Editing Tevinter Imperium

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|appearances   = [[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[The Darkspawn Chronicles]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[The Golems of Amgarrak]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[The Black Emporium (DLC)|The Black Emporium]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Legacy]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Mark of the Assassin]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Asunder]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Those Who Speak]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Until We Sleep]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Last Flight]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Jaws of Hakkon]] <small>(mentioned)</small> [[The Black Emporium (Inquisition DLC)|The Black Emporium]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Trespasser]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Magekiller]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Deception]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Blue Wraith]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]] <br> [[Short Story: Minrathous Shadows|Minrathous Shadows]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Dark Fortress]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Absolution]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Missing]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Dreadwolf]] <small>(not yet released)</small>
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The '''Tevinter Imperium''', or simply '''Tevinter''', is the oldest extant human nation. It is located in northern [[Thedas]] between the [[Anderfels]] to the west, [[Nevarra]] and the [[Free Marches]] to the south, [[Antiva]] to the east and the Nocen Sea to the north. Additionally, it claims sovereignty over the isle of [[Seheron]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Battleground State]]</ref> In ancient times, the Imperium had uncontested dominion over the entirety of Thedas and though it has lost much of its power, it remains an influential nation. Today the Imperium is nominally ruled by an [[Archon]], but most power effectively lays in the hands of the [[Magisterium]], the magocratic upper chamber of the Imperial Senate.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Magisterium]]</ref><ref>Per conversation with Dorian.</ref> [[Minrathous]], the largest city in Thedas, serves as the Imperium's capital.<ref>According to [[Trifles Minutiae]].</ref><ref name="wot78">{{Cite wot|78}}</ref>

The first [[human]]s, which arrived in Thedas around -3100 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]], were all part of the [[Neromenians|Neromenian]] tribe and settled the coast of the Nocen Sea, in what is now Tevinter.<ref>{{Cite wot|11}}</ref> The [[Elf|elves]] progressively withdrew following their arrival, and humans were able to spread unchecked across the continent.<ref name=":0">{{Cite wot|26}}</ref> From -2800 Ancient, the worship of the [[Old Gods]] spread among the Neromenians, who learned their magic.<ref>{{Cite wot|14}}</ref> The Neromenians split into four kingdoms in -1700 Ancient. In -1195, the kingdoms were reunited by [[Darinius]] who became the first Archon. This marks the year 0 TE of the [[Calendar#Tevinter calendar|Imperial calendar]].<ref>{{Cite wot|23}}</ref> He created what would go on to become the Magisterium and established contact and trade networks with the [[Dwarf|dwarves]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite wot|18}}</ref> In -998 Ancient, following increased border tensions with the elves, the Imperium invaded [[Arlathan]] and sacked [[Elvhenan]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite wot|21}}</ref> The Imperium was empowered by the enslaving of elvenkind<ref name="wot36" /> and spread rapidly across Thedas, subjugating many local human tribes and reaching the lands of the [[Avvar]] by -715 Ancient.<ref name="DAO Prima">''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide]]''</ref> Between -692 and -620 Ancient, the Imperium was embroiled in a civil war over beliefs surrounding magic.<ref>{{Cite wot|25}}</ref> At its greatest extent the Imperium encompassed the majority of Thedas. During this period the construction of the [[Imperial Highway]] began, in an aim to connect the lands of the Imperium. A second civil war between -575 and -555 Ancient marked the end of the Imperium's golden age. 

In -395 Ancient, following a ritual of massive proportions, a [[Magisters Sidereal|group of magisters]] unleashed the [[First Blight]] upon the world. The Blight, led by the now-corrupted Old God [[Dumat]], lasted for nearly two centuries and ravaged the Imperium.<ref>[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 3]]</ref> The Imperium was nearly defeated but was ultimately saved by the newly-formed [[Grey Wardens]].<ref>[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 4]]</ref> The Imperium was severely weakened by the conflict, and its weakness would be exploited by [[Andraste]] during the [[Exalted March against the Tevinter Imperium]] from -180 to -170 Ancient, expelling the Imperium from southern Thedas.<ref>{{Cite wot|44}}</ref> [[Rivain]] also waged a war against the Imperium and eventually became free in this period.<ref>{{Cite wot|51}}</ref> During the [[Second Blight]], the Imperium abandoned the [[Anderfels]] in 1:05 Divine in an effort to protect Tevinter proper.<ref>{{Cite wot|61}}</ref> The Imperium converted to [[Andrastianism]], adapting it to the Imperium's political needs. However, when the [[Chantry]] was formed in [[Orlais]] in 1:01 [[Divine Age|Divine]], the Imperium accepted to transfer some of the religious powers of the Archon to the [[Grand Cleric (Imperial)|grand clerics]] to reduce the powers of mages within the Imperium. This would prove unsatisfactory and the Imperium ultimately split from the Orlesian Chantry in 3:87 [[Towers Age|Towers]], creating the [[Imperial Chantry]].<ref>{{Cite wot|87-88}}</ref><ref name="Imp chantry codex" /> The Orlesian Chantry attempted to destroy the Imperial Chantry in four [[Exalted Marches]] between 4:40 and 5:10 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]].<ref>{{Cite wot|93,97}}</ref> In 6:30 [[Steel Age|Steel]], the Imperium was invaded by the [[Qunari]].<ref>{{Cite wot|109}}</ref> The Imperial Chantry allied with the Orlesian Chantry during the [[New Exalted Marches]] from 7:25 to 7:84 [[Storm Age|Storm]] and reclaimed much of the territory lost to the Qunari. The Imperium was the only human nation not to sign the [[Codex entry: The Llomerryn Accords|Llomerryn Accords]] which ended the war, meaning it has remained in a perpetual conflict with the Qunari since. The mages, which had been slowly retaking power since the Schism, were officially reinstated in 7:34 Storm as the principal rulers of the Imperium.<ref name="Imp chantry codex" />

The Imperium is the oldest human nation in Thedas and for a milennia was the only human nation of the continent. Despite having lost much of its power, the Imperium remains a major nation in Thedas to this day. Its culture is distinguished by the importance of mages, the Imperial Chantry as well as the open practice of [[slavery]] within the Imperium. The Imperium is generally disliked outside of its borders for all of these reasons. Tevinter has highly pronounced class divisions between mages and non-mages, as well as between various groups of mages. 

