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The '''Early history of Urcea''', sometimes also called the '''Early Period''', consists of the entire period of time from the beginning of human settlement of [[Levantia]] through the death of [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] in 800 AD. Consequently, it includes the sparsely-recorded history of southwestern before the arrival of the [[Adonerum|Adonerii]], the early Adonerii period, the rise and fall of [[Great Levantia]], and the period between the fall of [[Great Levantia]] and rise of the [[Holy Levantine Empire]].
The '''Early history of Urcea''', sometimes also called the '''Early Period''', consists of the entire period of time from the beginning of human settlement of [[Levantia]] through the death of [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] in 800 AD. Consequently, it includes the sparsely-recorded history of southwestern before the arrival of the [[Adonerum|Adonerii]], the early Adonerii period, the rise and fall of [[Great Levantia]], and the period between the fall of [[Great Levantia]] and rise of the [[Holy Levantine Empire]].


During this period, significant upheaval was the norm for more than two thousand years prior to the establishment of [[Great Levantia]]. Arrivals of [[Gaelic people]], Istroyan people and then [[Latinic people]] lead to massive demographic changes in the modern territory of Urcea, as the earliest human societies were displaced by semi-nomadic Gaelic tribes that introduced agriculture to the region. The Gaels were displaced in the millennium BC by [[Latinic people]], while Istroyan people settled the southeastern shore of the country. These groups came together to an extent in the foundation of [[Great Levantia]], which eventually collapsed due to economic failure, social upheavel, and pressure from outside groups, such as the Goths. From the foundations of Great Levantia came the [[Latin League]] and [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] alongside the early origins of feudalism. The Latin League was swept away by the new [[Holy Levantine Empire]] in the 8th century, but Urceopolis was spared from destruction due to the leadership of Saint Julius of the Caeline, who elevated Urceopolis's position within the Empire by cooperation with Emperor Conchobar. By the time of his death, his dynasty ruled more than a third of Urcea's modern territory, creating the foundations for the later establishment of a single country.
During this period, significant upheaval was the norm for more than two thousand years prior to the establishment of [[Great Levantia]]. Arrivals of [[Gaelic people]], Istroyan people and then [[Latinic people]] led to massive demographic changes in the modern territory of Urcea, as the earliest human societies were displaced by semi-nomadic Gaelic tribes that introduced agriculture to the region. The Gaels were displaced in the millennium BC by [[Latinic people]], while Istroyan people settled the southeastern shore of the country. These groups came together to an extent in the foundation of [[Great Levantia]], which eventually collapsed due to economic failure, social upheavel, and pressure from outside groups, such as the Goths. From the foundations of Great Levantia came the [[Latin League]] and [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] alongside the early origins of feudalism. The Latin League was swept away by the new [[Holy Levantine Empire]] in the 8th century, but Urceopolis was spared from destruction due to the leadership of Saint Julius of the Caeline, who elevated Urceopolis's position within the Empire by cooperation with Emperor Conchobar. By the time of his death, his dynasty ruled more than a third of Urcea's modern territory, creating the foundations for the later establishment of a single country.


== Prehistory ==
== Prehistory ==
Extremely little is known about Urcea prior to the rise of the [[Gaelic people]] within its lands. Before the arrival of the Gaelic peoples in Urcea, the region was inhabited by what was likely a large number of different pre-agricultural groups. These groups were primarily hunter-gatherers, and relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing for their sustenance. They lived in small, mobile groups, and did not have permanent settlements, although the archaeological record suggests that some seasonal locations saw continued use by multiple peoples throughout the prehistoric period.
Extremely little is known about Urcea prior to the rise of the [[Gaelic people]] within its lands. Before the arrival of the Gaelic peoples in Urcea, the region was inhabited by what was likely a large number of different pre-agricultural groups. These groups were primarily hunter-gatherers, and relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing for their sustenance. They lived in small, mobile groups, and did not have permanent settlements, although the archaeological record suggests that some seasonal locations saw continued use by multiple peoples throughout the prehistoric period.
