Arcanium

Arcanium is the and largest city in Zahava. Its position on a peninsula formed by the Mageiaus river, and the lapetus sea made it easily defensible and a center of commerce which it continues to be to this day.

According to Zahavan mythology the location the city is built around is believed to be the site where Zahavarius' army was victorious over Mortarius and the forces of the underworld, and that he established the city as a sanctuary for mankind and as a monument to the gods who had aided him in the war for humanity.

Historically Arcanium was one of the oldest city states in what today makes up the Imperium, and the city remains among the oldest occupied human settlements in the world. As its population and wealth grew, so too did Arcanium's influence leading it into multiple conflicts with neighboring city states, over time these rivals city states were subdued, and either outright absorbed into the growing empire, or became client states before being assimilated as the Imperium continued to expand.

Fortifications


Arcanium was famed for its massive and complex defenses, particularly in ancient times. The first wall of the city was erected by Verus Caspean, and surrounded the city on both land and sea fronts. Later, in the 5th century, the Tetrarch Cordalion commissioned the construction of the Cordalion walls, which consisted of a double wall lying about 2 kilometres to the west of the first wall and a moat with palisades in front. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, the walls of Arcanium were among the last great fortification systems of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems of fortifications ever built.

Sanctorus Basileius
The Imperial residence for the Primogenitor and their family in the capital, also has offices and lodging other government officials and councils, as well as places designated for housing visiting heads of state or other dignitaries.

Arx Imperialis
A large historic fortress built within the city itself near the Imperial estate it originally served as the primary garrison for defenders of the city but has sense served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Imperial Mint, a public record office, and prison.

Arx Hetaeri
The Arx Hetaeri, or Citadel of the Companions serves as both the barracks, and academy, and armory for members of the Imperial Guard.

Arx Exspes
Serves as the headquarters for the Ordo Custodes and is believed to house the survival bunker members of the Imperial family and government would use in the event of an attack