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Difference between revisions of "Coruscant"

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{{Template:Planets
 
{{Template:Planets
 
| planetname = Coruscant
 
| planetname = Coruscant
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| image = http://images.swcombine.com/galaxy/planets/custom/large/27.gif
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| image = http://img.swcombine.com/galaxy/planets/custom/large/3191.gif
 
| region = Galactic Core
 
| region = Galactic Core
 
| sector = [[Coruscant_Sector|Coruscant]]
 
| sector = [[Coruscant_Sector|Coruscant]]
 
| system = [[Coruscant_System|Coruscant]]
 
| system = [[Coruscant_System|Coruscant]]
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| galcoordinates = (-6, 50)
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| galcoordinates = (-15, 88)
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| syscoordinates = (10, 2)
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| syscoordinates = (5, 8)
 
| suns = Coruscant Prime
 
| suns = Coruscant Prime
 
| moons = 0
 
| moons = 0
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| planettype = temperate/breathable
 
| planettype = temperate/breathable
 
| planetsize = 15 x 15
 
| planetsize = 15 x 15
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| pointsofinterest =  
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| pointsofinterest = [[Imperial Palace]]
 
| species = Coruscanti
 
| species = Coruscanti
 
| officiallanguage = Galactic Basic
 
| officiallanguage = Galactic Basic
 
| majorcities =  
 
| majorcities =  
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| population = 58,665,266,203 inhabitants
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| population = 111,980,607,037 inhabitants (Y17D269)
 
| affiliation = [[Galactic Empire]]
 
| affiliation = [[Galactic Empire]]
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| moff = [[Thea Corine|Grand Moff Corine]]
 
}}
 
}}
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The planet of Coruscant is geographically located approximately 10,000 light-years away from the galactic core and has the popular misconception of being the closest planet to the Galactic Core. For millennias, it's proximity to the galactic core has resulted in the planet playing host as the Galactic Capital since the formation of the Republic. Coruscant's most famous feature however is the fact it is a ecumenopolis; the entire planet now amassed into one city. It currently serves as the capital planet of the Galactic Empire.
  
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=Description=
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==Planetary features==
  
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The major planet Coruscant, and the surrounding sector known as “The Coruscant Sector”, is located roughly 10,000 light-years away from the centre of the Galaxy. When the need for a Galaxy-wide government arose, this centralized location made Coruscant the logical choice, and Coruscant has served as Galactic Capital under various political bodies since the beginning.
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===Composition and structure===
  
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The entire planet's surface is one large city with layers upon layers of structures. The buildings were built upon each other creating the most densely populated planet in the entire Galaxy.
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====Internal structure====
  
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==Coruscanti standards exported==
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Like many terrestrial planets, Coruscant features five chemical and physical layers that results in it's designation as a Temperate/Breathable planet. The most dense layer, the Inner Core, has a diameter of ~3,400 km and is composed of molten Meleenium, Duracrete and Lommite.
  
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It’s not by chance that Coruscant defines the standards for the Galaxy is the by-product of Coruscant's influence on the Galaxy. The Coruscant date and time systems, for instance, are used as a galactic standard. Throughout the stars, one can often hear people referring to time as 1700 SCT (Standard Coruscant Time); or perhaps referring to the amount of time it requires to complete a job as four Standard Hours. Language too, is standard based on Coruscant, setting the Coruscanti tongue as the Galactic Basic language. Other Coruscanti units of measure that are ruled as Galactic Standard include, but are not limited to, distance and weight units, seasonal references, and the luminosity level of stars. Coruscant, being the seat of power for such a long span of time is also the symbol of galactic control. Every rising government, whether the New Republic, the Galactic Empire, or any other group, wish to hold Coruscant as their capital as a means to establish legitimacy. The controller of this planet is often viewed as the rightful ruler of the galaxy, asserting a powerful psychological effect to the countless number of sentient beings in the entire galaxy.
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The next layer, the Outer Core, of Coruscant is approximately 3,140 km below the surface of Coruscant and the transition between Inner and Outer Core occurs 5,428 km below the planet's surface. With temperatures ranging from 3904 degrees to 6702 degrees within the molten metal, it is the Outer Core that once produced the planet's internal heat. This has since changed following the development of the planet into a ecumenopolis. The Outer Core also produces the magnetic and gravitational sphere of influence (estimated to total 1.4 Gm or 1,400,000 kilometers in radius) via Eddy currents in the Meleenium fluid that the Outer Core is primarily composed of. The Outer Core is not under enough pressure to be solid, so it is liquid even though it has a composition similar to that of the Inner Core.
  
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==The never-ending city==
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Coruscant's next layer, known as the Mantle, is composed of three layers of differing density and approximately 2,890 km below the surface of Coruscant, it once caused the movement of tectonic plates on the planet.  This has since stopped following the planet's natural cooling and the thinning of the Mantle layers although it was formerly under enough pressure to allow the Crust of the planet to 'float' on its solid state. It is the first solid layer of the planet's composition and acted as the transitional point between the molten metals that form the planet's Core and the space-exposed crust. Despite it's geographical proximity to the Core, it's temperatures range from 550 degrees to 985 degrees; close to the melting point of many Galactic metals but hot enough to provide an ease of movement..
  
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Coruscant, though perceived as one large city from space, still has lots to offer the tourist and native alike who wish to get to know the heart of the Empire.
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The final layer of Coruscant's internal structure is the Crust, a composition of variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks in addition to various metals that once formed deposits on the planet's surface. The upper part of the mantle is composed mostly of peridotite, a rock denser than rocks common in the overlying crust. The Crust and underlying relatively rigid Mantle make up Coruscant's lithosphere. Because of convection in the underlying Mantle and asthenosphere, the lithosphere was broken into tectonic plates that once moved. However due to its use as the Galactic Capital and millenia of development; these tectonic plates have been fused together through engineering efforts and the planet's natural degrading through age.
  
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With a seemingly infinite number of residential skyscrapers, some of which stand as high as 6000 metres when measured from the lowest habitable layer, Coruscant is certainly one the most populous planets.
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====Surface====
  
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Layers upon layers of structures, decks, residential and commercial quarters, as well as factories and mining facilities (which now lay dormant in the lowest reaches of the planet) form a second planetary crust. It is unknown how old the lowest levels really are and who dwells in them, as they escape the notice of the upper levels.
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Prior to the mass urbanization of the planet, Coruscant was an ocean-rich world with similar terrain to those of Kuat and Corellia. However, following the massive construction works that resulted in Coruscant becoming a single city, all natural bodies of water were purposely drained and stored in vast underground caverns. This includes Coruscant's two icecaps, which both have been artificially designed to supply the Northern and Southern hemispheres with water. At this time, the only bodies of water that are visible are around the 'Western Sea'; an artificially-created set of lakes designed for tourists on holidays in addition to assist in the regulation of the atmosphere.  
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It is rumored that humanoids dwell the lower levels of the planet, but most attribute those tales as nothing but urban legends.
 
  
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In order to govern a planet wide city, the governors have established a planetary grid that divides the planet into grids which are considered sub-divisions of the planet. This is a rather arbitrary division, as the structures do not quite fit into this scheme. It is quite common that the grid borders run directly though a facility or even an apartment. Most of those grids have been given names according to the structures built in them, such as the Trade District. Although it is not a recorded fact, it is commonly believed that the size of the grids were fashioned after the size of the palace, which serves as the seat of government.
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Due to the lack of natural bodies of water to feed, water and provide a stable atmosphere to the inhabitants, architects for centuries have designed a self-contained eco-system with the vast skyscrapers that fill Coruscant's surface. Included in these designed are Polar Cap stations; massive buildings devoted to the production of water that then provide nearby districts via a complex series of pipes.  
  
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The Imperial Palace is the most prominent structure on Coruscant, and thereby the Empire. Its size, even by Coruscanti standards, is immense and is the ultimate centre of power with the Emperor as its top resident.
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These series of pipes run throughout the entire surface of Coruscant; connecting the kilometer-high skyscrapers together. With 59 billion inhabitants, not including transients, temporary workers, unregistered populace nor residents of orbital facilities, the skyscrapers of Coruscant have dwarfed all the remaining natural features of the planet. Layers upon layers of structures, decks, residential and commercial quarters, as well as factories and mining facilities (which now lay dormant in the lowest reaches of the planet) form a second planetary layer. It is unknown how old the lowest levels really are and who dwells in them, as they escape the notice of the upper levels.
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Artificial lighting illuminated most levels of Coruscant, with advertisement holograms, propaganda and the various industrial and residential engineering pipes able to be seen everywhere. There were numerous establishments for entertainment, catering to the myriad of alien species that would flock to the planet.
  
