Lutheria

  The City of Lutheria is one of the main cities in the Region of Kilden and is situated along the important trade route to Belthem. The city is geographically located within the district of Lutheria in Amt Aldáer, but has an independent status and thus serves as a sovereign district. The city is build a a sacred hill called Scheddelsted, on which as large abbey towers above the streets, named Wingchere Abbey. Lutheria is considered a place of all religions since residents are free to practice their faith. Because of this, Lutheria has attracted all kinds of people and became a melting pot of cultures.  

Geography

Lutheria is situated on a large moraine that stretches from north to south through the Region of Kilden. This moraine features many hills, with Tann Hill being the tallest. The city of Lutheria was built on one of the smaller peaks, called Scheddelsted. Recent archaeological discoveries reveal that Scheddelsted has different layers compared to the other hills, indicating that part of it might be man-made. Beneath the current buildings, several older constructions and settlements were found, suggesting the area's importance over many years. Additionally, numerous animal bones, figurines, and valuables were uncovered, likely used as offerings.  

History

According to stories and archaeological finds, Scheddelsted Hill was once inhabited by German tribes. Around 777, during Charlemagne's campaign, his army destroyed the settlement. It is said that an important shrine, likely on top of Scheddelsted Hill, was also destroyed. A wooden cross was placed at the shrine's location, where a new church was planned. The first church was probably a small wooden chapel, but it was soon replaced by a larger wooden structure dedicated to St. Mary. The whole Region of Kilden became part of the Kingdom of the Franks, establishing the first borders. With this, the conversion of pagans to Christianity accelerated, with several churches being built all around the area. It is believed that around 800 the current Abbey of Wingchere, then bearing the name Veilteir, was established. The abbey was connected to an abbey in East Francia. Catholicism became the state religion and all paganistic beliefs were forbidden, forcing many people to convert or flee the Region.   Around 962, the Frankish Kingdom became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1024, Amt Aldáer, and thus the area where the future city of Lutheria would be established, became part of the Prince-Bishopric of Utrecht. During these periods, various settlements began to form, and some were granted market rights, like the city of Alden in 1049. Lutheria did not exist yet and was merely a small abbey, that owned some land here and the   During the years following the erection of St. Mary's Chapel, the settlement had gathered lots of wealth and power and it got city rights in 1277, 500 years after the first church was established. It was named Lutheria. The origins of the name are unknown, but people think it came from one of the monks who started the abbey named Liudger, who also has a special chapel dedicated to him in the current church. As a celebration to acquiring the city rights and to accompany the growing number of residents and churchgoers a new second church was built next to St. Mary's Church. The new church was partially funded by the Mervell family, who demanded their own chapel, currently known as Green Chapel, which was first separated from the main church, but later connected. The new church became known as Dom Káerdos, after the treasure found in this location which made it possible to build the new church. During the same construction period, the current walls of the city were established. It took almost 300 years to finish the whole project. The church was opened in 1577, exactly 800 years after establishing the first church.   The Catholics, however, were not able to enjoy their new church for long. In 1566, the Reformation began with the Great Iconoclasm (Beeldenstorm), a direct attack on the Catholic religion. While the Iconoclasm did not directly affect Lutheria, it did start the Eighty Years' War in 1568. Protestantism spread quickly throughout the land. Lutheria managed to remain Catholic for a long time. However, in 1597, the city of Alden fell, becoming Protestant for a while, which also affected Lutheria. The Catholic Church struggled but managed to withstand the Reformation. However, in 1648, after the Peace of Münster, the entire Region of Kilden came under a new government, making Protestantism the state religion and forbidding the Catholic Church. Many Catholics went underground, practising their faith in secret churches in the countryside. Dom Káerdos St. Mary's Chapel lost their function and quickly fell into disrepair.   For years the city of Lutheria had no religious status. Rich families moved to other cities like Alden or Belthem. Without direct control and government Lutheria became an open place for people of all backgrounds and ranks to settle. It became a melting pot of cultures and religions, which were mostly practised underground. The Abbey was used as housing for the poor and sick or for people that came to the area. For many current families Lutheria was the place where they started their new life. For several hundred years Lutheria remained without a status, until the French revolution and French rule changed it status forever.   In 1810, when the Region was under French rule, the churches were given back to the Catholics and they were able to practise faith again. However, the new revolutionary and ideologic ideas and the many new cultures now living in Lutheria made it impossible for the Catholic church to get their foothold back, although they tried. The Mervell family returned to the city of Lutheria and their wealth and influence made it easy to gain power. They established new laws, which made it possible for all kinds of religions to be practised in the city. The Catholic church became the owner of the Abbey again, but they have to share the buildings with other religions as well.