== History ==
=== Ancient history ===
[[File:Tevinter Imperium heraldry (small).png|thumb|200px|Heraldry of the Tevinter Imperium<ref>{{Cite wot|7}}</ref>]]
When [[human]]s first came to mainland Thedas around -3100 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]],<ref>{{Cite wot|11}}</ref> they belonged to a single tribe known as the [[Human tribes|Neromenians]].<ref>{{Cite wot|25}}</ref> They settled along the coastline of the Nocen Sea, where they were met with hostility from the ruling [[elf|elves]]. By -2850 Ancient, legend says that the elves had distanced themselves from the humans, whom they called "quicklings," fearing that human contact was depriving them of their immortality. This gave the Neromenians free reign to expand further into the continent.<ref name=":0" />

It's believed that around -2800 Ancient, the [[Old Gods]] began whispering to humanity from the [[Black City|Golden City]]. They taught the [[Dreamer]]s of the Neromenian tribes magic, and those [[Mage|mages]] became the priests and rulers of their people.<ref>{{Cite wot|12}}</ref> In -1700 Ancient,<ref>{{Cite wot|13}}</ref> the Neromenian tribes eventually split into four kingdoms: [[Neromenian]], [[Qarinus]], Tevinter, and [[Barindur]].<ref name=":0" /> By -1610 Ancient, Barindur had disappeared under mysterious circumstances; legend says that it was destroyed by the Old God [[Dumat]] for scorning his High Priest.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Lost City of Barindur]]</ref>

In -1595 Ancient, [[Thalsian]], First Priest of Dumat, claimed to have personally contacted Dumat in visions and learned [[blood magic]],<ref>{{Cite wot|14}}</ref> which he used to declare himself king of Neromenian. Though Thalsian is often believed to be the first blood mage, mages of the [[Imperial Chantry]] now believe that blood magic was actually learned from the elves of Arlathan rather than the Old Gods. Thalsian established temples to worship Dumat, turning [[dragon]]s into a symbol of divine power and popularizing worship of the Old Gods. He is also credited for creating a mage ruling class, as many of his own pupils founded the noble houses that still rule over Tevinter to this day.<ref>{{Cite wot2|37}}</ref> In the kingdom of Tevinter, mages established the first [[Circle of Magi (Imperial Chantry)|Circles of Magi]] as closed societies, presumably to train and study their magical talents. They established a council of their most talented mages, known as the Court of Magisters, which convened in [[Minrathous]] and mandated the use of magic throughout the kingdom.<ref name="Magister">[[Codex entry: Tevinter: The Magisters]]</ref>

In -1207 Ancient, [[Darinius]], the High King of Neromenian, took the Tevinter throne from his uncle, uniting the kingdoms of Neromenian and Tevinter under his rule, laying foundations for the Imperium.<ref>{{Cite wot|15}}</ref> During Darinius' reign, the Court of Magisters became the royal court, with the magisters as the only recognized noble class.<ref name="Magister" /> In -1200 Ancient, Darinius also became the first human to successfully ally with the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] of [[Kal-Sharok]]<ref>[[Codex entry: Archons of the Imperium]]</ref> when he went into the Deep Roads and forged an alliance with the dwarven king [[Endrin Stonehammer]], establishing significant trade between their kingdoms.<ref name=":1" /> A body of dwarven representatives titled "[[Ambassadoria]]" was established at that time to advise the Tevinter leaders and manage trade relations between the Imperium and the dwarven kingdoms.<ref>{{Cite wot|79}}</ref><ref>{{Cite wot|176}}</ref>

In -1195 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]], marked as O TE in the Tevinter Calendar,<ref>{{Cite wot|23}}</ref> Darinius married Queen Rathana of Qarinus, joining his kingdoms to hers and founding the Tevinter Imperium. Darinius declared himself the first Archon.<ref name=":1" />

=== Destruction of Elvhenan ===
[[File:Sack.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The destruction of [[Elvhenan]]]]
As the empire grew eastward, settlers started to encounter [[elven]] scouts at the edge of [[Arlathan Forest]], which they had previously believed to be uninhabited. As it had been more than two millennia since the elves had retreated into their own kingdom, it's possible that memory of first contact had been lost to time. When the Imperium realized that the settlers' claims of a magic-using nonhuman race were real, they sent emissaries into the forest. When none returned alive, they built a fortress near the border and set up a permanent watch.

