City of Caldeum: Caldeum is thought to be one of the initial environments where Diablo III's levels will be set in. It is an old merchant city which has thrived despite surrounded by desert. Its wealth rivalled that of other well known cities in the Diablo world such as Viz-jun and Kurast. Along with the merchants, within Caldeum also resides a class of mages. But as powerful as they were, the heart of the city still thrived on the riches brought in from trade. Caldeum was unique compared to other kingdoms in that historically it was not under the direct control of the emperor. Their gold bought them their autonomy. However, when the Prime Evils began their invasion of the mortal realm, even Caldem cannot escape their influence. When Kurast fell, many of the wealthy nobles fled to Caldeum. They came into conflict with the Cladeum merchants when they began insisting on taking a share of their prosperous trade routes. It was the emperor of Kehjistan who emerged to settle the dispute. Under his influence, Caldeum entered a new age prosperity. But when the emperor fell ill and died, the old problems re-emerged and the new leadership was completely ineffectual. As the city grew weaker, it became more susceptible to the workings of dark forces. Many of its residents fear that Caldeum may suffer the same fate as Kurast. Caldeum concept art        |
       
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