Kingdom of Eshel

Kingdom of Eshel
~500BC-1486
Flag
Capital	Eshel
Official language	Hebrew
Common languages	Aramaic, Umardi, Istroyan
Religion	Judaism, Nestorian Christianity, Istroyan polytheism
Demonym(s)	Eshellim
Government	Absolute monarchy
King
Legislature	Kehal
Historical era	Classical period, Early modern period
Preceded by Succeeded by [[City State of Eshel tribes of the Yesak Peninsula]] Oduniyyad Caliphate
Today part of	Battganuur

The Kingdom of Eshel was a Jewish ethnoreligious state formed round 500 BC under King Adud I on the Yesak Peninsula in modern day Battganuur. It was a regional powerhouse in the eastern Sea of Istroya during the late Classical Period with a strong trade network with the Istroyan civilization. It remained staunchly independent despite many attempts to subjugate them by the Ashrafinid Empire to the north. It is notable that Eshel fought on the side of the Christians in the Crusades in Audonia from 1167–1428. In fact, the end of the Crusades was a contributing factor to the decimation of the Kingdom by the Oduniyyad Caliphate in 1486.

Notable Towns

• Chephirah
• Ekron
• Gederah
• Azmaveth
• Anathoth
• Jogbehah
• Mahanaim
• Rakkath
• Tirzah
• Ziph
• Tadmor
• Shechem
• Kadesh

Culture

The culture of the Eshellim was deeply rooted in their Jewish faith, influencing various aspects of their daily lives. Observing the rules of kosher dictated their cuisine, modest attire reflected their religious values, and artistic expressions, including architecture, were dedicated to venerating the Almighty. Towards the later years of the kingdom, influences from the Istroyan civilization began to manifest, particularly in the realms of theater and music.

Literature

The literature of the Kingdom of Eshel was deeply influenced by the Jewish faith. Central to Eshel's literary oeuvre were the sacred texts of Judaism, including the Torah, which encompasses the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. These texts held a paramount position, serving as the foundation of religious education and moral guidance. Scribes and scholars meticulously copied and preserved these texts, ensuring their continuity across generations. Eshel produced a wealth of religious commentaries and interpretations by scholars and sages, delving into the nuanced understanding of the Torah and offering insights, explanations, applications of religious principles to daily life. Historical chronicles documented the kingdom's own narrative as well as broader historical events, recounting the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by the Eshellim. Poetry, particularly Psalms, held a significant place in Eshel's literary expression, expressing a range of emotions from praise and thanksgiving to lamentation. Beyond the Psalms, poetic compositions emerged, capturing the beauty of nature, the essence of faith, and the depth of human experience. Eshel's literary tradition extended to moral and ethical literature, providing guidance on righteous living through proverbs and ethical teachings. Narratives and parables were employed to convey moral lessons and spiritual truths, fostering a deeper understanding of ethical conduct and divine providence. Oral tradition played a vital role, with synagogue sermons and teachings serving as platforms for transmitting knowledge and inspiration.

Cuisine

Kosher dietary laws dictated the types of foods permitted and the manner in which they are prepared and consumed in Eshel. As a result, the cuisine was characterized by a strict separation of meat and dairy products, with designated utensils and cooking surfaces to uphold these regulations. Common staples included unleavened bread, known as matzah, particularly during religious festivals such as Passover. Meat dishes often featured lamb, beef, or poultry, prepared in accordance with kosher guidelines. Additionally, fish with scales and fins were deemed permissible, contributing to a variety of seafood dishes. Fruits, vegetables, and grains played a significant role, with an emphasis on fresh produce and seasonal offerings. Specific dishes like gefilte fish, cholent, and kugel became emblematic of Eshellim cuisine. Dates and honey were commonly used as natural sweeteners, adding a touch of sweetness to desserts.

Economy

Eshel had a tropical dry climate and as a result it grew vast amounts of kenaf, cocoanuts, cashews, palm oil, cassava, oranges, pineapples.

Kenaf made Eshel especially important to the Istroyan trade network for its use as a cordage, sailcloth, and paper.

Trade

The Kingdom of Eshel boasted a thriving trade network with the Istroyan civilization, facilitated by robust merchant fleets and bustling port economies. The Eshellim engaged in extensive maritime trade, utilizing well-developed merchant fleets to navigate the waters and establish lucrative connections with Istroyan ports. Port towns such as Chephirah, Ekron, and Kadesh served as vital hubs for these trade activities. The port cities of Eshel played a pivotal role in the kingdom's economic prosperity, and were always teeming with diverse commodities, including the kingdom's agricultural products such as kenaf, cocoanuts, cashews, palm oil, cassava, oranges, and pineapples.

The merchants of Eshel employed a variety of classical sailing vessels tailored to navigate the diverse conditions of the eastern Sea of Istroya. One of the key vessels utilized for maritime trade was the "Eshelian Dhow" (Baghlah), a distinctive ship characterized by its lateen sails and sleek design. The dhow's versatility and efficiency made it well-suited for both open-sea navigation and maneuvering within bustling port cities. With a shallow draft and a broad beam, Eshelian dhows could navigate shallow coastal waters, allowing them to access a myriad of ports along their trade routes. The lateen sails of the Eshelian dhow were crucial for taking advantage of the prevailing easterly trade winds during the outward journey from Eshel to Istroyan ports. These winds, blowing from east to west, facilitated swift and efficient sailing, allowing the merchants to cover considerable distances with relative ease. The design of the dhow allowed for a balanced and controlled sailing experience, enabling Eshelian sailors to harness the power of the winds for optimal speed and maneuverability. The return journey, against the prevailing winds, presented a more challenging scenario. To navigate these less favorable conditions, Eshelian dhows were equipped with a combination of oars and a square sail. The addition of oars allowed sailors to propel the vessel forward even when facing headwinds. This adaptability made the Eshelian dhow a reliable choice for traders, ensuring their ability to navigate the Sea of Istroya in both directions.

Military

After the fall of the Ashrafinid Empire in the 7th century, thousands of Nestorians fled into Eshel. They were granted religious freedom on the condition they served in the military. They formed Nestorian Legions which served the kings of Eshel with distinction for 50 years at which time they ceased to be distinctly Nestorian and just became parts of the regular military.

Key events

• Fall of the Ashrafinid Empire in the 7th century sends many Nestorians into exile into Eshel