Khebbel-im-Akkad (translated into "Akkad that is reborn") is roughly the equivalent of the Fertile Cresent and modern Iran. It was founded by Ahzimandias who led his people out of the Umaiyyat to reclaim their lands from the Persians. People speak the language Akkadian. The culture is similar to that of real life ancient Assyria. Nineveh is one of the most important cities, located on the Tigris River. It was given to Sinaddan to rule by his father the Khalif. Another important city is Tyre, located on the coast. The Euphrate and Yehordan Rivers also run through Khebbel-im-Akkad. The people are fierce and warlike. Women are kept segregated from men, and noblewomen must wear veils in public.
The ruling family is House Shamabarsin, also known as the House of Ur. Many gods are worshipped, but the principal god appears to be Shamash, the sun god. The native religion of the Persians, akin to Zoroastrianism, is suppressed.
Khebbel-im-Akkad controls Cythera and still claims to control neighboring Drujan. Many years before the events of the series, Drujan sought its independence from Khebbel-im-Akkad. It was brutally repressed. This repression led to the rise of the Mahrkagir. The Khalif sent two armies to reconquer the country, but both were defeated by the magic of the Mahrkagir's bone priests. Ever since, Khebbel-im-Akkad has banned trade with Drujan amongst its allies.
Barquiel L'Envers served as D'Angeline ambassador to Khebbel-im-Akkad for a few years and forged an alliance between the two nations. During his time there he went a bit native and brought many Akkadian things back to Terre d'Ange. Phèdre nó Delaunay de Montrève travels to Khebbel-im-Akkad in Kushiel's Avatar.
Akkadian characters[]
Sinaddan-Shamabarsin—son of the Khalif. Married to Valère L'Envers. They have three sons.