[[File:Middle Paleolithic stone tool known as Mousterian point discovered in the Darai Rockshelter in the Sirwan valley of Hawraman, Zagros.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A stone tool associated with the Felandri culture.]]
[[File:Bifaz triangular.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A stone tool associated with the Felandri culture.]]
The earliest known material culture in the region of Urcea is the Felandri culture, which is associated with Neanderthal peoples. This culture is characterized by the use of stone tools, and is believed to have existed in the region from around 100,000 BC to 40,000 BC. After the Felandri culture, the region was inhabited by a number of other pre-agricultural cultures. The Murdla culture, which is associated with anatomically modern humans, is thought to have existed in the region from around 40,000 BC to 28,000 BC. This culture is known for its sophisticated stone tools and cave art. Later, the region was inhabited by the Pamattan culture, which is thought to have existed from around 28,000 BC to 21,000 BC. This culture is known for its advanced hunting techniques, including the use of the atlatl, a spear-throwing device.
The earliest known material culture in the region of Urcea is the Felandri culture, which is associated with Neanderthal peoples. This culture is characterized by the use of stone tools, and is believed to have existed in the region from around 100,000 BC to 40,000 BC. After the Felandri culture, the region was inhabited by a number of other pre-agricultural cultures. The Murdla culture, which is associated with anatomically modern humans, is thought to have existed in the region from around 40,000 BC to 28,000 BC. This culture is known for its sophisticated stone tools and cave art. Later, the region was inhabited by the Pamattan culture, which is thought to have existed from around 28,000 BC to 21,000 BC. This culture is known for its advanced hunting techniques, including the use of the atlatl, a spear-throwing device.


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Archaeological findings have suggested that the first Adonerii city in modern mainland Urcea was almost certainly a coastal city and was likely close to modern Ordep on the Urcean mainland across from [[Crotona]], which was settled far earlier. Most of the early Adonerii settlements were likely fishing villages or trade outposts on the periphery of [[Adonerum]] but later grew in stature and significance as the population of [[Urlazio]] grew further beyond the agricultural capability of the island. Small pieces of evidence suggest the Adonerii and wandering Gaelic tribes likely lived in peaceful coexistence in the first century after the arrival of the Adonerii, but demand for more agricultural land pushed the Adonerii further inland which put them in conflict with the Gaels. The Latinic settlers were better armed and had stronger, bronze and early iron weaponry which the Gaels could not match. In the context of Adonerii expansion it is posited that [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] was founded, approximately in 887 BC. The site of Gaelic fishing villages at the intersection of the [[Urce River]] with the Esquiline River, the new city - originally ''Colonia Urceania'' based on the name of the river - had a commanding position in the Urce River allowing for further exploration and growth into the Levantine interior, and also possessed a natural harbor. Historians surmise that a significant portion of the early population of the city was made up of Istroyan guides and traders, leading to the later adoption of the name ''Urceopolis''.
Archaeological findings have suggested that the first Adonerii city in modern mainland Urcea was almost certainly a coastal city and was likely close to modern Ordep on the Urcean mainland across from [[Crotona]], which was settled far earlier. Most of the early Adonerii settlements were likely fishing villages or trade outposts on the periphery of [[Adonerum]] but later grew in stature and significance as the population of [[Urlazio]] grew further beyond the agricultural capability of the island. Small pieces of evidence suggest the Adonerii and wandering Gaelic tribes likely lived in peaceful coexistence in the first century after the arrival of the Adonerii, but demand for more agricultural land pushed the Adonerii further inland which put them in conflict with the Gaels. The Latinic settlers were better armed and had stronger, bronze and early iron weaponry which the Gaels could not match. In the context of Adonerii expansion it is posited that [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] was founded, approximately in 887 BC. The site of Gaelic fishing villages at the intersection of the [[Urce River]] with the Esquiline River, the new city - originally ''Colonia Urceania'' based on the name of the river - had a commanding position in the Urce River allowing for further exploration and growth into the Levantine interior, and also possessed a natural harbor. Historians surmise that a significant portion of the early population of the city was made up of Istroyan guides and traders, leading to the later adoption of the name ''Urceopolis''.


