Introduction
Awael is a historically significant but often overlooked culture that emerged in the central highlands of the continent of Veridia during the early second millennium BCE. Archaeological discoveries, coupled with a growing body of textual evidence, have allowed scholars to reconstruct many aspects of its societal structure, religious practices, and contributions to the region’s development. The Awaelian people were known for their sophisticated irrigation systems, distinctive architectural styles, and a unique blend of mythological traditions that influenced neighboring societies for centuries.
Etymology
The term Awael originates from the Awaelian word “Awaïla”, which translates to “people of the valley.” The suffix -el in many Veridian languages denotes a collective identity, thus the composite term signifies the collective identity of the valley-dwelling people. The earliest known references to the name appear in a series of clay tablets dated to 1250 BCE, inscribed by a local scribe who described the Awaelian as “the valley’s guardians.”
Geography and Environment
Location
Awael occupied a roughly 30,000-square-kilometer area within the western reaches of the Veridian plateau. Its heartland lay along the winding river known in modern times as the Zorine. The territory encompassed a variety of ecological zones: fertile riverbanks, rolling terraces, semi-arid uplands, and dense coniferous woodlands. The region’s topography afforded natural protection against hostile incursions from the northern tribes.
Climate
The climate was characterized by a pronounced wet season between June and September, followed by a dry season stretching from October to May. Average annual precipitation varied from 600 millimeters in the highlands to 1200 millimeters along the lower riverbanks. The temperature range spanned from 2°C in winter nights to 30°C during the summer months. These climatic conditions shaped agricultural practices and settlement patterns.
History
Prehistoric and Proto-Awaelian Periods
Evidence of human activity in the Awaelian region dates back to the late Paleolithic era, with stone tool assemblages found in the Garan Gorge. By the late Neolithic, small agrarian communities had established semi-permanent dwellings along the river's banks. The transition to a distinct Awaelian identity is believed to have begun around 1800 BCE, marked by the emergence of standardized pottery styles and the first inscriptions in the proto-Awaelian script.
Early Kingdom (c. 1500–1100 BCE)
The consolidation of political power is linked to the construction of the first monumental irrigation canal, the Zorine Canal, which spanned 45 kilometers. The canal diverted water from the main river into a series of terraces that allowed the cultivation of wheat, barley, and grapevines. The early kingdom's central authority was likely based in the city of Thalmar, a fortified settlement perched on a rocky outcrop.
Classical Awaelian Era (1100–700 BCE)
During this period, Awael reached its zenith in terms of population, trade, and cultural achievements. Textual records describe a system of city-states governed by councils of elders. A distinct written language, Awaelian cuneiform, emerged, facilitating the creation of administrative documents, religious hymns, and legal codices. The city of Elara became an intellectual hub, housing the first known university dedicated to the study of astronomy and mathematics.
Medieval Decline (700–300 BCE)
The onset of regional instability, marked by conflicts with the neighboring Karran tribes, weakened Awaelian political cohesion. Agricultural output fell due to increasingly severe droughts, and trade routes that once connected Awael to the southern trade hubs were disrupted. During this era, many Awaelian settlements were abandoned or repurposed, with the population migrating toward more secure highland enclaves.
Late Awaelian Period (300 BCE–1 CE)
By the final centuries of Awael's independent existence, the civilization had largely assimilated into the expanding Empires of the southern plateau. However, remnants of Awaelian culture persisted in the form of architectural motifs, agricultural practices, and religious rites that were adopted by successor states. Awaelian scribes were instrumental in transmitting the Awaelian script to the newly formed imperial administrations.
Culture
Language and Script
The Awaelian language is a member of the Semitic branch of the Veridian language family. It employed a complex system of consonantal roots, with morphological derivations that allowed for nuanced expression. The script, developed in the early classical period, was characterized by a combination of logographic and phonetic signs. Unlike other contemporary scripts, the Awaelian cuneiform was inscribed on clay tablets in both vertical and horizontal orientations, depending on the intended use.
Religion
Awaelian religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon centered around celestial bodies and natural forces. The chief deity, Zoriel, represented the protective spirit of the river and the source of irrigation. Rituals frequently involved offerings of grain, wine, and crafted textiles. Seasonal festivals celebrated the onset of the wet season and the harvest, featuring processions, musical performances, and communal feasts.
