What country are the free marches based on?

What Country are the Free Marches Based On?

The Free Marches, a key region in the world of Thedas, is a topic of interest among fans of the Dragon Age series. While the developers of the game have never explicitly stated the inspiration for the Free Marches, fans have made several connections and inferences based on the game’s lore and mechanics. In this article, we will explore the possible country that the Free Marches are based on.

The Free Marches: A Brief Overview

The Free Marches are a group of 11 independent city-states situated in eastern Thedas, south of Antiva and the Tevinter Imperium, east of Nevarra, and north of Ferelden. The region is known for its rugged terrain, varied climate, and diverse culture. The city-states of the Free Marches are governed by a council of leaders, known as the Marchers, who prioritize freedom and self-governance above all else.

Possible Inspiration: The Italian City-States

One of the most widely accepted theories is that the Free Marches are based on the Italian city-states of the Middle Ages. Like the Free Marches, the Italian city-states were independent city-states that existed in the 11th to 15th centuries. These city-states, such as Florence, Venice, and Genoa, were known for their independence, self-governance, and cultural diversity.

Here are some similarities between the Italian city-states and the Free Marches:

• Independence: Both the Italian city-states and the Free Marches are independent entities, with their own governments and systems of governance.
• City-states: Both are composed of city-states, with each city-state having its own unique culture, economy, and political system.
• Geographical diversity: Both have diverse geography, with mountains, rivers, and coastal regions.
• Diverse culture: Both have a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various regions and cultures.

Additional Similarities

Here are some additional similarities between the Italian city-states and the Free Marches:

• Feudal system: Both have a feudal system, where lords and vassals hold land and power.
• Merchant class: Both have a strong merchant class, with trade and commerce playing a significant role in the economy.
• Knightly orders: Both have knightly orders, such as the Templars in the Italian city-states and the Grey Wardens in the Free Marches, who serve as protectors of the realm.

Conclusion

While the developers of the game have not explicitly stated the inspiration for the Free Marches, the similarities between the Italian city-states and the Free Marches are striking. The Italian city-states were a collection of independent city-states that existed in the Middle Ages, known for their independence, self-governance, and cultural diversity. The Free Marches, with their diverse geography, culture, and governance system, share many similarities with the Italian city-states. Therefore, it is likely that the Free Marches are based on the Italian city-states, with some creative liberties taken to fit the game’s lore and mechanics.

Table: Similarities between the Italian City-States and the Free Marches

Note: This article is based on the game’s lore and mechanics, and is not an official statement from the developers.