[TWI ONLY] TWI Neolithic-Iron Age History Thread (OOC)

[Martenyika]

What's This About?

After getting interested in prehistoric human history lately, especially the Bronze Age, I started wondering what Martenyika was like thousands of years ago. Perhaps you've thought the same about your own nation?

But just as our real world Neolithic, Chalcolithic (copper), Bronze, and Iron Ages didn't typically see cultures develop and function in isolated vacuums, neither would our nations' prehistoric cultures likely be secluded. I think there's realistic potential for vast trade networks, empires and conflicts, varying levels of sedentary and nomadic/migratory lifestyles, etc. All of which would spread culture, knowledge, and technology across what are now national borders.

Bottom Line

So, this thread is supposed to be a place where TWI folks can share, brainstorm, and collaborate on ideas about some of the earliest cultures in their nations, and how they may have come into contact with or influenced those of other nations in TWI.

Scope

Generally anytime between about 10-7,000 BC and 1,000-500 BC, or in other words what we know as the Neolithic (new stone) to Iron Ages. This covers the shift towards agriculture up through, as the name implies, the proliferation of iron as the metal of choice. We don't have to rigidly stick to the real world timeline and history of course, but should stay within reason.

---

Rules/Guidelines

1. This is ONLY for members of The Western Isles who are on the TWI regional map. New members waiting to be put on the map are welcome, however.

2. Keep things within generally realistic bounds. No, your culture did not start mass producing bronze weaponry and subjugate the entire continent in 6969 BC!

3. This is meant to be collaborative, so make sure all relevant nations agree to major changes involving each others' history, cultures, etc.

4. Avoid claiming "firsts" especially for things like major technological or cultural breakthroughs. We may discuss how definitive we can get (probably not very) at a later time, but for now I want to lay as collaborative of a framework as possible.

I might as well start us off below in a new post.

[Martenyika]

My main idea right now is that Martenyika had significant deposits of copper, which gained relevancy around the late Neolithic age/Chalcolithic Age and could have been traded at least as far as northern Wellsia. If not further afield, depending on the prevalence of copper and status of trade elsewhere (central to northern Argus, Gael, etc).

Copper continued to be valuable once bronze came about, or in fact probably gained in value as the main ingredient in bronze. Eventually Martenyika began transitioning to a bronze age around 2,500 BC, due to importation of finished bronze and bronze metallurgical knowledge, as well as tin.

[The United Partitions]

One of the first Salimanese civilizations would have been the Empire of Glass, known in Salimanese as Cipetlecchaxtlan. I really haven't thought that much through with them, but they would have been a largely mercantile civilization focused on the southern coast of Salimanasia that existed sometime around ~2000 BC. They would have been led by the Ataneca people, who were the largest ethnic group in Salimanasia prior to the arrival of the Ipachi to Mesoargus in 1260 BC. Those Ipachi would later assimilate into the Salimanic cultural sphere while maintaining a large amount of Ipachi cultural traditions, and would become the Alatauhua, who led the Alatauh trade confederation from ~360 BC to ~800 AD. The Alatauhua largely replaced the Ataneca as the "mercantile" people, and while the Ataneca were pushed back into the mountains by Alatauhua invasions, the Alatauhua would remain the merchant class of Salimanasia long into modern history, throughout the Chah-Chajd Empire in the 15th-17th centuries. The most populous ethnicity in Salimanasia in the modern day is the Chacoa, who led the Chah-Chajd Empire. In prehistory, the Chacoa, and other groups that lived inland, were largely nomadic and regarded as barbaric and uncivilized savages by the coastal civilizations like Cipetlecchaxtlan or Alatauh, and were subjugated by the Corinthusi Empire for centuries, only gaining significant power and influence by the 9th century AD.

There was a lack of a Salimanese writing system in prehistory, the current Chacoa script only being first created around 300 BC for trade purposes, being inspired by the Alatauhua script, which had only been developed centuries prior. Due to this, all sources of the Empire of Glass would have been written in a different script (Most likely an Old Ataneca script) that no longer exists and would have had to been translated using some kind of Rosetta Stone, or by scholars studying the modern Ataneca language and writing.

