Kingdom of Eshel
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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.
Kingdom of Eshel | |||||||||
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| ~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 | ||||||||
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| Today part of |  Battganuur | ||||||||
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.
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