Eracian expedition forces were searching for a place to build a fortress that was relatively unassuming, as they were nervous about the Martelli crossing the mountains into their territory. While looking for a place to build, they discovered silver and copper deposits, and set about building a fortress. They were confronted by a local tribe with a strong religious culture tied to totemic bull worship, who they called the Taurinii (Tor-in-ee-eye), per the usual Asterian tribal naming convention. The Eracian legion, rather than relocate their fort, exterminated the small tribe, and completed their fortifications.
The Martelii never attacked Eracia, and as a matter of fact it was only 7 years after that that a formal alliance was wrought between Eracia, Martel, the Hillfolk Tribes, and the coastal cities of what is now Cordon. At this time, the fortress at Taurinum was ceremonially dismantled, and although there are occasional monster threats (such as a black dragon attack in 192, and a devastating gnoll raid in 410), the city remains, like most in the area, without a wall or significant fortifications.
Since the city's establishment, silver and copper veins have been continually mined in the area. It also happens there was a very good reason the ancient tribe here worshiped bull totems--cattle thrive in this area, and it has become a center for raising premium meat and for curing it in various ways. Salami Taurini, for instance, is a moderately popular variety of meat as far away as Brecon and even the Capital.
Culturally, Taurinum has always been a home for the theater, and a large ampitheater named The Horns has been located near the city center since the year of its establishment. Troupes from all around make a point of stopping in Taurinum on their way between larger cities, and there is an annual drama competition here which has produced many famous actors and playwrights.
--From A Survey of the Outlying Cities of Eracia, by Estimia Laceva
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