The Empire of Glass would have possessed copper, but would have largely ignored its usefulness as weaponry, preferring obsidian as a material for tools and weapons (Partially for religious purposes, as obsidian is known in Salimanese as tecomatl, meaning "solid omatl". Omatl, meaning "cosmic water", is a substance that is present everywhere, but is more concentrated in areas that appear darker, like shadows or the night sky. It is essentially pure darkness, and is one of the oldest substances in the Universe, preexisting most other gods, being formed from the blood of the first (now dead) god.).
I haven't thought of anything more to it than that as of the moment...

[Martenyika]

One of the first Salimanese civilizations would have been the Empire of Glass, known in Salimanese as Cipetlecchaxtlan. I really haven't thought that much through with them, but they would have been a largely mercantile civilization focused on the southern coast of Salimanasia that existed sometime around ~2000 BC. They would have been led by the Ataneca people, who were the largest ethnic group in Salimanasia prior to the arrival of the Ipachi to Mesoargus in 1260 BC. Those Ipachi would later assimilate into the Salimanic cultural sphere while maintaining a large amount of Ipachi cultural traditions, and would become the Alatauhua, who led the Alatauh trade confederation from ~360 BC to ~800 AD. The Alatauhua largely replaced the Ataneca as the "mercantile" people, and while the Ataneca were pushed back into the mountains by Alatauhua invasions, the Alatauhua would remain the merchant class of Salimanasia long into modern history, throughout the Chah-Chajd Empire in the 15th-17th centuries. The most populous ethnicity in Salimanasia in the modern day is the Chacoa, who led the Chah-Chajd Empire. In prehistory, the Chacoa, and other groups that lived inland, were largely nomadic and regarded as barbaric and uncivilized savages by the coastal civilizations like Cipetlecchaxtlan or Alatauh, and were subjugated by the Corinthusi Empire for centuries, only gaining significant power and influence by the 9th century AD.

There was a lack of a Salimanese writing system in prehistory, the current Chacoa script only being first created around 300 BC for trade purposes, being inspired by the Alatauhua script, which had only been developed centuries prior. Due to this, all sources of the Empire of Glass would have been written in a different script (Most likely an Old Ataneca script) that no longer exists and would have had to been translated using some kind of Rosetta Stone, or by scholars studying the modern Ataneca language and writing.

The Empire of Glass would have possessed copper, but would have largely ignored its usefulness as weaponry, preferring obsidian as a material for tools and weapons (Partially for religious purposes, as obsidian is known in Salimanese as tecomatl, meaning "solid omatl". Omatl, meaning "cosmic water", is a substance that is present everywhere, but is more concentrated in areas that appear darker, like shadows or the night sky. It is essentially pure darkness, and is one of the oldest substances in the Universe, preexisting most other gods, being formed from the blood of the first (now dead) god.).
I haven't thought of anything more to it than that as of the moment...

Most interesting!

Do you think that the empire would have done much with copper outside of weaponry? For instance creating jewelry or more decorative items? Also, do you think the empire would have traded obsidian?

[Domanania]

The earliest traces of Doman settlement are traced back to about 13,000 years ago (~11,000 BCE). The migration came in waves, with three unique migrations throughout the pre-history of the Island. The first wave would arrive around ~11,000 BCE and spread out and settle the entire island, and then the last two (8,000 BCE, and 7,000 BCE) primarily settled in the north part of the country, and would intermingle and become the modern lineage of Ethnic Domans.

Doman archeological records classify the neolithic era by the use of basic pottery along with stone tools. The most common indication of the Neolithic era in Domanania is the presence of housing structures that are built partially into the ground. The largest symbol of the Doman neolithic age however is the sudden expansion of the use of Dolmens, with almost 1000 examples still in the country. Many of these are simple dolmens, but the largest ones contain 4-5 burial chambers. Most of these were covered with earthen mounds, but most of the earth has eroded away, leaving the stone support structures.

There isn't a lot known about the prehistoric era. There are many pieces of clay artwork, and even a few carvings that have been found. The stone age lasted a lot longer than most other countries, with the lack of tin and copper easily accessible. The copper age was marked by an increase of trade over seas, with the first documentation of ships around 2,000 BC.

