History: The kingdom of greater Sicily was not always a kingdom, and was rarely ever great. The only constant they have had are the large harvests of grain that have blessed the island. That meant that in times of war they could raise large armies, and in peace they could support a large population growth. This natural wealth attracted immagrents from the sea fareing powers to the east, who were eager to expand their trade routs. About 500 years previous, a large expedition sent out from eastern lands made up of mostly of greeks, but containing a small amount of men from many different areas, landed. However, almost as soon as they arrived the kingdom that had sent them collapsed, meaning they were cut off and had nothing to go back to. With this in mind, they set up a small trading village on the coast, and with their large amounts of agricultural wealth and assorted common goods the city became a major success. At the same time, a small landlocked village also grew in strength. With another stronge tribe to the east, the village expanded to the west. catching others by surprise at first, and then overpowering others, the village conquered many lands. As they did, the village grew into a large town. When they came apon the trading village, the rulers of each realized two things: A large economic center was vital to any growing empire, and a large economic center wouldnt be able to survive with the little protection it had. With this in mind, they set up a duel government monarchy, and the empire continued to capture western Sicily.
However, eventually the rulers of the trading town lost power, and the kings of the warrior village gained it. In the same year the last leader of the town died, the king declared the duel governemnt was over, and he had sole control. Luckaly for the town, he loved sailing, and was fond of trade. He thus moved the capital to the trading city, which grew in importance, wealth, and size. When the royal court left the village, it lost all relevance and it had a steady decreas in population. The next ruler, the father of Kokalos, realized the cultural importance of the old village, and turned it into a fort and spiritual center, insuring it would not disapear. However, the change was made, and instead of a military power, the kingdom was now an economic powerhouse. instead of the crushing armies that romed the land, they would now rely on large malitias made up of the citizens.
Even with its lost military tradition, the fact that the kingdom was based on trade meant that it had a large and powerful navy, whcih has been expanded in strength over many generations. Now, the kingdom has absolute control over all of western Sicily, and has large influence over the east. The army has suffered from years of neglect, however it has been said that the new ruler Kokalos will work to expand it, and revive the old traditions. Undoubtly, he will try to pass his passion to his new born son, Kokalos II.
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