[FICTION] History of Naxos: The Beginning & Early Naxians

     As written, confirmed history is concerned, the people who came to be known as Naxians are an amalgamation of various peoples who were blown off course into the archipelago that lies in the Central Ocean. But even labelling that as confirmed is stretching it, as this is what is supported by archeological evidence-- these migrations occurred before the advent of writing by humanity, and other peoples were unconcerned with the goings-on with them.

    That said, the oral tradition tells a much more concise story. The hailed from a northern land that once stood near what is now Thrace. They lived in idyllic pastoral hills, and worshipped the bountiful Sun and its children, who lived as demigods amongst them.

    But one day the Sun demanded more and more from its supplicants; more than what could be provided. For this, the Sun grew red and angry, and its children lashed out until there was nothing but jagged stones jutting out from the sea. Those who survived built simple ships, and sailed to the south. They were led by Anastasios, who had been a priest of the Sun, and would be the mythical forbearer of the Line of Poleon, founder of the Naxian Dynasty.

    Regardless of their origin, the Naxians settled first on the isle of Keros, living in simple fishing villages. They arrived at what was thought to be the height of Minotaur civilization in the islands. For insight, Minotaur culture revolved around intricate daily rituals of daily life, especially those regarding fertility, bounty, and valued order above other virtues. They were led by priest-kings called Hierophantes, and they directed their subjects to dominate the islands and its inhabitants. They found easy allies among the Satyr and Centaurs, who equally valued nature, albeit in different ways. They also had common foe in the Leoi, who held ritual hunts against their people in ancient times. After a war, they confined the Leoi to the island of Mykonos, and bound their warriors into lives of warrior-slaves.

    When the Naxians arrived, the Minotaur feared that their arrival would upset the balance of the islands. They, out of fear, quarantined the Naxians to Keros, and forbade them from expanding beyond those shores. And for a time, this peace held, and their numbers grew. It was during this time that many cultural staples began; Naxian wine and rice, the love of olives, and the worship of Kitaigida, a mighty spirit of the storms that wrack the islands. 

But this peace would not hold. Next week, we will dive into the Tauromachy, and the collapse of the Minotaur.