Destroyed Cathedral of Kasmeze (building)
Next: Cathedral of Kasmeze
Who originally built the great Citadel at Kasmeze and its attached temple is a question that still has no definitive answer. Most scholars agree that the site benefited greatly from Emperor Partharian's patronage starting around 200, but debates are still ongoing as to whether he had actually built the core of the structure, or Mountain-Sun Temple splinter factions as has been suggested numerous times. In any case, it would quickly become one of the greatest and most prosperous pilgrimage sites of the south, and the Aagiokrata in general, in the following two centuries - even rivaling the likes of the Vounill and Thebastro.
Its stint as a major spiritual center would come to a rapid end in the Chaos of the Seventh Century, however, as it was first defiled by Count Themos for an arcane ritual in 503, and then further stripped of any valuables by the desperate, penniless governorate of Opakhasia a few decades later. By the end of the crisis, it was but a fire gutted ruin, and due to the general economic decline of the region, it was largely abandoned to its fate.
In 1147, reconstruction of the building was planned, but was met with delay upon delay until it finally began in 1184. Of course, this brief bout of optimism was soon dispelled as Aversaria descended into the Imperial Civil War and the site abandoned yet again, its restoration half finished.