Silvetian Eagle

The Silvetian Eagle is the largest national monument of Silvetia and is located next to the town of Bad Erzquell. It commemorates the sacrifices made during the Silvetian Revolution which secured freedom for the Silvetian burgher and artisan classes.

History

t.b.d.

Site Plan

The complex lies at the northern end of Bad Erzquell, stretching over several different levels of altitude rising from the lower Western parts to its peak in the East.

Twin Obelisks

The westernmost monument of the complex is a pair of marble obelisks with a gold plating on top, looming over the plaza which is the entrance to the site. Viewed from below, they tower over the visitor and flank the Silvetian Eagle Monument, which in turn towers over the obelisks from behind. They are said to represent the two largest cities of Silvetia, Kosel and Schwarzbrücken. There is an alternative interpretation though, claiming that they represent the duality of Sol Invictus as taught by the secret Cult of the Solar Twins.

Silvetian Eagle Monument

By far the largest feature of the entire site, the giant eagle statue spreads its wings from north to south, symbolising the entirety of Silvetia being shielded from harm. The eagle is the heraldic animal of Silvetia, a symbol of strength and freedom, and it burrows its claws into a black semi-sphere, representing the remains of a world consumed by fire and war. Its beak is opened wide in a cry of defiance and determination.

Behind the eagle, four statues of gold and silver stand in memory of the most prominent victims of the sack of Bad Erzquell at the hands of the Mad Duke in May 1116 AIC. All four of these republican ideologists had died at the gallow.

Sun and Eagle

To the right and to the left of the Silvetian Eagle Monument, eight plaques are holding the original text of the famous patriotic poem Eagle and Sun.

Martyrs' Hall

Situated behind a low wall separating it from the back of the Silvetian Eagle Monument, the Martyr's Hall is a large marble building in the style of classical Archadian architecture. It holds sarcophagi containing the remains of an unknown number of unidentified victims of the Silvetian Revolution. Its purpose is to commemorate those who didn't find their way into the books of history, even though their part in the successful Revolution was no less than that of the official heroes.

Shrine to Sol Invictus

Several flights of stairs above the Martyr's Hall, the Shrine to Sol Invictus is the second marble building of the complex built in the style of Classical Archadian architecture. It is a memorial for Sol Invictus' assistance to the revolutionary cause, granting victory against all odds. Visitors generally burn candles or small sticks of incense there, especially on Revolution Day and Sotiran holidays.

Silvetian Sun Monument

Another long flight of stairs above the Shrine to Sol Invictus, on the top platform on the Eastern end of the entire complex, the Silvetian Sun Monument is a large steel disc mounted on a marble plateau. It depicts the sun, the most basic of the representations of Sol Invictus, which also constitutes the second official heraldic symbol of Silvetia after the eagle. Visitors can purchase thin gold foils and apply these to the steel disc, slowly turning it from a silvery form to a brightly golden beacon. On clear days, the Sun monument's reflection of the actual sunlight can be seen in Kosel and even Schwarzbrücken.