Contact between the two races became more frequent–and more violent–over the next few decades. In the summer of -998 Ancient, several Tevinter settlements vanished into the forest.<ref name="wot36">{{Cite wot2|36-38}}</ref> This led to Archon Thalasian declaring war in -981 Ancient,<ref name=":2" /> marching into Arlathan Forest to lay siege to the capital of [[Elvhenan]], allegedly with [[demon]]s and dragon thralls at their side.<ref>[[Codex entry: Arlathan: Part Two]]</ref> Six years later, as the [[Human tribes#Inghirsh|Inghirsh]] tribes took advantage of the war with the elves to attack Tevinter's southern settlements, Archon Thalasian and the magisters sank the city into the ground with [[blood magic]] to bring a swift end to the conflict. Elven survivors were enslaved, adding a vast population of slaves to the Imperium almost overnight.<ref name="wot36" /><ref name=":2" />

By the year -895 Ancient, the Tevinter Imperium had expanded widely, bolstered by its new elven slaves. The Imperium claimed nearly all of northern Thedas and started conquering lands across the [[Waking Sea]], settling the island of Estwatch in -880 Ancient and staging several campaigns to subjugate the [[Alamarri]] and the [[Avvar]] around -715 Ancient.<ref>{{Cite wot|22}}</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: The Mountain-Father's Haft]]</ref>

=== Civil wars and expansion ===
The magisters believed that magic was a favor of the [[Old Gods]] rather than an accident of birth, and refused to acknowledge the mage underclass of elves and newly liberated foreigners. When Archon [[Almadrius]] chose [[Tidarion]], a lowborn mage of [[Human tribes|Planasene]] blood, as his apprentice, the resulting outrage from the Magisterium led to Almadrius' assassination in -692 Ancient<ref>{{Cite wot|24}}</ref> and a civil war that lasted for over seventy years. Mages fought against mages for the first time since the fall of Arlathan. The civil war finally ended in -620 Ancient<ref>{{Cite wot|25}}</ref> when Archon Parthenius, former high priest of [[Dumat]], finally admitted the Laetans to the temples and gave them three seats in the Magisterium.<ref name="wot38">{{Cite wot2|38}}</ref>

[[File:Imperial highway.jpg|thumb|300px|The Imperial Highway]]
During its expansion, the Imperium conquered as far south as [[Ferelden]] and as far east as [[Rivain]], subjugating the local tribes with brutal force.<ref name="DAO Prima" /> It commissioned the construction of the [[Imperial Highway]] to connect all lands under their rule for the purpose of trade, though the project was never completed due to resistance from the [[Alamarri]] tribes.<ref name="DAO Prima" /><ref>[[Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 1]]</ref> Between -575 to -555 Ancient (620-640 TE), a large civil war erupted when the two most influential magisters warred for the vacant Archon's throne, threatening to split the empire. Though order was eventually restored, this conflict marked the end of the Imperium's golden age.<ref name="DAO Prima" />

=== The First Blight ===
In -395 Ancient, in a misguided attempt at apotheosis, a [[Magisters Sidereal|group of magisters]] sacrificed hundreds of slaves and used up two-thirds of the lyrium in the entire empire to physically enter the [[Golden City]] in the [[Fade]], returning as the first [[Darkspawn]].<ref>{{Cite wot|27}}</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: The Cardinal Rules of Magic]]</ref> The [[Archdemon]] [[Dumat]] led the [[First Blight]] for nearly two hundred years, ravaging the empire and shattering its power. Civil unrest added to complications until the newly founded Grey Wardens finally defeated the darkspawn.<ref>[[Codex entry: The History of the Chantry: Chapter 1]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 1]]</ref>

=== Wars of independence ===
With their vulnerabilities exposed to the world, the severely weakened Imperium became the target of the [[Exalted March Against the Tevinter Imperium|first Exalted March]], led by the former slave [[Andraste]] and her husband [[Maferath]]. In -180 Ancient, they brought an army of [[Alamarri]] from across the Waking Sea to destroy the empire and spread word of their god, the [[Maker]]. Andraste's campaign inspired elven slave revolts in cities throughout the Imperium, compounding the threat of the encroaching Alamarri armies.<ref>{{Cite wot|42}}</ref> The invasion ended when Andraste was publicly executed with her generals in -170 Ancient, after being sold out to the Imperium by her husband in exchange for the lands of southern Thedas.<ref>{{Cite wot|44}}</ref> In -160 Ancient, Archon [[Hessarian]], the ruler at the time of Andraste's revolt and the one who had executed her, forcibly converted the Imperium to the faith of the Maker and revealed Maferath's betrayal in a period known as the Transfiguration.<ref>{{Cite wot|46}}</ref> Many magisters who refused to convert were violently overthrown.

In -120 Ancient, [[Rivain]]'s war for independence from the Imperium began, which distracted the Empire from reconquering the Free Marches. Eastern cities of the Free Marches rallied to help Rivain,<ref>{{Cite wot|50}}</ref> and after the Battle of Temerin in -53 Ancient, the Imperium abandoned its eastern territories.<ref>{{Cite wot|51}}</ref>

=== Chantry Schism ===
When Emperor [[Kordillus Drakon I|Drakon I]] founded the [[Orlesian Chantry|Chantry]] in -3 Ancient and declared [[Divine]] [[Justinia I]] the official head of the [[Andrastianism|Andrastian]] religion in 1:1 Divine, it caused great consternation in Tevinter, which had been organizing the religion on its own terms for over a century. Though they initially tried to appease the newly formed Chantry by reducing the [[Archon]]'s authority over the faith and transferring it to the [[Grand cleric (Imperial)|grand clerics]], relations between the two were strained from the beginning. In 2:80 Glory, the [[Orlesian Chantry|Chantry of Orlais]] called for an [[Exalted March]] on [[Starkhaven]], which had been under Tevinter rule since 2:45.

