Proposed improvements to Armenia and its environs

[Samitte]

• Hello and welcome to what is the first in a series of posts to improve Armenia and its environs.

Before I get on with it, I'm aware that there are many ongoing debates as to the nature of the origins of Armenia, its peoples, and that its early history is quite cloudy. Because of that, if you feel I am misrepresenting something, lets talk about it. Furthermore, if you want to double check my work I'll keep an updated list of the more easily accessible sources at the end of this first post. Any name changes I propose will use the Latin alphabet phonetic system, with the modified Hubschmann-Meillet translation next to it in brackets.

Spoiler: Armenian religion

1: Armenian religion

Armenian religion was neither Khaldic nor Zoroastrian. By the start date it has become its own complex thing, mixing Zoroastrian elements into the existing local polytheism, itself a mix of native, Near-Eastern, and increasing Hellenic elements. While Khaldic would have been fitting for the region centuries prior, the Armenian religion was already developing centuries before the game start as noted by Xenophon, together with the Armenian peoples themselves.

Proposal:
Change the name to Armenian. It should span a similar area to Khaldic in the current game. It should also spread a bit to Sophene, Commagene, and Armenia Minor. These areas will get their own in depth post later, though there certainly was an Armenian prescence in these region. Sacrifice button could be changed to a cow. (or back to pig)

Armenia should also start out as Armenian religion

Spoiler: Deities

Deities:

Aramazd:
War deity, fourfold (Creator, father, thunder god, and ruler of heaven, earth and underworld.
Primary holy site: Ani-Kamakh (Ani-Kamax), important religious site and one of the royal necropoli of Armenia. Propose to create a separate province across from 7845 Tordan (T'ordan) as part of the larger Ekeghiats (Ekełeac') religious centre. Alternatively, place his holy site at 1570 Armaouira, to be renamed Armawir.
Omens: Passive: War Score reduction. Active: Ruler Popularity gain

Anahit:
Fertility deity, associated with cattle sacrifice.
Primary holy site: 1767 Eriza.
Proposed name change to: Erez (Erēz) Eriza is a much later Greek version of the name.
Omens: Passive: Character wage reduction. Active: Citizen output

Vahagn:
War deity. A solar deity also associated with thunder. Warrior god.
Primary holy site: 994 Ashtishat (Aštišat)
Omens: Passive: Reinforcement speed. Active: Morale recovery.

We beseech Vahagn the Dragon-Reaper with the flaming hair, to grant our warriors a measure of his bravery. Lend us your strength for for coming battles, so that our warriors may reign victorious on the field of battle.

Vahagn was the Armenian solar and warrior deity. He was the slayer of dragons, and known as the brave and of the firey locks. His main temple was at Ashtishat, an important temple-state. He was prayed to for courage, strength, valor, and his cult was second only to that of Aramazd himself.

Tir:
Culture deity. Scribe of Aramazd, dreaming, priests, psychopomp, temples with libraries attached to them.
Primary holy site: 1571 Artaxata (Artašat) founded halfway into the game by Artašes I.
Omens: Passive: Research points. Active: Religious happiness.

We beseech Tir, the scribe of the gods, he who records all knowledge and guides the dead, to grant us his wisdom and mercy. Oh wise Tir, please make note of those who passed in your endless library, so that they may be forever remembered.

Tir is the scribe of Aramazd, who records the names of the dead and guides them to the underworld. His library-temples are bastions of knowledge where the krum, the Armenian priestly class, is educated. His most important temple was the Erazamoyn at Artashat, where his priesthood interpreted the meaning of dreams.

Astghik (Astłik):
Fertility deity. The little star. Beauty. Often paired with Vahagn.
Primary holy site: If we place Vahagn at Ashtishat, 1560 Andzevatsik
Proposed name change to: Kangawar Andzevatsik (Anjewac'ik) is the name of the principality, Kangawar is the primary locale.
Omens: Passive: Primary Culture Happiness. Active: Unrest reduction

Nane (Nanē):
Fertility deity.
Primary holy site: 1768 Til (T'il)
Omens: Passive: Manpower Recovery. Active: Reduced War Exhaustion.

Barshamin (Baršamin):
War deity. Another thunder god!
Primary holy site: 7845 Tordan (T'ordan) As Anahit and Nane had their holy sites on opposite sides of the river, so did Barshamin and Aramazd.
Omens: Passive: Army morale. Active: Discipline

Mihr:
Economy OR Culture deity.
Primary holy site: 1762 Elegeia
Proposed name change to: Bagayarich (Bagayaṙič) Elegeia is a Greek name, Bagayarich is the town where Mihr had his primary cultic site.
Omens: Passive: Freemen output. Active: Mil tech investment boost.

Spandaramet:
Fertility OR Economic deity. Female earth deity. Associated with fruit, vines, burial, and fertility.
Primary holy site: None at game start.
Omens: Passive: Monthly food modifier. Active: Freeman happiness.

Tork-Anggh (Tork'-Angł):
Culture deity. Underworld deity
Primary holy site: 841 Arkathiokerta (Anggh)
Proposed name change to: Anggh, the current name is Greek.
Omens: Passive: Fort Defense. Active: Province loyalty

Spoiler: Religious situation in Commagene

While Commagene should not be independent yet at game start (Most likely date of independence is around 163 BCE, while its present Commagene should start with a pantheon of 4 deities which are unique to them. Due to the mixture of Hellenic, Iranian and Armenian in its pantheon I'd place it under Armenian religion as well. Culturally it should remain a mix of cultures, primarily Aramaic and Armenian, with some Macedonian, Cappadocian, Syrian, and Arabic pops spread about.

Zeus-Oromasdes (Culture), Apollo-Mithras (Economy), Herakles-Artagnes (War), and Kommagene (Fertility) are the four deities the hierothesion at Nemrud is dedicated to.

The setup I propose is Native name as the base, followed by alternative localisations. So that when its not owned by Latins or Hellenes it defaults to a native name as opposed to a foreign alternative unless there is one. Hence if I have not added the specific localisation of the base name since the base name doesn't require cultural localisation, only alternative localisation does. All names marked with Arm./Pers./Lat./Gk,/Iber./etc are all alternate localisations. All names without it are base names. If no new base name is provided it just proposes an extra alternative localisation.

Spoiler: Collected Localisation changes for Armenia and its environs:

Spoiler: Armenia region:

Areas:
Armenia Superior - Latinised: Carenitis, Native: Karin
Syracene - Latinised: Siracene, Native: Shirak
Ayrarat - Latinised: Cotaea, Native: Eraskhandzor
Tarawn - Latinised: Bagrauandene, Native: Bagrewand
Vaspurakan - Latinised: Thospitis, Native: Rshtunik
Parskahayk - Latinised: Sigriane, Native: Shirakan
Parsatunik - Latinised: Basporeda, Native: Zarawand-Her
Soducene - Latinised: Mardianum, Native: Mardpatakan
Syunik - Latinised: Saunitis, Native: Siwnik

483 Artales - Remove and reuse, update pending.
846 Cyzima - Baghaghesh, Lat./Gk. Balaleseia
978 Taraichiya - Datuan, Lat./Gk. Dauduana
987 Zoroanda - Artemid, Lat./Gk. Artemita
988 Thospia - Van, Lat./Gk. Bouana
989 Nymphaeum - Moks, Lat./Gk. Mox
990 Elegoana - Archesh Lat./Gk. Arsesa
992 Balales Pass - Gzeghkh, Lat./Gk. Selgia
993 Calata - Khlat, Lat./Gk. Calata
995 Molchia - Ererin
996 Alouaka - Hadamakert
997 Kotordz - Kotor
998 Artemita Vaspurakan - Hayk
999 Hayk - Parz
1500 Chauon - Chodha, Arm. Her, Gk. Kapouta, Lat. Capouta
1501 Naxouana - Nakhchawan, Lat./Gk. Naxouana, Iber. Nakhchevani
1503 Salamas - Zarehawan, Lat./Gk. Zerouana
1505 Arziyayad tepe - Tamber
1507 Sormanabad tepe - Surenapat
1508 Balajuk tepe - Ayli
1509 Siraganon - Mari
1511 Qalatgah - Shno, Arm. Shnawh
1518 Kuh-i Chorblach - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1519 Qalat - Shirakan, Lat. Zeracane, Gk. Siraganon
1527 Yanik tepe - Khvarakan
1528 Morounda - Marand, Lat./Gk. Morunda
1529 Darman - Bakran
1530 Halaqu Qal'eh - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1531 Malejin - Gargar
1533 Qara Zia Eddin tepe - Marakan
1535 Qiz Chakhlu - Giwghik
1536 Khezerlu Qal'eh - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1537 Nuarsak - Shawarshan
1538 Sanora - Goghtn
1539 Gavur Qal'eh - Jughay
1540 Parakan - Ernjak
1541 Oghlu Qal'eh - Vrachunik
1542 Arxata - Kruakk
1543 Siah Qal'eh - Kosteank
1544 Catispi - Ugheoy
1545 Barun Qal'eh - Maku, Lat./Gk. Magustana.
1546 Shawarshan - Nersehapat
1547 Keshmesh - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1548 Sangar Qal'eh - Erind
1549 Teroua - Daroynk Maseatsotn, Gk. Teroua
1550 Verahram Qal'eh - Marawan
1551 Hajestan Qal'eh - Varazkert
1559 Aladagh Qal'eh - Nuarsak
1560 Andzevatsik - Kangawar
1561 Mardastan - But
1562 Isumbo - Tsumb, Lat./Gk. Tsumbo
1563 Acachia - Tutakh
1564 Colchion - Malkhas, Lat./Gk. Molchia?
1566 Didima - Tsirav
1567 Bagauna - Bagawan, Lat./Gk. Bagaouna
1568 Hariza - Zarehawan Tsoghkotn, Lat./Gk. Zarouana Bagrauandene
1569 Paracata - Tsoghakert Lat./Gk. Zolakerta,
1570 Armaouira - Armawir, Lat./Gk. Armaouira
1571 Artaxata - Artashat, Lat./Gk. Artaxata
1572 Doubios - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1573 Gornae - Garni, Lat./Gk. Gorniae, Iber. Garni
1575 Erebuni - Erevan
1576 Kainepolis Syracene - Artemid Shirakats, Lat./Gk. Artemita Siracene
1577 Motene - Nigatun
1579 Ashnak - Bagaran
1580 Katnakhpyur - Talin Lat./Gk. Thalina
1581 Lat./Gk. Orontoxata
1582 Ani - Eruandakert (Orontokerta)
1583 Dzhrapi - Ani, Lat./Gk. Anion Syracene, Iber. Anisi
1585 Shirakavan - Kumayri
1588 Kamo - Gegharkunik
1589 Atarbegian - Portak
1590 Dzhrarat - Kecharoyk
1591 Karchakhpyur - Parnakan
1592 Akunk - Tsawdk, Iber. Sodk
1605 Gezlu - Drakhtik
1606 Berdatekh - Hovk
1613 Shalat - Shaghat
1615 Balaberd - Baghaberd
1623 Arevik - Meghri
1668 Vayots Dzor - Hrasekaberd
1698 Sinara - Khaghtoyarich, Lat./Gk. Calteorissa
1736 Iber. Valaskerti
1747 Gymnias - Daroynk, Lat./Gk. Daranissa
1751 Barantea - Basean, Lat.Gk./ Phasiane. Iber. Basiani
1760 Sinoria - Baytberd, Lat./Gk. Baiberdon
1761 Charton - Khart, Gk. Kharton, Lat. Charton
1762 Elegeia - Remove and reuse, see this post.
1763 Darucinte - Ishkhandzor, Lat./Gk. Salmalassus
1764 Bizana - Bagayarich, Lat./Gk. Basgoidariza
1765 Ioustiaine - Surenashen
4037 Kitharizon - Kitarich, Gk. Kitharizon, Lat. Citharizum

Spoiler: Colchis Region

Areas:
Abasgoi - Latinised: Abasgai , Native: Apkhazeti
Bekhyria - Latinised: Chaldia, Native: Chaneti
Suaneti - Latinised: Suania, Native - Svaneti
Caucasian Iberia - Latinised: Iberia Interior, Native: Shida Kartli
Gogarene - Latinised: Gogarene, Native: Kvemo Kartli
Tayk - Latinised: Cholarzene, Native: Kgharjk