Once the iron age hit the people of Domanania, the first official kingdoms began to arise. Previously, tribal kingdoms ruled with very little in the way of central governments.

I will elaborate futher at a later date, but wanted to get this stuff down.

[Domanania]

The earliest traces of Doman settlement are traced back to about 13,000 years ago (~11,000 BCE). The migration came in waves, with three unique migrations throughout the pre-history of the Island. The first wave would arrive around ~11,000 BCE and spread out and settle the entire island, and then the last two (8,000 BCE, and 7,000 BCE) primarily settled in the north part of the country, and would intermingle and become the modern lineage of Ethnic Domans.

Doman archeological records classify the neolithic era by the use of basic pottery along with stone tools. The most common indication of the Neolithic era in Domanania is the presence of housing structures that are built partially into the ground. The largest symbol of the Doman neolithic age however is the sudden expansion of the use of Dolmens, with almost 1000 examples still in the country. Many of these are simple dolmens, but the largest ones contain 4-5 burial chambers. Most of these were covered with earthen mounds, but most of the earth has eroded away, leaving the stone support structures.

There isn't a lot known about the prehistoric era. There are many pieces of clay artwork, and even a few carvings that have been found. The stone age lasted a lot longer than most other countries, with the lack of tin and copper easily accessible. The copper age was marked by an increase of trade over seas, with the first documentation of ships around 2,000 BC.

Once the iron age hit the people of Domanania, the first official kingdoms began to arise. Previously, tribal kingdoms ruled with very little in the way of central governments.

I will elaborate futher at a later date, but wanted to get this stuff down.

Expanding on this.

Doman pre-historic periods can be divided into 3 (or 4) eras.

Andui Period: This is the first period often used for Doman prehistory. It encompasses the meso and neolithic stages of Doman civilization. It is defined by a series of earthen pots that contain reliefs similar to leaf patterns. This period was marked by semi-permanent settlements, small scale cultivation, and the earliest datable Dolmens. This period lasted from about 8,000 BCE to 7,000 BCE, between the last two migrations. It would later give way to the Honui period.

Honui Period: This era would last from 7,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE. This period was marked by a rapid increase in megalithic structures. While the use of Dolmens increased, many other sites are dated to belonging to this period. This includes more elaborate burial sites, including the large 4-5 chambered Dolmens. This also was the era where the first small fishing vessels were found. Many coastal finds determined that the people of this time relied heavily on shellfish, but put massive pressure on them, causing the peoples to move further inland. It is at this time that the earliest gold and silver working is found in burial mounds.

Buigu Period: The Buigu period was marked by a series of internal migrations from 2,000 BCE to 1,000 BCE. This period is often debated upon as being its own separate period, and claim it should be part of the Honui period. Never the less, this period is marked by coastal populations migrating inland. During this time, copper tool usage was on the rise. While early sailors of the previous era traded for copper tools and weapons, this era marks the first domestic copper mines and unique style of copper tools. This era is also marked by the increase usage of Slash and Burn cultivation. Simultaneously, intensive agriculture began around this time. This includes the first evidence of terraced farms and more developed cities.

Tsaeo Period: This period begins around 1,000 BCE and would last until around 400 BCE. This era is where the most bronze artifacts are found. The early people did not produce most of their bronze items and imported it from other islands. Domanania had a short bronze age, quickly transitioning into iron tools. The earliest kingdoms are found in the record at this point, forming about 4-5 separate kingdoms in the north of country. This era also marked the first known working of Jade, and large scale gold and silver working. While evidence of gold and silver smithing goes back to at least 3,000 BCE, this period would see the dissemination of golden Doman artifacts across multiple modern day nations.

