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.