Arts and Architecture
Architectural remains from the classical Awaelian era showcase a preference for stone and baked clay. The use of corbel arches and vaulted ceilings is evident in public buildings such as the Hall of Stars, an observatory that functioned as both a scientific instrument and a ceremonial site. Artistic expression extended to pottery, frescoes, and intricate metalwork. Awaelian metal artisans were skilled in forging bronze tools and creating jewelry with symbolic motifs, such as interlocking vines that represented interconnectedness.
Social Structure
Awaelian society was stratified into three primary classes: the priestly elite, the merchant and artisan class, and the agrarian laborers. The priestly elite, known as the Liora, wielded significant influence over both religious rites and political decisions. Merchants facilitated trade between the Awaelian heartland and distant regions, exporting grain, textiles, and metalwork in exchange for exotic goods such as obsidian and lapis lazuli. Laborers managed agricultural production and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Economy
Agriculture
Awael’s agrarian economy relied heavily on irrigated cultivation of cereal crops, legumes, and grapevines. The advanced irrigation network enabled multiple crop cycles per year, leading to surplus production that could be stored in granaries constructed from mudbrick and timber. Crop yields during the peak classical period averaged 1.5 tonnes of wheat per hectare, a figure considered high for the era.
Trade
Trade routes traversed the plateau from north to south, with Awael positioned as a key intermediary. Caravans carried spices, metals, and textiles across the plateau, stopping at major urban centers such as Thalmar and Elara. Documentation from the Awaelian archives shows that Awael exported 60% of its wheat production to neighboring polities, while importing metals and luxury items from the southern coastal kingdoms.
Craftsmanship
Specialized workshops produced bronze tools, fine textiles, and pottery. The use of bronze, derived from local ore deposits, marked a technological advancement that allowed for the creation of more efficient farming implements and ceremonial objects. Textile production involved weaving wool from local sheep and cotton from cultivated plants; motifs on the fabrics often carried religious symbolism.
Science and Technology
Astronomy and Mathematics
The University of Elara was a center for astronomical study, with scholars recording the movements of celestial bodies on clay tablets. Calculations of planetary orbits were performed using a base-60 system, allowing for fractional measurements in the form of sexagesimal fractions. Mathematical treatises covered geometry, arithmetic, and algebraic concepts, many of which were later incorporated into the educational curricula of successor states.
Engineering
Awaelian engineers excelled in hydraulic engineering, designing canals, aqueducts, and dams that effectively managed the region's water resources. The construction of the Zorine Canal involved meticulous surveying and labor-intensive stone masonry, demonstrating advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles. The use of sluice gates to regulate water flow represented a sophisticated application of mechanical principles for the era.
Medicine
Medical knowledge in Awael was informed by a blend of empirical observation and ritualistic practices. Texts found in the archives indicate that herbal remedies derived from local flora, such as the bitter leaf of Gala and the root of Yara, were employed to treat common ailments. Surgical procedures were recorded on tablets, detailing techniques for setting fractures and extracting teeth. The use of bandages made from woven linen and the application of antiseptic herbs were standard practices.
Legacy
Influence on Neighboring Cultures
Awael’s innovations in irrigation, astronomy, and metallurgy spread to neighboring societies through trade and migration. The base-60 numerical system found its way into the accounting practices of the southern coastal kingdoms, while the Awaelian concept of a protective river deity influenced the religious iconography of adjacent tribes.
Archaeological Sites
Key sites include Thalmar, the ruins of the Hall of Stars in Elara, the extensive irrigation canals near the Garan Gorge, and the ceremonial precinct at the Valley of Echoes. Excavations have yielded thousands of artifacts, including pottery shards, bronze tools, and clay tablets, offering rich insight into the Awaelian way of life.
Contemporary Recognition
Modern scholars have recognized the importance of Awael in the broader narrative of Veridian history. The preservation of its cultural heritage has become a focal point for national heritage initiatives, with several Awaelian sites designated as protected heritage zones. Cultural festivals celebrate Awaelian music, dance, and cuisine, ensuring that the civilization’s traditions continue to influence contemporary society.
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