Archoaspis (/arkɪəspɪs/)

An ancient city located in Greece, Archoaspis was long hidden from mankind, both magical and Mundane. Inhabited by sphinxes, it offered a safe place for them to live. These days the city has opened up to other species, including magical humans, but this is a recent change, which largely came hand-in-hand with mankind's bettering opinions of sphinxes (and other magical people).
Much of the city's history is unknown to humans, cautiously hidden and kept safe by the sphinxes who have inhabited for more than a thousand years. Its name is thought to derive from ἀρχός (arkhós), meaning ruler, and ἀσπίς (aspís), meaning shield. Whether the name was intended to be read as "(a) shield from ruler(s)" or "(a) shield for ruler(s)" is unknown. Regardless of intention, both have been true: Archoaspis has protected sphinxes from human rulers, who often had a negative view of sphinxes, but in doing so has also protected the leaders of sphinxes from such dangers.

Demographics

The vast majority of inhabitants are sphinxes, primarily Greek sphinxes. For most of Archoaspis' existence, the city housed only sphinxes, including, rarely, Egyptian sphinxes. Due to its existence as a safe haven for all sphinxes, Archoaspis naturally gained a highly varied population, with sphinxes of all ages and professions living in (moderately) close quarters.

Architecture

Notably, Archoaspis was built by (and for) sphinxes, and this is reflected in how the city is designed. Although some areas have been changed to be more accessible to other species, many other areas remain sphinx-centric, built to be navigated on four lion-like legs, rather than with an upright human posture.
Architecturally, the city dates back to Ancient Greece, and this can be clearly seen in its appearance.

Founding Date

Unknown or hidden

Alternative Name(s)

Ancient city of the Sphinxes

Type

City