1586 Hokhmik - Abotsi, Arm. Ashots
1587 Vardbach – Erazgaworz
1610 Sary-tepe – Khunani, Arm. Khunarakert
1673 Iberian Gates – Kumlis-tsikhe, Lat./Gk. Cumania
1676 Metchistha-Harmozike – Mtskheta, Gk. Meskheta, Lat. Mescheta
1677 Algeti – Poga, Arm. Pogh, Lat./Gk. Pogas
1679 Kavtiskhevi - Zadrisi, Arm. Zadris
1680 Zalissa – Dzalisi, Lat./Gk. Zalissa
1681 Aragvispiri – Ananuri, Lat./Gk. Ananurion
1683 Aghaiani – Kaspi, Lat. Caspia, Gk. Kaspia, Arm. Koskh
1685 Uplistsikhe – Ateni
1689 Urbnisi – Gori
1690 Zghuderi – Tsromi
1691 Dedoplis - Urbnisi, Lat./Gk. Arbanissa
1694 Surium – Remove and resuse
1695 Borjomi – Durn
1696 Leukothea – Odzraqe, Arm. Odzrkhe
1697 Akhaltsikhe - Remove and reuse, see this post.
1699 Mzetamze – Tori, Arm. Tawr
1701 Goderdzi Pass - Qveli, Arm. Ghvelis-Tsikhe
1702 Javakheti - Tsunda, Arm. Kajatun
1703 Bori - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1704 Sarapanis - Shorapani, Lat./Gk. Sarapanis
1705 Skandis - Skanda, Lat./Gk. Skandeis
1706 Rhodopolis - Vardistsikhe, Lat./Gk. Rhodopolis, Arm. Rodiuwpawlis
1707 Kotais - Kutatisi, Lat. Kotais, Gk. Kytaia, Arm. Kota
1711 Telephis - Vani, Gk. Souris, Lat. Surium
1714 Onogouris - Igani, Lat./Gk. Siganeon
1715 Archaiopolis - Dzikhan-Kvidza, Iber. Tsikhe-Gudzi, Gk. Arkhaiopolis, Lat. Archaeopolis
1717 Chaladidi - Khobi
1720 Phasis, Arm. Pashd, maybe Iber. Poti
1722 Vashnari - Tolebi, Lat./Gk. Telephis
1723 Pichvnari - Ozurgeti
1724 Apasidam - Tsikhisdziri. Lat./Gk. Apasidam
1725 Bathys Limen, Lat. Bathys Portus
1726 Apsaros, Lat. Apsarus, Arm. Apsarunt
1727 Kissa, Lat. Cissa
1728 Morthoula - Borchka, Lat./Gk. Morthoula?
1729 Athenon Akron, Lat. Athenai, Arm. Atenas
1730 Rhizaion, Lat. Rhizus, Arm. Rizon
1731 Ophis, Lat. Ophius
1732 Hyssos, Lat. Hissus Portus
1735 Ergeta - Tsaishi
1737 Ziganne - Gyenos
1739 Tqvarcheli - Bedia
1738 Gyenos - Mokvi
1740 Tzibile - Tsebelda, Lat./Gk. Tzibile
1743 Pityous - Pityus
1746 Itkhvissi - Sairkhe, Lat./Gk. Sarake, with major border rework (see this post)
1748 Modinakhe - Tsikha, also with major border rework from above post.
1749 Brili - Gebi
1750 Klukhor Pass - Tsakhar
1752 Chorzene - Karutsberd, Iber. Kars, Lat./Gk. Chorsa
1753 Kola, Arm. Kogh
1754 Artahan - Huri, Arm. Hur
1755 Colit - Tsqarostavi
1756 Artanuji - Shatberdi, Arm. Shatberd
1757 Kaballa - Arsik
1758 Pharangion - Tukharisi, Arm. Tukhars

Spoiler: Albania Region:

Areas:
Caucasian Albania - Latinised: Albania, Native: Arran
Kahetia - Latinised: Cambycene, Native: Kambechan
Arran - Latinised: Otene, Native: Utik
Artshak - Latinised: Orchistene, Native: Artsakh
Paytankert - Latinised: Caspiane, Native: Kazpk

1584 Utidorsi - Yunan
1607 Idzhevan - Khaghkhagh, Lat./Gk. Xilala
1608 Berd - Tavush
1609 Kariglukh - Tsob
1611 Sagarejo – Sagarezho
1612 Tbilisi – Tpilisi, Lat./Gk. Philade, Arm. Tpkhis
1614 Sigan - Brnakot
1618 Mish - Alewan
1619 Dish - Arminan
1630 Langarkanan - Astarab
1631 Spandaran - Barzend
1632 Balanrot - Baghan
1633 Bagawan - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1634 Kamachia - Gardman
1635 Nyundi - Kandak
1636 Chabala - Kabalaka, Arm. Kabaghak, Lat. Cabalaca
1637 Mingechaur - Yashu-Khosh
1638 Warthan - Vardanakert
1639 Amaras - Goroz.
1640 Tigranakert - Zarisht
1641 Gumbati - Hornabudzi
1642 Absheron - Khursan
1643 Samukh – Khoranta
1644 Paytakaran - Geilar
1645 Shaki - Gewgaw
1646 Gardman - Dzakem
1647 Salyan - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1648 Ghizil-Agaj - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1649 Masalas - Bagawan, Lat./Gk. Bagouana
1650 Sisakan Inferior - Tsri
1651 Shahargah - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1652 Talish - Paytakaran
1654 Mochi - Daran
1655 Kaladasht - Kaghaberd
1656 Zakatala - Bakhalat, Lat./Gk. Bakhia
1657 Telavi – Kuel-daba
1658 Shilda - Alvani
1660 Cambysene – Remove and reuse, update pending.
1661 Arash - Partaw
1662 Lupenia - Lpnats Kaghak, Gk. Loubion Kome, Lat. Lupenia
1664 Arank - Shoghvaga
1665 Parsakank - Khandak
1666 Koght - Dzrvshtik
1667 Aghahechk - Agarak
1670 Partaw - Horekan
1671 Southwest Arran - Gish
1672 Southeast Arran - Baylakan
1678 Seusamora – Samgora
1687 Jhinvali - Remove and reuse, update pending.
5435 Kurus – Vezhini
7603 Derbent - Shapotran, Pers. Shabaran

Spoiler: Assyria Region

Areas:
Sophene - Latinised: Anzitene, Native: Andzit
Corduene - Latinised: Arzanene, Native: Aghdznik
Upper Mesopotamia - Latinised: Mygdonia
Assyria - Latinised: Calachene
Adiabene - Latinised: Arbelitis

818 Arm. Urha
819 Carrhae - Harran, Arm. Kharan, Gk. Karrhai, Lat. Carrhae
821 Arm. Rash Ayn
830 Arm. Mtsbin
831 Arm. Shngar
833 Arm. Pinik
834 Satalka - Tman
836 Samosata - Shamushat, Lat./Gk. Samosata
837 Tharsa - Tharse
839 Nymphaios - Arsham Nemrutotn, Gk. Arsameia pros to Nymphaios, Lat. Arsameia ad Nymphaeum
840 Arsameia - Arsham Gk. Arsameia pros to Euphrate. Lat. Arsameia ad Euphratem
841 Arkathiokerta - Anggh, Lat./Gk. Ingila
842 Tigranocerta - Kghimar, Lat./Gk. Chlomaron
843 Chlomaron - Arzan
845 Martyropolis - Nprkert, Lat./Gk. Maipherakta.
856 Sardeoua - Amid, Gk. Amida, Lat. Ad Tyrgem
857 Sitai - Remove and reuse, update pending.
858 Arsamosata - Horeberd, Lat. Charpert, Gk. Kharpert
859 Colchis - Arghni, Gk./Lat. Arsinia
860 Anzitene - Arshamashat. Lat./Gk. Arsamosata
862 Arm. Ninue
863 Arm. Bghat
870 Izala Mons - Remove and reuse, update pending.
877 Barsalion - Jermuk, Lat./Gk. Abarne
878 Arsinia - Remove and reuse, update pending.
884 Arrapha - Karkha de Beth Selok, Arm. Karkha
981 Kelonai - Hulwan, Lat./Gk. Chala
1578 - Orontes - Mahkard, Arm. Mahkert
1853 Sartona - Kiakka, Gk. Khiaka, Lat Chiaca
1855 Elegeia Sophene - Tmnis, Lat./Gk. Tomisa
1856 Anzita - Til, Lat./Gk. Tilion
1857 Chosomachon - Herapawlis, Lat./Gk. Hierapolis Sophene
1858 Lat. Dascusa
1866 Korne - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1867 Marqas - Arm. Marash, Gk. Germanikeia, Lat. Germanike city
1868 Tyba - Diba, Lat./Gk. Tyba
1869 Rhebaine - Urima, Arm. Urime, Lat./Gk. Ourima

Spoiler: Cappadocia Region

Areas:
Armenia Maior - Latinised: Acilisene, Native, Ekegheats
Amenia Minor - Latinised: Armenia Minor, Native: Pokr Hayk

172 Arm. Komana Kapadovkioy
1766 Altintepe - Chermes, Lat./Gk. Tzoumina
1767 Eriza - Erez, Gk. Eriza, Lat. Eressus
1769 Salmalasso - Remove and reuse, see this post.
1770 Satala - Satagh, Lat./Gk. Satala
1771 Domana - Sinor, Lat./Gk. Sinora
1772 Longini Fossatom - Remove and reuse, update pending.
1773 Tzantzakon - Zigana
1778 Chorsabia - Kerchanis, Lat./Gk. Chorsabia
1779 Olotoedariza - Uleoberd, Lat./Gk. Oleoberda
1781 Koloneia - Aghadarits, Lat./Gk. Aladariza
1782 Megalossos - Dasteira, Arm. Dashtarak,, Lat./Gk. Nikopolis
1783 Anniaca - Koloneia, Arm. Koghonia, Lat. Colonia,
1787 Danae - Taularon
1789 Syderos - Hypsele
1790 Arm. Komana Pontosi
1796 Eusebeia - Mazaka, Arm. Mazhak, Gk. Eusebeia, Lat. Caesaraea
1799 Mazaka - Saccasena
1839 Sebastopolis - Karana, Lat./Gk. Sebastopolis
1843 Kamisa, Lat. Comassa
1844 Sebasteia - Sebaste
1847 Eudoixata - Godis, Lat./Gk. Gundusa
1850 Gundusa - Eudoxaita
1851 Euspena - Euspoina, Lat. Euspena
1854 Arm. Meltine
1861 Gk. Sozopetra
1994 Epesos
7845 Tordan - Ani-Kamakh, Gk. Anion, Lat. Anarium

Spoiler: Media Region

Areas:
Amardoi - Latinised: Amardia
Kadousioi - Latinised: Cadusia
Kossioi - Latinised: Cossia

1515 Arm. Gandzak
1521 Akra-rudh - Afraza, Lat./Gk. Phraaspa, Arm. Afrazha
1525 Gurqal'eh - Ujan
1526 Arm. Tawrezh
1555 Arm. Gish
1574 Kelishin Pass - Median Gates, Lat. Mediae Portae, Gk. Midiai Portai, Arm. Drunk Marats
1620 Aharawan - Ahar, Arm. Aharawan
1621 Arvandaj - Varzakan, Arm. Varzhakan
1622 Seqindel - Dizmar
1625 Kuh-i Bolach - Pichan
1626 Mishkinshahr - Bahlakan
1627 Arm. Artewet

Spoiler: Other localisations:

789 Arm. Selewkia Pierean
790 Arm. Agawn Antiok'
794 Arm. Kiwros
797 Arm. Khalkis
807 Arm. Herawpawlis
810 Arm. Zewgma
811 Dolike - Dolikhe, Lat. Doliche
893 Samarra - Sumra, Gk. Soumra, Lat. Sumere
911 Arm. Mets Selewkia
955 Kar Tukulti Ninurta - Sinn
1734 Arm. Trapizon
1791 Ibora - Eupatoreia, Lat. Magnopolis, Arm. Ewpatoria
1792 Gk. Diospolis
1795 Arm. Kotiora
1798 Arm. Kerasunt
1806 Arm. Temiskiwra
1870 Amanian Gates, Lat. Amaniae Portae, Gk. Amanikai Pylai, Arm. Drunk' Kilikioy
1871 Syrian Gates, Lat. Syriae Portae, Gk. Syriai Pylai, Arm. Drunk Asorwots
1879 Arm. Egea
1880 Arm. Mopsuestia
1893 Arm. Ariaratia
5210 Bamni - Vardenis
5212 Ararat - Masik
7604 Chol, Arm. Chogh, Pers. Sul, Lat./Gk. Tzur
7737 Qarqar - Aramazd

Spoiler: Sources, last updated 20/09/2020

Primary sources:

• Anonymous, The Georgian Chronicle, trans. Bedrosian, R., 1991.
• Klaudios Ptolemaios, Geographia, esp. books 5, 6, and 7. (Not for the uninitiated, this work is very faulty.)
• Movses Xorenac'i, History of Armenia, trans. Thomson, R. W., 1978.
• Anasias of Širak, Ašxarhac'oyc', trans. Hewsen, R. H., 1992.
• Strabo, Geographica, book 11 and 12 primarily, but 13 and 14 are important too.
• Xenophon, Anabasis, books 3, 4, and 5 primarily

