The History of Tellaia: The Ancient World

There are no historical accounts of the ancient world. What we know about it comes from poetry, art and oral tradition.

After the Hostwar ended, humans gradually spread across all corners of the world. In southern Tirenia, the Akhaioi people started their civilization, and many of the cities there date back to these times. These cities were ruled by hero-kings, and many of the stories of the time are about their exploits. They are still popular subjects of art. The greatest and most famous of these heroes was Ercole, who wandered across Tirenia fighting monsters. Almost everywhere in Tirenia has a local myth about Ercole and his exploits.

The early religion was animistic. People believed that there were spirits in natural features of greater or lesser power, and their religious rituals were about appeasing these spirits. In many cases, these beliefs were shaped by interactions with angels, demons and fairies, many of whom were characterized as gods. These pagan beliefs have largely died out today, although remnants of ancient rituals and superstitions remain. 

One of the major mythological cycles was the Gigantomachy. the war between humans and giants. Giants came down from the mountains, enslaving humans to help them build their massive citadels. The humans, led by their hero-kings, fought back against them. In the end, the giants were defeated and driven back into the mountains, leaving their castles in ruins behind them. Some humans today still show signs of giantish blood. The human victory was only possible due to the help of the gold dragons, which would have serious ramifications in the future...

Art: 'David and Goliath.' Orazio Gentileschi, c. 1605.

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