1,200,000
Monetary System
The Samaten Empire relies of the Greek designed drachma and talent system. The Samaten Drachma and Talent system is as follows:
1 Gold Samaten Talent - 33kg in weight
1 Gold Samaten Drachma - 4 grams in weight
----------------------------
1 Gold Talent = 8,250 Gold Drachma
1 Silver Samaten Talent - 33kg in weight
1 Silver Samaten Drachma - 6 grams in weight
----------------------------
1 Silver Talent = 5,500 Silver Drachma
10 Copper Drachma = 1 Silver Drachma
30 Silver Drachma = 1 Gold Drachma
Economy
Gold and Silver Mines
Several gold mines are located along the shores of the and [Caspian Sea] of the Empire's land, all owned directly by the King. On average, each year some 200-300 gold talents are mined from the north and sent south to the King's treasuries. Silver mines along the Gediz basin river valley also produce great amounts of wealth for the Empire. The coin mint at Baladi and Mus-ad are some of the best outside Greece.
Agriculture
The Samaten Empire is blessed by the two regions of the Nile Delta and the Tigris and Euphrates. From these lands every year come bounties of wheat, barley, and cereals by which practically the entire Empire can be fed on alone from just one of these rich lands. Because all three giant rivers grant such bounty, the Empire constantly has a surplus of food which it then exports to other parts of the known world. In Asia Minor the cultivation of figs, nuts, grapes, and poppy all gain a tremendous abundance.
Ores and Wood
The vast forests of Northern Asia Minor and of the lands between the Black Sea and the Inland Sea grant the Samaten Empire enough wood, it is said, to build more than a million ships should ever the Great King command it! Great tracks of strong wood is also found in the former lands of Judah. In Egypt are the reeds of papyrus plants gathered for the creation of the world's only supply of paper. Linen silks are also woven and produced in Egypt. Iron and lead metal ore is mined from the edges of the North and from the mountains of the south.
Trade
All maritime trade is dependent upon the local satrap governors, with only the supply of grain being controlled by the state. Other exported products included papyrus, spices, fabrics, metals, and shipbuilding materials such as wood, linen, and pitch are all produced within the Empire and sent to the other regions of the world along the old lanes of seafaring first discovered by the Phoenicians.
[b]Culture
The Samaten Empire, now at the height of its glory has more than 20 nations under its control, is built on the most basic principles - that of truth and justice, which form the basis of the Samaten culture. Based on the Zoroastrian doctrine, it was the strong emphasis on honesty and integrity that gives the Samaten Dynasty credibility to rule the world, even in the eyes of the people belonging to the conquered nations. One account of Samaten residents of Faras recorded that the most disgraceful thing in the world think is to tell a lie; the next worst, to owe a debt: because, among other reasons, the debtor is obliged to tell lies.
Samaten youths, from their fifth year to their twentieth year, are instructed in three things - to ride a horse, to draw a bow, and to speak the Truth. Truth for the sake of truth, is the universal motto and the very core of the Samaten culture that is followed not only by the great kings, but even the ordinary Samatens, who make it a point to adhere to this code of conduct. This makes them some of the most honest traders and merchants in the world.
In Samaten Iran, the lie, druj, is considered to be a cardinal sin, and it was punishable by death in some extreme cases. It was Darius the Great, who laid down the ordinance of good regulations during his reign. King Darius' testimony about his constant battle against the lie is found in cuneiform inscriptions. Carved high up in the Behistun mountain on the road to Kermanshah, Darius testifies:
“I was not a lie-follower, I was not a doer of wrong ... According to righteousness I conducted myself. Neither to the weak or to the powerful did I do wrong. The man who cooperated with my house, him I rewarded well; who so did injury, him I punished well.”
Darius had his hands full dealing with large-scale rebellion which broke out throughout the empire in the later 500s. After fighting successfully with nine traitors in a year, Darius records his battles against them for posterity and tells us how it was the lie that made them rebel against the empire. At Nader, Darius said:
“I smote them and took prisoner nine kings. One was Gaumata by name, a Magian; he lied; thus he said: I am Smerdis, the son of Cyrus...One, Acina by name, an Elamite; he lied; thus he said: I am king in Rasool... One, Nidintu-Bel by name, a Falakeen; he lied; thus he said: I am Nebuchadnezzar, the son of Nabonidus.”
