Poleis of Athens

Garden of Athena is a far future realm of Suzerain, part of the Catalyst family of realms.
Central to this realm is the garden-planet of Athens and its inhabitants.


What follows is an exert from a textbook used at the academy of Porto Novo on Gegamal Prime in the early years of 25th century of the Athenian Calendar. Author unknown.

Political map of Athens 2404 ac. Only politically distinct poleis are shown (i.e. vassals and clients, but not dependents or directly subjugated areas).

Poleis of Athens

Here is a list of the most important poleis of 2404 (Athenian Calendar) and their affiliations as well as an overview of the most important continents and major islands. They are listed by their geographical locations for ease of reference.

Island of Thasos

Hundreds of tiny towns and villages are scattered across the island, but only two are large enough to be of political importance. The Olympic Games are held on Thasos every fourth year ensuring huge revenues for its populations every time.

THASOPOLIS

Status: Major polis, member of the Thasos Union
Government: Oligarchy
Thasopolis is the centre of the Logician education. Almost all Logician are sent here as soon as their abilities are discovered, often financed by their polis. Contrary to popular belief the concentration of Logicians in Thasopolis is not much higher than on the rest of Athens if you discount these foreign students.

Clazomenae

Status: Member of the Thasos Union
Government: Oligarchy
The second largest city in the Thasos Union is home to the majority of the Union’s military – among them the notorious Logician phalanxes.

Continent of Epirus

Huge and hostile jungles dominate this continent making life outside the settlements and poleis tough and unpleasant.

ABYDOS

Status: Aspiring major polis
Government: Tyranny
This polis has slowly grown into an important power over the last couple of centuries. The status as a big player was established during the race to conquer colonies in the late 2100’s and early 2200’s, where Abydos almost completely depleted their resources to get as many colony ships and invasion barges build as possible. Today this has made Abydos very rich. There is a tradition of tyrants taking power in this polis, dating back to its foundation. All pretends to a democracy has long been abandoned.

Tanagra

Status: Independent
Government: Direct democracy
Tanagra is famous for the fact that even women can vote! A fiercely independent mindset among the population has kept it independent despite growing pressure from Abydos.

Platae

Status: Abydos vassal
Government: Oligarchy
Tagging along with Abydos during the early space race, Platae has now become a strong ally to Abydos and many of its young serve in the colonies as Abydos hoplites.

Atalandi

Status: Abydos vassal
Government: Democracy
Atalandi is a very young democracy, still suffering from internal unrest, as various parties attempt to consolidate their power. Rumors that the Atalandians are seeking independence from Abydos in the near future might just be part of their internal political struggle.

Continent of Naxos

This circular continent is almost certainly the result of some cataclysmic event, either massive volcanic eruption or a cosmic encounter with another celestial body in the planet’s distant past.
Completely united under the rule of the Naxos Federation for more than a millennia, the inhabitants are slowly developing a sense of national pride that is less linked to their polis of birth and more the fact of being federal citizens.

Lindus

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Democracy
Though it is officially just one of the seven poleis in the Naxos Federation, Lindus is today the de-facto capital as a result of being the largest and busiest of the Naxos cities.

Metapont

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Democracy
A surfing paradise. Its holiday resorts rival those of Megalopolis and is often sought out by the younger or less rich people.

Milet

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Plutocracy
Much of the Naxos Federation’s trade is handled by this polis, and all federal banks are located here.

Larissa

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Oligarchy
Second only to Lindus in size, Larissa is the military hand of the Naxos Federation. Though the civilian politics is handled by a council of elders, the military is more or less independent and functions as a meritocracy.

Cyzicus

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Oligarchy
The smallest of the Naxos Federation poleis with less than two hundred thousand souls, it has none-the-less delivered some of the most important political personalities to the federal government in Lindus.

Tartessos

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Oligarchy
Renowned for its unusually large population of Harpies and Monsters. Lately this has led to an increase in tourism in the shape of safaris and monster hunting.

Thermi

Status: Member of the Naxos Federation
Government: Democracy
This polis is famous far beyond Athens for its incredible private hospitals and health retreats.

