Osirion (pronounced oh-SEER-ee-on) is not only one of the oldest human nations currently in existence in the Inner Sea region, but has been one of the most powerful and influential since Earthfall.
The founding of Osirion in -3470 AR is used by historians as the marker for the beginning of the Age of Destiny. Osirion served as the trailblazer, marking humanity's re-emergence from barbarism of the Age of Anguish. A follower of Nethys named Azghaad united the warring tribes along the Sphinx River with the help of the god himself, and became the first pharaoh, a tradition of rulership that has continued (with long interruptions) to the present day. Azghaad I is said to have accomplished great deeds, including the defeat of the spawn of Rovagug Ulunat, and the founding of the capital city of Sothis around the giant beetle's carapace. He also built the first temple to Nethys in Sothis, ushering in the First Age of Osirion. Under the rule of successive God-Kings the land prospered and expanded, at its height ruling much of northern Garund, including land ruled today by the countries of Geb, Katapesh, Nex, Thuvia, and Rahadoum. Osiriontologists often refer to the nation during its roughly 5,000-year span of pharaonic rule between its founding and the Keleshite takeover in 1532 AR (see below) as Ancient Osirion.
A period of decline followed, which was halted when the country was re-unified under the Four Pharaohs of Ascension, marking the country's Second Age. However, the decline continued when the reign of the Four Pharaohs came to an end.
Osirian independence ended following the assassination of Pharaoh Menedes XXVI in 1532 AR, which led to the overthrow of the pharaonic dynasty. The country became a satrapy of the Empire of Kelesh.
By 2217 AR, a sect of Sarenrae known as the Cult of the Dawnflower was flourishing in Osirion, but the Qadiri satrapy viewed it as a threat. The cult's leaders were driven into exile in the desert.
In 2253 AR, the Cult assassinated the last Qadiran satrap, ending their exile and leading to the establishment of a line of Keleshite sultans independent of the Empire.
After 3,000 years, Osirian independence was restored in 4609 AR, when the Keleshite sultan was overthrown and replaced by Prince Khemet I, who traced his ancestry back to the ancient pharaohs.
Khemet I was succeeded by his son Khemet II, who in turn was followed by his son, the current ruler Khemet III.78 Under his rule, parts of the country have been opened to foreign treasure hunters and researchers.