Factional Capitals of the EB II time frame

[cmacq]

Factional Capitals of the EB II Time Frame

An Introduction

As I was yet again hijacking, I’ve moved this information from another thread. The following posts will be views of reconstructed wall plan models of the factional capitals from the EB II time frame. Overall these plans are somewhat modified (simplified), in design, to fit the EB format and changes in scale. The architectural scale is about 10:1, or in other words, the base terrain remains relative, however the structural model is about 10 times larger than their actual size. To the horizon, the angles of view will be both obtuse and acute.

These models are based on satellite photos of the archaeological site location and the available archaeological excavation data superimposed. The reason I’m rescaling these models, is first to better fit the EB format. Also these cities are so large in extent, that all major detail (such as towers and gatehouses) would be diluted when viewing a given city in their entirety. This presents a number of issues, practically the size and relationship of internal port facilities to naval vessels, and the city overall. Any helpful or constructive evaluation, comments, addition information, and/or suggestions are more than welcome.

The reason I’m posting these plan views is first of all, to share some information and provide some sense of what the EB II factional capitals actually looked like. Furthermore, if there is an enterprising individual, or a group of individual modelers out there, that think they can design custom cities for EB II, they’re welcome to the model files, to use as a baseline. I may also add however, that I’m not terribly inclined to provide these files to those that simply want a copy, with the exception of EB team members.


List of EB Factional Capitals and Related Topics

Carthage Punic North Africa
Alexandria Ptolemaic Egypt
Seleucia Early Seleucid Near East

Seleucia’s Domestic Architecture Apartment House City Blocks

Pella Hellenistic Macedonia
Ambracia Hellenistic Epirus
Gergovia Arvernian Gaul

Gergovia’s Defensive Architecture Modified Murus Gallicus Construction

CmacQ

[cmacq]

Carthage Punic North Africa


The first factional capital is Carthage, Carthago, Karkhedon, or Qart-ḥadast (new town). Within the EB setting and time frame Carthage, with possible half a million residents, was the second largest city in the Mediterranean world, behind only Alexandria. However, at the end of the Third Punic War the Romans effectively removed this factional capital as an urban and commercial center. The following model is the wall plan model of the Late Punic Carthage as viewed from the mainland at the bottom looking at a high angle, towards the east.

One will notice the complexity of the defensive system as an enemy approaching from the west is forced into the narrow isthmus that separated Carthage with its promontory, from the mainland. Historically these walls enclosed a governmental/religious area called Byrsa Hill (center right), a residential/mercantile area with protected harbors (right), and a funerary/lower class residential-commercial area (left). Historically these walls extended about 23 miles (37 km). Its important to note I’ve omitted one of the three landward picket walls (low center). The very small figure at the bottom center of the model, is a large palm tree offered for scale. This view is from the south, looking at a high angle, to the north.

This last view is also from the south, but at a low angle, looking north. For scale one may note a very small human figure just to the left of the seaward entry of the mercantile harbor. Remember this scale is about 10:1, which means the defensive system covers the actual area of the city, however the walls and towers appear about 10 times larger than they should.

This photo provides a better sense of the actual scale and shows the remains of the military and mercantile harbors, looking from the south to the north. Its reported that the circular military harbor could hold over 200 vessels. At the scale I provide, the model military harbor could maybe hold about 20 ships?

[cmacq]

Alexandria Ptolemaic Egypt


The next factional capital is the Alexandria, of course the city founded by Alexander the Great, in the western Egyptian delta. Throughout most of the EB time frame Alexandria was the largest city in the Mediterranean world, reaching a peak of about 600,000 residents in the 2nd century BC. Below is a model of the reconstructed wall plan of Late Ptolemaic Alexandria, with a view that is high and looking northwest over the city.

Similar to the layout of Late Punic Carthage, historically Alexandria’s walls enclosed a governmental/religious area (the central enclosure, this where the Ptolemaic palace was located), a mercantile area with a protected harbor (outside the central enclosure), and a middle class residential-commercial area (enclosed outside the other two enclosures). Outside this was the lower class residential-commercial area, which was largely unwalled, except for a possible low and very weak picket wall, located southeast of the main fortifications. These ran from the outer enclosure to the large canal south of Alexandria. The area of the city protected by walls was called the Brucheum, and those areas outside the main fortifications were called the Rhakotis.

The grey areas are lower class residential and commercial urban areas set within a grid pattern. These were largely outside the main fortification. One will note a canal that runs from the extreme east end of the model, immediately south of the city and then turns north to exit into the Mediterranean. I believe several bridges crossed this feature from the south and west. We also have the Pharos Island with a Greek fort, a small town in grey, the Heptastadion causeway with bridges at either end, and a second Greek fort immediately to the west on the mainland. Above we also have the lighthouse on a small island, joined by a narrow causeway, to the east end of the Pharos Island. The following view is low and from the Pharos Island looking east towards Alexandria.

