Sizhecheng
| Nation: | Kingdom of Batavia |
| Population: | 1,258,421 |
| Predominant language: | Dutch, Diets |
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| Main roads: | N/A |
| Major districts: | Hertogswijck, Ouwe Molen, ... |
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| Current mayor: | |
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| Map versions: | N/A |
Davignon is a city in the Kingdom of Batavia and capital of the former province of Dietsland. The city is the second largest of the country and was the centre of important political changes, including the (in)famous Davignonrepublic. While it was confronted with rising pauperism during most of the early 17th century, and periodically shelled by Shirerithian forces during the period of Imperial occupation, a huge fire in 1669 AN devoured most of the old city centre with its narrow streets and neglected houses. It's geographically locked in the Batavian mountain range, making it easy to defend, while centrally located. Its location made it into an important gateway between the south and north of the country, especially at the end of the seventeenth century, when trade began to flourish once more.
History
Early history
The exact date of Davignon's foundation is uncertain, as the library containing the few documents and remaining sources were destroyed by Duke Christiaan Windsor in 1501 AN during a fit of rage. The lack of trustable sources makes it difficult to pinpoint a year. What is relatively certain is that the rise of Davignon from a minor village to a city of importance began with the arrival of the Counts of Windsor.
The House of Windsor originally resided at the other side of the Driewoudenmeer, but soon understood the strategical importance of the fishing village. According to legend, a few of the villagers - tired of fishing - went on a rampage through the valley. Abraham Windsor, Count of Windsor, saw himself confronted by an angry mob, and called together the few knights he could muster. The fishermen were no match for the trained soldiers, but retreated - together with the other villagers, who feared the fury of the nobleman - to Hamerspunt. The easy to protect hilltop gave the villagers an advantage, while they could occasionally go down to the lake to fish. In the end, Abraham made a deal with the village elders: those villagers who had killed and raped would be punished. In return, the others were not to be hurt. The village pledged fealty to Abraham. The Count, now ruling the valley, received the title of Duke of Davignon.
On Hamerspunt, Abraham started to construct his new ducal residence. Its location, on the hilltop and overviewing the lake and valley, gave the Duke and the village the necessary protection from raiders. The town itself benefited from its location: it soon would dominate the mountain pass, which would bring prosperity to the formerly impoverished town.
The Batavian era
The settlement grew steadily under the Dukes of the House of Windsor. The trade income, taxes on travelling merchants and some strategical marriages led to an increase of power for the House of Windsor. While 's Koningenwaarde, Ingelheim and Vinandy were in a fierce rivalry over the northern Batavian lands, Davignon started to dominate the south. Aspirations of the Dukes to crown themselves king were thwarted by the Church: the Kings of 's Koningenwaarde, as weak as they may have been at that time, were still seen as feudal overlords.
Throughout time, the Dukes of Davignon and Kings of 's Koningenwaarde would end up in conflicts with each other several times. It wasn't until the Battle of Irrel that the Duke's hegemony was broken, which meant the end of independence of the region (but it retained an enormous degree of autonomy). The city remained one of relative importance, which would remain so until the unification of the feudal territories under Jodocus van Haltna and the formation of Free Batavian States.
Renewal program
An urban renewal program, pushed and supported by Prince Joseph Bartholomeus des Vinandy-Windsor and led by Adolf Perrier, was started the same year: the burned down houses and slums were erased from the earth, while survivors were moved out to temporary housing near the edge of the city. Protests immediately broke out among a part of the poor workers when news about the renewal program spread, but it was soon suppressed by the police forces. Further promises of better living conditions in the new houses and the prospect of a job (as the works would produce a demand in skilled and unskilled labour) calmed most nerves. The first construction works could begin. The Prince, however, envisioned more than new and clean houses: inspired by his experiences at Paleys Raiselle, he wanted to rebuild the city in Batavian Renaissance style: wide boulevards, parks to relax, palaces and monuments to impress and act as meeting places for industrialists and higher classes.
The changes turned the whole social system on its head. While the lower nobility and elite had always preferred living on the countryside, to avoid the busy city, this now changed. With the impressive boulevards, several parks and beautified facades, the city centre became the favourite living space of the richer classes. The Prince of Davignon sought his accommodation on the Southbank (mainly in the Hereburgh), which had been the political heart of the city since the integration of Dietsland into the Free Batavian States. Many followed his example, while the middle class went to live in the renovated older city districts around the Ducal Palace.
Curiosities
The Gewestraad (legislative power of the district Dietsland) is located in the city. Other curiosities are the Stadhuis (City Hall) and the Hertogelijk Paleis (Ducal Palace).
 City districts of Sizhecheng
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| Zuydbank: | Florynkwartier - Hallen - Huyseken - Groene Wijk - Hereburgh |
| Noordbank: | Egmontswijk - Sinetoridistrict - Hertogswijck - Meulestede - Oude Haven - Zavel |