Continent of Peloponnesos

The dominating continent both geographically and politically, Peloponnesos is still the heart of the Athenian culture. Close to two thirds of the planets entire population lives here, and most of that is concentrated along the southern coastline, with large areas of the continent’s interior still left to the wild beasts and nature.

SPARTA

Status: Major polis – but with a strict policy of neutrality
Government: Milicracy
The mercenary polis par excellence. Sparta’s politic is one of complete neutrality, with only a handful of very minor settlements in its vicinity being under its control, and a few colonies, often acquired as part of a payment. All Spartan mercenaries are hired directly from the polis; the mercenary is never paid in person and trying to do so is considered an immediate breach of contract. The exact military might of the polis is unknown but given that it single-handedly repelled the invasion of the Sakalids in 2342 ac and defeated the three traitor states’ phalanxes on the same occasion, it is a good wager that it is among the greatest on Athens.
Slavery is not allowed inside the city walls, and Sparta is also famous for accepting barbarians as citizens based solely on their physical abilities.

ZARAX

Status: Major polis
Government: Monarchy (Electoral)
This polis has a long and glorious history and is presently on the rise again thanks to some very capable kings being elected up to and during the Sakalid War. The present king, Hector, is a very talented young man, elected on his prowess as a general in the colonies and as a sportsman on Athens. This polis has an age old grudge with Methone, but no direct war has been fought between the two in more than 250 years so everyone is expecting things to heat up soon. Zarax has as many and as wealthy colonies as any other major power.

MEGARA

Status: Major polis
Government: Democracy, administrative capital is located in Ganymepolis on the garden of Alcalon
This polis has ever been a major power among the Athenian poleis. It was at the base of the first attempt to create an empire on Athens, something that failed so miserably that the “Curse of Kings” – the superstition that no single king will ever rule all of Athens – was born from it. Today Megara is a major power with very little direct influence on Athens itself, having moved their parliament to blue-marbled city of Ganymepolis on the garden of Alcalon. Megara as a city is today only home to those who are too poor to move to Alcalon or another of the rich Megaran colonies, those who are completely uninterested in power or influence, and finally those whose job it is to keep the city pretty as the living museum of Athenian history it is.

METHONE

Status: Major polis
Government: Monarchy
With a stable dynasty having ruled the last five hundred years, Methone has grown in power and is today second to no other polis on Athens.

Tegea

Status: Major economic power, limited military power
Government: Plutocracy
The actual city of Tegea is no-longer owned by the Tegeans, it was sold off to Sicyon in 2271 ac when the Council of Merchants that ruled the city deemed it to be more profitable to simply move all holdings to space. Tegea has no fixed geographical point of government; instead the council meets every two years on a predetermined location. It is a testament to the Athenian way of thinking that the Tegean people have not simply disintegrated into various factions following this move. As a matter of fact it seems to have made them stronger and much more influential. Only Gegamal Prime merchants are encountered more often than the Tegean ones.
The polis left on Athens has largely fallen into disrepair and is simply being used by Sicyon forces as a foothold on the Peleponnesos continent.

Cydonia

Status: Traitor state
Government: None, occupied by Zarax
Life has not been gentle to the residents of Cydonia and neither have the Zarax forces occupying it. The economy is almost destroyed and what little get produced is heavily taxed by Zarax as a way to finance the occupation.

Gortyna

Status: Traitor state
Government: None, occupied by Methone
Like the other Traitor States Gortyna and its citizens are suffering for the treachery of their ancestors one generation ago. Apathy is common among most inhabitants, but rebels are gaining more and more momentum.

Pydna

Status: Methone vassal
Government: Monarchy (Electoral)
Has a navy with a long and proud history and is trying to continue that tradition in the age of space travel.

Olynthus

Status: Methone vassal
Government: Plutocracy
This polis has always been suffering from a lack of capable leaders and as a result it has never risen to its true potential. Most Olynthians have resigned to simply making as much money as possible, rather than pursue dreams of glory for their polis.

Leuctra

Status: Methone vassal
Government: Democracy
Famous for its scientists and philosophers. The Leucratian democracy is in crisis at the moment, with several factions fighting for political control.

