teatis

Teatis is a term used in fantasy literature and speculative archaeology to describe a hypothetical ancient seafaring civilization. It is not recognized as a real historical culture by mainstream scholarship, and its characteristics vary by author.

Geography and society: In most depictions, Teatis occupies a dispersed coastal archipelago in temperate latitudes. Settlements include harbor towns, cedar-plank docks, and ceremonial platforms. Social organization ranges from merchant-led city-states to clan-based communities, often with a strong tradition of maritime leadership and exchange networks.

Economy and technology: The Teatis economy centers on seafaring trade, fishing, salt production, and ceramic craft. Bronze or copper metallurgy, logographic-syllabic writing on pottery and metalwork, and seafaring technologies such as advanced boats and navigation equipment are commonly attributed to the culture.

Archaeology and interpretation: Within fiction, explorers uncover harbors, granaries, and inscriptions that illuminate Teatis' relationships with neighboring cultures. Debates about diffusion, chronology, and influence recur, mirroring real-world archaeological discourse.

Legacy: Teatis serves as a flexible template for world-building, illustrating how imagined cultures are constructed and how archaeology is portrayed in media such as novels and games.