 
Many layers, especially the ones that lie deep in the shadows of the skyscrapers are inhabited by dubious people. In some areas a wondrous fauna has either evolved, or developed from imported animals. The lowest reaches of Coruscant are a dark and forbidden place. Neither sun nor artificial light can reach that far and they are, therefore, considered off-limits. Even the dauntless do not go there without a good reason.
 
Many layers, especially the ones that lie deep in the shadows of the skyscrapers are inhabited by dubious people. In some areas a wondrous fauna has either evolved, or developed from imported animals. The lowest reaches of Coruscant are a dark and forbidden place. Neither sun nor artificial light can reach that far and they are, therefore, considered off-limits. Even the dauntless do not go there without a good reason.
  
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In order to accommodate for the still growing demand for space, engineers try to develop plans to re-colonize those nether regions of Coruscant. One of the obstacles facing them is large amount of carbon dioxide, the by-product of living organisms and industry. Being heavier than most gases, it sinks to the surface and makes life virtually impossible. As a stop-gap solution, Coruscant’s ecological engineers install atmospheric dampeners, and equipped them with repulsors and various sensors. These dampeners constantly monitor their respective sections of the atmosphere and remove the excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the lower regions. Due to the fact that the layers of carbon dioxide are as thick as several thousand meters, this process takes a long time and will likely take as long to remove as it had time to build up; several hundred years.
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To accommodate for the still growing demand for space, engineers try to develop plans to re-colonize those nether regions of Coruscant. One of the obstacles facing them is large amount of carbon dioxide, the by-product of living organisms and industry. Being heavier than most gases, it sinks to the surface and makes life virtually impossible. As a stop-gap solution, Coruscant’s ecological engineers installed atmospheric dampeners, and equipped them with repulsors and various sensors. These dampeners constantly monitor their respective sections of the atmosphere and remove the excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the lower regions. Due to the fact that the layers of carbon dioxide are as thick as several thousand meters, this process takes a long time and will likely take as long to remove as it had time to build up; several hundred years.
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===Native species===
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Despite the entire surface of Coruscant being inhabited and developed, there are several species of insectoids, arachnids, roaches, rodents, and duracrete worms that now live with the vast buildings of the planet: acting more as parasites than wildlife. Formerly, a small number of species of birds nested within the skyscrapers of Coruscant but have since become protection; the pollution of Coruscant too great for the animal to exist within.
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There have been several documented alien and humanoid species that lived on the planet, with several still found in the planet's lower levels. Prior to the formation of the Galactic Republic, a race known as the Taung existed on the planet. An aggressive near-human race with characteristic grey skin and facial structures similar to that of the Niktos, the Taung inhabited the planet prior to the invasions of another race, the Zhell. The Taung, under the command of Mandalore the First, successfully repelled the Zhell invasions following a series of volcanic eruptions across the planet. With the planet near inhospitable, the Taung ventured out of the Coruscant system and would colonies a new planet named after their successful warlord; Mandalore. The Taung race, however, is believed to have become extinct around the same time as the Sith species.
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The Zhell are the most recently documented race to have existed on the planet, and still do, after the Taung. Following their first unsuccessful attempts of colonizing the planet; the Zhell began living on the planet two years after the volcanic eruptions and the migration of the Taung. Those that believe the theory of Coruscant being the homeworld of Humans commonly believe that humans are ancestors of the Zhell. This is unconfirmed by scientific reports as this time.
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===Atmosphere===
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The atmosphere of Coruscant is a layer of gases now-produced by carbon dioxide-reactive artificial atmospheric dampeners that converted carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen. These atmospheric dampeners were installed by the Coruscant Atmospheric Reclamation Project, after scientific reports revealed the atmosphere was degrading through the massive pollution found on the planet.
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<br>
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{| class="infobox bordered" border=6 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor=#111111 align=left width=400px>
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| style=background:#111111 ; align=center colspan=4 |<center><font color="white">'''Coruscant Atmospheric Statistics'''</font></center>
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|-
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | <u>'''Nitrogen'''</u>:
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | '''69%'''
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|-
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | <u>'''Oxygen'''</u>:
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | '''18%'''
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|-
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | <u>'''Carbon Dioxide'''</u>:
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | '''9.5%'''
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|-
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | <u>'''Kyvalon-4'''</u>:
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | '''0.93%'''
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|-
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | <u>'''Rethen'''</u>:
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | '''0.038%'''
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|-
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | <u>'''Assorted gases'''</u>:
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| style=background:#CCCCCC; | '''3.4%'''
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|-
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|}
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<br>
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The atmosphere protects life on Coruscant by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming solar stations placed on the many skyscrapers of Coruscant, and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. Dry air contains roughly (by volume) 69% nitrogen, 18% oxygen, 9.5% Carbon Dioxide  0.93% Kyvalon-4, 0.038% Rethen, and small amounts of other gases.
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The atmosphere has a mass of about four quintillion (4x1018) kg, three quarters of which is within about 11 km (6.8 mi; 36,000 ft) of the surface. With the atmosphere becoming thinner and thinner with increasing altitude, scientists within Coruscant have successfully pushed the atmosphere to a higher level via the artificial dampeners to accomodate for the many kilometer-high skyscrapers.
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==Culture==
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===Galactic Capital===
  
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=History=
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Following the formation of the Republic, the invention of the hyperdrive by the Corellians and Duros allowed Coruscant to officially become the capital of the democratic union that was the Galactic Republic. In just 53 years later, the known galaxy at the time officially recognized Coruscant as the 'Galactic Center; with the planet being the closed planet in proximity to the galactic core. It would remain as the Galactic Capital for twenty five thousand years; where it saw the planet develop into the ecumenopolis that it is today.
  
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Coruscant's importance stems not only from its proximity to the centre of the Galaxy, which makes it a Core World, but also from the fact that it is home to the Coruscanti people.
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Since the formation of the Republic and the developed status of Coruscant in political affairs; the planet has always been a primary objective in inter-galactic wars. Despite this, the planet of Coruscant has always remained in the control of the "Galactic Government" despite numerous assaults and bombardments that the planet has suffered for centuries.
  
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Some 400,000 years ago the first modern Coruscanti appeared on the planet after a long evolutionary process. Unfortunately, most archaeological evidence of that period is lost and cannot be recovered as the sedimentary layers of the planet do not exist any more. Little is known of the development of culture on the planet prior to the time when writing was invented. Virtually no artifacts have survived those ancient times, and what was preserved, is now stored in various museums across Coruscant.
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====Imperial Palace====
  
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Even before the invention of Hyperspace, Coruscant was already densely populated and its inhabitants were traders by heart and scientists by mind. It should come as no surprise that they colonized the nearest planet, Jkhanp, which was already well developed when Hyperspace reached Coruscant.
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The Imperial Palace, formerly known as the Palace of the Republic, is the residence of the Emperor of the Galactic Empire. Having been rebuilt following the formation of the Galactic Empire, the Palace had been radically changed from it's previous state that placed it on the top 10 wonders of the Galaxy. It's design was often said to resemble a merge of a cathedral and a pyramid, however it has since been redesigned to incorporate Sith architecture similar to that of the Sith Temple. With polished gray-green rock and mirrored crystals making the exterior of the Palace, Imperial architects have ensured that the Palace is always eliminated as a symbol of the Galactic Empire.
  
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Hyperspace changed the fate of the Coruscanti people, who were quick to adopt this technology that allowed them to spread their influence much faster than any other sentient species. In only a few generations, the population of their homeworld grew immeasurably, leaving the government no choice but to enforce a colonization policy. In less than 600 years the known as Coruscant Sector has been colonized by the Coruscanti and to this day remains the centre of their culture.
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Following the transformation of the Republic to the Galactic Empire, Emperor Drayson ordered the Imperial Palace to be the tallest building within Coruscant. This was achieved and the vast Palace extends three kilometers into the sky. In addition to the vast towers of the Palace that hold a variety of departmental offices, such as the Imperial Information Center, and resident halls; the Palace features a 'Grand Corridor' with the rumored belief that a ''Victory''-Class Star Destroyer could comfortably fit within the vast space filled with sound-activated colour changing Ch'hala trees.
  
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In the early days of colonization the planet's central position remained unrivalled and gave rise to the first government spanning more than one planetary system. This influence expanded through the trade routes and the wise and astute agenda of Coruscant's rulers solidified their role as a dominant cultural and economical power. The sheer insatiable consumption of raw materials and consumer goods on Coruscant and the immeasurable output of culture and technology forced some races to deal exclusively with the Coruscanti.
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Overall, there are twenty thousand rooms connected over fifty structures that make up the Imperial Palace. With the Palace being the central hub of all political and military endeavors of the Galactic Empire, several unique rooms are found throughout. A six hundred person capacity Senate room, similar to that of the Republic's, is used by the Imperial Throne and the Imperial Government whilst formalizing Imperial plans. Also featured within the Palace is the Imperial Throne room; a sunken auditorium, similar to a large crater, dug into bedrock. On the audience decks, there were flat stone benches arranged in long arcs, where visitors could come to hear any pronouncements from the Emperor himself. What was unique about this chamber was that the audience could hear everything the Emperor said; the Emperor was also able to hear anything said to him from the audience decks.
  
