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 Ominrud 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 | ||||||||
Government
Notable Towns
- Chephirah
- Ekron
- Gederah
- Azmaveth
- Anathoth
- Jogbehah
- Mahanaim
- Rakkath
- Tirzah
- Ziph
- Tadmor
- Shechem
- Kadesh
Geography
The Ominrud Peninsula, home to the Kingdom of Eshel, is characterized by a mix of coastal plains, fertile valleys, and an arid interior. The coastline features an array of natural harbors and ports, contributing to Eshel's prominence in maritime trade.
Coastal areas experience a tropical dry climate. This climate pattern is conducive to agriculture, and Eshel capitalized on the fertile coastal plains to cultivate crops such as kenaf, cocoanuts, cashews, palm oil, cassava, oranges, and pineapples. The abundance of these agricultural products became vital components of Eshel's economy, especially in sustaining its trade networks with the Istroyan civilization.
Moving inland, the fertile valleys within the peninsula provide additional agricultural opportunities. These areas benefit from reliable water sources, fostering the growth of various crops that contributed to the kingdom's economic prosperity.
However, the eastern parts of the Ominrud Peninsula transition into arid desert terrain. This vast, empty desert presented a natural barrier that required minimal defensive force or infrastructure, shaping Eshel's military strategy. While not agriculturally productive, this arid expanse served as a geographical buffer against external threats from the east.
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.
Agriculture
The coastal plains, with a dry tropical climate, provided ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of crops. Eshel became known for its extensive cultivation of kenaf, a versatile plant used for cordage, sailcloth, and paper. Additionally, the kingdom harvested cocoanuts, cashews, palm oil, cassava, oranges, and pineapples along the coastal regions. These crops not only formed staples in the local diet but also became essential commodities for trade with the Istroyan civilization. The fertile valleys within the Ominrud Peninsula were crucial hubs of agricultural activity. Supported by reliable water sources, these areas facilitated the cultivation of various crops, contributing to the kingdom's food security and economic prosperity. The careful management of irrigation systems allowed Eshellim to grow a diverse array of grains, fruits, and vegetables in these fertile expanses.
Eshel's agricultural surplus played a central role in its trade networks, particularly with the Istroyan civilization. The kingdom's cultivation of kenaf, in particular, garnered international attention for its utility in various industries. The coastal ports and harbors facilitated the export of agricultural products, contributing to Eshel's economic prowess in the region.
Aquaculture
The Ominrud Peninsula's proximity to the Sea of Istroya and its myriad water bodies provided the Eshellim with an abundant aquatic resource base. They engaged in various forms of seafood harvesting, employing both traditional fishing methods and innovative pisciculture practices. The Sea of Istroya, teeming with a rich array of marine life, offered a diverse catch including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. To supplement natural fisheries, Eshel developed innovative aquaculture practices that enhanced seafood production. Fish farms along the coastal regions became common sights, cultivating species like tilapia and carp in controlled environments. These aquaculture initiatives not only ensured a steady supply of seafood but also contributed to the kingdom's economic resilience through trade.
Despite adhering to the rules of Kosher, Eshel's fishermen sometimes engaged in the harvesting of seafood that was traditionally considered forbidden meeting the demands of diverse markets, especially those in Istroya.
Military
Eshel's military strategy was influenced by its geographical location and historical context. The kingdom's eastern border was a vast, empty desert that never required much defensive force or infrastructure. The kingdoms primary concerns in the early days were attempts by the Ashrafinid Empire to their north, to conquer and assimilate them. After the 7th century until the end of the kingdom, it was constantly fighting a war of survival against the Oduniyyad Caliphate.
The fall of the Ashrafinid Empire in the 7th century had a profound impact on Eshel's military composition. Thousands of Nestorian Christians sought refuge in Eshel, and in exchange for religious freedom, they pledged military service. This led to the formation of Nestorian Legions, a distinctive force within Eshel's military structure. The use of Nestorian Legions represented a unique aspect of Eshel's military, showcasing a collaborative approach to defense. This amalgamation of forces contributed to a diverse skill set within the military, allowing Eshel to address various challenges effectively. The Nestorian Legions initially served Eshel for fifty years, demonstrating loyalty and contributing to the kingdom's military strength. Over time, however, they integrated seamlessly into the regular military, losing their distinct Nestorian identity but enhancing the overall capabilities of Eshel's armed forces.
While Eshel's military strength was bolstered by Nestorian contributions, its strategic importance lay in its tropical dry climate, which facilitated the cultivation of key crops. The kingdom's economic stability, driven by agricultural productivity, provided the necessary resources to maintain a robust military. The military of Eshel was not only a force for defense but also played a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the eastern Sea of Istroya. The kingdom's involvement in the Crusades in Audonia from 1167 to 1428 showcased its regional influence and alliances, as Eshel fought on the side of the Christians during this period.
Key events
- Fall of the Ashrafinid Empire in the 7th century sends many Nestorians into exile into Eshel
See also