Although the [[Urce River]] became the political and cultural core of Latin civilization in [[Levantia]] in the milennium BC, a significant economic and demographic presence remained on the western coast of [[Levantia]] along the [[Creagmer]]. These cities - such as Beldra, Philaridon, and others - would be the source of much of Great Levantia's early wealth and manpower. The Latin coastal cities here, along with those on [[Crotona]], would go on to dominate the southern [[Odoneru]] trade until the early modern period. Through these ports, the people of what would become Urcea had their first exposure to [[Coscivian civilization]] and many other foreign influences.
Although the [[Urce River]] became the political and cultural core of Latin civilization in [[Levantia]] in the milennium BC, a significant economic and demographic presence remained on the western coast of [[Levantia]] along the [[Creagmer]]. These cities - such as [[Beldra]], Philaridon, and others - would be the source of much of Great Levantia's early wealth and manpower. The Latin coastal cities here, along with those on [[Crotona]], would go on to dominate the southern [[Odoneru]] trade until the early modern period. Through these ports, the people of what would become Urcea had their first exposure to [[Coscivian civilization]] and many other foreign influences.


Upon the arrival of Latinic settlers from [[Adonerum]] in the millennium BC, many native Gaelic tribes fled eastward into the modern day [[Deric States]] or southward into modern day [[Gassavelia]], leaving [[The Valley (Urcea)|the Valley]] open for settlement by Latinics. Historians estimate that the first few groups of Latinic settlers - those that settled more precisely in modern day [[Urcea]] - were almost exclusively men, leading to a necessary intermarriage with local Gaels. By the 300s BC the people of [[Great Levantia]] had taken on a clearly divergent set of cultural mores and practices compared to other Latinic states such as [[Caphiria]], though they attributed these differences to the "pioneer spirit" rather than to adopting Gaelic practices. Despite having Gaelic influences from the very beginning of Latinic settlement, a clear prejudice began to form against Gaels, with the Latinic population creating the dichotomy of themselves as civilized and the Gaels as barbarians.
Upon the arrival of Latinic settlers from [[Adonerum]] in the millennium BC, many native Gaelic tribes fled eastward into the modern day [[Deric States]] or southward into modern day [[Gassavelia]], leaving [[The Valley (Urcea)|the Valley]] open for settlement by Latinics. Historians estimate that the first few groups of Latinic settlers - those that settled more precisely in modern day [[Urcea]] - were almost exclusively men, leading to a necessary intermarriage with local Gaels. By the 300s BC the people of [[Great Levantia]] had taken on a clearly divergent set of cultural mores and practices compared to other Latinic states such as [[Caphiria]], though they attributed these differences to the "pioneer spirit" rather than to adopting Gaelic practices. Despite having Gaelic influences from the very beginning of Latinic settlement, a clear prejudice began to form against Gaels, with the Latinic population creating the dichotomy of themselves as civilized and the Gaels as barbarians.
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Unlike later offices, this Duchy was initially elective between several of the most powerful families and clans within the city, particularly the clans Neronii and Brutii, whose pedigree extended back far enough to have been able to boast of Consuls of [[Great Levantia]] among their number. The ''Dux'' of Urceopolis was elected by the tribal assembly, an institution dating back to the early days of Great Levantia. The Dux would very rarely take a stand against the magnates unless they were rivals; the lawlessness of the Dux's allies usually continued unabated. The most successful Duke of this proto-Urcean state was perhaps Tiberius II Neronii, who had managed to subdue many of the local magnates both in the city and the country, consolidating his power. His childless death in 690, however, meant that his newfound patrimony was again split among several relatives, though this consolidation of power in the Duchy for the Neronii family and the practical elimination of the Brutonii in this period paved the way for a later ruler to consolidate the Duchy.
