Ba Sing Se Lecture Notes

Overview

• Ba Sing Se is the capital of the Earth Kingdom.
• Known as the "Impenetrable City" due to its strong walls.
• The largest city in the world, often compared to a small country.
• Became the last stronghold during the Hundred Year War.
• Divided into the Outer Wall, Agrarian Zone, and Inner City, with additional divisions based on social status.

Historical Significance

Early History

• One of the oldest settlements, dating back thousands of years.
• Initially a subterranean city with luminous crystals as a light source.
• Grew wealthy through trade, eventually expanding above ground.

Era of Kyoshi

• Remained stable despite regional unrest.
• Internal secret wars among the royal family.
• Presence of crime groups and daofei gangs.
• Avatar Kyoshi's influence led to the creation of the Dai Li.

The Hundred Year War

• Ba Sing Se's Outer Wall breached multiple times.
• Fire Nation's coup led by Princess Azula, facilitated by the Dai Li.
• Liberated by the Order of the White Lotus.

Recent History

• Fell into chaos after the assassination of Earth Queen Hou-Ting.
• Kuvira's temporary rule restored order but led to further conflict.

Government and Law

• Governed by the Earth Monarch but often influenced by other powers like Long Feng and the Dai Li.
• History of political corruption and coups.
• The Dai Li served as secret police, enforcing strict control over the city.

Military

• Protected by the Royal Earthbender Guards and sections of the Earth Kingdom Army.
• Known for its elite units like the Terra Team.

Culture

• Rich cultural activities including tea drinking, poetry, and spa visits.
• Architecture reflects social class differentiation through building materials and colors.
• Socially stratified society with strict movement between city rings.

City Layout

• Outer Wall: First line of defense; breached only a few times.
• Agrarian Zone: Provides food resources, acts as a buffer.
• Inner Wall: Separates residential areas.
• Lower Ring: Home to the poor, high crime rate.
• Middle Ring: Middle-class, shops, and universities.
• Upper Ring: Wealthy and government officials, including the Royal Palace.

Notable Locations

• Ba Sing Se Monorail: Transports citizens throughout the city.
• Ba Sing Se University: Offers a variety of academic disciplines.
• Crystal Catacombs: Ancient subterranean remnants of the city.

Real-Life Influences

• Inspired by ancient cities like Beijing and the Great Wall of China.
• Shares traits with historical cities such as Constantinople and Mesopotamian cities.

Trivia

• Known for romantic sunsets and cultural seclusion.
• Compared to "Brave New World" for its isolation from the outside world.