Hierarchy of Calormen
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The Hierarchy of Calormen is a system of rank established in Calormen to differenciate nobility from peasantry. It is part of the multiple governments C.S. Lewis describes in the Chronicles of Narnia books.
[edit] Ranks
Tash-- Though he is a deity, he is considered by the Calormens to be the ruler over all.
Tisroc--Akin to a sultan on earth. A Tisroc is widely considered somewhat of a god on Calormen, not unlike an ancient Egyptian pharaoh and is praised throughout all lower ranks as the ruler over all. The Tisroc mainly lives in Tashbaan, the capital of Calormen.
Prince\Princess--Either the son or daughter of a Tisroc is treated with respect slightly greater than that of a standard nobleman. The most notable of this class is Prince Rabadash from The Horse and his Boy.
Grand Vizier--The Grand Vizier is an appointed nobleman selected by the Tisroc to be his right-hand man. They are offered almost the same respect as the children of a Tisroc. Ahoshta, an elder Tarkaan was selected to be Grand Vizier but was kicked numerous times by Prince Rabadash, which shows that even the right-hand man of the Tisroc is still insignificant to his children.
Tarkaan\Tarkheena--These are the noblemen and noblewomen of the of the Calormen hierarchy. Tarkaans are characterized by rich armor, expensive clothes, the best war horses, and a band of gold on their wrist. The band signifies that they are greater than the common folk. Traditionally, Tarkaans marry Tarkheenas who also wear beautiful clothing and given what ever they please. The children of a Tarkaan and Tarkheena also bear the title of noble-person. The most recognized of this class is Aravis Tarkheena, Lasaraleen Tarkheena, and Anradin Tarkaan.
Soldiers--The men of the Calormen Army possess greater status than commoners but less than noblemen and women. The soldiers are divided into two subclasses, the Calormen captain followed by standard troops. Tarkaans are also known to lead soldiers but stll have greater status than them.
Peasants--The common folk of Calormen are the penultimate bottom of the hierarchial ladder. They divide into many subclasses too numerous to name. Arsheesh the fisherman is a notable peasant who is lowly thought of by Anradin Tarkaan when he visits. This class is akin to middle-class people on earth.
Slaves--Even in Calormen, there are slaves who make up the bottom of the hierarchial ladder. Many are mentioned throughout the course of the story but few are ever recognized. Pushed by their peasant, Tarkaan, and Tisroc masters, slaves often lead lives of hardship and suffering, though it can occur that a Tarkaan treats his slaves well and keeps them merely to show his power. Aravis frames a slave girl in order to escape her father and is punished severely.
[edit] Treatment
Throughout Calormen, the nobles are spoiled with riches while peasants and slaves toil. Other than respect and special treatment given to them, nobles are of the utmost importance and peasants are wholly ignored by a noble-person. Traditionally, peasants and slaves are forced out of the way in the narrow streets of Tashbaan by an escort of soldiers as a high-ranking noble is carried through. Whenever the name of the Tisroc is spoken, it must be followed by saying, "May he live forever".