Unlike later offices, this Duchy was initially elective between several of the most powerful families and clans within the city, particularly the clans Neronii and Brutii, whose pedigree extended back far enough to have been able to boast of Consuls of [[Great Levantia]] among their number. The ''Dux'' of Urceopolis was elected by the tribal assembly, an institution dating back to the early days of Great Levantia. The Dux would very rarely take a stand against the magnates unless they were rivals; the lawlessness of the Dux's allies usually continued unabated. The most successful Duke of this proto-Urcean state was perhaps Tiberius II Neronii, who had managed to subdue many of the local magnates both in the city and the country, consolidating his power. His childless death in 690, however, meant that his newfound patrimony was again split among several relatives, though this consolidation of power in the Duchy for the Neronii family and the practical elimination of the Brutonii in this period paved the way for a later ruler to consolidate the Duchy.


It was during this period that the [[Pope|Papacy]] began to emerge as a truly independent political actor, though the Pontifical office had been influential throughout late Great Levantia. The Duchy of Urceopolis's authority remained within the city itself, and did not extend across the [[Urceopolis_(City)#Geography|Esquiline River]] which divides modern Urceopolis into northern and southern segments. Accordingly, the Pope began to emerge as the primary political leader in the land to the south of the Esquiline given the location of the Vatican and [[St. Peter's Archbasilica]] in that part of what was the city of Urceopolis. By the early 7th century, the Pope had emerged as the {{wp|de facto}} ruler of the lands east of the Urce River and south of the Esquiline River for dozens of miles, although his "rule" was tenuous, taking the form of allegiance of various fortified manor lords.  
It was during this period that the [[Pope|Papacy]] began to emerge as a truly independent political actor, though the Pontifical office had been influential throughout late Great Levantia. The Duchy of Urceopolis's authority remained within the southern portion of the city itself, and did not extend across the [[Urceopolis_(City)#Geography|Esquiline River]] which divides modern Urceopolis into northern and southern segments. Accordingly, the Pope began to emerge as the primary political leader in the land to the south of the Esquiline given the location of the Vatican and [[St. Peter's Archbasilica]] in that part of what was the city of Urceopolis. By the early 7th century, the Pope had emerged as the {{wp|de facto}} ruler of the lands east of the Urce River and south of the Esquiline River for dozens of miles, although his "rule" was tenuous, taking the form of allegiance of various fortified manor lords. The Pope's authority extended far beyond those regions he directly controlled; in most cases, the office of the Papacy became the central arbitrator and authority of appeal in the valley, giving him significant soft power and making the office easily the most powerful and influential in the Valley.


During the Duchy period, Urceopolis constantly feuded with [[Harren]] and [[Gallawa]], two of the other large polities on its border, though the lands of Urceopolis and Harren formed the backbone of the [[Latin League]], a coalition of several polities and city-states aimed at mutual defense against both [[Hištanšahr]] and [[Gallawa]], which occupied the [[Ionian Plateau]] by the 7th century. Beginning ca. 690, Gallawa united the other petty Gael kingdoms into one sprawling empire. It was in this geopolitical context that [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] was elected Dux of Urceopolis.
During the Duchy period, Urceopolis constantly feuded with [[Harren]] and [[Gallawa]], two of the other large polities on its border, though the lands of Urceopolis and Harren formed the backbone of the [[Latin League]], a coalition of several polities and city-states aimed at mutual defense against both [[Hištanšahr]] and [[Gallawa]], which occupied the [[Ionian Plateau]] by the 7th century. Beginning ca. 690, Gallawa united the other petty Gael kingdoms into one sprawling empire. It was in this geopolitical context that [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] was elected Dux of Urceopolis.