A very small dot is located near the center of this view. This is an adult human inserted for a sense of scale. Although the fortifications of Late Ptolemaic Alexandria were not as complex as those found at Late Punic Carthage, the overall topography indicates it would be a nearly impossible nut to crack, if it was well defended. By land it can only be approached on a very narrow front. At a strategic level, its placement in the western delta also suggests it was very difficult to get to by land, when advancing from Asia. As well, one will note my model of the lighthouse is rather simple. Again my scale is 10:1.

Interestingly but not surprisingly, there are several features of design and layout at Alexandria that are very similar to those found at Pella, which will be addressed later.

[Kepper]

Now this team of moder as working in making cites resemble their real-world counterparts, but the mod as dead and team join it Dominion of the Sword mod.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=122992

But the main problem is building, they are medial age, not ancient.

[Cimon]

These are well done and interesting. Thanks very much for sharing them.

[Jolt]

Nicely done job. It would be very awesome to see this implemented in a 3d animation of some kind.

[eddy_purpus]

can this be worked out in EB2?
wow

[cmacq]

Seleucia Early Seleucid Near East

The ancient Akkadian city of Babylon served as an Achaemenid provincial capital, and later the de facto capital of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian Empire. During this short period Babylon continued to flourish, yet following Alexander’s death, the city's fortunes declined precipitously, largely due to the Wars of the Diadochi. Thus, to reflect the emerging new world order and revitalize the sagging economy of Mesopotamian, the successor Seleucus Nicator founded his namesake, Seleucia in 307 BC and dedicated it as the capital of his empire. The remnant that still resided at Babylon was moved the short distance northeast, to help build the new city and became its base population, along with a cross section of Hellenized, as well as a mix of Middle and Near Eastern peoples. At its height, Seleucia boasted a residential population equal to that of Alexandria. The first view of the Seleucia model is from the south at a high angle, and is looking north.

The Tigris River (flowing from top to bottom) is situated within the left center portion of the model. The light green area to the left of this represents irrigated agricultural fields. On the high ground a short distance further to the east, is the large town of Ctesiphon, which initially was used as a secondary river port to transfer traffic from the east bank of the Tigris to Seleucia itself.

Returning to Seleucia one will note that for the most part, it is bounded on the north and east by the Tigris and a major canal that had been extended from the Euphrates River, on the south. Immediately west of the city, another large canal was diverted from the Euphrates canal, to flow directly through this huge Hellenistic metropolis. Providing a significant water source for the city’s center, this diversion canal effectively divided Seleucia north and south along its alignment. Within the city this feature was crossed by numerous bridges placed to correspond to the grid and block residential layout of the city. The gray sections within the city walls represents the residential space and area occupied by other buildings. The following view is high and is from the southeast, looking northwest over the Tigris River.

Commercially, Seleucia was serviced by two large river ports built by dredging the Tigris, thus creating a large artificial bay. Without doubt material recovered from this area was used in the construction of the city. A third port was established along the Euphrates canal just prior to its confluence with the Tigris. Overall, the city’s defensive architecture consists of two wall systems that separated the main residential/governmental/religious area (central area) from the primary commercial area (area outside the central area). A very small dot is located at the base of the tower immedately left of the canal that divided the city. This is an adult human provided for a sense of scale. The finial view is from the southwest at a low angle, looking northeast.

Within the interior wall system the city was laid out much like Alexandria, using a street grid and residential apartment house blocks. The structure placed within the interior wall system (upper right) is a temple complex built on the Hellenistic model with an entry house, an enclosing rectangular portico facing into an plaza, and a central Megaron like structure. As with Carthage and Alexandria, Seleucia was positioned to take advantage of a number of significant water obstacles. These effectively would have forced an attacker to advance on a very narrow front, particularly from the west. Also as a side note, the canals outside the city were most likely crossed by numerous bridges.

[Elthore]

this is fantastic!

[Foot]

I have to say that these look fantastic. If we can I would love to see these city designs in EBII.

Foot

[Jolt]

About Seleucia (Great job once again), how did people traverse the channel passing through the city? Bridges? The channel was actually paved?

[cmacq]

Thanks

I’ve two questions for the EB design team. Is Hecatompylos viewed as the early, and Ctesiphon the late capitals of the Parthian Empire? Additionally, is Seleucia on the Tigris considered the early, and Antioch on the Orontes the late capitals of the Seleucid Empire?

[cmacq]

Seleucia’s Domestic Architecture Apartment House City Blocks

The domestic architecture of Seleucia was based on a rectangular street grid with apartment house blocks measuring approximately 140x70 meters. Aerial photos indicate that more than 350 of these blocks were included within the city’s walls. These apartment house blocks were composed of multistoried rooms grouped around courtyards, narrow corridors, and large plazas.

This type of architecture was common throughout the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world, however the use of the street grid and standardized city blocks is indicative of Hellenistic urban planning. This layout is very similar to that used at Alexandria, except there the city blocks were typically more square-shaped. The view below is a modeled reconstruction of Block G6 (which was located near the city's center; the second block south of the diversionary canal), taken at a very low angle looking from the south towards the north.

