Imperial Highway

The Imperial Highway is an internationally-spanning road made of stone and magic by the Tevinter Imperium during the Ancient Age in order to connect the distant lands of its vast empire.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Background[]

The Highway is an elevated road that runs from Minrathous to the southwestern Imperium before then turning south to Nevarra and crossing the Silent Plains and the Minanter River, until it reaches the city of Cumberland next to the Waking Sea. Then it turns west to Orlais with one branch leading to Andoral's Reach and another going through the Heartlands of Orlais. Then the Highway turns east to Ferelden after passing through the Frostback Mountains and above Orzammar via Gherlen's Pass. In Ferelden, it circles Lake Calenhad and the Bannorn with one branch ending in Denerim and the other at Ostagar, its southmost point.^[4]^[5] A segment of the Highway used to span across the Waking Sea, connecting the branch going west of Val Royeaux with its southern continuation that leads to Lydes.^[6]

The Highway is commonly considered an ancient architectural wonder. Its construction took many generations to complete.^[7] The stone was mined by slaves, the largest quarry being located near Emerius - now known as Kirkwall.^[8] One of the materials used in construction was marble.^[9]

The extension of the Highway into the Fereldan Valley was backed by the Krayvan family, a move that would cost them considerable political influence after the resistance of the Alamarri tribes.^[10] In -715 Ancient, the Imperium began a campaign against the Alamarri. Eventually, Tevinters managed to claim lands in the south, which allowed them to extend the Imperial Highway across the Frostback Mountains.^[11] The Fereldan part of the Highway connected two major sites that Tevinter used for magical experimentation: Ostagar in the south and Aeonar in the north.^[12] Lake Calenhad, encircled by the Highway, was also a point of interest to the Imperium - Tevinters believed waters of the Lake to be blessed by Razikale and built a tower on its central island where they would conduct magical research.^[13]

According to the dwarves, construction of the Highway required the use of magic.^[14] It's been suggested the Imperial Highway was created in a joined effort by Tevinter Magisters and the dwarves, although the latter's level of involvement is unclear.^[15]

The intended project was never finished, and many sections have fallen into disrepair over the centuries.^[9]^[16]^[17] Parts of the Highway have been replaced, sometimes mimicking the ancient Tevene style with new elements added.^[18] Nevertheless, it remains useful to many travelers and merchants who are looking for a safe and quick road.