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The next day, Julius told the [[Pope]] of this then departed the city towards the siege camp of the King of Gallawa, [[Conchobar I, Emperor of the Levantines|Conchobar]]. Julius met Conchobar in the field between the camp and the city, and to the latter’s surprise, Julius bent the knee and submitted himself to Conchobar as his subject. The King of Gallawa embraced Julius and, according to legend, told Julius of a vision of St. Joseph he had received that Urceopolis would be part of a great Christian Empire without so much as a drop of blood being shed. King Conchobar entered the city then asked Julius to marshal his forces and march on Harren, which fell to the combined armies in the span of a month. Following the conquest of south [[Levantia]], King Conchobar reorganized the political landscape by establishing new duchies and political units which would aid in his future administration of the area. The [[Urceopolis (Duchy)|Duchy of Urceopolis]] was reorganized into the [[Urceopolis (Archduchy)|Archduchy of Urceopolis]] embracing most of the land of the [[Urce River]] inland, whereas a new extensive [[Harren|Duchy of Harren]] was created to the southeast. A number of counties were established in the [[Ionian Plateau]] and former mercantile cities which were members of the [[Latin League]] on the coast were consolidated into a few powerful republics under Gallawa overlordship known as the [[Creagmer republics]]. Later, following the subjugation of [[Greater Canaery]] in 767, a new [[Canaery|Duchy of Cana]], later elevated to Electoral status in the [[Holy Levantine Empire]], was created to the far south to help contain [[Hištanšahr]] in addition to several {{wp|march|marches}} in the [[Urcean frontier|Southern Wilderness]]. Conchobar establishes other so-called "original duchies" in the region as well, particularly the Duchy of [[Callan]]. While most of the traditional social hierarchy was left alone, a number of Gael nobles were settled on the southeastern side of the [[Urce River]] in what would eventually become the [[Duchy of Transurciana]]. These settled nobles would prove to be later more loyal to the [[Pope]] than the Archduke as had been the custom dating back to the 6th century, creating division within the Archduchy during the medieval period.
The next day, Julius told the [[Pope]] of this then departed the city towards the siege camp of the King of Gallawa, [[Conchobar I, Emperor of the Levantines|Conchobar]]. Julius met Conchobar in the field between the camp and the city, and to the latter’s surprise, Julius bent the knee and submitted himself to Conchobar as his subject. The King of Gallawa embraced Julius and, according to legend, told Julius of a vision of St. Joseph he had received that Urceopolis would be part of a great Christian Empire without so much as a drop of blood being shed. King Conchobar entered the city then asked Julius to marshal his forces and march on Harren, which fell to the combined armies in the span of a month. Following the conquest of south [[Levantia]], King Conchobar reorganized the political landscape by establishing new duchies and political units which would aid in his future administration of the area. The [[Urceopolis (Duchy)|Duchy of Urceopolis]] was reorganized into the [[Urceopolis (Archduchy)|Archduchy of Urceopolis]] embracing most of the land of the [[Urce River]] inland, whereas a new extensive [[Harren|Duchy of Harren]] was created to the southeast. A number of counties were established in the [[Ionian Plateau]] and former mercantile cities which were members of the [[Latin League]] on the coast were consolidated into a few powerful republics under Gallawa overlordship known as the [[Creagmer republics]]. Later, following the subjugation of [[Greater Canaery]] in 767, a new [[Canaery|Duchy of Cana]], later elevated to Electoral status in the [[Holy Levantine Empire]], was created to the far south to help contain [[Hištanšahr]] in addition to several {{wp|march|marches}} in the [[Urcean frontier|Southern Wilderness]]. Conchobar establishes other so-called "original duchies" in the region as well, particularly the Duchy of [[Callan]]. While most of the traditional social hierarchy was left alone, a number of Gael nobles were settled on the southeastern side of the [[Urce River]] in what would eventually become the [[Duchy of Transurciana]]. These settled nobles would prove to be later more loyal to the [[Pope]] than the Archduke as had been the custom dating back to the 6th century, creating division within the Archduchy during the medieval period.
