Minrathous

Minrathous is the ancient capital of the Tevinter Imperium.

Background
Minrathous is one of the oldest human settlements in Thedas and in the golden times of the Imperium, it was the capital of the whole known world. Ruled by the powerful Magisters and dynasties of mighty Archons, the city was, for nearly a thousand years, the greatest and wealthiest city in the world. Guarded by high walls and powerful Golems, called Juggernauts, protected by powerful blood mages, the city is a lasting symbol of Tevinter glory. No army, neither the hordes of the Archdemon Dumat, not the Exalted Marches of Andraste nor the great legions of the Qunari were able to conquer the city, as long as it was defended by loyal Tevinters.

The downfall came from within.

The power-hungry magocrats tore apart the Imperium in their struggles for leadership and dominion over creation itself. So the first darkspawn were created, and Tevinter's power broke more and more apart. Later, Andraste and Maferath invaded the Imperium and, despite Andraste's capture and execution by burning in Minrathous, the fall of Tevinter had begun.

Today, the city is full of refugees fleeing from the never-ending war against the Qunari. Centuries of decadence have let the once great city fall more and more into decay with each passing year. The remnants of its former glory can still be seen, but are buried under the filth of ages of decay and apathy. The high towers of the Circle of Magi rise above the small homes of peasants, and clearly demonstrate who is in charge of Tevinter.

Trivia

 * Since ancient Tevinter is modeled after the Roman Empire, and modern Tevinter is modeled after the Byzantine Empire, Minrathous is likely a thematic fusion of Rome and Constantinople, the Byzantine capital.


 * There are also a great deal of similarities between Minrathous and the city of Luskan in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of Dungeons & Dragons. Luskan ruled by the Arcane Brotherhood, a group of powerful and evil Mages who are similar in character to the Tevinter Magister Lords. Luskan is also a city of contrasts similar to Minrathous, as its common people are poor and living in slums, whilst their mage rulers reside in the Host Tower of the Arcane, plotting and waging war against their neighbours.


 * It is the only known human settlement that uses Golems in its defense.