In 3:87 [[Towers Age|Towers]], the Imperium split from the Orlesian Chantry and formed its own [[Imperial Chantry]] under a mage, Divine Valhail, primarily over disagreements on the meaning of the Maker's second commandment, "Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him."<ref>{{Cite wot|87-88}}</ref><ref name="Imp chantry codex" /> The [[Black Age]] and [[Exalted Age]] saw several [[Exalted Marches#Against the Imperial Chantry|Exalted Marches]] ordered against the Tevinter Imperium by the White Divine when tensions between the Orlesian and Imperial Chantries grew heated. Between 4:40 Black and 5:10 Exalted, the Orlesian Chantry declared four Exalted Marches in an attempt to force the Imperial Chantry back into the fold.<ref>{{Cite wot|93,97}}</ref> The Exalted Marches only stopped because of the advent of the [[Fourth Blight]] in 5:12 Exalted. In retaliation for these assaults, Tevinter refused to send aid to the other nations of Thedas against the encroaching darkspawn.<ref>{{Cite wot|99}}</ref>

=== Qunari wars ===
[[File:Tevinter landscape.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Tevinter landscape<ref name="wot77">{{Cite wot|77}}</ref>]]
Thedas was first attacked by the [[Qunari]] in 6:30 [[Steel Age|Steel]].<ref>{{Cite wot|109}}</ref> By 6:42 Steel, much of the Imperium had been conquered in the conflicts.<ref>{{Cite wot|110}}</ref> Determined to retake its lost territories, the Imperial Chantry took part in the New [[Exalted Marches#Against the Qunari|Exalted Marches]] alongside the Orlesian Chantry during the [[Storm Age]] (7:25–7:84). In total, three Exalted Marches were declared against the Qunari.<ref>{{Cite wot|85}}</ref><ref>{{Cite wot|114-120}}</ref> In 7:84 Storm, the Imperium, alone out of all the human nations, refused to sign the [[Codex entry: The Llomerryn Accords|Llomerryn Accords]], the armistice which ended the war with the Qunari.<ref>{{Cite wot|121}}</ref> As such, Tevinter remains at war with the Qunari to this day, vying for dominance of northern Thedas. The island of [[Seheron]] has been a particular point of focus throughout the centuries.<ref>[[Codex entry: Seheron]]</ref>

In 7:34 [[Storm Age|Storm]], Archon Nomaran was elected directly from the Circle of Magi. He abolished laws that prohibited mages from participating in government, allowing the magisters to openly retake their place as the true rulers of the Imperium.<ref name="Imp chantry codex" />

== Involvement ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' ===
{{SpoilerDAI|
In 9:41 Dragon, the Imperium is governed by Archon [[Radonis]]. In regards to the ongoing war with the so-called 'Elder One' and his Venatori, Tevinter has no official ties to the cult itself, and [[Maevaris Tilani|one member]] of the magisterium brings a matter of [[A Friend in Qarinus|officially condemning]] the Venatori before the Imperial Senate; the Imperium is also on the verge of renewed conflict with its southern neighbor, [[Nevarra]].
}}

==== ''Trespasser'' ====
{{SpoilerDAIT|
Soon after the [[Exalted Council]], following the disruption of the Dragon's Breath plot, the Qunari launch new attacks against Tevinter. Their aggression catches the already unstable Imperium off guard. Tevinter is soon mired in conflict.<ref>[[Epilogue (Trespasser)#The Qunari Threat]]</ref>
}}

=== ''Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights'' ===
{{SpoilerTN|
Around 9:44-9:45, the [[Antaam]] launches an [[Antaam Rebellion|invasion into Tevinter]], unsanctioned by the rest of the [[Triumvirate]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]], Three Trees to Midnight</ref> The cities of [[Ventus]], Carastes<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Blue Wraith]]''</ref>, and Neromenian<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Dark Fortress]]''</ref> quickly fall to the Qunari forces.

Meanwhile, remnants of the [[Venatori]] still attempt to restore the ancient Tevinter Imperium, despite [[Corypheus]]' death. They are opposed by [[Dorian Pavus]] and [[Maevaris Tilani]] and their fledgling faction within the Magisterium, the [[Lucerni]].
}}

== Geography ==
=== Settlements ===
[[File:Qarinus - Dragon Age Those Who Speak.jpg|thumb|275px|The city of [[Ventus]]]]
[[File: FortViridian BlueWraith.jpg|thumb|275px|Fort Viridan]]

* '''Asariel'''
* '''Caimen Brea'''<ref>[[Unmask "Those Across the Sea"]]</ref>
* '''Carastes'''
* '''Fort Viridan'''
* '''[[Marnas Pell]]'''
* '''Marothius'''
* '''[[Minrathous]]''' – Imperial capital and largest city in Thedas
* '''[[Neromenian]]'''
* '''[[Nessum]]'''
* '''Perivantium'''
* '''[[Ventus]]''' – formerly known as Qarinus
* '''Solas'''
* '''Teraevyn'''<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Asunder]]'', p. 150</ref><sup>[[#Trivia|[note]]]</sup>
* '''Trevis'''
* '''Vol Dorma'''<ref>[[Antor Banris]] is a presumed wealthy patrician of Vol Dorma.</ref>
* '''[[Vyrantium]]'''

=== Regions ===
* '''[[Arlathan Forest]]'''
* '''Eyes of Nocen'''
* '''The High Reaches'''
* '''The Hundred Pillars''' – Massive pillars made of a strong material identified only as a "hard dust"; the material isn't stone, and is similar to a mortar (concrete)<ref>Mentioned by [[Gatsi Sturhald|Gatsi]] concerning the material of the collectible Tevinter mosaics.</ref>
* '''The [[Silent Plains]]'''
* '''[[Valarian Fields]]'''
* '''Ventosus Straits'''

=== Fortresses ===
* '''[[Ath Velanis]]'''
* '''[[Castellum Tenebris]]'''

== Culture ==
[[File:Tevinter mage and sword.jpg|thumb|130px|Armored Tevinter mage<ref>{{Cite wot|102}}</ref>]]
[[File:Altus mage.jpg|thumb|132px|Altus mage<ref name="wot77" />]]
[[File:Tevinter garments.jpg|thumb|166px|Tevinter noble dress<ref>{{Cite wot|73}}</ref>]]

