Shenewa

Longrunning historical themes - Often a cultural and religious melting pot throughout its history, whether by migration or the spread of cultures and religions from other areas

Historical Periods until 1000 CE, overview - Early settlement & spread of agriculture (start date tbd until c. 1,500 BCE). During this time, two distinct cultural groups appeared, the first concentrated in the lowlands near the coast and around the rivers feeding into the Ingonian sea. The other was concentrated in the highlands further inland, around the Kustera river and lake Tsohtooh, - first kingdoms appear in the lowlands, steady consolidation of power around religious centres which served as early palaces/power centres. - arrival of the Keumoine (between c. 400-200 BCE) - the anarchy: old, religious centre based kingdoms are either shattered or enter into decline, vulnerable to river raids by Keumoine who begin to entrench themselves in cities along the banks of the river Lumis (until c. 100 BCE) - city states period: the Keumoine settle into large city states on the coast and along the rivers Lumis and Qaypez  which become the dominant political units, exercising overlordship over the remaining, much reduced old religious centre based kingdoms - (northern) resurgence: one of the old religious centre based kingdoms grows and through reforms to administration and changes in agriculture begins to eclipse the city states in power. Whilst the kingdom splinters within 2-3 generations, the system of government it brings about reverses the balance of power in the country's north, with the theocratic kingdoms becoming overlords of the city states. (c. 500 CE) - Following the northern resurgence, (Sigistopia) is divided into two realms, culturally and religiously. The northern kingdoms, dominated by the ancient theocratic traditions of (Sigistopia)'s earliest civilisations whilst the southern part of the country remains dominated by city states ruled in accordance with the customs and practices of the Keumoine. During this period, a caste system begins to take root in the south, finding its basis in the initial divide between the  Keumoine descended ruling and urban class and the (native) inhabitants of the countryside but gradually spreading to other areas.

Religions

Native religion Current status: tbd Nature: Polytheistic deities (father sun & mother moon as primary deities?)

Kaomoine religion Current status: tbd Nature: Semi-monotheistic (worship a single water/river deity with many natures (lifegiver in the form of the monsoon, lifetaker as storms etc.)).

Sound changes, Theykan-Keumoine A-e Oa-oi Wh-sh I-a m-n

Potential names - Shenue (“land of rains”) - Shenewa (“land of rivers”)