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Many merchants seeking dealings with Coruscant found it easier to deal with the customs officers as well as Coruscanti merchants in their own tongue. This dependence gave rise to a phenomenon that it today known as “Galactic Basic”. It is the fusion of the Coruscanti native language and several neighbouring dialects and is the de facto lingua franca throughout the entire Galaxy.
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The Emperor's Royal Guard, an elite battalion of specially trained troops under the direct command of the Emperor, is directly responsible for his safety and can, if needed, deploy the Palace's troops and vehicles to defend the structure at the touch of a button. In cases of emergency, the Imperial Royal Guard can draft reserve forces at their own discretion from the Palace Security, the regular military as well as those in the civilian reserve.
  
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Coruscant's influence grew exponentially and during large periods of galactic history they remained the driving force behind many innovations and dominated many aspects of the interstellar commerce and trade.
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The Palace also harbors a special detail of Imperial Intelligence. These women and men are highly trained and scrutinize every person entering. Such precautions are necessary in order to keep the vast number of visitors under surveillance and provide adequate protection for the working staff.
  
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The recent history of Coruscant has seen a shift from the remnants of the Old Republic being replaced by a more centralized structure finding its pinnacle in the Galactic Empire, with Coruscant continuing to serve as its capital.
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====Senate District====
  
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Where the Old Republic was a Federalist government, having to cope with interior difficulties and power struggles, the Empire emerged as the strongest faction and rose to power by replacing the former government with a more effective, military oriented structure. Power was centralized pouring from the Imperial Palace, and is executed in all sectors controlled by the Empire through regional governors, called Moffs.
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The Senate District, once the most important district within the Galaxy, is located on Coruscant's equator and served as the seat of the Galactic Senate at the end of the Republic. The architects of the Republic designed the Senate Building, a massive shield-shaped dome building with a diameter of two kilometers and several hundred meters high, to be able to withstand an aerial bombardment up to the point of full planetary destruction. The Building fills the entire District, the remaining space surrounding the Senate building taken up by security buildings and personal residences for the senators that once lived on the planet as representatives of their systems.
  
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=Visiting Coruscant=
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Until the dissolving of the Senate, renamed the Imperial Senate following the formation of the Galactic Empire, the building remained in use. It is now, however, left as a symbol of what once was the Republic.
  
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Some of the attractions on Coruscant include the Grand Towers, the Skydome Botanical Gardens, the one-kilometre long Grand Reception Hall, the underground city of Dometown, the Grandis Mon theater, the Holographic Zoo of Extinct Animals, the Galactic Museum, the University of Coruscant, the Candreal Gardens Centre, the Imperial Security Operations Building, and the Temple of the Circle.
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===Galactic influence===
  
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Annual celebrations and festivals also draw an exceptional number of visitors to this planet, such as Carnival Week and New Years Celebration. The traditional Imperial Fair, involving parades and exhibits, is held at the Pliada di am Imperium every four years.
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===Military===
  
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During the Coruscant's ancient War Day celebration, laser cannons were fired off in ceremonial salute and this tradition is upheld by the Empire, but has been moved to the closing ceremony of the Imperial Fair.
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Due to the status as the Galactic Capital, it was often thought that the capture of Coruscant would result in a military surrender - due to the devastation that'd be caused by removing a large chunk of the Galaxy's Government. However, Coruscant under the Republic was never a feared military thread, rather it was the fear of the political government that allowed Coruscant to wield a large amount of persauvive force in disputes.
  
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Monument Plaza is a popular mall built around one of the peaks of what was the Manarai mountain range, where visitors can actually touch bare rock, perhaps the only where a part of the planet’s surface is actually still visible without venturing into the deep underground. For the last three hundred years the clock in the Central Gathering Hall has marked the hour by spreading a light across the sky, and every evening spectacular gray-green and red auroras flash throughout Coruscant's atmosphere.
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This would change, however, following the beginning of the Clone Wars. Large amounts of space on Coruscant would be transformed into Military Staging Areas and troops of the Republic's Grand Army became more visible as they patrolled the planet. Military defense stations were installed around Coruscant and defensive turbolaser platforms were placed throughout the city's landscape.
  
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==Flora==
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Following the formation of the Galactic Empire, Coruscant would remain a mainly-defensive planet but fear of assault on the Imperial planet has prevented the majority of enemy governments from planning an attack. With a permeant Imperial Fleet and Legion guarding the planet, in addition to the many Golan II stations constructed during Grand Moff [[Arturus Goth|Goth's]] reign over the planet.
  
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Plant life is quite rare on Coruscant. With the exception of fungi and mosses in the damp areas of the cities, there is almost no natural plant life left on his planet. However, a large number of public and private parks, gardens, and green houses provide just the amount of green the citizens on this planet need to soothe their souls.
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Despite Coruscant's fame as the Galactic Capital, it is not the Planetary Headquarters of any Imperial Armed Forces.
  
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It is safe to assume that the Yagren-fungus is the only survivor of Coruscant's once rich fauna. While not a plant per-se, it is a plant-like survivor. The fungus has managed to find its niche in between the high rise structures and has evolved to find sustenance by digesting organic refuse and at times befalls the dreaded durecate-worm. It is this usefulness that allowed the fungus to evolve without interference.
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====Imperial Army====
  
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Whilst primarily not the headquarters for the Imperial Army, a large presence of Army High Command is often found on the planet to attend the numerous meetings, conferences, social events and additionally situations that require the presence of the Army Leadership. There is also commonly one member of Army High Command attending Imperial High Command meetings on the Army behalf, acting as the Army's voice within the Imperial Palace.
  
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==Fauna==
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Since the Clone Wars, a highly visible presence of Army personnel has been seen on the highly populated planet. Army troopers are a common site as they patrol along the 'streets' of Coruscant, whilst the highly recognizable members of the StormCorp are common place amongst the tourist popular areas of Coruscant; giving the Galaxy the misconception of the Imperial Army comprising of purely Stormtroopers.
  
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With the entire surface inhabited, indigenous wildlife is nearly non-existent on Coruscant. Several species of insectoids, arachnids, roaches, rodents, and duracrete worms act more as parasites to the planet than true wildlife. Perhaps the only real animals left to the planet are a small number of species of birds that nests atop the atmosphere reaching towers, occasionally swooping down and grab the sandwich out of the hands of a unsuspecting pedestrian or hunting for insects. In recent days environmental issues lead to the protection of these birds, and one, the Yellow Skimp, has been put under protection.
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Many districts on Coruscant hold Imperial Army garrisons, allowing the planet to defend any land assault that may occur. With anti-personnel and anti-vehicle weaponry installed in many of the Coruscanti Skycrapers in addition to the numerous defense platforms, Coruscant can become a deadly battlefield.
  
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Whatever wildlife was once present can be seen in the various museums. There is evidence, however, that a new form of life, considered fauna, has developed far off in the deepest reaches of the city-structures. Little is known of this life and it is not certain whether it evolved from Coruscant's fauna or if it is an off-shoot of imported life-forms. Rumours persist that semi-sentient beings live in the lower reaches of the cities. But to this day no hard evidence has been found to support those rumours.
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====Imperial Navy====
  
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With an Imperial Fleet stationed at Coruscant, there isn't a moment when arriving vistors at Coruscant are escorted in by TIE Fighters or catch a glimpse of an Imperial Star Destroyer. With the requirement for all-round protection a high requirement for the Galactic Empire, a permanently assigned Fleet has always provided the inter-space protection whilst operating the numerous orbital defenses alongside the Coruscant Security Force and the Sub-Adult Group.
  
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==Cities==
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The planet is also home to the Imperial Port Authority.
  