Herakleia

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Monarchy
This ancient enemy of Larymna has a strong army, but weak dynasty. The king and his status is being challenged by a couple of powerful noble families.

Larymna

Status: Methone vassal
Government: Democracy
The eternal enemy of Herakleia this polis is most famous for its fantastic architecture, most notably the City of the Gods.

Antadrus

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Monarchy (Electoral)
Antadrus is an old and proud electoral monarchy, famous for very brave hoplites.

Eritria

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Democracy
This Zarax vassal is also known as “the red land” due to the reddish color of the rocks in this region. Originally a Cydonia vassal but following the Sakalid War it allied itself with Zarax instead.

Sardis

Status: Independent
Government: Milicracy
Sardis recently refused to renew the pact that made it a vassal polis of Corinth. The military leadership in this polis is clearly aiming for greater autonomy in the future.

Stagira

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Monarchy
A relatively unstable ally for Zarax, constant infighting among the nobility makes it hard to know who will rule from year to year.

Ambracia

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Oligarchy
Ambracia is one of the very rare major settlements on Athens without direct access to the sea or a major river. Very strong ties with Zarax to the point of being considered a direct dependent polis rather than a vassal.

Delium

Status: Independent
Government: Monarchy
Historically known for its impressive amphitheatres, Delium has seen a rise in power in the latest decades under the competent rule of King Theron.

Pylus

Status: Independent
Government: Plutocracy
Well known for their exceptionally strong Helios Packs. With the increase in space travel reliable and powerful Helios Packs has become even more in demand adding greatly to the wealth of this polis.

Cynthera

Status: Knossos vassal
Government: Theocracy
Plagued by a leadership that is completely stuck in the past, this polis is slowly falling behind in wealth and status.

Miletus

Status: Independent
Government: Plutocracy/Democracy
Famous for their production of goat cheese and quality wine, the inhabitants of Miletus hold several agricultural colonies on nearby gardens of Brukwenn and Lustraad. Day-to-day government is managed by a plutocratic bureaucracy, but bi-annual assemblies allow all grown male citizens to have a say.

Byzantium

Status:Methone vassal
Government: Monarchy
An ancient polis with a failing dynasty that is increasingly relying on Methone to keep it on the throne. The last really strong personality born in the present dynasty was Queen Tryphosa who is the mother of King Telemachos of Methone, unfortunately she now lives in Methone and can’t help her incompetent younger brother.

Therma

Status: Methone vassal
Governemnt: Democracy
This remote polis used to be completely at the mercy of Ambracia and by extension Zarax. Recently the close alliance with Methone and the presence of two phalanxes of Methonian hoplites on the border has put an end to the occasional raids that used to come from the south.

Abdera

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Monarchy
Famous for very good stock of cattle, Abdera beef is considered a delicacy all over Athens. At the moment the polis suffering from many rebellions in their dependent regions and villages, following some heavy handed justice from the father of the current king.

Maronea

Status: Independent
Government: Monarchy (Constitutional)
Main income is from a small fleet of the so called crystal-pigeons. Unlike most poleis, the king of Maronea is subject to the will of the parliament.

Ephesus

Status: Methone vassal
Government: Oligarchy
Ephesus is the one of the most remote settlements on west coast of Peleponnesos. It is most famous for its mercenary phalanxes or ship crews of tough young men.

Carystus

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Monarchy
Carystus is one of the biggest agricultural producers on Athens. Recently competition from the colonies has lead to a drastic drop in wealth in this polis. Many are convinced that the present royal dynasty won’t survive another generation as unrest is growing.

Ialysus

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Democracy
A loyal ally of Zarax through more than five hundred years of history, this polis is cornered between the sea and a wilderness with particularly aggressive monsters.

Continent of Hyperborea

Literally “Beyond the North Wind”, Hyperborea is the northernmost continent on Athens, horseshoed around the geographical North Pole.
The poleis placed here are generally much less populated than elsewhere, but often control huge areas of land that are rich in minerals and other natural resources.
For this political resume Mycale, Tigeion and Crannon are counted as Hyperborean poleis, not Peloponnesosian, despite being on the south shores of the Borean Ocean.