Secondary sources:

On Armenia (including Sophene, Commagene, and Lesser Armenia):

• Adontz, N., Armenia in the Period of Justinian (Lisbon, 1970).
• Bedoukian, P. Z., 'Coinage of the Armenian Kingdoms of Sophene and Commagene', Museam Notes (American Numismantic Society), 28 (1983), pp. 71-88.
• Brijder, H. A. G., et al, Nemrut Dağı: Recent Archaeological Research and Conservation Activities in the Tomb Sanctuary on Mount Nemrud (Boston, 2014).
• Diakonoff, I., The Pre-History of the Armenian People (1984, New York).
• Garsoïan, N., 'The Emergence of Armenia' in Hovannissian, R. G. (ed.) Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times, Volume 1, the Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century (2004, New York), pp. 37-62.
• Garsoïan, N., 'The Arškuni Dynasty' in Hovannissian, R. G., (ed.) Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times, Volume 1, the Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century (2004, New York), pp. 63-94.
• Hewsen, R. H., Armenia: A Historical Atlas (2001, Chicago) (This is probably one of the most important resource for most of what I'll do here!)
• Hewsen, R. H., 'The Geography of Armenia' in Hovannissian, R. G. (ed.) Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times, Volume 1, the Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century (2004, New York), pp. 1-18.
• Jones, A. H. M., The Cities of the Eastern Roman Provinces (Oxford, 1971).
• King, L. W., 'On the Origin of the Province of Kommagene', The Journal of Hellenic Studies, 33 (1913), pp. 356-359.
• Marchiak, M., Sophene, Gordyene, and Adiabene: Three Regna Minora of Northern Mesopotamia Between East and West (2017, Leiden).
• Petrosyan, A., Problems of Armenian Prehistory: Myth, Language and History (Yerevan, 2015).
• Russell, J., 'The Formation of the Armenian Nation' in Hovannissian, R. G. (ed.) Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times, Volume 1, the Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century (2004, New York), pp. 19-36.
• Toumanoff, C., 'The Orontids of Armenia', Studies in Christian Caucasian History (Georgetown, 1963), pp. 277-354.
• Versluys, J. M., Visual Style and Construsting Identity in the Hellenistic World: Nemrud Dağ and Commagene under Antiochos I (2017, Cambridge).

On Colchis and Iberia:

• de Boer, J. G., 'Sinope and Colchis: colonisation, or a Greek population in 'poleis barbaron'?' in Tsetskhladze G. R., Avram, A., and Hargrave, J. (eds.) The Danubian Lands Between the Black, Aegean and Adriatic Seas: (7th Century BC-10th Century AD) (2015, Oxford), pp. 73-80.
• Braund, D., Georgia in Antiquity: A History of Colchis and Transcaucasian Iberia, 550 BC-AD 562 (Oxford, 1994).
• Coene, F., The Caucasus - An Introduction (New York, 2009).
• Gabella, A., 'The Greek colonisation of Abkhazia in the light of new archaeological discoveries: the palaeogeographic, ecological and demograpgic situation in Sukhum Bay' in Tsetskhladze G. R., Avram, A., and Hargrave, J. (eds.) The Danubian Lands Between the Black, Aegean and Adriatic Seas: (7th Century BC-10th Century AD) (2015, Oxford), pp. 101-104.
• Kacharava, D., 'Archaeology in Georgia 1980-1990 (Post-Prehistoric to Pre-Mediaeval)', Archaeological Reports (1991) Vol 37, pp. 79-86.
• Knauß, F., 'Caucasus' in Briant. P., and Boucharlat, R., L' archéologie de l'empire achéménide: nouvelles recherches; actes du colloque organisé au Collège de France par le Reseau International d'Études et de Recherches Achéménides (Paris, 2005), pp. 197-220.
• Lordkipanidze, O., 'Vani: An Ancient City of Colchis' Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies (1991) Vol. 32, pp. 151-196.
• Lüning, A. P., 'Lesale, an unknown centre in western Colchis' in Tsetskhladze G. R., Avram, A., and Hargrave, J. (eds.) The Danubian Lands Between the Black, Aegean and Adriatic Seas: (7th Century BC-10th Century AD) (2015, Oxford), pp. 437-440.
• Makharadze. G., and Saginashvili, M., 'An Achaemenian Glass Bowl from Sarikhe, Georgia' Journal of Glass Studies (1999), Vol 41, pp. 11-17.
• Odisheli, M., 'Ancient Georgia at the Turn of the Eras and Khaishi 'Treasure'', Iberia-Colchis (2014) Vol 10, pp. 186-196.
• Rayfield, D., Edge of Empires, A History of Georgia (2012, London).
• Tsetskhladze, G. R., 'Ancient West and East: Mtskheta, Capital of Caucasian Iberia', Mediterranean Archaeology (2006/7), Vol 19/20, pp. 75-107.
• Tsetskhladze, G. R., 'Greeks, locals and others around the Black Sea and its hinterland: recent developments' in Tsetskhladze G. R., Avram, A., and Hargrave, J. (eds.) The Danubian Lands Between the Black, Aegean and Adriatic Seas: (7th Century BC-10th Century AD) (2015, Oxford), pp. 11-42.

On Albania:

• Gadjiev, M. S. 'The Mission of Bishop Israyēl in the Context of the Historical Geography of Caucasian Albania' in Hoyland, R. G. (ed.) From Albania to Arrān: The East Caucasus between Antiquity and Medieval Islam (c. 300 BCE-1000 CE) (2020, Piscataway), pp. 99-117.
• Hewsen, R. H., 'On the Location of the Lupenians', Aca Orientalia Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae (1997), Vol 50, pp. 111-116.
• Mouraviev, S., 'La population de la Caucasie centrale selon Pline l'Ancien', Geographia Antiqua (1996) Vol 5, pp. 45-52.
• Schulze, W., 'Caucasian Albanian and the Question of Language and Ethnicity' in Mumm, P. (ed.) Sprachen, Völker und Phantome: Sprach- und kulturwissenschaftliche Studien zur Ethnizität (2018, Berlin), pp. 275-312.
• Schulze, W., 'From Caucasian Albanian to Udi', Iran and the Caucasus, Vol 19/2, 2015, pp. 149-177.
• Traina, G., 'Roman Representations of Caucasian Albania' in Alikberov, A. K., Gadjiev, M. S. (eds.) Albania Caucasica I (2015, Moscow), pp. 42-47.

On Pontos and Cappadocia:

• Bennet, J., 'The Origins and Early History of the Pontic-Cappadocian Frontier: In Memoriam Charles Manser Daniels (10 August 1932-1 September 1996)' Anatolian Studies (2006) Vol. 56, pp. 77-93.
• Dmitriev, S. 'Observations on the Historical Geography of Roman Lycaonia', Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies (2006), Vol 41, pp. 349-375.
• Lindsay, H., Amasaya and Strabo's patria in Pontus', in Dueck, D. (ed.), Strabo's Cultural Geography, The Making of a Kolossourgia (2005, Cambridge), pp. 180-199.
• Olbrycht, M. J., 'Iranians in the Diadochi Period', in Troncoso, V. A. and Anson, E. M., After Alexander: The Time of the Diadochi (323-281 BC), pp. 159-182.
• Panichi, S., 'Cappadocia through Strabo's eyes', in Dueck, D. (ed.) Strabo's Cultural Geography, The Making of a Kolossourgia (2005, Cambridge), pp. 200-215.
• Roller, D. W., Empire of the Black Sea: The Rise and Fall of the Mithradatic World (Oxford 2020).

On the Luwian Lands (Caria to Cilicia):

• Broughton, T. R. S., 'Some Notes of the War with the Homonadeis' The American Journal of Philology (1933) Vol 54, pp. 134-144.
• Bryce, T. R., 'Chapter Three: History: C: The Luwians in their Iron Age Context' in Melchert, H. C. (ed.) The Luwians (Leiden, 2003), pp. 93-124.
• Chaniotis, A., 'New evidence from Aphrodisias concerning the Rhodian occupation of Karia in the early history of Aphrodisias' in van Bremen, R., and Carbon, J. (eds.) Hellenistic Caria: Proceedings of the First International Conferance on Hellenistic Caria, Oxford, 29-June-2 July 2006. (Pessac, 2010), pp. 456-466.
• Hall, A. S., 'The Gorgoromeis' Anatolian Studies (1971) Vol 21, pp. 125-166.
• Hall, A. S., 'R.E.C.A.M. Notes and Studies No. 9: The Milyadeis and Their Territory' Anatolian Studies (1986) Vol. 36, pp. 137-157.
• Herda, A., 'Greek (and our) Views on the Karians' in Mouton, A., Rutherford, I., and Yakubovich, I. (eds.) Luwian Identities: Culture, Language and Religion Between Anatolia and the Aegean (Leiden, 2013), pp. 421-508.
• Hutter, M., 'Chapter Six: Aspects of Luwian Religion' in Melchert, H. C. (ed.) The Luwians (Leiden, 2003), pp. 211-277.
• LaBuff, J., Polis Expansion and Elite Power in Hellenistic Karia (Lanham, 2016).
• Piras, D., 'Who were the Karians in Hellenistic times? Evidence from epichoric language and personal names' in van Bremen, R., and Carbon, J. (eds.) Hellenistic Caria: Proceedings of the First International Conferance on Hellenistic Caria, Oxford, 29-June-2 July 2006. (Pessac, 2010), pp. 217-233.
• Ramsay, W. M., 'Res Anatolicae: Oranda: Ager Oroandicus: Tractus Oroandicus. A. -C.', Klio (1929) Vol 22, pp. 375-383.
• Ratté, C., 'New research on the region around Aphrodisias' in van Bremen, R., and Carbon, J. (eds.) Hellenistic Caria: Proceedings of the First International Conferance on Hellenistic Caria, Oxford, 29-June-2 July 2006. (Pessac, 2010), pp. 253-267.
• Reger, G., 'Mylasa and its territory' in van Bremen, R., and Carbon, J. (eds.) Hellenistic Caria: Proceedings of the First International Conferance on Hellenistic Caria, Oxford, 29-June-2 July 2006. (Pessac, 2010), pp. 43-57.
• Schuler, C., 'Sympolitien im Lykien und Karien' in van Bremen, R., and Carbon, J. (eds.) Hellenistic Caria: Proceedings of the First International Conferance on Hellenistic Caria, Oxford, 29-June-2 July 2006. (Pessac, 2010), pp. 393-413.
• Shaw, B. D, 'Bandit Highlands and Lowland Peace: The Mountains of Isauria-Cilicia' Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient (1990) Vol 33, pp. 199-233.
• Shaw, B. D, 'Bandit Highlands and Lowland Peace: The Mountains of Isauria-Cilicia (Continued)' Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient (1990) Vol 33, pp. 237-270.
• Unwin, N. C., Caria and Crete in Antiquity: Cultural Interaction between Anatolia and the Aegean (Cambridge, 2017)

Other:

• Bregel, Y. Historical Atlas of Central Asia (Leiden, 2003).
• Canepa, M. P., The Iranian Expanse: Transforming Royal Identity through Architecture, Landscape, and Built Environment, 550 BCE-642 CE (2018, Oakland).
• Comfort, A. M., Roads on the frontier between Rome and Persia: Euphratesia, Osrhoene and Mesopotamia from AD 363 to 602 (2009) PhD thesis, University of Exeter.
• Dusinberre, E. R. M., Empire, Authority, and Autonomy in Achaemenid Anatolia (Cambridge, 2013).
• Gershevitch, I., The Cambridge History of Iran, Volume 2, The Median and Achaemenian Periods (1985, Cambridge).
• Hansen, M. H. and Nielsen, T. H. et al, An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis (Oxford, 2004).
• Henkelman, W. F. M., 'Of Tapytoi and Tablets, States and Tribes: The Historical Geography of Pastoralism in the Achaemenid Heartland in Greek and Elamite Sources' Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies (2011), Vol 54, pp. 1-16.
• Intagliata, E. E., 'Rome and the Tzani in late antiquity: a historical and archaeological review' Anatolian Studies (2018), Vol 68, pp. 131-150.
• Jones, A. H. M, The Cities of the Eastern Roman Provinces (1971, Oxford).
• Levick, B., 'In Phrygian mode: a region seen from without', in Thonemann, P. (ed.), Roman Phrygia, Culture and Society (Cambridge, 2013), pp. 41-54.
• Magie, D., Roman Rule in Asia Minor to the End of the Third Century After Christ, Volume 1: Text (1950, Princeton).
• Magie, D., Roman Rule in Asia Minor to the End of the Third Century After Christ, Volume 2: Notes (1950, Princeton).
• Matthews, R., and Glatz, C. 'People and Place in Paphlagonia: Trends and Patterns in Settlement through Time' in Matthews, R., and Glatz, C. (eds.) At Empires' Edge: Project Paphlagonia: Regional Survey in North-Central Turkey (London, 2009), pp. 239-249.
• van de Mieroop, M., A History of the Ancient Near East, c. 3000-323 BC (Chichester, 2016).
• Morony, M. G., 'Continuity and Change in the Administrative Geography of the Late Sasanian and Early Islamic al-'Iraq', Iran (1982), Vol 20, pp. 1-49.
• Potts, D. T. Nomadism in Iran: From Antiquity to the Modern Era (2014, Oxford).
• Potts, D. T. 'Camel Hybridization and the Role of Camelus bactrianus in the Ancient Near East' Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient (2004) Vol. 47, pp. 143-165.
• Ramsay, W. M., 'Antiquities of Southern Phrygia and the Border Lands (III)' The American Journal of Archaeology and the History of the Fine Arts (1888), Vol 4, pp. 263-283.
• Roller, D. W., The Geography of Strabo, an English Translation, with Introduction and Notes (Cambridge, 2020).
• Shaked, S. 'De Khumli à Nikhšapaya : les données des nouveux documents araméens de Bactres sur la toponymie de la région (IVe siècke av. n. è.)' Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres (2003) Vol. 147. pp. 1517-1535.
• Thonemann, P., The Meander Valley, A Historical Geography from Antiquity to Byzantium (Cambridge, 2011).
• Thonemann, P., 'Phrygia: an anarchist history, 950 BC-AD 100' in Thonemann, P. (ed.), Roman Phrygia, Culture and Society (Cambridge, 2013), pp. 1-40.
• Yarshater, E., The Cambridge History of Iran, Volume 3: The Seleucid, Parthian and Sasanid Periods, Part 1 (1983, Cambridge).
• Yarshater, E., The Cambridge History of Iran, Volume 3: The Seleucid, Parthian and Sasanid Periods, Part 2 (1983, Cambridge).

 

[Samitte]

Ariarathes II and later his son Ariaramnes were rulers of Cappadocia. Both minted coins bearing their images. And since Ariarathes II died around 280 BC, he couldn’t have killed Amynthas 20 years later.

The 160 years might refer to the time as independent kings and exclude the time they ruled as vassals of the Seleukids.

The Seleukid empire faced upheavals both around 280 BC and 260 BC (after the deaths of Seleukus I and Antiochus I, respectively). Subject rulers tried to break away in such times.

Being a ruler and a subject does not stop one from issueing coins, however. Both Ariarathes II and Arairamnes could have been satraps and issue coins. Many vassals and satraps minted coins even though they had long-standing tributary agreements with the Seleukids. The first mention of independent Cappadocia is around 250 under Ariarathes III.

As for the events, besides 260, another date I see mentioned more often then 301 is 280, in the period after the battle of Kourpedion. Though this would have Ariarathes II reclaim Cappadocia and then die the same year. I can't find a source for the year of his death, nor a very good explanation as to why they believe this the case.

At this point I'm giving up on finding out whats going on here, I've read so many different theories on what happened regarding that 1 line from Diodorus Siculus. The main gist is that around 301/280/260 someone who would later become Ariarathes II fought the Seleukid general Amyntas, and killed him, the first of his descendents to rule as an independent king was Ariarathes III, and from there on history becomes a bit clearer. I've got a bunch of books I could pursue once the library opens but for now the only conclusion I can reach is that there is no consensus on what happened, at all. Heck, its not even sure what constitutes 'Cappadocia' during this period, and whether it included Pontus or not.

Do your sources tell anything else about Amynthas except that he was a Macedonian, ruled Cappadocia and was overthrown and killed by Ariarathes II?
He could have been recently appointed by Seleukos when he took over Cappadocia after Ipsos. Or he could have defected from Antigonus to Seleukus. This would make him a Seleukid satrap when he was overthrown.

One thing that definitely comes through in the sources is that almost no one calls Amyntas a satrap. I checked the original wording in Diodorus Siculus and he specifically calls him a στρατηγὸν, general. I'm not sure where the idea that Amyntas was satrap comes from at all. This does lead to a more plausible chain of events where Amyntas is a general sent out to deal with a breakaway Cappadocia, and is defeated. However, as I stated above, I've seen over 20 different theories (probably more) and no consensus. Even the one author who did a recent in-depth study of Cappadocia rushes through the pre-Ariarathes III period (which she starts at 250 BCE) because everything is just so vague.

Armenia

certainly became a Satrapy of the Seleukids after Ipsos. Most of your sources refer to that period, we don’t dispute this.

But only one (Hewsen et al) indicate that they were tributaries before that.

Armenia had no reason to submit to Seleukos, who wouldn’t be able to force Armenia to submit to him. (he was on campaign In the East, expanding his rule from Babylonia to the Upper Satrapies between 309 and 304 BC).

When and why did Orontes acknowledge Seleukos as his overlord?

Garsoian's wording does leave open whether she considers nominal and tributary similar in some way, but besides that, I do have some theories as to why Orontes III would possible do so.

• To protect himself from future invasions. Yes, Seleukos might be campaining at that time, but that is no garuantee he won't then invade Armenia afterwards. Not just to avoid conflict with Seleukos, but this in turn could also serve to shield Armenia from Antigonid attentions (for now).
• The region was in constant turmoil due to the diadochi, including earlier attempts to conquer Armenia, and it could be a means of buying safety, especially since it seems Armenia was attacked earlier on by Hellenes.
• And with Seleukos occupied this would leave Orontes III to manage his realm, and consolidate his power.
• Keep in mind the outcome of events was unsure, yet from an Armenian perspective Seleukos held most of the former Achaemenid heartland, and could have been percieved as the likely winner of future conflicts nontheless.
• Turning it around, why did Armenia not attack Seleukos in the back when he was campaigning east?

Now that doesn't mean they did, of course, but I do not find it unlikely a recently emerged Armenia would try and get some security in such an unstable world.

Does Hewsen et al state anything on the nature of Tribute paid before Ipsos?

No. We know almost nothing of the Orontid period. However, if the earlier and later periods are to go by, its probably Horses, Livestock, Coin, or a combination of those. Furthermore, tribute does not seem automatically exclude autonomy, and paying tribute can also function as a means of appeasing or paying off more powerful states to keep them from invading. Yet still retaining autonomy over one's lands and some degree of political autonomy. But as you mention below, any in game form of vassalage excludes any form of political autonomy.

From one of the Books one of us read a year ago. Not sure which one exactly. They all are currently inaccessible as the Library is closed for quarantine.

Unfortunate, but such is the fate of these times. Not even what the book meant by Adiabene? Early on the term would only refer to the region around Arbela inbetween the two Zabs, from where it would expand much later on. It makes no sense for Armenia to invade Adiabene early on, the two areas did not border on one another, and the route there would either involve going via Riskephas down the Tigris, or through the lands of the Karduchoi. Anyway, thats just me musing on the possible reasons.

Summa Summarum

:
We think If the historical situation is unclear or disputed, the option that provides most gameplay value should be preferred.

Currently all in-game forms of subject states restrict foreign policy, and making Armenia a tributary would make them unable to conduct meaningful diplomacy.

Therefore it’s best to keep Armenia completely independent and add some events that would allow the winner of the Diadochi war to make them a satrapy.

Until now, my main reason to make Armenia a tributary was primarily weighted by the fact that in most games, the Seleukids attacked them instead of Phrygia. However, judging by the last Dev Diary, if a war between the two is more railroaded, then this might not be needed. Some of the likely events of the Orontid period, especially its interactions with the Seleukid, could make for interesting event chains.

As this route would connect to a different tile on the northern side, it warrants to be added (perhaps as an uninhabited pass)

Yeah, these two passes should both probably become uninhabited. I can't access Braund's excellent summary on them right now, but I might add more of them in as well when I do. One that is certainly missing are the Albanian Gates, in the eastern end.

In general, there's a bunch of areas I'd like to open up more.

 

[Samitte]

Next, I'd like to propose a few more replacement lakes in the region to reuse the dam lakes that should be removed, I've included the two lakes I proposes earlier as well. These, especially when some more rivers are added, would make the area both more aesthetically pleasing and fun to play in (towns curving around natural features are highly pleasing, in my opinion). And who doesn't want to build a city near the Lake of Blood?!

6417 - Lake Archishak - proposed earlier, the smaller lake east of Lake Van, would have extended more into the little delta extending into it from the east.
6422 - Lake Nazik (and perhaps lake Nacli too) see this sattelite image, these two lakes lay east of Lake Van, in the plain of Hark'. I will propose this area be made into a proper province too, soontm. These lakes have not changed much over time.
6426 - Lake Gaylatu/Balik, see the sattelite image here, the lake in the mountains between Bargewand and the Aras heartland.
6427 - Lake Zarishat, already proposed, see additional sattelite image here.
6429 - Lake Abul/Paravani, see a sattelite image here, this is part of the Armeno-Georgian lakes in the marchlands. Perhaps more of the lakes in this area could be added as well, as there are multiple decent sized lakes that could easily show up on the map. (Edit (24/06/2020: Though NOT lake Tsalka, by the way. Thats a dam lake)
6430 - Ariwnoy Lake ('Lake of Blood'), such a cool name, but this lake was situated on the south end of this valley. It is now slowly drying up and being turned into farmland, but it would have covered most of the depression it is in. As is probably obvious from the farmland surrounding it, much of it is recently reclaimed land. This area I will soon propose to become a province as well, as it lies just off the Great Zab valley connecting the Lake Van region to Adiabene, and was certainly a transit route in ancient times. One further sattelite image to emphasise the elongated plain hiding in the current wasteland province, and the visible depression in its south-eastern corner.
6434 - Kartsakhi Lake, the lake north of lake Zarishat.
6435 - Lake Amik, I cannot show a sattelite image because it has been entirely drained, but if you know what to look for its outline can still be seen in the reclaimed land. For millenia this lake lay a bit north-east of what would later become Antioch. Here is an older (but relatively accurate) map, of the area showing the lake. In the past it likely extended more into the arced area, due to less intensive water use.

 

[Samitte]

So while working on the mountains inbetween 994 Ashtishat and 842 Tigranocerta, I noticed the river was off, not sure why I did not before, but here's an extra little bit. The river has some clear geographic markers around here that dictate its flow. The first is a little hill, where it dips south (above the H in Ashtishat in the image), furthermore it then dips into the mountains via a valley clearly visible on the height map, before continueing on its current course.

This is another area where the original heightmap should be restored.

 

[Samitte]

So below is the first map, rework proposal, covering the area around the 5196 and 5197 wastelands. They would add 7 new Iberian provinces, and 7 new Armenian provinces, and 1 new Lesser Armenian province. These provinces would mostly be Iberian culture, except for those along the Araxes valley which would be Armenians. However, in actuality very few of these people were likely Armenians or Iberians at this time.

Those in the mountains contained many other Caucasian and/or Anatolian peoples, some related to the Iberians culturally different. This hopefully further strengthens the case for the Khaldian culture from pengoyo's proposal.

Those living around VII, IX, X, and XI would be a mix of Armenians and Phasians/Baseans, which might be worth adding as a seperate culture if this area gets fleshed out more. (Phasians/Baseans also probably lived around Kars/Karutsberd, XII, Zarishat, Ani, and Basean which is named after them)


Legend:
Red numerals: Entirely new provinces
Yellow Numerals: Reused provinces

Disclaimer: Used a console command to annex everything for a clearer picture, forts, province capitals, cities, heightmap and terrainmap have all not been touched yet. Nor have I reworked the areas, since things are still in flux. It will probably require some more wasteland provinces to be added as well, for visual purposes.

Spoiler: New provinces

Chorichi river valley: Just adjusted most borders here, and added 1 new province.

I - Parkhar (Parxar), the Mountain valley spiralling away from the main river, a bit like an appendix.

Bolkhai: These river valleys were an important backdoor into the Armenian heartlands, and it is possible one of these valleys was part of Xenophon's route as described in his Anabasis. This region forms the main bulk of new provinces, but its also a very a-historical wasteland and another important area which Armenia and Iberia struggled over. I've split the two paralel valleys into two halves for historical, visual and geographic reasons.

II - Azord, the lower half of this Mountain valley, starts as a part of Iberia
III - Toaskari, Arm. Tayots Kar (Tayoc' K'ar), the Mountain valley connecting both the two paralel valleys, and the Armeno-Iberian highlands of Klarjeti.
IV - Ughtik (Ułtik') Iber. Oltisi (Olt'isi), probably the most important locale in these valleys, a later town and main centre of the Bolchae (though who they were...? Maybe a people, maybe just a tribe, or perhaps a powerful clan, who knows) Centred on another Mountain valley.
V - Boghaberd (Bołaberd) Lat./Gk. Bolon, an important fort throughout much of history guarding access into these valleys. (Bolon on DARE), Mountain province.
VI - Okaghe, another important fort, guarding another route into these Mountain valleys.
VII - Chambar (Čambar), the highland inbetween Karutsberd (Kars) and the upper Araxes valley, connecting it to the valleys of Bolchae.
VIII - Partez (Partēz), convering both the Gorge of Castles and the Gorge of Gardens, Partez connects the Armeno-Iberian highlands with the upper Araxes valley. Mountain province.