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As far as cities in go, Coruscant has only one. However, for reasons that root in jurisdiction and governmental issues, the planet is divided into several 15 columns and 15 rows.
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====Sub-Adult Group====
  
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Many of those squares are named, in order to distinguish them from each other. Unfortunately, unimaginative, yet efficient governmental naming standards won out over creativity, leading many cities bear the name “City” followed by a simply number.
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With the large population of Coruscant, the strong presence of the Empire and the home of COMPNOR, the Sub-Adult Group of the Empire plays a large part within Coruscant. The majority of Coruscant's youth population join the Sub-Adult Group and are quickly brought into the Imperial world. Many receive first-hand experience with the Empire's operations, often being granted access to the Imperial Military and various administrative branches as they begin training for admittion into the Academy.
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Yet some cities have been given names, the more famous are:
 
  
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* Vodo City - named in honour of the Emperor and rumoured to be his birthplace
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Older members of the Sub-Adult Group assist in the running of Coruscant's planetary defenses, working alongside the Imperial Military whilst benefiting from the piratical experiences that they are given. Although no Sub-Adult Group member has had to defend Coruscant from a hostile force, many are willing to raise arms if the Empire asks them to.
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* Coruscago – named after the ancient capital of the Coruscanti people
 
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* Senate District – centre of the Old Republic senate, now the house of representatives from the Imperial sectors
 
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* Observer – the highest, in relation to the rock surface, point of Coruscant, upon which the structures reach as high as out of the atmosphere
 
  
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===Coruscant Security Force===
  
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=Local Crime=
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With such a large and diverse population, often riddled with visitors for non-Imperial planets, crime has had a constant presence on the planet. The Coruscant Security Force is tasked with providing local law enforcement and security on the planet, working alongside the Imperial Security Bureau and the Imperial Office of Criminal Investigations to ensure a high level of security on the Imperial capital.
  
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Every dwelling, every city, every planet has its criminal element and Coruscant unfortunately, is no exception. The crime rate on Coruscant, when compared to other planets, is relatively low. However, according to local security enforcement agencies it should be significantly lower were it not for the high traffic in the system and on the planet itself.
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The majority of their work occurs within the Undercity, although recently they have been able to divert their attentions to illegal immigration and possible security breaches for the constant stream of arriving shuttles. Their work has lowered since the infamous Imperial Colonial Police operations on crime during Year 7 and 8, with the crime rate dropping significantly.
  
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Considering the fact that each day almost 300,000 ships, and on special occasions almost 750,000 ships, of all shapes and sizes frequent the system and most of them dock at one point or another on Coruscant, it is unsurprising that a good portion of the freight, as well as passengers, are somewhat shady.
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====Planetary Defenses====
  
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It is a well known fact that several smuggler rings and crime syndicates have gained a foothold in the lower habitable levels and some are actually run by them. One of the more notorious gangs, found in the southern hemisphere, is known as the “Invisible Dagger”.
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Coruscant has a three tier defense system. The first and "uppermost" tier is a series of Golan II Defense Platforms, circling the planet in a protective orbit of heavy shields and heavy weaponry. Manned by the Imperial Navy and the Coruscant Security Force, the near-impregnable stations are designed to provide adequate time for an Imperial Fleet to arrive whilst eliminating as many threats as possible.  
  
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They started out as a petty gang, beating up peasants and extorting money. Then they graduated to murder-for-hire, and now participate in all aspects of the criminal life.
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The second tier is a series of planetary shields, allowing the planetary command to deny access to incoming ships whilst providing a deflector shield to prevent planetary bombardments that could devastate the local population.
  
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Local law enforcement hunts them down and shows no mercy when a member is caught, but through fear and physical force the Invisible Dagger manages to replenish their ranks.
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The third tier  and last tier is an array of rooftop turbolasers, SAM launchers and surface-to-air cannons akin to the point-defense systems on some capital ships. Some are operated automatically, others by Human gunners and astromech droids.
  
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Other, smaller and more specialized gangs, usually find a special niche to operate and do not meddle with the big boys of crime. Some steal information, others extort money from merchants or blackmail rich individuals and others do their “business” on black markets and trade with goods usually forbidden on Coruscant.
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===Notable sights===
  
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====Skydome Botanical Gardens====
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The Skydome Botanical Gardens is a bio-complex in the Fobosi District of Coruscant and the former headquarters for the Order of the Canted Circle; an old social group for Coruscanti's until it's dissolvement during the rise of the Empire. Constructed during the Republic by a wealthy Galactic News Service philanthropist, the gardens displayed exotic and endangered flora within a rooftop terranium. The Carnivorous Plants section was of special note, and the Gardens themselves were often host to dignitary meetings.
  
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=Society and Culture=
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====Grand Reception Hall====
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The Grand Reception Hall, or Grand Hall, is an enormous building on Coruscant found in the Monnel District. It is the oldest continuously-operating government building on Coruscant; having been constructed several centuries prior to the collapse of the Republic.
  
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Coruscant is the homeworld of the Coruscanti people who are a humanoid race. There is a general consensus among scientists that evolution went much the same as on other planets that spawned humanoid life. Despite the physical and genetic parallels, there is scientific uncertainty as to whether the Coruscanti are actually human. Several theories exist to explain this trait, as well as the profound impact of humans on the Galaxy as a whole. The most accepted theory is that millions of years ago, there was a space-faring civilization that colonized planets across the Galaxy and left behind both the seeds of their own DNA, as well as animals and semi-sentients from their homeworld. Those gave rise to several species that are now classified as human or near-human in genetic make-up.
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More than a thousand meters long with 14 tiers of seats, the Grand Reception Hall could seat about 500,000 sentient beings. Open-aired with local landing pads for shuttles and transports, the Grand Reception Hall is an awe-inspiring site.
  
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As far as Coruscant is concerned, little is actually known to be scientific fact. Some of its history has been pieced together by analyzing oral folklore that has been supplemented with the few archaeological findings that were brought up from the lowest levels of Coruscant. Other facts and assumptions have been derived from linguistic analysis of the Coruscanti language.
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====Grandis Mon theater====
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The Grandis Mon was a theater on Coruscant. The Mishra tapcafe on New Cov was attached to a theater made in imitation of the Grandis Mon.
  
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In ancient times Coruscant was ruled by tribal chiefs that had dominion over small pockets of land and city-states. During this time Coruscanti were still doing some sort of farming and lived in mostly rural communities. It is safe to assume that Coruscant, like many planets, underwent a sharp transition into an industrialized era. It was certainly during this time when the foundations for the mega cities were laid. Back then, the cities did not cover the entire planet, and grew mostly in width and not so much in height.
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====Galactic Museum====
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The Galactic Museum us a museum and a vast repository of data that was established on Coruscant over twelve thousand years before the Galactic Civil War. The museum contains information and artifacts from almost every known planet in the Galaxy, as well as a hall devoted to information about the Sith following the emergence of the Order of the Dark Hand. Several wings contain some darker, obscure pieces of information that could be found in the Galactic Museum.
  
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Since the Coruscanti lacked several linguistic concepts concerning agriculture, it is a commonly accepted fact that they had either given up farming, or moved into high-rise gardens by that time and thereby conventional concepts of farming yielded to more industrialized ones.
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====University of Coruscant====
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The University of Coruscant, or Coruscant University, was an institute of higher learning famed for it's Musical studies courses and exceptional training in astro-navigation. With numerous colleges and campuses located across the planet, the University is capable of providing most degrees currently in existence within the Empire.
  
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After several centuries, the Coruscanti people had developed sub-light space travel and undertook several trips inside their star system. By that time they most certainly have started colonizing Jkhanp, which is a nearby planet. With the introduction of hyperspace travel things have changed dramatically, and Coruscant exploded in terms of population growth. Records from those times are sparse, but the ones that do exist show a significant impact on the society and their view of the galaxy.
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====ISB Central Office====
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| description = ISB Central Office, Byden ISB Complex}}
  
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Shortly after stepping beyond the rim of their system, the Coruscanti people adopted a unified government and started to colonize nearby systems and planets. For some unknown reason this lead, not to the usual power struggles as seen in other societies, but rather to a social fusion. Theories for this are varied, but it is certain that the Coruscanti people were never a war-like people. Instead they relied on trade, politics and technological advancement.
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The massive office complex that hosts the Imperial Security Bureau is named after [[Matrel Byden]] in honor of her exemplary service to the Empire in a variety of roles. The facility houses an untold number of offices and is rumored to extend deep below the crust in a labyrinth of secure detention areas.
  
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After centuries of colonization and trade, the numbers of Coruscanti people grew immensely and instead of spreading further out into the galaxy, they preferred to settle in the neighboring systems. Coruscant remained a hub and center for all activities, and was influenced by a centralized government, and soon became very densely populated. Little room was wasted, and it wasn’t long before the first layers of cities were added on top of the old ones when there was nowhere else to build.
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====Monument Plaza====
  
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The cultural impact of aggressive colonization on the Coruscanti society was marked by a transition from an industrial economy towards a more trade and service oriented one. During this period of cultural upheaval, many old customs became forgotten and were replaced by ones more fitting the new lifestyle. In every aspect of their culture, including arts, sports and entertainment felt this impact.
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Monument Plaza, also known as Monument Park, was constructed on a large plaza on Coruscant. Circling the summit of Umate, one of the highest peaks of the Manarai Mountains, it attracted thousands of tourists each day to touch the giant lump of rock in the center; it was said that Monument Plaza was the only place on Coruscant where people could touch bare rock.  
  
