History of Cartadania

Prehistory and ancient history
The period of pre-Caphirian Cartadania, stretching from approximately 9000 BC to 370 BC, unveils a significant epoch in the region's historical narrative, centered around the cradle of western civilization. This era signifies the transformation from prehistory to ancient history, marked by the emergence of intricate indigenous cultures, agricultural advancements, and the flourishing of distinct societies.

Cartadania's origins trace back over 11,000 years to the banks of the Mandera River, where early human habitation in the form of the Adonerii left its mark. Their proliferation catalyzed the emergence of numerous coastal communities that persist in the contemporary Cartadanian landscape. The adoption of agriculture, encompassing crops like pineapple, cacão, and cassava, fundamentally altered indigenous lifestyles and ushered in an era of surplus food production. These developments coincided with the emergence of indigenous societies such as the Ettian, Linaca, Lombards, and Veronese, each contributing unique religious, symbolic, and artistic traditions. Although cultural differences occasionally led to conflict, it was during this era that Cartadania's indigenous population began its transformation into a complex and diverse civilization.

The 8th century BC witnessed the zenith of indigenous culture in Cartadania with the ascendancy of the Ettian civilization, considered a partial progenitor to the early Cartadanian population. Thriving along the northern Urlazian coast, the Ettians not only influenced their neighboring societies but also left a lasting legacy of artistic and architectural achievements. These cultural developments expanded beyond the Ettians, shaping the identities of indigenous groups across Alexandria, São Ricardo, Verona, and the Urlazian peninsula states. The Ettian are believed to be directly related to the Fortuna people which inhabited most of São Ricardo throughout its history, and are directly descended from the Adonerii. This era was marked by an unparalleled richness of cultural expression.

Around 370 BC, the arrival of Caphirian settlers marked a pivotal moment in Cartadania's history. It brought together indigenous populations, initiating a cultural intermingling that would forever alter the course of the region's development. Cartadania's indigenous population, numbering approximately 7 million individuals, was comprised of various ethnic groups and their subdivisions. Despite occasional conflicts arising from differences in culture, language, and beliefs, this period also witnessed instances of coexistence and mutual interaction. The stage was set for the blending of cultures and the emergence of a new chapter in Cartadania's history.

Caphirian Colonization
The period of Caphirian colonization in Cartadania represents a momentous transition that bridged the ancient indigenous cultures of the region with the inexorable influence of the Caphirian imperium. This transformative period, which commenced circa 370 BC, stands as a testament to the intrepid spirit of Caphirian explorers, often referred to as "terra quaesitores." Fueled by the allure of uncharted territories, these pioneers embarked on a daring journey through the Urlazian Sea, setting foot on the pristine shores of the eastern Caridon Peninsula. However, their initial foray was considerably restrained by the formidable geographical impediments that characterized the Caridonian landscape.

The untamed wilderness of Cartadania, characterized by dense tropical forests and the imposing grandeur of the Serra Affiada mountain range in Verona, acted as a natural barrier, confining early Caphirian settlers to coastal regions. Furthermore, the fauna of the area proved to be daunting deterrents as well. Overcoming these obstacles demanded resilience and ingenuity, yet it was a task undertaken with unwavering determination.

As time drifted forward, the terra quaesitores expanded their territorial foothold, venturing deeper into the heart of the peninsula. These intrepid settlers established thriving communities, introducing innovative technologies, and initiating a profound transformation of the landscape. It was during these initial encounters that the Caphirian explorers came face to face with the indigenous societies that had flourished on the Caridon Peninsula for millennia, especially the most widespread of the bunch, the Ettian and Caridians (endonymically referred to as the Cartadons). These indigenous populations, which also included the Linaca, Lombards, and Veronese, boasted rich and multifaceted cultures, cultivated through centuries of adaptation to their unique environments. The arrival of Caphirian colonists marked the inception of a dynamic cultural exchange, where customs, traditions, and knowledge intermingled, giving rise to a burgeoning Cartadanian identity that was a tapestry woven from various threads of heritage.

The momentum of colonization surged into the Lombard Valley around 704 AD, ushering in a new chapter in Caridonian history. This expansion, however, was not without its challenges. The rugged terrain, characterized by the especially imposing Turian Ridge, hyperdense tropical forests, and very large rivers, presented formidable obstacles that tested the resolve of Caphirian settlers.

In the 11th century, under the rule of Imperator Darius, the disparate regions of the eastern Caridon Peninsula coalesced into a single geo-political entity known as Lusia. Lusia, in turn, was partitioned into nine distinctive regions, known as "Regios," spanning across five provinces. These provinces, including Alexandria, Verona, Sacilium, Regio Iordas, and Regio Carina, each carved its unique imprint on Cartadanian society. The intricate blend of Caphirian and indigenous influences in these regions laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse culture that would define Cartadania for centuries to come.