{{:Codex entry: Tevinter Society|style=codexexcerpt|}}

Tevinter society is notoriously decadent<ref>[[Mike Laidlaw]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjexkoGVKlY Dragon Age 3 Teasers NYCC]. YouTube. Retrieved on April 7, 2014.</ref> yet also takes great pride in their history and achievements. The Imperium treasures their past and preserves it, as indicated that everything they've built has been carefully preserved and renovated.<ref>Conversation with [[Dorian Pavus]]</ref> Ambition and magical ability are the hallmarks of its ruling elite, the magisters. The ancient magister lords ruled the Imperium in the [[Circle of Magi (Imperial Chantry)|Circles of Magi]] (before their modern incarnation), maintaining a tight hold over its people through the power to infiltrate their dreams using [[blood magic]]. Though blood magic is now banned in the Imperium, mages who practice it are quietly acknowledged as the most proficient [[dreamer]]s and diviners.<ref name="DA2 Prima">''[[Dragon Age II: The Complete Official Guide]]'', "Tevinter Imperium"</ref> The ban is really only paid lip service to; even the most devout mages in Tevinter know at least the basics. This circumvention is often necessary in order to simply survive the deadly rivalries and competitions for power and influence amongst the Tevinter noble families, who only ever put aside their constant bickering to unify in the event of a major crisis such as acts of sedition amongst the indentured populace.

The centuries-long war with the [[Qunari]] has taxed the Imperium significantly as resources are strained, with hundreds of refugees fleeing to the capital of [[Minrathous]], the splendor of which is chafing greatly everywhere outside the spires that house the Imperium's Circles of Magi.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Tevinter Imperium]]</ref>

In Tevinter, same-sex relationships between nobles are largely hidden, but nowhere prohibited. These relationships are encouraged with favored slaves.<ref>{{Cite wot|72}}</ref> Transgender individuals likewise face no official persecution or legal repercussions, although such individuals living openly amongst the upper classes (such as [[Maevaris Tilani]]) can cause a scandal.<ref>{{Cite wot2|44}}</ref> In the army however rules are more strict and identify people based on their biological sex.<ref>As is the case with [[Cremisius Aclassi]].</ref>

Tevinter architecture uses strong horizontals and verticals, accentuated with high-contrast materials. Much of their buildings are made with the help of magic, allowing them to raise massive pillars from the earth, and make use of dramatic designs. Tevinter also has access to vast quantities of precious stones and metals, which they make good use of.<ref>[[The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition|The Art of Dragon Age Inquisition]], pg 157-159</ref>

A strange and unrecognizable meat dish known as "unidentified meat" is commonly available in Tevinter taverns, often with a large side of Nevarran flat bread. The dish is prone to being over exaggerated; in at least one instance it simply turned out to be chicken legs.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 37</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 105</ref> The bread itself is a no-rise bread that takes only a few minutes to be made from dough. It can also be eaten unaccompanied, with dips, or brushed with oil.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 109</ref> A traditional and common tavern appetizer in Tevinter is stuffed vine leaves. These are tender leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. They can be topped with lemon juice and tzatziki sauce.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 105</ref>

As for sweet treats, poison stings are a Tevinter travel sweet that is comprised of chocolate-coated orange peels. They have a crunchy yet chewy texture and taste both sour and sweet. "Poison stings" is the colloquial name. This food was eaten by Dorian Pavus when he was traveling from Tevinter to Ferelden.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 115</ref> Cherry cupcakes are small, luxurious pink cakes often served in a selection of treats in the Tevinter theater, carried by stilted servants who offer them to spectators in private loges. Historically these cakes were used to poison people.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 139</ref><ref>Depicted in the background of ''[[Dragon Age: Magekiller]]''</ref> Another sweet dish is pumpkin bread, a baked good made in a pan from a small number of ingredients. Pumpkin bread is said to be one of Dorian's favorite foods.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 151</ref>  

=== Religion ===
{{Main|Imperial Chantry}}
The Imperial Chantry is now the main religious organization in Tevinter, replacing the abandoned worship of the [[Old Gods]]. Unlike its [[Chantry|southern counterpart]], the Imperial Chantry is accepting of magic and allows men into the priesthood.<ref name="Imp chantry codex">[[Codex entry: The Imperial Chantry]]</ref>

=== Social classes ===
Tevinter society is highly stratified, with citizens classified into different levels depending on their ancestry and magical ability. 

==== Soporati ====
All common citizens of the Imperium who are non-mages are considered part of the '''Soporati''' ("sleepers") social class. This is a mainly human class which is allowed to own property and serve in Tevinter's military but they have no real power in the nation's governance and are unable to attain a higher rank in the [[Imperial Chantry]] than mother or father. Often they are found to be merchants or publicans (civil servants and leaders of the Legionnaires). However, when a Soporati family produces a mage child — this is greatly desired in Tevinter, unlike within the rest of [[Thedas]] — it allows them entrance into the Laetan class and thus a higher social standing. In general, the Soporati and ruling mage classes exist in a state of tension due to the inequality of their standing in the nation.<ref name="wot77" /> 

==== Laetans ====
The next highest social level is that of '''Laetans''', who are mages born into families that had up to that point shown no magical ability or who have been mages for generations but have no link to the higher Altus or Dreamer class. One third of the Archons throughout history have been Laetans.<ref name="wot77" /> Archon [[Tidarion]] was the first Laetan to become Archon, and the outrage that this caused among the Magisterium led to a civil war that lasted over seventy years. The magisters believed that magic was a favor of the [[Old Gods]] rather than an accident of birth, and refused to acknowledge the mage underclass of elves and newly liberated foreigners. The civil war was only ended in -620 Ancient when Archon Parthenius, former high priest of [[Dumat]], finally admitted the Laetans to the temples and gave them three seats in the Magisterium.<ref name="wot38" />