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The present day culture on Coruscant has become a mix of several influences, likely a bi-product of importing trade goods. The influx to Coruscanti from the colonies and the exchange with the Humans did their part to transform Coruscant's culture into what it is today.
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Huge statues and colorful banners decorated the grounds, while restaurants and shops were built into the plaza walls. Amongst the popular sites in or near the plaza were the Manarai restaurant, the Galactic Museum, and the old Senate Hall.
  
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Paradoxically, the modern Coruscanti people are very home-bound, and even after years in the outer rim they tend to return to Coruscant and even consider it home, though they were not even born there. This might be a contributing factor to the adoption of centralized structures in society, politics and culture. The Galactic Empire has certainly left its stamp on Coruscant, but so has Coruscanti concepts influenced the Galactic Empire, and many Imperial ideals are adopted from Coruscanti culture, particularly, their concept of government.
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==History==
  
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===Pre-Republic===
  
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==Arts and Entertainment==
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The history of Coruscant stretches past records and many of the beliefs regarding Coruscant come from legends and scientific discoveries found long before the development of Coruscant's planet-wide city. Many believe that Coruscant is the true homeworld of Humans, with galactic exploration causing the diversity and genetic differences between the many sub-species of Human found through the Galaxy. The very early history of Coruscant is a bit sketchy and is not well known.
  
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By modern standards Coruscanti arts are very unimaginative, leading some art critics to say that Coruscant is ''allergic to arts''. While this may represent the view of several critics, Coruscanti does have its followers who praise the resilient style that Coruscanti artists exhibit when working their magic.
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Around 200,000 BBY, the near-Human Taungs attempted to conquer the planet's inhabitants; the Zhell. For years, battles were faught between the two factions before a volcano erupted; resulting in an ash -filled sky for two years. The Zhell were all but destroyed, technology sustaining their lives until the ash had been removed and they had drove the Taung offworld.
  
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Modern paintings are mostly thematic topics that concern the artist. Among the more popular topics are images and sculptures of the long lost times on Coruscant. Just recently a holo-painting of a meadow, based on factual geological data of a survey of City 773-A, hit a record at an auction with 3.5 million credits. Holo-paintings in general are popular on Coruscant and many citizens carry smaller ones with them to find solace by looking at peaceful and idyllic scenes. The most recent fad is to place oneself in such holopaintings.
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One hundred millennia later, Coruscant was a planet-spanning ecumenopolis in a constant state of development. New buildings were being built on top of old buildings as the population of the planet grew without restraint. In the forgotten underlevels of the city, there was darkness, pollution and crime.  
  
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It is noteworthy that holo-transmissions and classical theater do not play any role in Coruscant's arts. There is a lot of speculation about this, and several endeavors to remedy that. Several companies have tried to install holo-projectors or open up megaplex theaters for entertainment, but soon they realized that is was as promising as farming on Tatooine.
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In the time of the Infinite Empire of the Rakata, Coruscant was one of many planets that were enslaved to develop the Star Force. Under Rakatan domination, Coruscant's development was limited as the growing Rakata Empire began sending their newest slaves to colonize many mid-Rim planets. The Rakata were eventually decimated by a massive plague, leading to slave revolutions on Coruscant and other subjugated worlds.
  
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The average Coruscanti likes to read and it would seem that it is the only planet in the galaxy where people prefer to read from books, rather than datapads. Coruscant has the only known publishing company, Crescent Books, Ltd., which prints books on polymer surrogate; real paper having dropped out of favor in the past years, despite several undertakings to revive that trend.
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Over the next two centuries, Coruscant was linked to other Core Worlds, including Corellia, Alderaan, New Plympto and Duro, by hyperspace cannons, via the Herglic Trade Empire. It was during this time that the Coruscant government peacefully absorbed the nearby Azure Imperium. During these pre-Republic years, the languages of Coruscant and its neighbors meshed to become Old Galactic Standard.
  
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The Coruscanti people are famed for their lust for games, especially when it comes to placing bets. Since betting is state organized, many Coruscantis place private bets with friends, family members or neighbours to supplement their need for gaming. Perhaps the most unusual bet that has been running for at least a decade, is about the end of the Galaxy. As macabre as this sounds, the Coruscanti opened a betting pool to those who would like to place a bet on the exact date of the end of all time. Bets range from ''tomorrow'' to several dates a few million years into the future. The question remains what the winner will do with the prize money, which by now exceeds several billion credits, much less how they will collect on them.
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====Early Republic====
  
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The invention of the hyperdrive in 25,053 BBY allowed the formation of a Galactic Republic and Coruscant to become its captial. In less than 50 years, Coruscant became known as the galactic centre and would hold this mantle throughout the reigns of the Republic and the Empire.
  
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=Economy=
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From the very beginning, Coruscant, as the Republic's capital, was the primary objective in several wars. The earliest among these was the Tionese War with the Honorable Union of Desevro and Tion in 24,000 BBY, in which Coruscant was bombarded with Tionese pressure bombs. Other early battles included the Alsakan Conflicts, the Duinuogwuin Contention, the Great Hyperspace War, the Third Great Schism, the Great Droid Revolution, and the Great Sith War.
  
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Coruscant's economic force is unrivaled in the Galaxy and is most certainly the most diverse. Even during the times before hyperspace, Coruscant boasted a vibrant economy.
 
  
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In ages past Coruscanti merchants traveled the planet and have established a trade-network that spanned the whole planet. This knowledge and their vigor in pursuing wealth has prevailed and was a key factor in the success of Coruscanti colonization efforts. The expertise in logistics and a keen understanding of global economy's changing factors allowed for a quick adaptation of known practices and their translation into a galactic context.
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====Clone Wars====
  
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During those times Coruscant had a whole range of different economic endeavors ranging from raw material extraction to refinement and production. But still, the Coruscanti people were always good traders and were able to keep this trait as their own, even after they mingled with other races and adopted new tactics and strategies.
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As Supreme Chancellor Drayson gained in power, and other major politicians and entities became more aggressive, political instability surged both throughout the galaxy and on Coruscant, threatening the capital itself and inflicting heavy violence on and near the planet.
  
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With the advent of hyperspace travel and galactic colonization, the focus of past ages shifted. Once Coruscant did produce its goods itself, and imported only raw materials, it now offers services in all areas and basically all corporations operating on a galaxy-wide scale have their headquarters set up on Coruscant. Both the primary and secondary sectors have been moved off planet and now Coruscant is basically a service oriented centre of commerce.
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In 33 BBY, terrorist organization The Flail, accusing the Galactic Senate of corruption, disrupted public services of Coruscant, including commerce, communications, traffic and weather, destroying property and lives while doing so.  
  
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The major sectors of Coruscanti wealth stems from banking, trade, and off-world manufacturing. In the recent years the rise of the Empire gave Coruscant's economy a considerable boost. The Empire employs many people in its service, who in turn like to spend their hard-earned money on entertainment and exotic goods.
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By 23 BBY, as the end of the Separatist Crisis approached, the Confederacy of Independent Systems had become a significant threat to the stability of the Republic. Many systems seceded from Republic control, resulting in a mass exodus of Aqualish and Sy Myrthians from Coruscant. Around this time, numerous senators experianced several assassination attempts on them as Seperatist leaders increased their terrorists acts in an effort to turn the tide of the war.
  
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While the Coruscanti were never a war-like people, they have learned that feeding the Imperial war-machine does have its merits, and now Coruscant possesses several large arms factories on the nearby planets as well as a shipyard in the sector.
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Such incidents prompted the Republic to implement numerous changes on Coruscant in the name of increased security. Huge stretches of the cityscape were transformed into military staging areas, and clone troopers of the Republic's Grand Army began to be seen patrolling most of the planet. The fanatical pro-Human COMPOR was founded, the local SAGroup led by Nenevanth Tion marching in a patriotism parade. COMPOR pressured senior officials into deporting from the capital all members of species whose homeworld had joined the Confederacy.
  
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Another trade good Coruscant is exporting very effectively is security. Many companies offer various services ranging from simple counter-espionage to employable mercenaries and find their pinnacle in effectively running whole sectors for governments that are unable or unwilling to do the job.
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Despite the numerous precautions taken, in 19 BBY the Confederacy of Independent Systems succeeded in making a surprise raid on Coruscant. Bypassing the heavily fortified Corellian Sector by use of secret hyperspace routes through the Deep Core provided by Supreme Chancellor Drayson, a Separatist fleet took the city planet completely unaware. While the Separatist ships engaged the Republic home defense fleet, an army of battle droids descended upon Galactic City. The Battle of Coruscant eventually turned in the Republic's favor and the Separatist's armada was forced into a full retreat. However, the battle had shaken much of the population, and large portions of the city had been decimated by falling ships or collateral damage caused in the vicious fighting.
  
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=Geography=
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At the conclusion of the Clone Wars, Coruscant was renamed Imperial Center following Supreme Chancellor Drayson's Declaration of a New Order as part of the reorganization of the Galactic Republic into the Galactic Empire.
  