The scale of this model is very close to 1:1. One will notice a number of human sized figures standing in the plazas. These are provided for a sense of scale. Translating this form of architecture to fit the EB format, with a scale of about 10:1, around 25 to 35 of these city blocks might be used to represent the Seleucid residential area within the interior city walls. This would provide room for the special buildings. An apartment house city block model may also need to be simplified a bit, as far as variability is concerned.

[||Lz3||]

you know what woulb probably be a shame?...

IIRC in M2TW you can't view the cities unless there's a fight in there... <.<

[eddy_purpus]

you know what woulb probably be a shame?...

IIRC in M2TW you can't view the cities unless there's a fight in there... <.<

veryyyyyyyy true =/

[cmacq]

There would be another reason?

[Martelus Flavius]

Whoa!

[cmacq]

Pella Hellenistic Macedonia

Following the death of Perdiccas in 413 BC, and the ensuing palace intrigues, the reformer Archelaus built a new palace at Pella and there transferred the capital of Macedonia about 22 miles northeast, from the old city of Aigai. Pella was established on a series of low ridges that extended southwest to the edge of Lake Loudiaka (the blue area) and the surrounding wetlands (the green area). By the Hellenistic Period Pella may have had a population of several 100,000 and was composed of four discrete components; including the old quarter, the palace, the new quarter, and the river harbor.

This view is from the northeast at a high angle looking southwest. The old quarter was located on the highest portion of the main ridge (within the walls and left center). The palace was situated on a low promontory island just to the west of the old quarter. Here portions of a large royal palace have been excavated. This area was included with the main city wall, but was separated by a swampy channel and another wall. This island was connected to the new quarter by a wide causeway and a bridge.

The new quarter was located southwest and south of the old quarter and palace. With an Agora (center) that covered about seven hectares, at the center of this area, it was organized using the street grid and city block system. This was the main residential/commercial area, and this method of design was also known as the Hippodamean Plan. At Pella about 176 of these rectangular city blocks were identified, which measured 45x111-152 meters. The view below is from the south at a low angle looking north. The city grid pattern was dominated by one large east-west (which was centered on the Agora) and two north-south (which flank the Agora and lead to the river harbor) running streets.

Immediately south of the new quarter and outside the main fortifications was the river harbor. The current reconstruction of this area is speculative as this it has been largely destroyed by a modern hydraulic drainage project. When functional, the river harbor on Lake Loudiaka managed traffic coming directly up the Loudias River from the Thermaic Gulf. Historically, Lake Loudiaka completely silting in, which in part compelled the founding of a new port city and the initial economic and political decline of Pella.

For a sense of scale one will note a very small figure standing in the opening of the center gate house that opens to the river harbor. This represents an adult human, however its important to remember that in order to fit the EB format, the model’s scale is about 10:1. One will also notice that due to the various natural water obstacles an enemy army could only effectively advance on a very narrow front.

[Jolt]

... You gave too little information on Pella. :P

I am unable to measure how big the city was. Even though, it looks rather small.

(P.S. You also didn't answer my last question. >_>)

[cmacq]

... You gave too little information on Pella. :P

I am unable to measure how big the city was. Even though, it looks rather small.

(P.S. You also didn't answer my last question. >_>)

From above

'Providing a significant water source for the city’s center, this diversion canal effectively divided Seleucia north and south along its alignment. Within the city this feature was crossed by numerous bridges placed to correspond to the grid and block residential layout of the city.'

The diversion canal was not paved.

[cmacq]

Ambracia Hellenistic Epirus

This view is from the south, at a high angle, looking north.

This model has now been modified.

[Mithridates VI Eupator]

Oh, boy!

I'd love to see these cities in EBII.

My only concern is that such layouts might confuse the AI, both when attacking and defending. I have found the AI pathfinding somewhat lacking even in the square cities of vanilla, so in these cities, with double walls, and unwalled sections, the AI might not know where to place its troops when defending, or might get stuck with its ladders and rams. Maybe this is moddable, though...
If it would work, however, it would give siege battles a whole new dimension.

[keravnos]

@Cmacq, WOW!

In deffinite awe of what my visual sense is telling me.
Now, if there is a way to get those cities in EB2, we must find someone willing to make it happen.

[AngryAngelDD]

nice pictures....SketchUp serves well for this task :)

[Martelus Flavius]

Now, if there is a way to get those cities in EB2, we must find someone willing to make it happen.

Indeed!!!

[Hax]

Can you edit cities in the normal Kingdoms editor?

[cmacq]

Researching Gergovia...

as there seems to be several calamites to the title.

[Jolt]

From above

'Providing a significant water source for the city’s center, this diversion canal effectively divided Seleucia north and south along its alignment. Within the city this feature was crossed by numerous bridges placed to correspond to the grid and block residential layout of the city.'

The diversion canal was not paved.

Right, right. Somehow I missed that when reading. >_>

[cmacq]

Gergovia Arvernian Gaul


Looking north/northwest.

[Puupertti Ruma]

It would be nice to see some topography also. It didn't matter so much with the other cities mainly located on plains or straits or islands, but with Gergovia it is in my opinion imperative, as it is a city built on a hill top.

All in all, awesome work CmacQ! Hope this makes it to EB2.