==== Altus ====
'''Altus''' mages are believed to be descendents of the dreamers or magisters who possessed the ability to speak to the [[Old Gods]] in the [[The Fade|Fade]]. The Old Gods are no longer objects of worship but the descendents of these powerful mages are still held in esteem and often are the most high-ranking mages in the Imperium; indeed the majority of magisters are Altus. Interestingly, there was a time in which these Altus mages were scorned for their seeming part in creating the Blights as the corruption of the [[Golden City]] transformed these mages into the first [[darkspawn]]. As a result, many such mages were slain during the period of Transfiguration when the Imperium became Andrastian. Since then, the Altus mages have returned to the upper echelon of Tevinter society.<ref name="wot77" />

==== Slaves and Liberati ====
{{Main|Slavery}} 

In Tevinter, slavery is not only legal but officially sanctioned.<ref>According to [[Fenris]], the [[Imperial Chantry]] receives a tithe for every slave sold.</ref> While Tevinter slaves used to be predominantly elven, they are now mostly a mix of [[Elf|elves]] and [[human]]s, though even [[dwarf|dwarves]]<ref>[[Dwarven Slaves in Venatori Hands]]</ref> and [[Qunari]]<ref>Based on an image of a Qunari slave on {{Cite wot|78}}</ref> can become slaves. [[Mage|Mages]] can also be enslaved.<ref>According to the dialogue of [[Fenris]] and [[Dorian Pavus]], and also as evidenced by [[Calpernia]]</ref> While slavery is officially outlawed everywhere outside of Tevinter, slavers operate throughout Thedas, luring and kidnapping people to sell them into slavery in Tevinter.<ref>[[Codex entry: Slavery in the Tevinter Imperium]]</ref><ref>During ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'', the Warden [[Unrest in the Alienage|discovers]] that Loghain allowed Tevinter slavers to operate within the [[Elven Alienage|Denerim Alienage]] in exchange for gold.</ref> 

Slave uprisings are frequent but rarely successful, as are attempts by Tevinter politicians to abolish the practice.<ref>According to [[Fenris]], Tevinters who attempt to limit or end the practice are often assassinated while slave uprisings are usually ended quickly and violently.</ref>

Slaves can only be legally freed before a judge, with their owner present to make the decree, or by the owner's will upon their death. However, freed slaves are still not considered citizens of Tevinter. Those who achieve freedom are instead sectioned into another class known as the '''Liberati'''. The Liberati functions as a subclass, and those within it are granted limited rights. Liberati are able to act as an apprentice in a trade or join a Circle of Magi. Liberati are also able to own land and property, but they cannot join the military and rarely have a say in governance.<ref>{{Cite wot|78-79}}</ref>

Most of the Siccari, Tevinter's elite spies,<ref>[[Codex entry: Seheron]]</ref> come from slave families. Their families are kept safe, as a promise and a threat, to ensure that the Siccari never flinch from their duties.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]'', The Dread Wolf Take You</ref>

=== Politics ===
{{Main|Circle of Magi (Imperial Chantry)}}
{{Main|Magister}}
[[File:Circle tower transfiguration.jpg|thumb|240px|In Tevinter, temples to the Old Gods became Circles of Magi.<ref>{{Cite wot|124}}</ref>]]
The Tevinter Imperium is still governed by powerful magic-users through a form of magocracy. It is almost universally reviled by other nations. Its nobility is known to be over-indulgent, and slavery is still practiced. The Imperium is the center of the black market, smuggling (including the harboring of mage fugitives from other lands) and the slave trade. Tevinter would crumble without slaves, given that it is the only way to support their economy. History shows how deeply committed they are to the practice; when an archon once outlawed slavery, the archon was quickly assassinated. Though slave rebellions occur frequently, the Imperial Senate unites in the face of "sedition" to suppress them. Though merely a shadow of its former glory, the Imperium is still a very powerful nation with considerable military might. It would turn on the southern nations were it not diverted by the constant wars with the [[Qunari]].<ref name="DA2 Prima" />

The Imperium draws a variety of soldiers from its territories to form an impressive army. Most noted throughout Thedas, however, is the use of elephant mounts that have been imported into Tevinter for centuries through the coastal colonies near the northwestern jungles. Their cavalry fights on the backs of dracolisks. As well, Minrathous is famously protected by a trio of gigantic war [[golem]]s purchased from the dwarves known as the Juggernauts.<ref name="DA2 Prima" /> Women's roles in the Tevinter military are restricted and they may only serve in certain ranks and disciplines.<ref>Revealed in conversation between [[The Inquisitor]] and [[Cremisius Aclassi]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]''</ref> [[File:Tevinter art.png|201x201px|right|Tevinter art]] The Imperium's capital is [[Minrathous]]. It is located at the northern end of the Imperial Highway. Tevinter has its own versions of the Chantry and Circles of Magi, both led by a male Divine, unofficially known as the Black Divine; his authority, and indeed the existence of the [[Imperial Chantry]], is not recognized by the [[Orlesian Chantry|Chantry]] in [[Orlais]]. Likewise, the Imperial Chantry refuses to recognize the authority of the Orlesian Chantry and its "White Divine."<ref name="Imp chantry codex" /> The Chantry calendar is in use everywhere except the Imperium, although the empire used it briefly when it was introduced.<ref name="DAO Prima" />