The Araxes valley: I've added 3 more provinces here, to mainly cover specific geographic areas.

IX - Eghegnamawr (Ełegnamawr), covering the Mountain valley east of the rolling plain around Basean, here the valley narrows again and this area is more mountainous.
X - Kaghzuan (Kałzuan), covering the Forest valley after it opens back up again, this valley has later opens up to the plains once it hits Eruandashat.
XI - Artagerk (Artagerk'), Lat/Gk. Artageira, the Forested hills inbetween the Akhurean valley and the highlands around Kars/Karutsberd.

The Armeno-Iberian highland plain: This area was one of the main battlegrounds between the Armenians and the Iberians, spending most of the game in Armenian hands. I'm not sure about the Kola province yet, it covers a plain inbetween two hilly/mountainy regions but it needs some work.

XII, Otmsu, covering the lower Hills of the mountains stretching north of Kars/Karutsberd.
XIII, Klarjeti (Klarjet'i), Arm. Kgharjk (Kłarǰk'), covering the forested hills/mountains inbetween the river valley and the Armeno-Iberian highlands.
XIV, Idi, Lat./Gk. Phrixos, the small plain nestled deep in the highlands, holding the town/city of Idi.
XV, Zarishat (Zarišat), the area around the lake, nestled inbetween two mountains. Hills terrain.

Upper Mktvari/Kura valley: Only added 1 province, to cover the Y shaped area around Askureti.

XVI, Askureti (Askuret'i), Lat./Gk. Askoura, covering the confluence of the upper Mktvari/Kura valley around the Potskhovistskali confluence, before the narrow Borjomi gorge. Mountain province.

Spoiler: Reused provinces

So while making the map I noticed the area around Bizana/Elegeia/Salmalasso/Darucinte was too packed, and had to take out another province. 1759 Salmalasso is not on here because I've reused it somewhere else, but III can be taken from any 'Remove and Reuse' province.

I - 1697 Akhaltsikhe reused as: Erusheti (Erušet'i). The forested highlands between the Potskhovistskali valley and the Kura/Mktvari valleys.
II - 1769 Salmalasso reused as: Prris (P'ṙṙis). This is the hilly valley west of Bagayarich, north of the Throne of Anahit.
III - 1762 Elegeia reused as: Brnakapan (Bṙnakapan), Lat./Gk. Sinora, the mountainous area protecting the east-west road to Karin, and the Brnakapan pass connecting to Baytberd to the north.

In terms of how important some of these are, I consider II, III, IV, V, VI, XI, XIII, and XV as 'crucial additions which I cant believe didn't make it in'.

Spoiler: Ownership

Iberia: I, II, III, XII, XIII, XIV, XVI. and reused I.
Armenia: IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XV.
Lesser Armenia: VI, and reused II and III.

Next I will probably finish my draft for Colchis.

EDIT:

Spoiler: Quick W.I.P. Screenshot on the Temple States

So I decided to quickly throw in 3 out of 4 temple-states as vassals, super W.I.P. screenshot though:

While I think a seperate temple-state subject could be added, for now they are theocratic monarchies.
Brown/Orangeish, centred on Eriza is Ekegheats, with the temples of Nane and Anahit.
Teal, centred on Bagayarich, Derjan, with the main temple of Mihr
Greyish Blue, centred on Ashtishat is Ashtishat, the river/borders need some work there, and I need to double-check whether Jiwnkert is considered part of the temple-state, but it seems to just have been Ashtishat proper and the lower river valley around Kawkaw.

 

[Ketchup & friends]

Unfortunate, but such is the fate of these times. Not even what the book meant by Adiabene? Early on the term would only refer to the region around Arbela inbetween the two Zabs, from where it would expand much later on.

Just that the Armenians campaigned somewhere South of their core lands and were defeated by Antiochos. They had to re-submit after that defeat.

Feedback on your newest post:

Spoiler: West (and Temple States)

XVI, Khaghtoyarich (Xałtoyaṙič), Lat./Gk. Calteorissa, covering the area inbetween the Brnakapan Pass, and the plain of Karin.

III - 1762 Elegeia reused as: Prris (P'ṙṙis). You can use Salmalasso for this as well, it doesn't matter much. Either way this is the valley west of Bagayarich, north of the Throne of Anahit. While making the map I initially gave it to Bagayarich, but this way it forms a much more natural area. I merged the area of 1762 with 1764 east of the Euphrates.

1698 Sinara - Brnakapan (Bṙnakapan) Lat./Gk. Sinora

1762 Elegeia - Remove and reuse, this area is too densely provinced and they can be used better elsewhere.

1769 Salmalasso - Remove and reuse, Salmalasso is another name for Ishkhanjor (see 1763 - Darucinte)

These lines AND your map make everything very confusing.

• Khaltoyarich is marked with a SECOND red VII instead of a XVI
• despite being labelled a new province, it seems to be a slightly redrawn 1698 that lost the westernmost tip. Even the fort is still there!

Meanwhile, Tile III looks more like 1769 shifted east rather than 1762. While Brnakapan has much more in common with 1762 than with 1698.

Since your proposal doesn’t actually change the number of inhabited tiles in Lesser Armenia we would propose following improvements to your proposal:

I. reuse 1769 for III instead of 1762

II. Reuse 1762 for Brnakapan and 1698 for Khaltoyarich

III. No new territories in this area - too confusing and could cause bugs.

(And you should probably adjust your name change proposals in the early post accordingly.)

Further, considering your proposals for small temple states would be better off if they are within one province. In order to achieve this:

IV. Adjust the borders of Armenia Maior and Armenia Superior provinces exchanging 1769 for 1765.

Then both Temple states would be entirely within one province. Ekegheats (1765, 1766, 1767, 1768) completely in Armenia Maior (especially meaningful as you proposed to rename the whole province Ekegheats) and Derjan (1698, 1762, 1769 and 1792) completely in Armenia Superior (Karin).


Karin and Okaghe are cut off from the main Lesser Armenian area. This could cause problems. Considering this line

This province is made up of many smaller principalities and states. Karin is probably the foremost of these.

Perhaps make these two territories into a Feudatory?

Spoiler: East

Most of this looks very good. We applaud you.

Two things that should be changed (and one more that need clarification):

I.

II - 1755 Colit reused as: Zarishat (Zarišat). The area squished in the valley around the lake, also visible here its the triangly blotch which looks very accurate if I may say so myself. I want to make the two mountains beside the lake wastelandsb but the area is a bit deformed, and the heightmap should be restored here. Then the mountains should be much clearer and easier to define and can be more securely made into wastelands.

Does it mean Zarishat would cut the current Impassable Terrain in two and provide a North-South Route?

If so, it might be better to make it a new province instead of reusing Colit and keep Colit as it is. That way Colit would have an important strategic role.

• be a buffer for Tsunda.
• Put Zarishat outside of ZoC of a fort in Tsunda.
• Good potential location for a Fort at a T-shaped crossroad.
• In a war between Armenia and Iberia, taking Colit would allow Armeina to cut an important East-West road without having to take the city of Tsunda.

If we interpreted it correclty, we strongly recommend you to keep Colit as it is and make Zarishat a completely new province instead.

II.
it seems the small wastelands south of Karutsberd are somewhat redundant. A few small tweaks could make the better:

• extend the Basean tile eastward to the small impassable tile, removing the border between Chambar and Eghegnamawr
• give the westernmost bits of Karutsberd to Chambar, creating a new connection between Chambar and Eghegnamawr but this time on the eastern end.

Then each of the three mountains would separate three tiles. This would look better than your current proposal.

III.

XIII, Klarjeti, Arm. Kgharjk (Kłarǰk'), covering the forested hills/mountains inbetween the river valley and the Armeno-Iberian highlands.

That’s confusing, what terrain should it have?

Spoiler: Names

I. Inspired by some other Threads (on this forum and Reddit), can you provide later Arab names where possible as well? In case an Arabian or Nabatean culture nation conquers and assimilates the area.

II. This is actually not specific to this thread, but some of us think all Lake tiles in the game should receive proper names. This would add flavor AND could help the devs notice all modern dam-lakes themselves.

 

[Samitte]

Once again, thanks a lot. I've also updated the Noble Houses list slightly, to remove some anachronistic ones and added in the Jiwnakan house to add in more variation. With regards to earlier posts, I've decided to keep the Pichvnari tile under Ozurgeti, and added in a tentative Anaklia (which certainly was not ancient Heraclea like they claim to be) at the mouth of the Enguri. Sadly, while doing so more research I also found out that large parts of Pichvnari are being destroyed to build hotels, even though some rescue work in 2010 revealed even more amazing finds, including some Pre-Classical cultic sites and beautiful glasswork. Though recently a large survey was done of many sites in Guria, which revealed many interesting things, and might lead to further excavations in the future.

As for the rest of Colchis: Phasis has gotten a lot of love, even did some map work to add in the lake which was where the port was, which is also where the port moved to. Inner Iberia has also seen a large rework of the provinces, to really differentiate the Lower Caucasus valleys, and the plains. Unfortunately I am not good with the map editor, and my attempts at restoring the Caucasus around the mountain passes failed miserably, so right now my only hope is for Paradox to restore these in the future. I'll probably make a separate proposal for these.

I'll probably be done with that tomorrow.

Spoiler: West (and Temple States)

These lines AND your map

make everything very confusing.

• Khaltoyarich is marked with a SECOND red VII instead of a XVI
• despite being labelled a new province, it seems to be a slightly redrawn 1698 that lost the westernmost tip. Even the fort is still there!

Meanwhile, Tile III looks more like 1769 shifted east rather than 1762. While Brnakapan has much more in common with 1762 than with 1698.

Since your proposal doesn’t actually change the number of inhabited tiles in Lesser Armenia we would propose following improvements to your proposal:

I. reuse 1769 for III instead of 1762

II. Reuse 1762 for Brnakapan and 1698 for Khaltoyarich

III. No new territories in this area - too confusing and could cause bugs.

I updated it since then, Khatoyarich was mistakenly labelled. That fort belongs to 1698 province, as I stated those elements (cities, forts, ports, and their positioning, pops, etc) yet, since I first want to finish the new provinces proposals before overhauling the areas/regions and doing locators. Do you think it would benefit to do some of these before making a proposal? (Forts, cities, ports.)

I still don't want to touch pops till the very end, especially not when the next patch adds a whole new pop type,

With regards to the reusals, I've switched them around, will update everything accordingly later on.

However, can you clarify what you mean with it being able to cause bugs?

Further, considering your proposals for small temple states would be better off if they are within one province. In order to achieve this:

IV. Adjust the borders of Armenia Maior and Armenia Superior provinces exchanging 1769 for 1765.

Then both Temple states would be entirely within one province. Ekegheats (1765, 1766, 1767, 1768) completely in Armenia Maior (especially meaningful as you proposed to rename the whole province Ekegheats) and Derjan (1698, 1762, 1769 and 1792) completely in Armenia Superior (Karin).

This is my intention too once I rework the areas.

Karin

and Okaghe are cut off from the main Lesser Armenian area. This could cause problems. Considering this line

Perhaps make these two territories into a Feudatory?

Yeah the W.I.P. shot was just to show off the temple states were a viability to add in. I'm not sure that it would make sense as a feudatory, but if it would cause trouble for the AI that might be a good solution.

As part of my other proposal for more religious flavour, a Temple-state subject type would be ideal, but yes a feudatory will have to do for now. Since they added in a special subject type for Syracusae, this would be perfect to extend to Anatolia, and a few special cases like Bambyce. (And perhaps it can be used for other parts of the map as well, but thats beyond my knowledge.)

Spoiler: East

I. Does it mean Zarishat would cut the current Impassable Terrain in two and provide a North-South Route?

If so, it might be better to make it a new province instead of reusing Colit and keep Colit as it is. That way Colit would have an important strategic role.

• be a buffer for Tsunda.
• Put Zarishat outside of ZoC of a fort in Tsunda.
• Good potential location for a Fort at a T-shaped crossroad.
• In a war between Armenia and Iberia, taking Colit would allow Armeina to cut an important East-West road without having to take the city of Tsunda.

If we interpreted it correclty, we strongly recommend you to keep Colit as it is and make Zarishat a completely new province instead.