Notably, the Fortuna Isles, which would come to be São Ricardo, maintained an identity distinct from the other Urlazian basin states. This archipelago, nestled amidst the northern waters of the Urlazian Sea at its confluence with the Odoneru Ocean, had a long history, dating back to indigenous habitation around the 12th century BC. The Fortuna Isles became a pivotal stopover for sea-faring explorers and navigators, acting as a crossroads between Levantia and distant lands. Even in the face of Caphirian colonization, Fortuna's resolute inhabitants clung fiercely to their sovereignty, charting a course of independent self-governance amidst the tides of change.

Struggle for Independence
The movement toward independence in Cartadania, spanning the late 16th to early 17th centuries, represents a pivotal chapter in the nation's history characterized by political upheaval, separatist movements, and the emergence of a new, independent state. During this tumultuous period, the Cartadanian region, previously under Caphirian imperial rule, witnessed a growing discontent with Venceia's distant governance, particularly as the principate era transitioned into the Dominate era.

The roots of this struggle can be traced back to the late 16th century when various regions within Cartadania began to experience a sense of neglect and oppression under Caphirian rule. The focal point of this discontent was Verona, where the provincial government, feeling increasingly marginalized, took a momentous step by passing the Vermilion Act. This act represented a bold assertion of autonomy and a distinct identity for Verona. The legislation realized the imperative to safeguard unique cultural heritage, promote local interests, and secure a future of self-determination. At its core, it embodied the fundamental principle of self-governance, reflecting the resolute desire of not just Verona, but the other provinces as well, to break from the yoke of imperial rule. The act's importance within the broader context of Cartadanian history is underscored by its role as a catalyst for other regions, like Alexandria and Sancti, to contemplate similar actions. Verona's determination to assert its autonomy and preserve its cultural identity would ultimately set in motion a series of events that led to the emergence of Cartadania as a sovereign nation.

Imperator Legarus, ruling from Venceia, attempted to address the growing regional tensions through constitutional changes within Caphiria. His introduction of a new constitution aimed at delineating the national frame of government, establishing a social contract between citizens and the state, and protecting the empire's people. However, the Vermilion Act and similar separatist actions highlighted the disunity within Caphiria, as regions like Verona and Alexandria demanded greater autonomy.

The situation was further complicated by the Great Schism and internal changes within Caphiria. As the imperium grappled with internal pressures and the relocation of one of its high courts from Venceia to Serdica (now New Venceia), the Lusia region saw the emergence of separatist movements that pushed for practical and tangible changes. These revolutionary forces, impatient for independence, gained momentum, as demonstrated by events like the Milanese Revolt in 1623.

In 1626, the situation reached a tipping point when revolutionaries, taking control of Saleria, a small city on the outskirts of Serdica, demanded independence. The Cartadanian Army, known as the Legio Septentrionalis, and Pelaxian forces played a crucial role in preventing the imperial legion's intervention, partly due to the imperium's losses in the Second Termian War. This development led to the creation of the Compactum Caridonis, an agreement between newly-established Vachena and Cartadania, under which the two territories would remain separate for the duration of the imperial occupation of Vachena (approximately 100 years), while Cartadania would be granted independence.

However, enforcing this agreement proved challenging due to Cartadania's territorial borders disjointing Caphiria's influence in Vachena and separating the two by 756 km at their nearest point, leaving many Caphirians in Vachena unable to easily return home over the years. In September 1630, the Compactum Caridonis went into force as Alexandria, Sancti, Verona, and parts of Urlazio officially seceded from Caphiria, prompted by a combination of internal and external factors, including the imperium's withdrawal of military forces from the region.

In the early years of its existence, the nascent republic underwent a series of name changes that reflected its evolving identity. Initially established as the Caridon Federation in September 1630, this name encapsulated the diverse collection of provinces and territories that had come together in the aftermath of the Great Schism to assert their independence from the Caphirian imperium. However, merely a month later, on 30 October 1630, the nation underwent a slight but significant alteration, rebranding itself as the Caridon Federal Republic. This subtle shift in nomenclature was indicative of the republic's commitment to the principles of federalism and self-governance, which would go on to play a pivotal role in shaping its political landscape and identity as it continued to grow and evolve. The ratification of the Caridon Federal Republic's constitution in October 1630 marked the culmination of these efforts, establishing a new, independent nation in northern Sarpedon. This period of struggle for independence paved the way for Cartadania's emergence as a sovereign state, separate from Caphirian rule, and set the stage for its subsequent development as a unique and culturally rich nation.