[The United Partitions]

One of the first Salimanese civilizations would have been the Empire of Glass, known in Salimanese as Cipetlecchaxtlan. I really haven't thought that much through with them, but they would have been a largely mercantile civilization focused on the southern coast of Salimanasia that existed sometime around ~2000 BC. They would have been led by the Ataneca people, who were the largest ethnic group in Salimanasia prior to the arrival of the Ipachi to Mesoargus in 1260 BC. Those Ipachi would later assimilate into the Salimanic cultural sphere while maintaining a large amount of Ipachi cultural traditions, and would become the Alatauhua, who led the Alatauh trade confederation from ~360 BC to ~800 AD. The Alatauhua largely replaced the Ataneca as the "mercantile" people, and while the Ataneca were pushed back into the mountains by Alatauhua invasions, the Alatauhua would remain the merchant class of Salimanasia long into modern history, throughout the Chah-Chajd Empire in the 15th-17th centuries. The most populous ethnicity in Salimanasia in the modern day is the Chacoa, who led the Chah-Chajd Empire. In prehistory, the Chacoa, and other groups that lived inland, were largely nomadic and regarded as barbaric and uncivilized savages by the coastal civilizations like Cipetlecchaxtlan or Alatauh, and were subjugated by the Corinthusi Empire for centuries, only gaining significant power and influence by the 9th century AD.

There was a lack of a Salimanese writing system in prehistory, the current Chacoa script only being first created around 300 BC for trade purposes, being inspired by the Alatauhua script, which had only been developed centuries prior. Due to this, all sources of the Empire of Glass would have been written in a different script (Most likely an Old Ataneca script) that no longer exists and would have had to been translated using some kind of Rosetta Stone, or by scholars studying the modern Ataneca language and writing.

The Empire of Glass would have possessed copper, but would have largely ignored its usefulness as weaponry, preferring obsidian as a material for tools and weapons (Partially for religious purposes, as obsidian is known in Salimanese as tecomatl, meaning "solid omatl". Omatl, meaning "cosmic water", is a substance that is present everywhere, but is more concentrated in areas that appear darker, like shadows or the night sky. It is essentially pure darkness, and is one of the oldest substances in the Universe, preexisting most other gods, being formed from the blood of the first (now dead) god.).
I haven't thought of anything more to it than that as of the moment...

Most interesting!

Do you think that the empire would have done much with copper outside of weaponry? For instance creating jewelry or more decorative items? Also, do you think the empire would have traded obsidian?

They would have possessed large quantities of gold jewelry, but there'd probably be some copper jewelry as well. They would have traded obsidian, as well as gold, jewels, and maybe idk wood, cacao, corn?

[Domanania]

Most interesting!

Do you think that the empire would have done much with copper outside of weaponry? For instance creating jewelry or more decorative items? Also, do you think the empire would have traded obsidian?

They would have possessed large quantities of gold jewelry, but there'd probably be some copper jewelry as well. They would have traded obsidian, as well as gold, jewels, and maybe idk wood, cacao, corn?

Become the sandalwood supplier of the region. Own a monopoly on it in the early days and have it be a key part in early Southern Sea trade routes

[Martenyika]

This older dispatch of mine slipped under my radar until recently. It was about an ancient Martenyikan city, but I never really fleshed it out. I've worked out some new ideas for it.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1659095

This city would be located in northern Martenyika along the Bagradas River. The Bagradas is essentially South Argus' equivalent of the Nile River, originating in Martenyika and flowing northwards around the borders of modern day Veldhaven and Wellsia. I haven't specified when it was founded yet, but being in a prime location on a major river, it could develop relatively early, I suspect. The city would have grown into a successful city-state starting around 2,500-2,400 BC as contact and trade with the Numae people increased. The state would grow in wealth, power, and influence. Presumably it would influence neighboring peoples in Martenyika and be a dominant power, at least in my north.

The Numae eventually conquered the city in or around 1566 BC, after it experienced a period of decline. Which, this decline could be for any number of inter-connected or compounding reasons, like political instability and rebellion, rival invasion, agricultural decline from drought/poor inundation/rainfall, a disease, and people fleeing all of it. Might happen in or closer to the 1600s BC. There could have been some stabilization and recovery by the 1560s BC, however the city-state would be a shadow of its former self. Still, the Numae recognized that the city/city-state still had plenty of strategic and economic potential, and took it for themselves after defeating some resistance. They would also build a new city adjacent, as more of the previously-nomadic Numae begin to settle. This would be the start of direct Numae influence in what is now Martenyikan territory.

[Martenyika]

Something to consider as a reference. This is about the Koryos, or "warband" made up of young men in Indo-European cultures learning how to hunt, raid, preserve ancestral history, etc until they came of age and could enter their home's "polite society" https://tocharus.substack.com/p/history-of-the-koryos