Eleisa

From Almeopedia

Eleisa [ɛ ˈle sa] was the capital of ancient Cuzei, founded by Calēsias in -350— this event being the start of the Cuzeian calendar (sōni Eleisaē; Ver. Zon Cuzeë). According to Cuzeian tradition, it was founded on the site where Lerīmanio, on his way to meet the iliu, encountered a camp of elcari and built a Glade or worship spot.

Eleisa was the capital of the Calēsiōre kingdom (the Duchy of Eleisa) till -250, and thereafter the capital of united Cuzei. Ancient accounts are united on the beauty of the city— full of gardens, marble palaces, and fountains— its dizzying sequence of cultural events, and its endless intrigue. The Glade of Eleisa was the primary religious authority in the kingdom and beyond, while the King’s Council brought together the major lords of the realm. The Mansion of Learning was unrivalled as a library.

The city was divided into four neighborhoods:

• The Quarter of Knowing (bārgāu vissaē)— seat of both the Glade and the Mansion of Learning
• The Quarter of Fountains (bārgāu fatōurreē)— mostly aristocratic residences and theaters
• The Quarter of Union (bārgāu gōnicorāex)— seat of the King's Palace and the Council
• The Quarter of Crafts (bārgāu nereē)— where most craftsmen and traders worked

It remained a major city after the Caďinorian conquest (1024), though it was eclipsed by the Caďinorian capital of Eärdur province, Ožnëa (Caď. Octinila). Even then, its fallen palaces were raided for marble and limestone; during the Dark Years it was abandoned. Substantial ruins still remain, and since the site is under Verdurian protection there has been some effort to preserve and explore the ancient city.

Eleisa is also known to have been the first human city to reach 100,000 inhabitants, around 600.

Etymology: Of unknown origin, though traditionally related to Cuêzi elēsas ‘founder, arranger’; a more likely source is Meť. lesio ‘forest’. Caď. Eleisa, Ver. Elesa, Bar. Elez.