I see the merits in your arguements for a seperate Colit. In terms of names, Colit (Latin for inhabited/populated, unless its Tsolit which still seems made up. I do know of a medieval fort near there. But I will do some research for something earlier, and then adjust everything accordingly.

II. it seems the small wastelands south of Karutsberd are somewhat redundant. A few small tweaks could make the better:

• extend the Basean tile eastward to the small impassable tile, removing the border between Chambar and Eghegnamawr
• give the westernmost bits of Karutsberd to Chambar, creating a new connection between Chambar and Eghegnamawr but this time on the eastern end.

Then each of the three mountains would separate three tiles. This would look better than your current proposal.

Good points, updating them accordingly.

III. That’s confusing, what terrain should it have?

Forest, yes it is confusing, I agree. I'll also added terrain to everything that didn't mention it yet, and will keep this in mind for future proposals.

Spoiler: Names

I. Inspired by some other Threads (on this forum and Reddit), can you provide later Arab names where possible as well? In case an Arabian or Nabatean culture nation conquers and assimilates the area.

I'll have a look, added it to my to-do list. Should be easy to get some appropriate names for most larger towns and cities, safe for the few that were destroyed during the Arab invasion of course.

II. This is actually not specific to this thread, but some of us think all Lake tiles in the game should receive proper names. This would add flavor AND could help the devs notice all modern dam-lakes themselves.

Agreed, 100%, though I can imagine only the larger ones would be able to have visual names on them. It would still be a nice extra touch. I also think lakes could perhaps have a small bonus to population capacity.

I'll update things a bit later, my PC doesn't like to run Photoshop in the current heat.

 

[Samitte]

Here's the next map update proposal, this time for Colchis and Suanetia. I've also included my interpretation of what Phasis based on the sources we have, with its port in the lake, and its rather large wetland. The terrain needs some more work, though, it is really hard to follow specific valleys without the heightmap.

Next up will probably be Inner Kartli, which has seen some large changes, or the Armenian heartland, which has mainly been made more sensible.

Legend:
Red Numerals - New Provinces.
Yellow Numerals - Reused or Reworked provinces.
Green Numerals - Other

V.2: Updated many things according to previous post: as of writing this the name changes HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED YET, I will remove this line once they are.
Any comments and criticisms are still more then welcome.

Disclaimer, W.I.P. image, mainly for the purpose of territories, any C&C welcome!

Spoiler: New and reused provinces.

New Provinces [Red]:
I - Kukhlor Pass, an uninhabitable Mountain pass. This province is partial guesswork due to the highmap having been leveled here, but this is the approximate area of the Klukhor pass.
II - Anaklia (Anak'lia), covering the Swamplands around the mouth of the Enguri river. Mix of Colchian and Hellenic pops. (Unlike what the same copy-pasted sentence on the internet claims, this is not Heraclea which historians place near the Adler peninsula)

Suania: This area covers the mountains north of Colchis, which were not wastelands, but quite fertile valleys which offered a lot of protection to the Suanians and other mountain peoples living there. The lower valleys were fully linked in to the regional trade networks, and in turn these connected the deeper valleys. The people here produced metals, metalwork, game, and some agriculture.

III - Idliani, the lower part of this large Mountain valley, I split this off because within the historical geography of this lower part of the valley was much more tied into Colchis then the upper valleys.
IV - Seti, covering the upper Enguri Mountain valley, a large province settled by hardy Suanians, the town of Seti lies near the very end of the valley, where enemies rarely make it.
V - Ushguli, covering the uppermost Enguri Mountain valley, and the connection to Tsageri. An important area connecting the Suanian lands, nestled deep in the Caucasus.
VI - Lesura, covering the upper river valley, Mountain province. Lies on an important connection with the deeper Suanian lands, and these valleys nontheless were mostly Suanian/Svan until modern times.
VII - Tsageri, settled on another Mountain valley. This was one of the more densely settled valleys of Suania, together with Orbeli.
VIII - Orbeli, covering the Mountain valley of the upper Rioni, connecting to Tsageri via a small pass. This was the most densely settled of the mountain valleys.
IX - Mamison Pass, another north-south route across the mountains goes via this Mountain pass.
Note: I was mistaken in an earlier post describing a pass on the other side of this province, its been a while since I read Braund's book.
X - Kaspiskari, an exonym for a fort on this side of the Mamison pass, probably built by a group of Caucasian peoples belonging to the Circassians or Chechens. A Mountain province.
XI - Iri, covering the series of Mountain passes and valleys connecting the Rioni, Liakhvi, and Kvririla valleys, a secondary route which likely was navigable all year (hence its not a pass), inhabited by mountain peoples.

XII - Dimni, covering the Forested foothills behind Vardistsikhe/Rhodopolis. Part of the defensive network protecting the vulnerable Colchian hinterland.
XIII - Arkhabis, Lat. Archabis, Arm. Arkhave (Arxave) Iber. Arkhabi (Arxabi), covering the area around the Arkhabian Cape, a Mountainous area inbetween Kissa and Atenis.
XIV - Pontic Pass, a historical, uninhabitable Mountain pass between Rizaion and Sper, and the only other place you could cross the Pontic Alps inbetween Zigana/Gizana (1773/1775) and the river valley to the east (1728). I also removed the connection between Ophis and Khart, which does not have a historical basis. With regards to the name I am open to better ones, its not given a specific name in the sources. (However that it was an important pass is without a doubt).

Remove and Reuse, and Reworked Provinces [Yellow]:
- Klukhor Pass and Brili > Tsakhar and Gebi, these two former connections to the other side now only cover the valleys connecting up to the mountain passes. They still retain their strategic purpose, even though the passes block expansion through them.
II - Gyenos, moved to 1737. The Hellenic colony of Gyenos lay in this area, its port should go here a well.
III - Trapezous, moved to 1733, this is the actual site of Trapezous, connecting to the Gizana/Zigana pass across the Pontic Alps. Until the Romans build a harbor here, it was a minor Sinopean vassal. Its port lay on the cape, and 1734 should be renamed Kordyle.
IV - 1775 Magnana > Gizana, the fort protecting the important connection through the Pontic Alps from the north side, this system of Mountain passes and valleys was open year round, and were an important trade route.
V - 1700 Zekari Pass, now made an uninhabitable Mountain pass, as it is a treacherous and hard to cross area even to this day. It blocking expansion is also historical.

Other [Green]:
I - A slight rework of the Apsaros/Bathys Limen border to lie along the river.
II - Removed the connection through this area, in favour of the historically attested pass a bit further east (XIV). Could do with

I regard these provinces as crucial to add: New: I, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, and all changes marked in Yellow.

In addition, I'd like to propose the following additional changes:

Spoiler: Additional changes

Spoiler: Three additional provinces

The addition of: Lesale ( I ), Mokhirisi ( II )
I - Lesale: An important site near where the Enguri river enters the mountains, encompassing a Forested.
II - Mokhirisi (Moxirisi) Lat. Mocheresis, Gk. Mokheresis, Arm. Mokhris (Moxris), part of the larger Wetlands of Colchis.

and the Nekra Pass.
I - Nekra Pass, an uninhabitable Mountain pass, and the most important one in upper Suania, through here it was a short ride/march straight into the Colchian heartland.

Spoiler: Trade goods

And changing these trade goods:
1715 to Gemstones, one of the two main areas where gemstones were produced in Colchis
1741 to Salt, Salt was a rarity in the Caucasus, yet much needed. Dioscourias was one of the main suppliers of Salt for the mountain dwellers.

I've also made some general adjustments to trade goods, historically accurate where possible, otherwise informed by archaeology and what sources tell us. Ignore the population numbers, these are not accurate.

Spoiler: New tag and a port for Dioscourias

The addition of the Misimians, as the tag Misimiania. The Misimians were a Suanian tribe which occupied the mountains behind Dioscourias. They controlled an important Trans-Caucasian route, and would often be employed by whomever controlled Colchis to guard this approach. They would be an independent tribe at game start, of Suanian culture.

Furthermore, Dioscourias should get a port. After Phasis it was the most important port in the eastern Black Sea, and the largest city on its coast in Antiquity.

And lastly, below I've attached two images with the terrain and area mapmode on, to highlight the approximate terrain of this part of the world during antiquity:

Spoiler: Terrain

The Colchian heartland is well nestled in the mountain valley, and behind the large coastal wetland. The northern coastline is mostly forests and mountains, Dioscourias is the exception here as it likely deforested its small plain early on, and grew large. The souther coastline is mostly mountain as well, with some forests.

It should host 4 additional forts at game start:
1704, 1705, 1715, and the new province Dimni.

Spoiler: Areas

I've added in a few new Tribes as well who control the hinterlands and moutainous regions at game start. These regions seemed to only become intergrated into larger states later on, with one of their most notable features being the mountain tribes living there who occasionally gained independence. This also could account for interesting gameplay options, especially since the ownership of these areas is fairly unclear (other then Lesser Armenia's expansion into them at some point.) Placing these tribes is difficult, sometimes other tribes get inserted in these areas, or their location shifts, or names change.

Spoiler: W.I.P. of East-Pontic Tribes

Dark Purple (north of Colchis, Suania (the Suans), capital at Seti (IV). I've also given them the connecting valleys of Tsageri, Orbeli and Gebi since those areas also come through in the sources as being inhabited by various mountain peoples, likely related, or maybe just different groups of Suanians. The sources arent very clear. Colchian (Suanian) culture. (visible in the first image)

Sannia, (the Sanni), Light Blue (inbetween Colchis and Trapezous), the ancestors of/related to the Laz, and a major nuisance in this area. They probably got conquered by Lesser Armenia for a while, before Pontus stormed the scene. Colchian culture, a mix of Colchian, Chaldian and a few Hellenic pops strewn about, maybe a vassal of Colchis? Sources very unclear. Capital at Rizaion.

Saspeiria, (the Saspeires), Beige (bottom, from Khart to Parkhar), Chaldian (Ibero) Culture, likely included various peoples (which a Chaldian culture could represent), would later be conquered by Lesser Armenia, Armenia, and Iberia. Do also become independent again at least once or twice. Capital at Sper, with its important gold mines.

W.I.P.: For these next two, please note that I haven't fully reworked the souther slopes of the Pontic Alps yet, so the layout will change, this is just an example of where they'd be. The above three I am happy with.

Spoiler: W.I.P. of East-Pontic Tribes

Chalybia (the Chalybes), Mauve, (left side), covering the western provinces formerly owned by Trapezous, and the Gizana/Zigana connection. Likely an early conquest of Lesser Armenia, to safeguard perhaps the most important trade route to the coast for both the Armenias. These also seemed to rise up at one point and become independent. Chaldian culture. Could perhaps be split in an inland/coastal grouping. (Not sure to who.)

Tiberenia (the Tibarenes), Green (around Anniaca), another annoying tribe which was conquered by Lesser Armenia at some point, but continued to be a pain in the back. Might even have taken Kotyora for a while, or it might have been a shared native/Hellenic settlement. Chaldian culture.

Note: The Chaldian culture is part of pengoyo's proposal for new Caucasian cultures.

Spoiler: Phasis

I've also done some work on the map around Phasis, though the trees need some work. The lake which was used as the harbor, the shakey river, and swamplands.

 

[Ketchup & friends]

However, can you clarify what you mean with it being able to cause bugs?

Bugs like this one (fixed since then). The position of tiles relative to each other matters.

I've also updated the Noble Houses list slightly

That's good, but you should bring back the disclaimer that Eruand is Orontes (same for the Family)

Kolchis C&C (it’s short, no need for a Spoiler)

• MOST IMPORTANT If both I and VIII are uninhabitable passes, it will be a significant barrier between Colchis and Siracia and Legia (Durdzhukia in @pengoyo ‘s proposal). They won’t be able to take land from each other. Is this intentional?
• IV is notably smaller than III and V. As all three have mountain terrain, you should expand IV slightly on both sides at the expense of III and V.
• VII is technically NOT a new tile but a reduced and renamed 1749, even the terrain stays the same.
• Your previous proposal had one more province in the plain, why no Mokhrissi in this proposal?
• Same on Tsikha and the valleys north of it. Our objections on merging 1746 and 1748 from last time remain. Considering the small size of the Suaneti province removing tiles there is a bad idea. You could easily fit in a reworked 1748 Modinakhe in this area. (Dimni would then be a completely new tile). Give 1748 it the small bits of 1746 Tsikha north of the river and the eastern panhandle of 1706 Skanda (the parts east of the N in your map). 1748 redrawn this way could keep the mountain terrain and would border three tiles (1705, 1706 and 1746), more than now (only 1746 and 1749). It would remain outside the ZoC of Kutaisi. As we’ve stated, Sairkhe/Sarake could be a good name. Here is another source mentioning it was important. But you can use a better name.
• Phasis looks really nice, but the port is quite hidden. Perhaps make the River navigable and put the Port there instead of the Sea tile?

