Ozazo (oh-ZAH-zo)
Ozazo is the second-largest city in Vancorra and the capital of the state of Ixtakia. It was the center of pre-conquest Vancorran civilization.
Demographics
The majority of Ozazo's population is Vincaran, but most are of lower socioeconomic status than the Lanarians, who continue to control the government.
Defences
The ancient wall still surrounds much of the city, although there are numerous gaps--some created intentionally to allow expansion, and some as the result of structural failure after thousands of years.
History
Ozazo was founded in 1551 by the Vincaran calendar (-1225 by the Melzeen calendar) as the capital of the growing Vancorran civilization. Here the largest, grandest temples to the gods were constructed, as well as halls of governance, a great library, and the palace of the Kabak (High Leader).
The walled city was the last holdout against the Lanarian Empire's invasion, but it, too, fell in 6712 (3936 by the Melzeen calendar). The last Kabak, his family, the high priests and priestesses of the gods, and other survivors of the siege fled to the east in three ships. Vancorran forces had managed to salvage sonar equipment from a Lanarian ship, and it allowed them to reach the archipelago now known as Beticorra without running afoul of grekks.
Still, the Vancorran world was shattered, and Ozazo, along with all of the continent, would remain in Lanarian hands. It later became the state capital of Ixtakia, although the Lanarians' initial settlement of Binzat grew to be a larger city.
Attempts to besiege the city during the Great Civil War were unsuccessful. The holiness of the temples there means most Vincarans are hesitant to try taking the city by force.
Despite fervent arguments, President Ontaz was not able to secure the city for the Vincaran Federation in the Treaty of Jantrala. Emperor Xeres only agreed to let citizens of the Federation visit the city freely, without the paperwork that would normally be required to cross the border.
Early in Empress Vazali's reign, Ontaz again asked for Ozazo to be ceded to the Federation as a city-state, but Vazali refused, choosing instead to extend the length of time foreign citizens could visit.
Tourism
Vincaran citizens of the Lanarian Empire and the Vincaran Federation both flock to the city year-round. Visiting the capital of their fallen civilization brings about a wide variety of emotions, from pride to anger, sadness to bitterness. Still, Ozazo is a spectacular reminder of their heritage, and those with the means to do so find comfort in repeated visits.
Priests and priestesses of the Vincaran gods strive to make a pilgrimage to the original temple of their patron deity at least once in their lives.
Lanarian historians, archaeologists, and other academics also visit the city, but strict regulations put in place after the Great Civil War ensure they are respectful and defer to Vincarans' wishes for the treatment of structure and artifacts. Unethical practices and a black market trade in Vancorran antiquities exist, unfortunately, but only in more isolated regions.
Architecture
The ancient temples and palaces of Ozazo have been carefully maintained and restored through the centuries, and are among the most spectacular anywhere in the world.
Founding Date
-1225 Melzeen, 1551 Vincaran
Type
City
Related Ethnicities
Location under
Owning Organization
Comments