Tevinter Imperium

The Tevinter Imperium is a kingdom in Thedas once ruled by a powerful magocracy. The leaders of the Imperium were called “Magisters” and were lead by the Imperial Archon. The Tevinter Imperium worshipped the Old Gods, and supposedly the Old Gods are who taught the Magisters their magic. According to the Chantry, it was at their beckoning that the Magisters attempted to usurp the Maker's throne by entering the Golden City of the Maker, which corrupted it and lead to the first Blight. The Tevinter Imperium suffered the brunt of the first Blight and subsequently was toppled; it is now only a shadow of its former self in size and power.

Previous to the first Blight, the Imperium conquered Elvhenan, the elven homeland, and enslaved its people.

In the Dragon Age, the structure of the Tevinter Imperium is ‘Byzantine.’ It’s capitol is Minrathous. The Imperium has its own version of the Chantry led by a male Divine. His authority and indeed the existence of the Imperial Chantry is not recognized by the Chantry in Orlais. The Chantry calendar is in use everywhere except the Imperium. There the Imperial calendar is used instead, primarily because the Imperial Chantry doesn't recognize the authority of the Divine.

The qunari are in a state of constant war with the Imperium as they both struggle for dominance of the North.