Judaean Overview

**Agamemnon** Sat Oct 13, 2012 10:14 pm

History:
The United Tribes of South Judah is a very young nation, founded in only 412 BC. A young warrior named Aryah of Bethlehem led a rebellion of Jewish tribes against Persian rule, and together with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and a very great many Israelite citizens successfully beat the armies of Persia, launching a great number of revolts across Persia and forcing a great number of Persian administrative reforms that have appeased the people but weakened the Empire. Regardless, after the revolution a falling-out occurred between Aryah and the Jewish leaders, when the Northern tribes proclaimed Aryah the coming Messiah (and Aryah liked the idea) and the Southern held onto their Jewish faith. This split the nation into an absolute monarchy in the north ruled by King Aryah the Most High and an oligarchy in the south led mostly by High Priest Mordechai.

Culture:
Hebrew/Israelite

Religion:
Judaism

Warfare:
The army is formed of mostly light spearman and swordsmen, and almost all civilians are able to use a sling, forming a crude militia. Archers and javelinmen are also often used, and light or medium cavalry armed with spears or javelins are common. The Temple Guard are heavily armed, and an entirely Levite unit of phalanx pikemen have been formed using tactics explored in the northern parts of Phoenicia. Heavily armored charioteers form the guards of leaders. Some soldiers wear Greek styled armor, mainly the descendants of Philistine mercenaries.

Current Goals:
Destroy the heathens to the north, reclaim David's empire.

Relations:

Sicily: Neutral, Possible trade partner.

Sparta: Cautious, the hurts inflicted on Judah by the Philistines have not been forgotten.

Dardanian Kingdoms: Neutral, Potential trade partner.