Roulea refers to both a city and a larger region of Ispar.
City of Roulea[]
The city of Roulea is only mentioned once. In 1292 RC (12 PY) it was described as a city of equal size and importance to Tirethas and Celdon.[1]
It is reasonable to assume that the city of Roulea was the capital of the Roulean Empire. However, in the year 924 RC, the Roulean capital was said to be Tirethas.[2] The Gharu'ndim captured the city, and it became part of the newly formed Gharu'n nation.[2][3]
One must assume that after Tirethas fell out of Roulean control, they relocated their capital. The city of Roulea seems to be a likely candidate. It is possible (or perhaps even likely) that Roulea was the original capital of the Roulean Empire.
Region of Roulea[]
The region of Roulea refers to territories claimed by the Roulean Empire. This would be an ever-shifting region as the empire rose to power, expanded, declined, and ultimately collapsed.
Real World Basis[]
Roulea seems to be inspired by ancient Rome. In ancient Rome, the capital was the city of Rome, but the nation was also named Rome. This seems to be the case with Roulea and the Roulean Empire as well. Likewise, the shifting capital of Roulea may be inspired by the Roman Empire splitting into the Eastern and Western Empires, each with their own capital.
References[]
- ↑ 2001/11 Dark Majesty - AC:DM CD Lore: Bestiary: Lugians
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2003/03 The History of Auberean: Volume V: New Arrivals (-540 to 13)
- ↑ 1996-1999 (unknown) Asheron's Call Beta - Zogblaster Archive: Gharu'ndim Introduction