 

[pengoyo]

Here's the next map update proposal, this time for Colchis and Suanetia. I've also included my interpretation of what Phasis based on the sources we have, with its port in the lake, and its rather large wetland. The terrain needs some more work, though, it is really hard to follow specific valleys without the heightmap.

Next up will probably be Inner Kartli, which has seen some large changes, or the Armenian heartland, which has mainly been made more sensible.

Legend:
Red Numerals - New Provinces.
Yellow Numerals - Reused provinces.

View attachment 594471
Disclaimer, W.I.P. image, mainly for the purpose of territories, any C&C welcome!

Spoiler: New and reused provinces.

New Provinces:
I - Kukhlor Pass, an uninhabitable Mountain pass. This province is partial guesswork due to the highmap having been leveled here, but this is the approximate area of the Klukhor pass.
II - Anaklia (Anak'lia), covering the Swamplands around the mouth of the Enguri river. (Unlike what the same copy-pasted sentence on the internet claims, this is not Heraclea which historians place near the Adler peninsula)
III - Seti, covering the upper Enguri Mountain valley, a large province settled by hardy Suanians, the town of Seti lies at the very end of the valley.
IV - Ushguli, covering the uppermost Enguri Mountain valley, and the connection to Tsageri. An important area connecting the Suanian lands.
V - Tsageri, settled on another Mountain valley. This was one of the more densely settled valleys of Suania, together with Orbeli.
VI - Orbeli, covering the Mountain valley of the upper Rioni, connecting to Tsageri via a small pass. This was the most densely settled of the mountain valleys.
VII - Gebi, the uppermost part of the Rioni valley, which also connects to the Mamison Pass. It is a Mountain province.
Note: I was mistaken in an earlier post describing a pass on the other side of this province, its been a while since I read Braund's book.
VIII - Mamison Pass, another north-south route across the mountains goes via this Mountain pass.
IX - Kaspiskari, an exonym for a fort on this side of the Mamison pass, probably built by a group of Caucasian peoples belonging to the Circassians or Chechens. A Mountain province.

Remove and Reuse Provinces:
I - Modinakhe > Dimni, covering the Forested hills behind Vardistsikhe.

All of these would probably be under Colchian control, except for IX - Kaspiskari, which would be under control of a tag to the north (though, it would suit to add in more Caucasian cultures in this area.)

Don't know too much about the intricacies of Caucasian topography, but it looks good from what I know.

Another thing that might make this area more interesting is the addition of a Suanian culture, inhabiting mostly the 5 mountain provinces (III through to VII), with some presence in the border provinces too. It would be a Caucasian culture. The Suanians were one of the larger groups within the very diverse Colchis. @pengoyo what is your take on this, if these provinces were added?

At least linguistically they split from the rest of the Katvelian languages about a 1,000 years before I:R start. They are the ancestors of the Svan people who are one of the most linguistically distinct of the Kartvelian languages. So yeah, I think if given the new provinces they could definitely be their own culture. But maybe the more Latinized Svanetian would match I:R naming scheme better?

MOST IMPORTANT If both I and VIII are uninhabitable passes, it will be a significant barrier between Colchis and Siracia and Legia (Durdzhukia in @pengoyo ‘s proposal). They won’t be able to take land from each other. Is this intentional?

This is a good point. While I can't think of any permanent expansion across these mountains during this period and so this probably make sense historically. Gameplay wise, I find I:R's handling of uninhabitable territories to be awkward and often annoying. So I guess I have mixed feeling about this.

 

[Ketchup & friends]

This is a good point. While I can't think of any permanent expansion across these mountains during this period and so this probably make sense historically. Gameplay wise, I find I:R's handling of uninhabitable territories to be awkward and often annoying. So I guess I have mixed feeling about this.

What if Suanetia is made a tribal vassal? They wouldn't be able to expand themselves, acting as a buffer. Similar to Paeonia and Macedon in the Balkans.

 

[Samitte]

• If both I and VIII are uninhabitable passes, it will be a significant barrier between Colchis and Siracia and Legia (Durdzhukia in @pengoyo ‘s proposal). They won’t be able to take land from each other. Is this intentional?

That is the intention as pengoyo noted correctly, expansion did not happen via these passes. That tended to go via the Pontic coastline via the many little ports, or through the narrow strip of land along the Caspian. These passes allowed raiders, migrating hordes, and the occasional army through. But they were not avenues of expansion since it would be near impossible to keep a hold of the lands on the other side. Like the Zekari Pass, these would not always be accessible.

The only exception would possibly be the Darial Pass, since some sources do hint at conquest through this pass before the modern period. And for gameplay purposes its location suits just fine as well.

• IV is notably smaller than III and V. As all three have mountain terrain, you should expand IV slightly on both sides at the expense of III and V.

On the west side, yes it could. On the east side however, its already expanded as far into there as I can without actually covering up Seti (modern day Mestia).

• VII is technically NOT a new tile but a reduced and renamed 1749, even the terrain stays the same.

Oops, you're quite right. I've also adjusted the province a bit more to fit the actual geography since I found a good reference point. Will update it soon.

• Your previous proposal had one more province in the plain, why no Mokhrissi in this proposal?

Since the terrain in Colchis already accounts for many small geographical units, I considered it unwise to split what is a perfectly fine plain in two, simply for the sake of adding more provinces.

• Same on Tsikha and the valleys north of it. Our objections on merging 1746 and 1748 from last time remain. Considering the small size of the Suaneti province removing tiles there is a bad idea. You could easily fit in a reworked 1748 Modinakhe in this area. (Dimni would then be a completely new tile). Give 1748 it the small bits of 1746 Tsikha north of the river and the eastern panhandle of 1706 Skanda (the parts east of the N in your map). 1748 redrawn this way could keep the mountain terrain and would border three tiles (1705, 1706 and 1746), more than now (only 1746 and 1749). It would remain outside the ZoC of Kutaisi. As we’ve stated, Sairkhe/Sarake could be a good name. Here is another source mentioning it was important. But you can use a better name.

(On the area north of Tsikha) I was not able to find anything on the areas history of habitation, and any old toponyms, for the area that would connect Tskhinvali to the upper Rioni valley and Argueti. However, the above link gave me some new avenues to pursue, which might lead to a usable toponym. (Note that the location of Modinakhe on DARE is wrong, the actual site is just north of Sachkhere, north of Sairkhe).

Thank you on the article. I had been trying to find some context for many of those sites. This one gives valuable insights in not just the sites in the Argueti, but also a bunch of other ones. And I found a few new avenues of research for a few other areas. One thing it is making clearer is the extent of towns and cities in Colchis and Inner Iberia. In terms of names Sairkhe/Sarake seems fine in that case for the lower province. Then Chikha/Tsikha can be the the area above the river. (I'm actually not sure anymore which spelling is correct anymore, I see both Tsikha and Chikka used, though Chikha seems preferred by more recent authors.

At least linguistically they split from the rest of the Katvelian languages about a 1,000 years before I:R start. They are the ancestors of the Svan people who are one of the most linguistically distinct of the Kartvelian languages. So yeah, I think if given the new provinces they could definitely be their own culture. But maybe the more Latinized Svanetian would match I:R naming scheme better?

Svanetian would be a likely Latinised endonym, but the game uses almost exclusively exonyms, save for a few cases where we do not have one. Thus Suanians would be the best match.

This is a good point. While I can't think of any permanent expansion across these mountains during this period and so this probably make sense historically. Gameplay wise, I find I:R's handling of uninhabitable territories to be awkward and often annoying. So I guess I have mixed feeling about this.

I agree there are problems with this and how the map handles passes in general, as what defines a 'pass' is all over the place. From 3 province 'pass' the size of Corsica crossing the Himalayas, to the tiny pass at 7763. The game could really do with a proper mountain pass terrain or modifier to distinguish the difficult ones from those passable year-round.

What if Suanetia is made a tribal vassal? They wouldn't be able to expand themselves, acting as a buffer. Similar to Paeonia and Macedon in the Balkans.

I think this could work, since they remained distinct for so long.

 

[pengoyo]

Svanetian would be a likely Latinised endonym, but the game uses almost exclusively exonyms, save for a few cases where we do not have one. Thus Suanians would be the best match.

In that case I'd suggest the culture could be called Soanes (as that's the exonym Strabo used for them) and Suania be the name of the province/tag. Though if the culture and the province/tag name matching is preferable, then Suanians and Suania.

Also if it's okay, I can add them to my Caucasian Culture proposal.

That is the intention as pengoyo noted correctly, expansion did not happen via these passes. That tended to go via the Pontic coastline via the many little ports, or through the narrow strip of land along the Caspian. These passes allowed raiders, migrating hordes, and the occasional army through. But they were not avenues of expansion since it would be near impossible to keep a hold of the lands on the other side. Like the Zekari Pass, these would not always be accessible.

The only exception would possibly be the Darial Pass, since some sources do hint at conquest through this pass before the modern period. And for gameplay purposes its location suits just fine as well.

I agree there are problems with this and how the map handles passes in general, as what defines a 'pass' is all over the place. From 3 province 'pass' the size of Corsica crossing the Himalayas, to the tiny pass at 7763. The game could really do with a proper mountain pass terrain or modifier to distinguish the difficult ones from those passable year-round.

I think this is something where I'd want to see how the game plays with and without the uninhabited mountain passes to see what it's affect would be. I can see this helping to separate the two regions, but I can also see countries just blobbing around the mountain. But it definitely is an option that might work.

Also side note, but I do wonder how much of the lack of expansion north is due to the mountains versus the lack of benefit of expanding into the north (something I:R doesn't really simulate).

What if Suanetia is made a tribal vassal? They wouldn't be able to expand themselves, acting as a buffer. Similar to Paeonia and Macedon in the Balkans.

I think this could work, since they remained distinct for so long.

Yeah, I agree. Also while it isn't clear to me, from some of the sources I have read I get the impression they were under Colchis control, but the area wasn't fully integrated.

 

[Samitte]

In that case I'd suggest the culture could be called Soanes (as that's the exonym Strabo used for them) and Suania be the name of the province/tag. Though if the culture and the province/tag name matching is preferable, then Suanians and Suania.

Note that Strabo's Geographica is in Greek, while in Latin they were called the Suans in Suania. So the -ia might have to be dropped as well for the culture.

(And the Byzantines funnily enough combined the two: Souania)

Also if it's okay, I can add them to my Caucasian Culture proposal.

Of course! They also seemed to be the majority in 1750 and 1740 according to some new stuff I've been researching.

Yeah, I agree. Also while it isn't clear to me, from some of the sources I have read I get the impression they were under Colchis control, but the area wasn't fully integrated.

They were under control of those two control Colchis on and off throughout history if the impression I got. And judging by how states in this period controlled mountain peoples, it generally meant an extent of local autonomy and rule by a native. This similarly seemed the case in most mountain areas, including the Tauros, Zagros, and other mountain ranges.

 

[pengoyo]

Note that Strabo's Geographica is in Greek, while in Latin they were called the Suans in Suania. So the -ia might have to be dropped as well for the culture.

(And the Byzantines funnily enough combined the two: Souania)

Ah thanks. Yeah I kept finding Greek and Byzantine sources for the name (which makes sense as they're closer). All the Latin sources I found only referred to the region or were way outside the I:R time period.

Of course! They also seemed to be the majority in 1750 and 1740 according to some new stuff I've been researching.

Thanks!

They were under control of those two control Colchis on and off throughout history if the impression I got. And judging by how states in this period controlled mountain peoples, it generally meant an extent of local autonomy and rule by a native. This similarly seemed the case in most mountain areas, including the Tauros, Zagros, and other mountain ranges.

Yeah that makes sense

 

[Samitte]

Updated the Colchis proposal, also added 1 more province to Bekhyria/Chaldia. Also added a little proposal for some of the oft-mentioned tribes around the Pontic Alps starting off independent. Furthermore updated the naming for 7604. Reorganised the sources post by rough subject, since it was getting a bit bloaty. Inner Kartli is nearly done, and Kahetia/Cambysene as well.

 

[Ketchup & friends]

Some Feedback on the updated map AND new Tags.

Spoiler: Map WIP

I.

Since the terrain in Colchis already accounts for many small geographical units, I considered it unwise to split what is a perfectly fine plain in two, simply for the sake of adding more provinces.

According to your new map, it seems the Colchis Province has 11 or 12 tiles (depending on Gyenos).

We have already proposed redrawing province borders to bring all three tiles owned by Phasis into one Province. That could be achieved by moving 1720 Phasis and II Anaklia to the Abasgoi province. In order to keep Colchis at 11 tiles, it would be necessary to:

• impelment Mokhrissi
• Move 1722 to Colchis from Bekhyria (if XIII is added, the number of tiles there would stay 10).