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Although some geographical features of Coruscant still remain visible from orbit, most have been covered by city structures or have been removed to accommodate the ever growing demand for space. For example, tall mountains of volcanic origin that once stood close to the equator, now house important sites on Coruscant.
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===Galactic Empire===
  
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Before the invention of Hyperspace, Coruscant was a lush planet with a wide range of climates ranging from arctic in the polar regions to tropical near the equator.
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While the planet's name was officially changed during Drayson's rule, most working-class denizens of the Empire continue to call the planet-city by its old name. As part of the Humanocentric policies of the Empire, non-Human species are also compelled to live in segregated areas (also known as "ethnic neighborhoods") of Imperial City, the largest and best-known of which is known as Invisec. Those that do enter other parts, whether by intention or mistake, are often punished brutally.
  
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However, today none of those features remain and few records exist to confirm that Coruscant was once a planet like so many others.
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During the reign of the Empire, a proclamation by Drayson made Imperial Center the only planet in the galaxy where political science students could do postgraduate work. The reason was twofold: foremost was the hope that the future politicians and technocrats of the galaxy would be more likely to accept the values and rule of the New Order; second was that the brightest students could be detained, either voluntarily or by force, on Imperial Center to assist in the running of the Empire.
  
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Today the entire planet's crust has been stripped of all soil and leveled to make room for the cities. The only natural features still visible are the polar caps, and structures have been erected even on these to tap into the large reservoir of fresh water captured in the ice-shield.
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The Emperor also began to shape Coruscant with his own designs, and this included the installment of almost one million surveillance systems throughout the ecumenopolis. Massive shield generators were placed all over Coruscant and lend the planet a foreboding, almost gothic look. The Palace of the Republic  was rebuilt and renamed the Imperial Palace.  
  
 
[[Category:Planets]]
 
[[Category:Planets]]

Latest revision as of 19:36, 8 May 2023

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Coruscant
Astrographical
Region Galactic Core
Sector Coruscant
System Coruscant
Galactic coordinates (-15, 88)
System coordinates (5, 8)
Suns Coruscant Prime
Moons 0
Physical
Primary Terrain Urban Cityscape, mountains
Planet Type temperate/breathable
Planet Size 15 x 15
Points of Interest Imperial Palace
Societal
Native Species Coruscanti
Official Language Galactic Basic
Approximate Population 111,980,607,037 inhabitants (Y17D269)
Major Cities
Affiliation Galactic Empire
Grand Moff Grand Moff Corine



The planet of Coruscant is geographically located approximately 10,000 light-years away from the galactic core and has the popular misconception of being the closest planet to the Galactic Core. For millennias, it's proximity to the galactic core has resulted in the planet playing host as the Galactic Capital since the formation of the Republic. Coruscant's most famous feature however is the fact it is a ecumenopolis; the entire planet now amassed into one city. It currently serves as the capital planet of the Galactic Empire.

Planetary features

Composition and structure

Internal structure

Like many terrestrial planets, Coruscant features five chemical and physical layers that results in it's designation as a Temperate/Breathable planet. The most dense layer, the Inner Core, has a diameter of ~3,400 km and is composed of molten Meleenium, Duracrete and Lommite.

The next layer, the Outer Core, of Coruscant is approximately 3,140 km below the surface of Coruscant and the transition between Inner and Outer Core occurs 5,428 km below the planet's surface. With temperatures ranging from 3904 degrees to 6702 degrees within the molten metal, it is the Outer Core that once produced the planet's internal heat. This has since changed following the development of the planet into a ecumenopolis. The Outer Core also produces the magnetic and gravitational sphere of influence (estimated to total 1.4 Gm or 1,400,000 kilometers in radius) via Eddy currents in the Meleenium fluid that the Outer Core is primarily composed of. The Outer Core is not under enough pressure to be solid, so it is liquid even though it has a composition similar to that of the Inner Core.

Coruscant's next layer, known as the Mantle, is composed of three layers of differing density and approximately 2,890 km below the surface of Coruscant, it once caused the movement of tectonic plates on the planet. This has since stopped following the planet's natural cooling and the thinning of the Mantle layers although it was formerly under enough pressure to allow the Crust of the planet to 'float' on its solid state. It is the first solid layer of the planet's composition and acted as the transitional point between the molten metals that form the planet's Core and the space-exposed crust. Despite it's geographical proximity to the Core, it's temperatures range from 550 degrees to 985 degrees; close to the melting point of many Galactic metals but hot enough to provide an ease of movement..

The final layer of Coruscant's internal structure is the Crust, a composition of variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks in addition to various metals that once formed deposits on the planet's surface. The upper part of the mantle is composed mostly of peridotite, a rock denser than rocks common in the overlying crust. The Crust and underlying relatively rigid Mantle make up Coruscant's lithosphere. Because of convection in the underlying Mantle and asthenosphere, the lithosphere was broken into tectonic plates that once moved. However due to its use as the Galactic Capital and millenia of development; these tectonic plates have been fused together through engineering efforts and the planet's natural degrading through age.

Surface

Prior to the mass urbanization of the planet, Coruscant was an ocean-rich world with similar terrain to those of Kuat and Corellia. However, following the massive construction works that resulted in Coruscant becoming a single city, all natural bodies of water were purposely drained and stored in vast underground caverns. This includes Coruscant's two icecaps, which both have been artificially designed to supply the Northern and Southern hemispheres with water. At this time, the only bodies of water that are visible are around the 'Western Sea'; an artificially-created set of lakes designed for tourists on holidays in addition to assist in the regulation of the atmosphere.

Due to the lack of natural bodies of water to feed, water and provide a stable atmosphere to the inhabitants, architects for centuries have designed a self-contained eco-system with the vast skyscrapers that fill Coruscant's surface. Included in these designed are Polar Cap stations; massive buildings devoted to the production of water that then provide nearby districts via a complex series of pipes.

These series of pipes run throughout the entire surface of Coruscant; connecting the kilometer-high skyscrapers together. With 59 billion inhabitants, not including transients, temporary workers, unregistered populace nor residents of orbital facilities, the skyscrapers of Coruscant have dwarfed all the remaining natural features of the planet. Layers upon layers of structures, decks, residential and commercial quarters, as well as factories and mining facilities (which now lay dormant in the lowest reaches of the planet) form a second planetary layer. It is unknown how old the lowest levels really are and who dwells in them, as they escape the notice of the upper levels.

Artificial lighting illuminated most levels of Coruscant, with advertisement holograms, propaganda and the various industrial and residential engineering pipes able to be seen everywhere. There were numerous establishments for entertainment, catering to the myriad of alien species that would flock to the planet.

Many layers, especially the ones that lie deep in the shadows of the skyscrapers are inhabited by dubious people. In some areas a wondrous fauna has either evolved, or developed from imported animals. The lowest reaches of Coruscant are a dark and forbidden place. Neither sun nor artificial light can reach that far and they are, therefore, considered off-limits. Even the dauntless do not go there without a good reason.

To accommodate for the still growing demand for space, engineers try to develop plans to re-colonize those nether regions of Coruscant. One of the obstacles facing them is large amount of carbon dioxide, the by-product of living organisms and industry. Being heavier than most gases, it sinks to the surface and makes life virtually impossible. As a stop-gap solution, Coruscant’s ecological engineers installed atmospheric dampeners, and equipped them with repulsors and various sensors. These dampeners constantly monitor their respective sections of the atmosphere and remove the excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the lower regions. Due to the fact that the layers of carbon dioxide are as thick as several thousand meters, this process takes a long time and will likely take as long to remove as it had time to build up; several hundred years.

Native species

Despite the entire surface of Coruscant being inhabited and developed, there are several species of insectoids, arachnids, roaches, rodents, and duracrete worms that now live with the vast buildings of the planet: acting more as parasites than wildlife. Formerly, a small number of species of birds nested within the skyscrapers of Coruscant but have since become protection; the pollution of Coruscant too great for the animal to exist within.

There have been several documented alien and humanoid species that lived on the planet, with several still found in the planet's lower levels. Prior to the formation of the Galactic Republic, a race known as the Taung existed on the planet. An aggressive near-human race with characteristic grey skin and facial structures similar to that of the Niktos, the Taung inhabited the planet prior to the invasions of another race, the Zhell. The Taung, under the command of Mandalore the First, successfully repelled the Zhell invasions following a series of volcanic eruptions across the planet. With the planet near inhospitable, the Taung ventured out of the Coruscant system and would colonies a new planet named after their successful warlord; Mandalore. The Taung race, however, is believed to have become extinct around the same time as the Sith species.

