History of Metzetta

WIP

Prehistory
Tool-making artefacts have been found in Metzetta dating from around 700,000 years ago. Settlements seem to have been concentrated in the central-western portion of the country. Agricultural societies and the most primitive forms of social-political complexities emerged around 1500 BC, developing around both dry-field and paddy-field crops. Beginning in 850 BC, chiefs began to take command over societies, and their (for the time) lavish burials have been excavated across the country. Bronze-production became possible in 700 BC and immediately cemented itself as a cornerstone of civilisation. Long distance trade, increasing levels of local conflict and the development of iron metallurgy signalled the end of this era of history about 300 BC.

Meseda-jo
The first Metzettan kingdom, and the one which would come to dominate all others, was Meseda (메세다), supposedly founded by Emperor Yang-jo (a direct descendant of the gods) in 2333 BC. The first Emperor scholars can agree certainly existed based on archaeological evidence was Doekan; all Emperors who followed him are historically verifiable. Written records from 700 BC attest that the kingdom was certainly well-established by this time. Meseda's capital was located in Hanzeong as it is today. Meseda is sometimes referred to in later accounts as Meseda-jo (메세다조) to differentiate it from modern-day Metzetta, but it was never known by this name at the time.

Hyuntoji
To the northeast of Meseda-jo lay Hyuntoji (휸도지, Hyuntoji translates as "Dark Land" or "Mysterious Land" and was the Metzettan name for the territory). Hyuntoji was smaller and less sophisticated than Meseda and was subjugated around 300 BC as Meseda-jo expanded.

Daekang
The territory to the south of Meseda was known as Daekang (대강, Great Water/River in Metzi) and was prosperous thanks to its ample coastline and greater proportion of arable land than the mountainous Meseda-jo. Daekang controlled several islands off the coast and resisted takeover attempts from the north for generations until falling in 85 BC. Ankae, the former capital of Daekang, is now the second-largest city in Metzetta. Following this acquisition Meseda-jo became known as Metzetta.

Metzetta
Over the coming years the new empire would take to the seas and conquer many islands off the coast and laid claim to as many uninhabited islands as it could find.

//This section will bring us up to 300 AD or so (AKA 4th Century).

Antiquity
Ongoing conflict with Tanhai over territory.

4th Century
Emperor Zoha conquers the Easternmost island of the Metzettan Archipelago.

7th Century
In 650, paper money is issued in Metzetta for the first time; until now all money had been in the form of coins.

9th Century
In 868 the printing press appears in Metzetta. Gunpowder begins to be imported from Corumm.

14th Century
In 1394, Jangeomhan Gungjeon becomes the Emperor's official residence when Emperor Lo relocates there.

17th Century
Arrival of Acirians in 1601. Metzettans venture to Aciria in turn.

Modern Period
The Modern Period of Metzetta is said to begin in 1850. Emperor Daeku is considered the first modern Emperor. He instituted sweeping reforms to currency, honours and military. Emperors Daeku and Yonzi kept Metzetta neutral during The First Great War. For the first year of The Second Great War, Metzetta remained neutral under Emperor Jan-Hu, however Levantine allies successfully induced Metzetta to join the Allies on March 30th, 1935, the same day Rusana fell to Corumm.

After the Second Great War, Metzetta was chosen as the venue for the first Istroyan Games in 1950, which it hosted in Hanzeong. In 1965 Princess Haeki of Metzetta married Leo de Weluta of Urcea; the wedding was big news among the commoners and several members of the royal family travelled to Urcea to attend the wedding.

In 2022 on the day of Emperor Hachi's ascension to the throne, Hanzeong was the victim of a terrorist incident, now referred to as the Coronation Bombings, in which an anti-monarchist individual detonated an explosive device on the subway and attempted to send a second one which was intercepted before activation. 2025 saw the first official state visit of the Metzettan Imperial Family to The Cape, a notoriously republican state, by Emperor Hachi, who discussed trade and culture despite booing and jeers from crowds of locals who disapprove of monarchy.