Colchis province would have 11 territories (including 4 cities) and be completely owned by Colchis. It would represent the Lowlands between the Coast and the Mountain valleys. This seems like a reasonable setup.

Abasgoi province (whatever the new name) would include 12 territories including all tiles owned by Zygia, Heniochia and Phasis and 4 owned by Colchis. It would represent the coast and that smaller river valley that includes Tsakhar and Tsebelda.


II. Considering the number of territories you’ve proposed for the wastelands in Armenia two weeks ago, a new province for them might be necessary. You can surely come up with a good name.


III. Would you add any new Barbarian hotspots? if Yes, where?

Spoiler: East Pontic Tribes

Feedback:

They look good, but with the map changes, they border the big nations and have few possibilites to expand. They would stay small and be eventually eaten up by In order to solve that problem

• 1771 should definitely be added to Macronia creating a border between it and Chalybia
• giving 1760 to Chalybia would make it easier to defend and create a border between Chalybia and the Temple State Derjan

That would allow them to conquer each other for an early expansion.

A few additional questions.

• Could a Misimania tag be added for Tsakhar and Tsebelda? Would become a second Suanian tag, and serve a similar purpose as Suanetia, guarding the pass for their overlord, Colchis.
• What about the Bolchae? Could they get a small tribal nation as well?
• We think a Tier 1 or 2 Formable for the Chaldian culture tribes. Perhaps call it Lazica? And what would be requirements for it?

Red dots - Area it might not have controlled at game start

• Who would own 1793 and 1806? Tiberenia cuts them off form the Lesser Armenia mainland.
• Same question about 1789.

 

[Samitte]

Thank you for your feedback yet again. I've been working on Iberia and Albania a lot, Kakheti is a tough nut to crack with its strange geography but I think I've come up with a decent solution which should improve both gameplay and historicity. (EDIT: The reason why I'd like to finish the regions north of Armenia first is so that I can then work downwards, and then westwards. This makes for easier area setups since the area 'behind' where I am working on is stable.)

Also added a minor thing to the specific trade goods changes, 1885 - Selge, to produce Incense. Selge had been producing Incense from the resin of the Styrax plant since at least the 5th c. BCE. And 184 Dokimeion with Marble, as it produced Synnadic marble, plus a recommendation for Olives in the area since the region around Synnada was good for growing them.

I'm also in the process of compiling a lot of info into more concise blocks to be added to the first post, because the thread is getting a bit long.

Spoiler: Map WIP

I. According to your new map, it seems the Colchis Province has 11 or 12 tiles (depending on Gyenos).

We have already proposed redrawing province borders to bring all three tiles owned by Phasis into one Province. That could be achieved by moving 1720 Phasis and II Anaklia to the Abasgoi province. In order to keep Colchis at 11 tiles, it would be necessary to:

• impelment Mokhrissi
• Move 1722 to Colchis from Bekhyria (if XIII is added, the number of tiles there would stay 10).

Colchis province would have 11 territories (including 4 cities) and be completely owned by Colchis. It would represent the Lowlands between the Coast and the Mountain valleys. This seems like a reasonable setup.

Abasgoi province (whatever the new name) would include 12 territories including all tiles owned by Zygia, Heniochia and Phasis and 4 owned by Colchis. It would represent the coast and that smaller river valley that includes Tsakhar and Tsebelda.

While I see your point, I disagree slightly with the length of the Abasgoi province. Geographically, 1745 should form the boundary inbetween the Colchis and Taurica regions, being part of the Colchis one (because Heniochia owns it). After Pityus there is no more lowlands to speak off, and movement here generally went via ports because there were no proper land routes like today. The two top provinces should be part of the Taurica region, as geograpgically they are connected to it, and not to the Colchis region. They can be made part of the Maeotia area which currently only has 10 provinces anyway, though a rework which would create a northern Maeotia (the swamplands south of Tanais) and southern Maeotia (along the western end of the Caucasus) would be preferred.

1745 to 1720, including Tsakhar and Tsebelda, would make for 10 province in Abasgia, and retain a more sensible geographic setup for 4568 and 4567 and Maeotia ontop.

In terms of Mokhirisi, I think splitting 1715 into two halves would make more sense, the other half being currently tentatively named Lesale. This area had an important fort and town, located near the route into Svaneti, both for trade and defensive purposes.

II. Considering the number of territories you’ve proposed for the wastelands in Armenia two weeks ago, a new province for them might be necessary. You can surely come up with a good name.

Aye. Once I am done with Lesser Armenia, I can take a good look at the setup, ideally following the Roman borders after the Mithradatic wars, if possible. Since these remained relatively stable until the reign of Trajan. Namewise, it'll depend on where the final setup falls.

III. Would you add any new Barbarian hotspots? if Yes, where?

Generally, the entire Caucasus should be a big Barbarian hotspot, though it would benefit to have their actual cultures in game. Right now I'd make them Colchian in the west, Ibero in the centre, and Albanian on the east.

Spoiler: East Pontic Tribes

They look good, but with the map changes, they border the big nations and have few possibilites to expand. They would stay small and be eventually eaten up by In order to solve that problem

• 1771 should definitely be added to Macronia creating a border between it and Chalybia
• giving 1760 to Chalybia would make it easier to defend and create a border between Chalybia and the Temple State Derjan

That would allow them to conquer each other for an early expansion.

Thanks. Yes, they do have that problem, though historically such is the fate of smaller polities, similarly to how Sabinia gets devoured early on in most games. Especially when Derjan would be a feudatory to Lesser Armenia, it would draw in that larger state regardless of border changes.

I do agree with moving 1771 to Macronia.

A few additional questions.

• Could a Misimania tag be added for Tsakhar and Tsebelda? Would become a second Suanian tag, and serve a similar purpose as Suanetia, guarding the pass for their overlord, Colchis.
• What about the Bolchae? Could they get a small tribal nation as well?
• We think a Tier 1 or 2 Formable for the Chaldian culture tribes. Perhaps call it Lazica? And what would be requirements for it?

• Who would own 1793 and 1806? Tiberenia cuts them off form the Lesser Armenia mainland.
• Same question about 1789.

All good points here, I'll answer them one by one

1: Yeah that is a good solution to those two provinces. I recall one author argueing that 'Misimians' was likely a mistranslation of the Suanian endonym.

2: No, while sources are vague as usual, the Iberian/Armenian split of this area seems quite well established, and due to the geography these areas likely saw control established directly by the Armenians and Iberians due to how easy it is to access their vulnerable heartlands and river valleys through here.

3: Lazica specifically refers to Laz controlled Colchis. Historically, Polemonian and/or Cappadocian Pontus is the name for this generel area. Chaldia to me seems to most neutral term, hence I preferred it for the culture as well, as it encompasses the many tribal peoples vs the more settled Colchians and Iberians.

Toying with the idea of its requirements, having Chaldian culture would be a basic one of course. Perhaps control over Zigana and Gizana, Sper, Polemonion, Trapezous and Rhizaion? A tribe that managed to unite all those lands surely deserves a Formable, since they essentially establish control over the most important sites in the area and the many other tribes. It would be a Tier 1, which includes most similar formables.

4: Ideally, Tiberenia, actually. However, Kabeira should be split up into a valley and a mountain province in my opinion, the mountain then going to Tibarenia whi would control the area up to Themiskyra. That way Pontus will need to establish control over ports which historically was part of its early expansion focus and struggles. (Perhaps something for a mission tree in the future) This mountain province would be Ameria, the centre of the temple-state of Men Pharnakes.

5: Pontus or Lesser Armenia, though it kind of depends on how Lesser Armenia's size is interpreted. Both theories are quite valid in my opinion, the minimalist and maximalist approaches do have effects for the gameplay though. I think, gameplay wise, I can give a more informed answer once I've finished Lesser Armenia.

 

[Ketchup & friends]

I disagree slightly with the length of the Abasgoi province. Geographically, 1745 should form the boundary inbetween the Colchis and Taurica regions, being part of the Colchis one (because Heniochia owns it). After Pityus there is no more lowlands to speak off, and movement here generally went via ports because there were no proper land routes like today. The two top provinces should be part of the Taurica region, as geograpgically they are connected to it, and not to the Colchis region. They can be made part of the Maeotia area which currently only has 10 provinces anyway, though a rework which would create a northern Maeotia (the swamplands south of Tanais) and southern Maeotia (along the western end of the Caucasus) would be preferred.

1745 to 1720, including Tsakhar and Tsebelda, would make for 10 province in Abasgia, and retain a more sensible geographic setup for 4568 and 4567 and Maeotia ontop.

OK, this is a very good idea, especially considering @pengoyo ‘s proposal (on Cercetaeans or Zikians outside Zygia).

But then you should consider adding both Mokhrissi AND Lesale. And leave some tiles (including 1722) in their current provinces.

Then each of the four provinces (Abasgoi, Colchis, Suaneita and Bekhyria) could have 11 tiles. That would be balanced.

Yes, they do have that problem, though historically such is the fate of smaller polities, similarly to how Sabinia gets devoured early on in most games. Especially when Derjan would be a feudatory to Lesser Armenia, it would draw in that larger state regardless of border changes.

It’s more for balance between the small states. (off-topic, but as you mentioned Sabinia, they could need some changes. Not sure where to post them.)

4: Ideally, Tiberenia, actually. However, Kabeira should be split up into a valley and a mountain province in my opinion, the mountain then going to Tibarenia whi would control the area up to Themiskyra. That way Pontus will need to establish control over ports which historically was part of its early expansion focus and struggles. (Perhaps something for a mission tree in the future) This mountain province would be Ameria, the centre of the temple-state of Men Pharnakes.

Would Tibarenia control them directly or through a Greek tributary?

 

[Samitte]

(off-topic, but as you mentioned Sabinia, they could need some changes. Not sure where to post them.)

Agreed, there are loads of minor changes that I don't know where to put either.

Would Tibarenia control them directly or through a Greek tributary?

1793 should be owned by the Tibareni, its got a vague history and Polemonion itself seems to have been founded near the end of the game by a king of Pontus.

Checked the inventory of poleis, and it says Themiskyra was a part of the chora of Amisos, so it should own 1806. (Nothing in Polemonion in there that is of use)

 

[Samitte]

Below are some additional changes for the Abasgia, Suaneti, Colchis and Bekhyria areas. They include additional provinces, area changes, terrain, trade goods, forts, a new tag, and a port for 1741 Dioskourias. I've also collected all Localisation proposals together into one large collection in the first post.

Additional changes to Colchis:

Spoiler: Additional changes

Spoiler: Three additional provinces

The addition of: Lesale ( I ), Mokhirisi ( II )
I - Lesale: An important site near where the Enguri river enters the mountains, encompassing a Forested.
II - Mokhirisi (Moxirisi) Lat. Mocheresis, Gk. Mokheresis, Arm. Mokhris (Moxris), part of the larger Wetlands of Colchis.

View attachment 601891
and the Nekra Pass.
I - Nekra Pass, an uninhabitable Mountain pass, and the most important one in upper Suania, through here it was a short ride/march straight into the Colchian heartland.

View attachment 601890

Spoiler: Trade goods

And changing these trade goods:
1720 to Horses, Phasis was particularly associated with horse breeding.
1715 to Gemstones, one of the two main areas where gemstones were produced in Colchis
1741 to Salt, Salt was a rarity in the Caucasus, yet much needed. Dioscourias was one of the main suppliers of Salt for the mountain dwellers.

I've also made some general adjustments to trade goods, historically accurate where possible, otherwise informed by archaeology and what sources tell us. Ignore the population numbers, these are not accurate.

View attachment 601894

Spoiler: New tag and a port for Dioscourias

The addition of the Misimians, as the tag Misimiania. The Misimians were a Suanian tribe which occupied the mountains behind Dioscourias. They controlled an important Trans-Caucasian route, and would often be employed by whomever controlled Colchis to guard this approach. They would be an independent tribe at game start, of Suanian culture.

Furthermore, Dioscourias should get a port. After Phasis it was the most important port in the eastern Black Sea, and the largest city on its coast in Antiquity.

View attachment 601900

And lastly, below I've attached two images with the terrain and area mapmode on, to highlight the approximate terrain of this part of the world during antiquity:

Spoiler: Terrain

View attachment 601901
The Colchian heartland is well nestled in the mountain valley, and behind the large coastal wetland. The northern coastline is mostly forests and mountains, Dioscourias is the exception here as it likely deforested its small plain early on, and grew large. The souther coastline is mostly mountain as well, with some forests.

It should host 4 additional forts at game start:
1704, 1705, 1715, and the new province Dimni.

Spoiler: Areas

View attachment 601899

Colchis, Suania, and the eastern Black Sea coast:

As you can see I've also added a lot of rivers, these are the main ones. Colchis, just like Albania, is littered with rivers, part of the reason it has so much wetland. I hope some of them can make it into the game.