Naraean

Naraean refers to a hypothetical Bronze Age culture described in fictional and speculative works. The term is not supported by a canonical, widely recognized archaeological record, and details vary by source.

The name appears to derive from a proposed river or city name used by authors; alternate spellings include Narai, Naraen, or Naros in different narratives.

In most treatments, Naraean settlements are located along a major river valley with planned urban cores, granaries, and defensive walls. Artifacts such as painted pottery, standardized weights, and copper-alloy ornaments are cited as characteristic.

Economic and social structure are described as hierarchical but with notable craft specialization, including metalworking, pottery, and textile production. Trade networks are proposed linking inland settlements to coastal stations.

Writing systems are usually depicted as proto-writing or early syllabaries; religion centers on a small pantheon with river and sun deities; monumental temples and ceremonial plazas appear in many narratives.

In scholarship, Naraean is generally treated as a fictional or speculative construct, used to explore Bronze Age urbanism in alternative histories, rather than as established evidence. Its use in popular culture includes fantasy novels, role-playing games, and worldbuilding.