Population density in Dragon Pass

From: Jeff <richaje_at_78E08j8GuUYSRt1c-tUn9evRVb0Z--st91GRZhnrEDn6u6L1XY3qFMB9npg0AY4c4v7_>
Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 11:55:07 -0000


Taking a break from finishing up Pavis and writing a freeform to work on the population detail maps for the Guide to Glorantha.

Some interesting observations

Hendrikiland and Malkonwal have an overall population density of about 25 people per square mile. That's lower than the population density of high medieval Scotland or Ireland, and roughly comparable to high medieval Poland. That goes along with an agriculture that is heavily geared towards sheep and cattle, with lots of self-sufficient free peasant farms.

Tarsh also has an overall population density of about 25 people per square mile. The population density between Furthest and the New Lunar Temple is much higher - over 100 people per square mile. In the heavily Lunar area we can assume that farming is more intensive and pastoralism is far less significant. If you want your high-intensity latifundia, that's where it is going to be.

Old Sartar, on the other hand, has a population density of about 13-14 people per square mile (140k in roughly 10k m2). Since the Sartarites use the same agricultural techniques as the Hendriki (and are culturally the same people), we can assume there is simply a lot more wildland in Old Sartar than in Heortland. Probably even more pastoralism as well.

Esrolia is a shocking contrast. Roughly comparable in size to Old Sartar, Esrolia has 1.786 million people, or a population density of about 180 people per square mile. That is a stunning density comparable to the highe medieval Low Countries or Lombardy. From that we can assume that the Esrolians don't practice much pastoralism (dairy may be much more important than beef), except in the hilly country of Longsiland. The population is dense, "too dense" say many.

Anyways, I hope to post a lot more material (including some of the supporting docs) on glorantha.com later this week. Just found this interesting.

Jeff            

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