The legislative body of Tevinter is known as the Imperial Senate. The Senate is divided into two houses: the Magisterium and the Publicanium. The Magisterium is the upper house and is responsible for making laws and choosing a new Archon if there is no approved heir. Members of the Magisterium are known as magisters. The Publicanium is the lower house, and in contrast with the Magisterium it holds no true power and is considered a bureaucratic body. Senators of the Publicanium are elected officials.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Magisterium]]</ref>

Magisters constantly compete with their fellows to rise into a higher position on the Magisterium, though they come together to put down slave rebellions, which they view as sedition. Raising one's position can be achieved through wealth, magical prowess and/or support by fellow senators but almost always requires relying on [[Blood Magic|forbidden magic]].<ref>[[Blade of Mercy (Fenris)]]</ref> There are various means by which an enterprising mage may enter this august company. For example, in a complaint made between two magisters in 9:35 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]] regarding [[Maevaris Tilani]]'s disruption of the Magisterium's traditions, one of the aggrieved magisters mentions her buying off every vulgatis and honoratus in the eastern empire.<ref>{{Cite wot2|44}}</ref> It is unknown specifically what these terms mean, though it can be assumed they hold enough power in the Imperium to sway public opinion. Furthermore, each of the seven Circles within Tevinter selects a magister for the Magisterium, and this [[mage]] is often an older [[Senior Enchanter]] but never a [[First Enchanter]] as they are not eligible for a seat. Each of the grand clerics of the Imperial Chantry and the Divine himself hold a seat as well. A mage may also inherit a seat from a magister rather than earn it through magical ability or station within the Chantry. A final means by which a mage enters the Magisterium is by being appointed directly by the Archon, which is a power the Archon may exercise at any time.<ref name="wot76">{{Cite wot|76}}</ref>

[[File:H impchanta 0.png|thumb|200px|Imperial Chantry heraldry]]
The Archon is the true ruler of Tevinter and the magic he wields gives him a god-given authority over others, whether that god is one of the [[Old Gods]] or the [[Maker]].<ref name="wot76" /> As noted above he may appoint magisters to the Magisterium at any time and has final say on any laws under consideration. The role of Archon is generally an inherited one and oftentimes these men are relatives or perhaps the apprentices of the previous Archon. In the event that an Archon passes without an appointed heir, the Magisterium steps in and names the next ruler provided he is not already part of the Magisterium or a member of the Chantry. Prior to the Black Age, however, the Archon had been allowed to be a magister or hold rank in the [[Imperial Chantry]].<ref name="wot76" />

=== Relations with other nations ===
Because of its history as a conqueror, the role magisters played in starting the Blights, and the current Schism with the Divine in Orlais, the Tevinter Imperium is the most maligned and demonized nation in Thedas. It is virtually impossible to find writings from Tevinter outside its borders that have not been heavily altered or outright forged. To most Theodosians it is a corrupt and degenerate magocracy that must be feared until it can be converted.

Tevinters themselves view the rest of Thedas as barely civilized savages who lack proper reverence for tradition and respect for authority.<ref name="wot75">{{Cite wot|75}}</ref>

Though the elves no longer have a nation per se, the general relationship between them and the Imperium is largely self-explanatory, and very poor.

==== Dwarves ====
Tevinter has enjoyed a long and fruitful alliance with the dwarven empire since ancient times, in which both empires were at the height of their power. The lyrium trade is the primary reason for their close alliance, and the magic-centric Imperium is mainly dependent on [[Orzammar]] to meet its immense demand.<ref name="wot79">{{Cite wot|79}}</ref> Dwarves also provided the Imperium with [[golem]]s, the most notable of which are the trio of Juggernauts that protects Minrathous. Besides the trade alliance, it is also known that the dwarves helped Tevinter during the [[Fourth Blight]] by lifting the siege of [[Marnas Pell]] and they received many accolades of the ruling Archon, one dwarf even became a [[Paragon]].<ref name="tst363">''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'', p. 363</ref>

Many surface dwarves live in the Imperium, not considered citizens but rather foreign dignitaries, even if their houses have existed in the Imperium for ages. The Tevinter Imperium hosts numerous dwarven embassies since the days of Archon Darinius and his alliance with the founding [[Dwarven royalty|kings]] of the dwarven empire, [[Orseck Garal]] and [[Endrin Stonehammer]]. There are dwarven embassies in every major city, much like dwarven settlements in other countries in Thedas. However, unlike dwarves in other countries, Tevinter dwarves have their own branch of government, the Ambassadoria. The representatives of the Ambassadoria are elected by the dwarves to advise the Archon and the Magisterium.<ref name="wot79" /> The Ambassadoria is more of a lobbying group than a parliament.

Dwarven embassies in Minrathous, Neromenian, and [[Qarinus]] are situated entirely underground and are considered by dwarves to reside within [[the Stone]], allowing those in the embassy to retain their [[caste]]. Some dwarves serving in Tevinter embassies never leave these underground fastnesses. No dwarves are known to be kept as slaves in the Imperium, presumably due to their fundamental importance to the Imperium in providing lyrium. They can also be hired by homes as overseers to the household's slaves.

Despite this close alliance, there are two known cases in which some of the dwarves secretly breached this pact. The first was with providing safe harbor in [[Cadash Thaig]] for the ancient elves who were fleeing after the destruction of [[Arlathan]]. The dwarves of [[Kal-Sharok]] were informed of this so they attacked Cadash thaig and killed everyone in order to hide all the evidence from the Imperium.<ref>[[Codex entry: Letters from the Past]]</ref> The second occasion was when [[Amaranthine]] was held by the [[Avvars]]. The Imperium at that time were trying to conquer [[Ferelden]] and the dwarves secretly traded with the Avvars beneath Amaranthine.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Vigil]]</ref>

==== Qunari ====
After the [[Qunari Wars]] on [[Llomerryn]] a peace treaty was signed between [[Qunari]] and the rest of Thedas. However, Tevinter refused to accept it and has continued the war against the Qunari ever since.

