TYAMATHAN CITY-STATES

Tyamathan cities are generally considered "city-states," similar to those of the ancient Sumerians and Greeks. The Greek word for "city-state" was "polis" and our English word "politics" derives from this Greek term. On Tyamath, a city-state consists of not only the city itself but also whatever surrounding territory that city can exercise its control over. Tyamath does not consist of countries or nations such as exist on Earth nowadays. Cities, not nations, are the important political divisions on Tyamath. Much of Tyamath consists of unclaimed territory, land upon which no one currently extends their influence. In addition, exact territorial borders do not exist on Tyamath. Territories are dynamic, expanding and shrinking over time, dependent upon the fortunes of the different cities. Tyamathans do not bicker over exact borders.

Cities are vitally important to Tyamathans, far greater than the average Earth nowadays person considers his own city or country. "For the Tyamathan, though he seldom speaks of these things, a city is more than brick and marble, cylinders and bridges. It is not simply a place, a geographical location in which men have seen fit to build their dwellings, a collection of structures where they may most conveniently conduct their affairs." A city is considered to be almost a living entity, one with a past, present and future. "For them a city is almost a living thing, or more than a living thing. It is an entity with a history, as stones and rivers do not have history; it is an entity with a tradition, a heritage, customs, practices, character, intentions, hopes”.