Conaterra

Conaterra is a geographical region in western Sarpedon, bordered by Caphiria to the east and comprising the modern-day nations of Cartadania and Pelaxia, as well as several islands in the Kindreds Sea. Known in antiquity as Cognatia, the area derives its name from the Caphiric Latin cognatus, signifying the historical and cultural connections to the Caphirian empire. The region's past is characterized by a blend of indigenous traditions and Caphirian colonial influence. The Cognati, also referred to as Pelagi in some Caphirian texts, were the original inhabitants of the fertile valleys and coastal areas of Conaterra. Their economy was diversified, featuring advanced viticulture and olive cultivation techniques adopted from Vallos, alongside significant horse breeding and mining activities. The society was hierarchically structured, with a ruling class of 'reguli' and a noble council that operated similarly to a senate, bound by a system of fealty known as 'fides'.

Caphirian expansion into the region during the 4th century BC led to the military campaigns of General Ottiano, who subjugated the Cognati tribes and established the provinces of Pelagia Orientis and Pelagia Occidentis. Though incorporated into the Caphirian empire, periodic revolts, such as the 197 BC uprising in Pelagia Orientis and the prolonged Litorian Wars that lasted until 16 BC, highlighted the enduring Cognati resistance. Throughout the Second Imperium's rule, Conaterra prospered as a colonial domain, leveraging its strategic maritime location to develop a robust tradition of trade and naval power. This period was crucial in shaping the history and colonial legacy of Cartadania and Pelaxia and is closely linked to the origins of the Isurians, an ethnic group that claims descent from the ancient Cognati. The Castrillón Estate, one of the most prominent families in Caphiria at the time, had de facto control over the region for more than a century and is still heavily connected within Carto-Pelaxian nobility.

In the contemporary period, Conaterra is recognized for its cultural dynamism and geopolitical importance. The Kindreds Sea islands, historically significant as naval bases, continue to be focal points for commerce and international diplomacy. The Isurian people maintain cultural practices that reflect their Cognati ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity of Sarpedon. Conaterra's evolution from a Caphirian province to a region with independent nations exemplifies the complex process of cultural and political development. The area's mineral riches and strategic maritime routes remain integral to its economic vitality and its role on the international stage.