The Zhell are the most recently documented race to have existed on the planet, and still do, after the Taung. Following their first unsuccessful attempts of colonizing the planet; the Zhell began living on the planet two years after the volcanic eruptions and the migration of the Taung. Those that believe the theory of Coruscant being the homeworld of Humans commonly believe that humans are ancestors of the Zhell. This is unconfirmed by scientific reports as this time.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of Coruscant is a layer of gases now-produced by carbon dioxide-reactive artificial atmospheric dampeners that converted carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen. These atmospheric dampeners were installed by the Coruscant Atmospheric Reclamation Project, after scientific reports revealed the atmosphere was degrading through the massive pollution found on the planet.


Coruscant Atmospheric Statistics
Nitrogen: 69%
Oxygen: 18%
Carbon Dioxide: 9.5%
Kyvalon-4: 0.93%
Rethen: 0.038%
Assorted gases: 3.4%


The atmosphere protects life on Coruscant by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming solar stations placed on the many skyscrapers of Coruscant, and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. Dry air contains roughly (by volume) 69% nitrogen, 18% oxygen, 9.5% Carbon Dioxide 0.93% Kyvalon-4, 0.038% Rethen, and small amounts of other gases.

The atmosphere has a mass of about four quintillion (4x1018) kg, three quarters of which is within about 11 km (6.8 mi; 36,000 ft) of the surface. With the atmosphere becoming thinner and thinner with increasing altitude, scientists within Coruscant have successfully pushed the atmosphere to a higher level via the artificial dampeners to accomodate for the many kilometer-high skyscrapers.

Culture

Galactic Capital

Following the formation of the Republic, the invention of the hyperdrive by the Corellians and Duros allowed Coruscant to officially become the capital of the democratic union that was the Galactic Republic. In just 53 years later, the known galaxy at the time officially recognized Coruscant as the 'Galactic Center; with the planet being the closed planet in proximity to the galactic core. It would remain as the Galactic Capital for twenty five thousand years; where it saw the planet develop into the ecumenopolis that it is today.

Since the formation of the Republic and the developed status of Coruscant in political affairs; the planet has always been a primary objective in inter-galactic wars. Despite this, the planet of Coruscant has always remained in the control of the "Galactic Government" despite numerous assaults and bombardments that the planet has suffered for centuries.

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, formerly known as the Palace of the Republic, is the residence of the Emperor of the Galactic Empire. Having been rebuilt following the formation of the Galactic Empire, the Palace had been radically changed from it's previous state that placed it on the top 10 wonders of the Galaxy. It's design was often said to resemble a merge of a cathedral and a pyramid, however it has since been redesigned to incorporate Sith architecture similar to that of the Sith Temple. With polished gray-green rock and mirrored crystals making the exterior of the Palace, Imperial architects have ensured that the Palace is always eliminated as a symbol of the Galactic Empire.

Following the transformation of the Republic to the Galactic Empire, Emperor Drayson ordered the Imperial Palace to be the tallest building within Coruscant. This was achieved and the vast Palace extends three kilometers into the sky. In addition to the vast towers of the Palace that hold a variety of departmental offices, such as the Imperial Information Center, and resident halls; the Palace features a 'Grand Corridor' with the rumored belief that a Victory-Class Star Destroyer could comfortably fit within the vast space filled with sound-activated colour changing Ch'hala trees.

Overall, there are twenty thousand rooms connected over fifty structures that make up the Imperial Palace. With the Palace being the central hub of all political and military endeavors of the Galactic Empire, several unique rooms are found throughout. A six hundred person capacity Senate room, similar to that of the Republic's, is used by the Imperial Throne and the Imperial Government whilst formalizing Imperial plans. Also featured within the Palace is the Imperial Throne room; a sunken auditorium, similar to a large crater, dug into bedrock. On the audience decks, there were flat stone benches arranged in long arcs, where visitors could come to hear any pronouncements from the Emperor himself. What was unique about this chamber was that the audience could hear everything the Emperor said; the Emperor was also able to hear anything said to him from the audience decks.

The Emperor's Royal Guard, an elite battalion of specially trained troops under the direct command of the Emperor, is directly responsible for his safety and can, if needed, deploy the Palace's troops and vehicles to defend the structure at the touch of a button. In cases of emergency, the Imperial Royal Guard can draft reserve forces at their own discretion from the Palace Security, the regular military as well as those in the civilian reserve.

The Palace also harbors a special detail of Imperial Intelligence. These women and men are highly trained and scrutinize every person entering. Such precautions are necessary in order to keep the vast number of visitors under surveillance and provide adequate protection for the working staff.

Senate District

The Senate District, once the most important district within the Galaxy, is located on Coruscant's equator and served as the seat of the Galactic Senate at the end of the Republic. The architects of the Republic designed the Senate Building, a massive shield-shaped dome building with a diameter of two kilometers and several hundred meters high, to be able to withstand an aerial bombardment up to the point of full planetary destruction. The Building fills the entire District, the remaining space surrounding the Senate building taken up by security buildings and personal residences for the senators that once lived on the planet as representatives of their systems.

Until the dissolving of the Senate, renamed the Imperial Senate following the formation of the Galactic Empire, the building remained in use. It is now, however, left as a symbol of what once was the Republic.

Galactic influence

Military

Due to the status as the Galactic Capital, it was often thought that the capture of Coruscant would result in a military surrender - due to the devastation that'd be caused by removing a large chunk of the Galaxy's Government. However, Coruscant under the Republic was never a feared military thread, rather it was the fear of the political government that allowed Coruscant to wield a large amount of persauvive force in disputes.

This would change, however, following the beginning of the Clone Wars. Large amounts of space on Coruscant would be transformed into Military Staging Areas and troops of the Republic's Grand Army became more visible as they patrolled the planet. Military defense stations were installed around Coruscant and defensive turbolaser platforms were placed throughout the city's landscape.

Following the formation of the Galactic Empire, Coruscant would remain a mainly-defensive planet but fear of assault on the Imperial planet has prevented the majority of enemy governments from planning an attack. With a permeant Imperial Fleet and Legion guarding the planet, in addition to the many Golan II stations constructed during Grand Moff Goth's reign over the planet.

Despite Coruscant's fame as the Galactic Capital, it is not the Planetary Headquarters of any Imperial Armed Forces.

Imperial Army

Whilst primarily not the headquarters for the Imperial Army, a large presence of Army High Command is often found on the planet to attend the numerous meetings, conferences, social events and additionally situations that require the presence of the Army Leadership. There is also commonly one member of Army High Command attending Imperial High Command meetings on the Army behalf, acting as the Army's voice within the Imperial Palace.

Since the Clone Wars, a highly visible presence of Army personnel has been seen on the highly populated planet. Army troopers are a common site as they patrol along the 'streets' of Coruscant, whilst the highly recognizable members of the StormCorp are common place amongst the tourist popular areas of Coruscant; giving the Galaxy the misconception of the Imperial Army comprising of purely Stormtroopers.

Many districts on Coruscant hold Imperial Army garrisons, allowing the planet to defend any land assault that may occur. With anti-personnel and anti-vehicle weaponry installed in many of the Coruscanti Skycrapers in addition to the numerous defense platforms, Coruscant can become a deadly battlefield.

Imperial Navy

With an Imperial Fleet stationed at Coruscant, there isn't a moment when arriving vistors at Coruscant are escorted in by TIE Fighters or catch a glimpse of an Imperial Star Destroyer. With the requirement for all-round protection a high requirement for the Galactic Empire, a permanently assigned Fleet has always provided the inter-space protection whilst operating the numerous orbital defenses alongside the Coruscant Security Force and the Sub-Adult Group.

The planet is also home to the Imperial Port Authority.

Sub-Adult Group

With the large population of Coruscant, the strong presence of the Empire and the home of COMPNOR, the Sub-Adult Group of the Empire plays a large part within Coruscant. The majority of Coruscant's youth population join the Sub-Adult Group and are quickly brought into the Imperial world. Many receive first-hand experience with the Empire's operations, often being granted access to the Imperial Military and various administrative branches as they begin training for admittion into the Academy.

Older members of the Sub-Adult Group assist in the running of Coruscant's planetary defenses, working alongside the Imperial Military whilst benefiting from the piratical experiences that they are given. Although no Sub-Adult Group member has had to defend Coruscant from a hostile force, many are willing to raise arms if the Empire asks them to.

Coruscant Security Force

With such a large and diverse population, often riddled with visitors for non-Imperial planets, crime has had a constant presence on the planet. The Coruscant Security Force is tasked with providing local law enforcement and security on the planet, working alongside the Imperial Security Bureau and the Imperial Office of Criminal Investigations to ensure a high level of security on the Imperial capital.

The majority of their work occurs within the Undercity, although recently they have been able to divert their attentions to illegal immigration and possible security breaches for the constant stream of arriving shuttles. Their work has lowered since the infamous Imperial Colonial Police operations on crime during Year 7 and 8, with the crime rate dropping significantly.