Tevinter contracted the [[Raiders of the Waking Sea]] to steal the [[Tome of Koslun]], a historical tome of immense value to their enemies. [[Isabela]] manage to steal the tome, however she was shipwrecked and the Tome somehow wound up in [[Kirkwall]]. The text ended up in the hands of a local thief who arranged to trade the relic to Tevinter agents but the meeting was disrupted by the Qunari and text slipped through the Imperium's grasp.

{{SpoilerDAIT|
Conflict with the Qunari was renewed following the disruption of the Dragon's Breath plot in 9:44 [[Dragon Age|Dragon]].}}

== Imperial language ==
{{Main|Tevene}}

== Notable Tevinters ==
[[File:Danarius.png|thumb|165px|[[Danarius]], a Tevinter magister]]
[[File:TevinterWarrior.png|thumb|165px|A Tevinter Warrior in ''[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]'']]''<nowiki/>''
[[File:Dorian-new2.png|thumb|165px|[[Dorian Pavus]]]]

{{For|a complete list|Category:Tevinters}}
{{Note|The list below can include people of either Tevinter ancestry or Tevinter nationality.}}

* Magister '''[[Adralla]]'''
* Magister '''[[Aurelian Titus]]'''
* Magister '''[[Calpernia]]'''
* Warden '''[[Corin]]''' – hero of the [[Second Blight]]
* '''[[Cremisius Aclassi]]'''
* Magister '''[[Danarius]]'''
* Archon '''[[Darinius]]''' – first Archon and founder of the Tevinter Imperium
* Magister '''[[Dorian Pavus]]'''
* '''[[Eleni Zinovia]]'''
* '''[[Fenris]]'''
* '''[[Felix Alexius]]'''
* '''[[Francesca Invidus]]'''
* Magister '''[[Gereon Alexius]]'''
* Magister '''[[Hadriana]]'''
* Magister '''[[Halward Pavus]]'''
* Archon '''[[Hessarian]]''' – Archon who ordered the death of [[Andraste]]
* Magister '''[[Livius Erimond]]'''
* Magister '''[[Maevaris Tilani]]'''
* '''[[Marius]]'''
* '''[[Orana]]'''
* Archon '''[[Radonis]]''' – Archon of the Imperium as of 9:41
* '''[[Tallis]]'''
* Divine '''[[Urian Nihalias]]''' – Imperial Divine as of 9:40

== Codex entries ==
:{{:Codex entry: The Tevinter Imperium|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Tevinter Imperium (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Archons of the Imperium|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Archon's Blades|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Astrariums|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Blade of Mercy|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Dorian Pavus|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Dorian and the Last Few Years|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Drake's Fall|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Imperial Chantry|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Litany of Adralla|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Magister Gereon Alexius|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Magisterium|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Slavery in the Tevinter Imperium|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Tevinter: The Magisters|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Tevinter Society|style=iconmini}}

== Note texts ==
:{{:Note: Ancient Tevinter|style=iconmini}}

== Trivia ==
* The [[Imperial Highway]] goes from Minrathous to Vol Dorma and then southeast until one branch ends in Perivantium and another expands into [[Nevarra]]. The highway also extends into [[Orlais]] and [[Ferelden]]. [[Ostagar]] is its southmost point.<ref>According to this [[:File:ThedasMap.jpg|map]].</ref>
* According to [[Dagna]], the Imperial Magister Lords kept records of the genealogies of human families which were known to produce a mage child. [[Dorian Pavus]] confirms that the Altus class takes bloodlines very seriously (he will tell a [[Trevelyan family|Trevelyan]] that they are distant cousins based on the genealogy he has memorized). He calls himself the "disappointing" result of careful breeding among these bloodlines, because despite being a powerful mage, as a homosexual man he has no inclination to perpetuate them.
* The city of "Teraevyn" is spelled "Taraevyn" in ''[[Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1]]''.<ref>{{Cite wot|136}}</ref>
* Dracolisks have been integral to the Imperium's cavalry since the [[Steel Age]].<ref>{{Cite wot2|299}}</ref>
* The narrator of the ''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas|Dragon Age: Official Cookbook]]'' includes a cross-cultural recipe for lentil soup which is derived from traditional Tevinter tastes and a soup commonly enjoyed across [[Alienage|alienages]] by [[City elf|city elves]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas]]'', p. 63</ref>

== See also ==
:{{:Aurora's Freedom|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Cowl of the Overseer (Inquisition)|style=iconmini}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="250" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center" orientation="landscape">
Tevinter mages.jpg|Mages
Dragon-age-concept05.png|Tevinter concept art
Tevinter building.jpg|Example of Tevinter architecture<ref name="wot75" />
Tevinter building 2.jpg|A Tevinter building with dragon imagery<ref name="wot79" />
Inquisition Tevinter art.jpg|Traditional Tevinter artwork
Emprise du Lion Bridge.jpg|Ruins of the imperial highway in [[Emprise du Lion]]
Imperiall.jpg
Tevin.jpg
Tevinter2.jpg
TevinterArcaneMageHoDA.png|Tier evolution of a Tevinter Arcane Mage from ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
TevinterArcaneWarrior.png|Tier evolution of a Tevinter Arcane Warrior from ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
TevinterBattlemage.png|Tier evolution of a Tevinter Battlemage from ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
TevinterSlaver.png|Tier evolution of a Tevinter Slaver from ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Scroll box|<references />}}

{{Thedas}}

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