For the first time in nearly 4300 years, the culture of Solentia abruptly changed. Now the rulers and perhaps a half of the population were no longer the ancestral "Solentians," but foreigners. The new rulers brought changes in culture and society so profound that no one fifty years back would recognize the land. The nation was now more or less centralized and with a powerful ruler. The cultural practices were completely different; after the 400 years of the Dark Ages, the Solentians had trailed behind even the Barbarians in terms of technological advancement. The cities sprang back to life: the petty nobles were swept away and centralized rule began supreme. The old religions died and were replaced with Christianity. The dress and architecture and art were all revolutionized as well. The