Then an advice to his son Cyrus the Great, present king of the Samaten Empire, who is to succeed him as the great king:
“Thou who shalt be king hereafter, protect yourself vigorously from the Lie; the man who shall be a lie-follower, him do thou punish well, if thus thou shall think. May my country be secure!”
Military
By right of the Gods and of the Realm, his Highness, Emperor of the Medes and Zairans, Lord of the Jews and Ephytians, Warlord of the Jamsheed, and rightful King of Samaten, Cyrus the Great is the absolute commander of all soldiers and conscripts of the Empire.
Each satrapy of the Empire is ordered to raise and fund a local army according to its populace to keep order and to send to the King’s banner when called for; so that when a time of war is not at hand, each individual province has its own army that acts as a policing force. At all times the King has a personal body guard/army known as the Eternals. They are the most highly trained and well equipped armed body of men in the Empire.
In times of war the king can raise an army as high as perhaps 200,000 within a short enough time of three weeks, with all Satraps supporting in kind. The training and equipment of these troops is largely responsible for the individual satraps (governors) and the regions they come from. The most basic weapon is the bow, after which comes the spear and sword.
Military Units
Samaten Bowman (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/220_AGR_PersArcher.jpg)
The most numerous soldiers within any Samaten army, the archer is the mainstay of the long ranged engagement unit for the Empire. Armed with his special recurve bow the Samaten archer has enough range and puncturing power to challenge even the vaunted Cretan archers of fame.
Ionian Conscript (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Agrianian3.jpg)
Hired or pressed into service from amongst the cities and people of the Ionian and Troad regions, these are reliable enough troops within the Samaten army that they see continual use, varying from different tasks and roles. Most often they are employed as peltasts.
Haburian Peltast (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Harad_skirmisher_by_Merlkir.jpg)
Due in large part to the influence of Greek culture and style of warfare, the western most provinces of the Empire developed a skirmisher unit based on the Greek Peltast. Armed with several javelins, a bronze helmet, a wicker shield, and a sword if they can afford it, the Haburian Peltasts are another mainstay of the Samaten armies. They tend to be well enough trained for skirmish battle, but can not stand up against heavier infantry.
Samaten Light Spearman (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/785-705_Elite_Infantry_Guard.jpg)
Armed with little more than a short 6-foot spear, a bronze helmet, and a bronze-capped wooden shield the Samaten Light Spearman is the most numerous after the archers in most Samaten armies. They are only trained as well as the satrap governors or the King trains them, making their reliability suspect unless they are massed in great numbers.
Northern Spearmen (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/785-705_Vassal_Levy_spearman.jpg)
Recruiting from the tribes and provinces of the north around the great Inland Sea, the Empire has recruited from these hardened folk a strong and reliable force of foot soldiers. Armed most times with leather breastplate, short sword, greaves, spear, and shield they are better trained than normal light Samaten spearmen, though are in too few numbers to be incorporated in every army of the Empire.
Egyptian Spear Levy (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/untitled.jpg)
Drawn from the large population of what was once the proud kingdom of Egypt, now the Satrap Ephyt, these soldiers of the Samaten army are a proven fighting force. Well trained and equipped, they are often asked for by several commanders within the Empire when they are forced to deal with different campaigns against rebels or barbarians.
Atvesian Heavy Infantry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Assyrianinfantryman7thcenturyBCnott.jpg)
Raised from amongst the middle class of the major cities from the satrap province of Atves such as Baghaad and Falakee, these are some of the best equipped soldiers within any Samaten army. Armed with a 6-8 foot long spear, sword, light to medium armour, a bronze helmet, and an Egyptian-styled shield they are a powerful force. Because of their equipment is so extensive, the provincial governors have begun programs of training so that units of Atvesian Infantry are some of the best trained outside of the King’s Eternals.
Royal Guard | The Eternals (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Assyrianinfantryman7thcenturyBC.jpg)
A unit specially recruited to be body guard to the king of the Samaten Empire and as the most elite unit within the armies of the Empire, the Eternals of the most well trained and equipped soldiers in the Empire. To be an Eternal one must pass strenuous physical and martial tests, as well as physical requirements such as height. They are armed with a 7-foot spear, a sword, a full-length body shield reinforced with iron, a specialized bronze helmet, greaves, and a bronze breastplate. At all times the Eternals remain at a constant 10,000 in number, no more or less, making the impression that no matter how many are killed there are always more, which earned them their name as enemies came to see them as immortal warriors.