Planetary Defenses

Coruscant has a three tier defense system. The first and "uppermost" tier is a series of Golan II Defense Platforms, circling the planet in a protective orbit of heavy shields and heavy weaponry. Manned by the Imperial Navy and the Coruscant Security Force, the near-impregnable stations are designed to provide adequate time for an Imperial Fleet to arrive whilst eliminating as many threats as possible.

The second tier is a series of planetary shields, allowing the planetary command to deny access to incoming ships whilst providing a deflector shield to prevent planetary bombardments that could devastate the local population.

The third tier and last tier is an array of rooftop turbolasers, SAM launchers and surface-to-air cannons akin to the point-defense systems on some capital ships. Some are operated automatically, others by Human gunners and astromech droids.

Notable sights

Skydome Botanical Gardens

The Skydome Botanical Gardens is a bio-complex in the Fobosi District of Coruscant and the former headquarters for the Order of the Canted Circle; an old social group for Coruscanti's until it's dissolvement during the rise of the Empire. Constructed during the Republic by a wealthy Galactic News Service philanthropist, the gardens displayed exotic and endangered flora within a rooftop terranium. The Carnivorous Plants section was of special note, and the Gardens themselves were often host to dignitary meetings.

Grand Reception Hall

The Grand Reception Hall, or Grand Hall, is an enormous building on Coruscant found in the Monnel District. It is the oldest continuously-operating government building on Coruscant; having been constructed several centuries prior to the collapse of the Republic.

More than a thousand meters long with 14 tiers of seats, the Grand Reception Hall could seat about 500,000 sentient beings. Open-aired with local landing pads for shuttles and transports, the Grand Reception Hall is an awe-inspiring site.

Grandis Mon theater

The Grandis Mon was a theater on Coruscant. The Mishra tapcafe on New Cov was attached to a theater made in imitation of the Grandis Mon.

Galactic Museum

The Galactic Museum us a museum and a vast repository of data that was established on Coruscant over twelve thousand years before the Galactic Civil War. The museum contains information and artifacts from almost every known planet in the Galaxy, as well as a hall devoted to information about the Sith following the emergence of the Order of the Dark Hand. Several wings contain some darker, obscure pieces of information that could be found in the Galactic Museum.

University of Coruscant

The University of Coruscant, or Coruscant University, was an institute of higher learning famed for it's Musical studies courses and exceptional training in astro-navigation. With numerous colleges and campuses located across the planet, the University is capable of providing most degrees currently in existence within the Empire.

ISB Central Office

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ISB Central Office, Byden ISB Complex


The massive office complex that hosts the Imperial Security Bureau is named after Matrel Byden in honor of her exemplary service to the Empire in a variety of roles. The facility houses an untold number of offices and is rumored to extend deep below the crust in a labyrinth of secure detention areas.

Monument Plaza

Monument Plaza, also known as Monument Park, was constructed on a large plaza on Coruscant. Circling the summit of Umate, one of the highest peaks of the Manarai Mountains, it attracted thousands of tourists each day to touch the giant lump of rock in the center; it was said that Monument Plaza was the only place on Coruscant where people could touch bare rock.

Huge statues and colorful banners decorated the grounds, while restaurants and shops were built into the plaza walls. Amongst the popular sites in or near the plaza were the Manarai restaurant, the Galactic Museum, and the old Senate Hall.

History

Pre-Republic

The history of Coruscant stretches past records and many of the beliefs regarding Coruscant come from legends and scientific discoveries found long before the development of Coruscant's planet-wide city. Many believe that Coruscant is the true homeworld of Humans, with galactic exploration causing the diversity and genetic differences between the many sub-species of Human found through the Galaxy. The very early history of Coruscant is a bit sketchy and is not well known.

Around 200,000 BBY, the near-Human Taungs attempted to conquer the planet's inhabitants; the Zhell. For years, battles were faught between the two factions before a volcano erupted; resulting in an ash -filled sky for two years. The Zhell were all but destroyed, technology sustaining their lives until the ash had been removed and they had drove the Taung offworld.

One hundred millennia later, Coruscant was a planet-spanning ecumenopolis in a constant state of development. New buildings were being built on top of old buildings as the population of the planet grew without restraint. In the forgotten underlevels of the city, there was darkness, pollution and crime.

In the time of the Infinite Empire of the Rakata, Coruscant was one of many planets that were enslaved to develop the Star Force. Under Rakatan domination, Coruscant's development was limited as the growing Rakata Empire began sending their newest slaves to colonize many mid-Rim planets. The Rakata were eventually decimated by a massive plague, leading to slave revolutions on Coruscant and other subjugated worlds.

Over the next two centuries, Coruscant was linked to other Core Worlds, including Corellia, Alderaan, New Plympto and Duro, by hyperspace cannons, via the Herglic Trade Empire. It was during this time that the Coruscant government peacefully absorbed the nearby Azure Imperium. During these pre-Republic years, the languages of Coruscant and its neighbors meshed to become Old Galactic Standard.

Early Republic

The invention of the hyperdrive in 25,053 BBY allowed the formation of a Galactic Republic and Coruscant to become its captial. In less than 50 years, Coruscant became known as the galactic centre and would hold this mantle throughout the reigns of the Republic and the Empire.

From the very beginning, Coruscant, as the Republic's capital, was the primary objective in several wars. The earliest among these was the Tionese War with the Honorable Union of Desevro and Tion in 24,000 BBY, in which Coruscant was bombarded with Tionese pressure bombs. Other early battles included the Alsakan Conflicts, the Duinuogwuin Contention, the Great Hyperspace War, the Third Great Schism, the Great Droid Revolution, and the Great Sith War.


Clone Wars

As Supreme Chancellor Drayson gained in power, and other major politicians and entities became more aggressive, political instability surged both throughout the galaxy and on Coruscant, threatening the capital itself and inflicting heavy violence on and near the planet.

In 33 BBY, terrorist organization The Flail, accusing the Galactic Senate of corruption, disrupted public services of Coruscant, including commerce, communications, traffic and weather, destroying property and lives while doing so.

By 23 BBY, as the end of the Separatist Crisis approached, the Confederacy of Independent Systems had become a significant threat to the stability of the Republic. Many systems seceded from Republic control, resulting in a mass exodus of Aqualish and Sy Myrthians from Coruscant. Around this time, numerous senators experianced several assassination attempts on them as Seperatist leaders increased their terrorists acts in an effort to turn the tide of the war.

Such incidents prompted the Republic to implement numerous changes on Coruscant in the name of increased security. Huge stretches of the cityscape were transformed into military staging areas, and clone troopers of the Republic's Grand Army began to be seen patrolling most of the planet. The fanatical pro-Human COMPOR was founded, the local SAGroup led by Nenevanth Tion marching in a patriotism parade. COMPOR pressured senior officials into deporting from the capital all members of species whose homeworld had joined the Confederacy.

Despite the numerous precautions taken, in 19 BBY the Confederacy of Independent Systems succeeded in making a surprise raid on Coruscant. Bypassing the heavily fortified Corellian Sector by use of secret hyperspace routes through the Deep Core provided by Supreme Chancellor Drayson, a Separatist fleet took the city planet completely unaware. While the Separatist ships engaged the Republic home defense fleet, an army of battle droids descended upon Galactic City. The Battle of Coruscant eventually turned in the Republic's favor and the Separatist's armada was forced into a full retreat. However, the battle had shaken much of the population, and large portions of the city had been decimated by falling ships or collateral damage caused in the vicious fighting.

At the conclusion of the Clone Wars, Coruscant was renamed Imperial Center following Supreme Chancellor Drayson's Declaration of a New Order as part of the reorganization of the Galactic Republic into the Galactic Empire.

Galactic Empire

While the planet's name was officially changed during Drayson's rule, most working-class denizens of the Empire continue to call the planet-city by its old name. As part of the Humanocentric policies of the Empire, non-Human species are also compelled to live in segregated areas (also known as "ethnic neighborhoods") of Imperial City, the largest and best-known of which is known as Invisec. Those that do enter other parts, whether by intention or mistake, are often punished brutally.

During the reign of the Empire, a proclamation by Drayson made Imperial Center the only planet in the galaxy where political science students could do postgraduate work. The reason was twofold: foremost was the hope that the future politicians and technocrats of the galaxy would be more likely to accept the values and rule of the New Order; second was that the brightest students could be detained, either voluntarily or by force, on Imperial Center to assist in the running of the Empire.

The Emperor also began to shape Coruscant with his own designs, and this included the installment of almost one million surveillance systems throughout the ecumenopolis. Massive shield generators were placed all over Coruscant and lend the planet a foreboding, almost gothic look. The Palace of the Republic was rebuilt and renamed the Imperial Palace.

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