Steve: Population of Aarn?

[Lord Liaden]

Good day, Mr. L,

Aarn is accepted within the Turakian Age world as being the largest city there is. Do you have some general figure in mind for its total inhabitants? Also, what would people in that world consider the low-end population for a settlement to be called a "city," as opposed to a "town?" I'd like to have a range to apply to other cities in the setting.

If you hadn't really considered it, no prob -- I'll apply figures for real medieval cities (although the long history of Ambrethel, and the presence of magic, might be expected to skew the numbers a tad). ;)

Thanks for your time. :)

[Steve Long]

I've never really given it any major-serious thought, to be honest. If one wanted to really delve into it, there are all sorts of considerations of medieval demographics, then factoring in the effect of magic and what-all, etc., etc. Personally, I think that's probably more fuss than it's all worth. If I had to ballpark it, I'd probably say Aarn is in the 300,000-500,000 range.

[Lord Liaden]

Thanks for the answer, Steve. :)

Most population estimates I've seen for pre-industrial cities of that area (roughtly 8 square miles) top out at around 200,000 (not counting surrounding countryside), with available food being a key factor. So with trade and magic at work, 300,000 seems a reasonable figure. I'll probably adopt a cutoff of about one-tenth that total for the smallest "true cities" in Ambrethel -- a little high compared to real historical examples, but again, conditions in the setting could make larger settlements more common.

Thanks again.

[mallet]

Thanks for the answer, Steve. :)

conditions in the setting could make larger settlements more common.



With all of the dangers in the wilds of Ambrethel (goblins, trolls, ancient evils, undead, etc...) it makes sense for people to come together in large, and easy to defend groups, like in towns & cities. Much more so, then in our own pre-industrial societies.