===A new Urceopolis===
===A new Urceopolis===
In exchange for his loyalty, [[Conchobar I, Emperor of the Levantines|Conchobar]] granted Julius the title of [[Archduchy of Urceopolis|Archduke of Urceopolis]] and also granted the new [[Grand Duchy of Harren|Duchy of Harren]] to Julius’s brother, Aedanicus. Critically, Conchobar's grant of the Archduchy was to Julius and his descendants, abolishing the early elective system of the [[Duchy of Urceopolis]]. Later, in 761, Conchobar was crowned [[Emperor of the Levantines]] in [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] by the Pope, forming the [[Holy Levantine Empire|Levantine Empire]]. Archduke Julius remained a loyal vassal of the Emperor and continued to defend the Imperial frontier against non-Christians to both the north and south, eventually working to convert large groups later in life by sponsoring important missionary trips. His son, also named Gaius Julius Cicurinus, would lead the Julian realms' collective campaigns against [[Hištanšahr]], winning several victories against them; he would take the name "''Usdenicus Maximus''" as an {{wp|agnomen}}, a name by which he would be commonly known as.
In exchange for his loyalty, [[Conchobar I, Emperor of the Levantines|Conchobar]] granted Julius the title of [[Archduchy of Urceopolis|Archduke of Urceopolis]] and also granted the new [[Grand Duchy of Harren|Duchy of Harren]] to Julius’s brother, Mettius Julius Cicurinus, a decision which established the [[House of Harren]] within the Julian dynasty. Critically, Conchobar's grant of the Archduchy was to Julius and his descendants, abolishing the early elective system of the [[Duchy of Urceopolis]]. Later, in 761, Conchobar was crowned [[Emperor of the Levantines]] in [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] by the Pope, forming the [[Holy Levantine Empire|Levantine Empire]]. Archduke Julius remained a loyal vassal of the Emperor and continued to defend the Imperial frontier against non-Christians to both the north and south, eventually working to convert large groups later in life by sponsoring important missionary trips. His son, also named Gaius Julius Cicurinus, would lead the Julian realms' collective campaigns against [[Hištanšahr]], winning several victories against them; he would take the name "''Usdenicus Maximus''" as an {{wp|agnomen}}, a name by which he would be commonly known as.


As Archduke, Julius introduced multiple reforms, most notably further integrations of Gaelic and several forms of the bastardized hybrids of Gaelic and Latin as government languages of the Archduchy, changes that eventually lead to the official adoption of [[Lebhan language|Lebhan]] as the official language of state and commerce by the Kingdom of Urcea several hundred years later. His project of elevating the Latino-Gaels - the [[Urcean people]] - into full integrated status within the Archduchy gave him the legacy of being the "founding father of [[Urcea]]."
As Archduke, Julius introduced multiple reforms, most notably further integrations of Gaelic and several forms of the bastardized hybrids of Gaelic and Latin as government languages of the Archduchy, changes that eventually led to the official adoption of [[Lebhan language|Lebhan]] as the official language of state and commerce by the Kingdom of Urcea several hundred years later. His project of elevating the Latino-Gaels - the [[Urcean people]] - into full integrated status within the Archduchy gave him the legacy of being the "founding father of [[Urcea]]."


In [[780]], the Archduke invested his son, Usdenicus Maximus, as {{wp|coregency|coregent}}, beginning a troubled two decades of relations between father and son. Julius died in [[800]] and was canonized by the Church in [[1097]], forming an important basis for the arguments that eventually lead to the issuance of the [[Golden Bull of 1098]], in favor of the Saint’s descendants.  
In [[780]], the Archduke invested his son, Usdenicus Maximus, as {{wp|coregency|coregent}}, beginning a troubled two decades of relations between father and son. Julius died in [[800]] and was canonized by the Church in [[1097]], forming an important basis for the arguments that eventually led to the issuance of the [[Golden Bull of 1098]] in favor of the Saint’s descendants.  


[[Category: History of Urcea]]
[[Category: History of Urcea]]
[[Category: Urcea]]
[[Category: Urcea]]
[[Category:IXWB]]
[[Category:IXWB]]
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