Mycale

Status: Independent
Government: Plutocracy
This polis is controlled by a union of wealthy mine owners. Strong ties with Tegea, though not militarily allied.

Torone

Status: Zarax vassal
Government: Monarchy
This polis was among the founding poleis of the Borean league, but seceded even before the final documents were signed. Too weak to stay be independent Zarax stepped in to support the slightly megalomaniac king thirty years ago.

Cyme

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Democracy
Cyme is famous for its exotic furs and extremely cold-resistant hoplites. It is the northernmost of all major settlements on Athens and only scattered prospector or hunting settlements can be found further north.

Paros

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Democracy
This polis is famous for its whaling and cold water fishing fleet. It is also the second most populous polis of the Borean league. While it is considered a direct democracy, only captains are allowed to vote (the definition of what constitutes a “captain” has eroded over the centuries and today anyone who can gather a handful of men as “crew” and present a boat of any size are allowed to vote).

Borea

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Democracy
This freezing city holds the parliament of the Borean league and has one of the highest concentrations of politicians anywhere in the world.

Esborea

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Democracy
Originally a tiny outpost at a rich gold mine, within the last two decades it has grown as access has become easier with Daidalos and Icharos shuttles. Several newly discovered mines have sustained this growth.

Tigeion

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Oligarchy
The only member of the Borean League with enough agriculture to be able to feed its own population, Tigeion is by far the most populous of the league’s poleis. Political control lies with a dozen powerful families that own the majority of the farmable land.

Crannon

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Tyranny
Following a catastrophic decade of incompetent leadership from a corrupt parliament, a popular Strategos recently took power with the blessing of most sensible citizens. The status of Crannon’s representatives in the Borean League is unclear since they were elected under the former government.

Eion

Status: Member of the Borean League
Government: Monarchy
This tiny monarchy owes its independence largely to the fact that no one else has any interests in its monster infested lands. During its thirteen hundred year long history it seems that monster infestations reoccur in a 56-year cycle. The beginning of the next infestation is closing in, and the current king and his representatives are desperately trying to get additional help from the Borean League.

Continent of Chios

This continent sports pleasant and habitable coastal areas and a very inhospitable mountainous interior.

CORINTH

Status: Major polis
Government: Oligarchy/Democracy, capital is located in New Corinth on the garden of Lustraad
Historically a major power, Corinth was among the first to embrace the conquest of space, prompted by a visionary council and ambitious military leaders. Following a bloody war with Knossos in 2279-2281 the seat of power was moved from Athens to the colony garden of Lustraad. Despite having abandoned virtually all possessions on Athens proper, Corinth emerged from the war the undisputed victor.
In the decades following the Sakalid War Corinth has continued to emphasize its colonial power over holdings on Athens.

KNOSSOS

Status: Major polis
Government: Monarchy
While still a major player in the geo-political game on Athens, Knossos is suffering severely from its lack of major off-Athens colonies. To compensate its kings has lately concentrated on consolidating its possessions and alliances across the continent of Chios. In addition Zarax has been supporting the current dynasty for some time now, helping to hide the fact that the royal coffers are all but empty.

Pella

Status: Knossos vassal
Government: Theocracy
A pleasant climate, remote location and fertile local soil have spared Pella many of the sufferings that have plagued most other larger poleis on Athens. The council of priests that rule Pella is the oldest ruling body on Athens, with uninterrupted records dating back 2308 years to the founding of the polis. It is a recent addition to the list of Knossos vassals and the council of priests was far from unanimous in its decision to abandon its long history of independence.

Naucratis

Status: Knossos vassal
Government: Monarchy
Strongly tied to Knossos through the royal family this polis is rich in both minerals and agriculture, but still unable to compete with the prices of such commodities from the colonies.

Mantineia

Status: Knossos vassal
Government: Plutocracy
The ruling families of Mantineia have strong ties with certain Gegamal Prime trading houses, often working on much more equal terms than is usual between Athenians and barbarians.
The kings in Knossos have been relying heavily on Mantineia to provide imports from the colonies, building up a huge debt to its vassal.

Mykene

Status: Knossos vassal
Government: Monarchy
Once one of the strongest naval powers on Athens, the Mykene sailors are still respected and their marines feared, though they have only a fraction of the warships they used to have.