Samaten Horse Archers (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/cd6afb5c844d.jpg)
A relatively numerous cavalry force within the Samaten army, the horse archer is the largest proportion of mounted soldiers within any given Samaten army. They are highly skilled in marksmanship and some of the world’s most accomplished riders. They are recruited from amongst the northern and eastern provinces. Armed only with a bow, quiver, light leather armour, and helmet they are quick and fast at maneuvering.
Samaten Light Cavalry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/714_Sargonid_Cavalry.jpg)
Armed with a spear as their main weapon, instead of the bow, the Light Cavalry are a strong, but somewhat poor force. Most are used as scouts or on the flanks of Samaten armies, used only to harass troops instead of being committed to melee combat. They do not wear any heavy armor, but do wear bronze helmets and greaves.
Atvesian Heavy Cavalry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Haradrim_cavalryman_by_Merlkir.jpg)
The crack force of the cavalry and within the Samaten army, the cavalry recruited from the province of Atves is some of the best in the Empire. They are well provided for, being armed with full length, thick robes over which they wear chain-mail breast plates or studded leather armour; they are armed with a long lance, a sword or war axe, and have a bronze helmet. They tend to be well trained and very reliable.
Northern Steppe Cavalry (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Scythians002.jpg)
Recruited from the barbaric northern tribes of the steppe, they make excellent light cavalry and at times are a match even for heavier opponents. They are avid in terms of fighting, as they are prone to charging into the enemy without orders. They are armed with the lightest of armor, wicker shields, a sword, and a long-bladed lance which is their selected weapon of choice.
Samaten Chariot (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/Mittanni.jpg)
Still used within the Samaten Empire, the chariot is a mobile archery tower on the battle field and mobile enough to make it a useful tool. With two armored individuals, an archer/spearman and a driver the chariot is a useful platform of combat. When given sharp scythes on the side of their wheels, the chariots turn into fearsome weapons that inspire dread amongst Samaten enemies.
Royal Guard Cavalry | Eternals (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Ancient%20Thrashia/000_Persian_Heavy_Cavalry.jpg)
Another part of the 10,000 man Eternals, is the Royal Guard Cavalry. Using imported ideas from Greece and the Northern Steppes, these men are the most heavily armed and armoured men in the Empire, and some of the best trained soldiers. They wear Greek-inspired heavy lamellar-bronze armor which makes them more flexible, a Theban-esque style helmet, and are armed with javelins for distance combat, then either a spear or sword for melee. Generally they do not carry shields, unless the battle is deemed to be required of them as such.
Naval Ships
Galley (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/ships2.jpg)
The most simple ship since the time of the great Phoenicians, the Galley is a single masted ship with a single deck and between ten and thirty oars on either side, depending on its length. These are great river travelers and coastal ships, making them the widest used for trade and transport. On average, there are more than a thousand such vessels along the coasts and on the rivers of the Samaten Empire. In times of war they can be pressed into service to carry troops and supplies.
Trireme (http://www.armchairgeneral.com/wordpress/wp-content/features/salamis/trireme.jpg)
The most common military vessel in the Mediterranean, but no less expensive, is the trireme. Samaten triremes have three decks of 30 oars each, with covered tops to protect the rowers from missiles during battle. Each can carry either 80 soldiers or enough supplies to feed and provide for, for 200 men. The Samaten Empire maintains 100 of these vessels in and around its major ports. During times of war these ships converge to make a single combined fleet.
Quinquereme (http://www.areamilitar.net/DIRECTORIO/im_MAR/GAL_quinquereme_BW.jpg)
Developed from the trireme, the quinquereme takes the design to a whole new level of sophistication. Entirely covered rower sections, with a wider middle, enabling towers to be built on either end of ship, making it more capable of carrying more soldiers and mariners. From these towers archers and siege engines can be given a more powerful position of fire. The Samaten Empire maintains 20 of these around the Empire, and can, in times of need, build more.