Orchomenos

Status: Independent
Government: Theocracy
Remote and poor, the high-priest of Orchomenos is still clinging to pre-Oracle technologies and views space travel as bordering on heresy.

Oinofyta

Status: Knossos vassal
Government: Democracy
Oinofyta is mostly famous for its ridiculously restrictive democracy. Only men of 55+ can vote if they have served at least fifteen years in the army and own a house inside the old walls of the polis. On occasions, such as during the bloodiest days of the Sakalid War, only a few hundred men qualified to vote, and this in a polis of millions.

Megalopolis

Status: Independent
Government: Plutocracy
Famous for its gambling and service industry, this polis is a favorite sanctuary for the rich and famous.

Messene

Status: Independent
Government: Milicracy
This fiercely independent polis holds to a regime of military leadership called the Veterans Council.
Despite a very suppressive regime, recent successful acquisitions in the colonies have brought much wealth and prosperity to its citizens dampening any opposition.

Chalcis

Status: Independent
Government: Democracy
This polis is highly respected for their philosophical academies and splendid theatres.
Talented politicians have managed to keep Chalcis independent despite pressure from the major poleis, especially Knossos.

Continent of Crete

This crescent-shaped continent is the third most populous after Peloponnesos and Chios, and used to house two major powers, Sicyon and Itanos. Since the Sakalid War, however, Sicyon has been absorbing all Itanos holdings and vassals.

SICYON

Status: Major polis
Government: Theocracy
This traditionalist theocracy stands as the guarantee that the gods look favorable upon the inhabitants of Athena’s garden. They have more temples than any other polis, but also an impressive army to back up any theological disagreements.

Itanos

Status: Traitor state
Government: None, occupied by Sicyon
The inhabitants of Itanos suffer under the sins committed by their ancestors and Sicyon has more than enough priest along with their occupation force to ensure that they do not forget.
The Commander-Priest in charge of the occupation has created a paramilitary unit of fanatical young men called the “Repentants” who are promised a new identity if they give five years of their life to the service of the Sicyon army.

Zankle

Status: Independent
Government: Tyranny
This polis is home to some of the most skilled armorers of Athens.
The political situation is close to anarchy. The current tyrant is the fourth in three years, and odds are that his rule will not last more than a few months.
Sicyon is likely to intervene if things get much worse.

Kroton

Status: Sicyon vassal
Government: Plutocracy
Originally a vassal of Itanos, this plutocracy luckily changed sides in time to avoid repercussions and is happy being left alone to do business – even if its leaders have to attend some superfluous religious ceremonies in Sicyon.

Epidamnos

Status: Sicyon vassal
Government: Democracy (Milicracy)
Though officially a democracy, the actual decisions rest with the commanders of the three military branches - land, sea, space.

Selinunt

Status: Sicyon vassal
Government: Democracy
Increasingly seeking independence from Sicyon, this polis is growing in economic importance, not the least due to some fortunate mineral findings in its colonies.

Koroneia

Status: Independent
Government: Oligarchy
Ruled by a college of ambitious families, Koroneia is expanding aggressively in the colonies.

Island of Psara

This remote island has the worst climate of any place on Athens. In addition to the cold, massive storms and huge tidal waves are common place, and six months a year the place lies in complete darkness. It takes a very special kind of people to thrive in such a place.

Alalia

Status: Independent
Government: Oligarchy
The inhabitants of Alalia are extremely proud of their independence, but their polis is not very wealthy and of little interest to most of the major powers.

Sigeum

Status: Methone vassal
Government: Oligarchy
Only recently the oligarchs of Sigeum decided to become a vassal state of Methone in order to gain favorable trade agreements. The general population is not happy about this, preferring independence.

Notes

Vassal poleis have varying degrees of freedom, and often it is impolite by the dominating polis to openly employ words such as “vassal”, “client state” or “tributary polis”. Instead vassals are often referred to as “allies”, “partners” or “brother nations” or other less offensive terms.

Independent poleis are not necessarily neutral, quite often they have their own alliances and treaties with major powers or other independent poleis, but they do not pay tribute to others and control their own faith in case of wars.

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