Invasion of Akavir

The invasion of Akavir was the unsuccessful attempt by Emperor Uriel Septim V to conquer the continent of Akavir. The invasion itself lasted between 3E 288 and 290, although preparation for the campaign began when the emperor ascended to the Ruby Throne in 3E 268.

Timeline
An attempt to summarise the events of the invasion as described in Report: Diaster at Ionith.

23rd Rain's Hand, 3E 288:


 * The Expeditionary Force, aboard the Far East Fleet, embarks from Black Harbour on Estroniet.

c. Early Mid Year, 3E 288:


 * The Expeditionary Force lands at Tsaesci port which is renamed Septimia, after six weeks at sea.
 * The Emperor and two legions (presumably the Tenth and Fourteenth) march inland and occupy another Tsaesci city which is renamed Ionith.

Mid-Hearth Fire, 3E 288:


 * Colonists and supplies begin to arrive in Septimia. They begin to work the fields.
 * Around this time Tsaesci emissaries arrive in Ionith.

Early Winter, 3E 288:


 * Early winter storms destroy a large portion of the Far East Fleet (including the emperor's flagship) as it sails for Tamriel.

Winter 3E 289-289:


 * Tight rations are imposed due to supply shortages, overpopulation of civilians and Tsaesci raids.
 * Several fortresses between Septimia and Ionith are captured by the Tsaesci during blizzards, whilst the rest are abandoned. Communication between the two cities is restricted to magic.

5th Sun's Dawn, 3E 289:


 * A Tsaesci diplomatic entourage enters Ionith, but in the night murder guards and allow a larger force inside the city. The attackers are all slain.

Early Spring, 3E 289:


 * Lack of spring rain causes crop failure and the river to dry up.

Early Second Seed, 3E 289:


 * A supply fleet finally embarks from Black Harbour, being delayed due to bad weather.

c. Early Sun's Height, 3E 289:


 * A reduced supply fleet arrives at Septimia,
 * The Elder Council advises the Emperor to abandon the invasion and return to Tamriel. The Emperor refuses and dispatches most of his battlemages to return with the supply fleet.

Mid-Sun's Height, 3E 289:


 * The Emperor marches out of Ionith to confront the Tsaesci beyond the mountains to the north. Despite taking the Tsaesci by surprise, he is forced to retreat to Ionith and sustains heavy losses in doing so. He is besieged at Ionith, and is cut off from Septimia which is also besieged.

Frost Fall, 3E 289:


 * The last contact between the Emperor and the Elder Council.

Evening Star, 3E 289:


 * The Elder Council orders the fleet to sail from Black Harbour despite continued storms

c. Sun's Dawn, 3E 290:


 * The Emperor and the Tenth and Fourteenth Legion break out of Ionith. The Emperor and the Tenth Legion cover the retreat of the Fourteenth Legion, resulting in their annihilation. The Emperor himself is said to have been slain by Tsaesci arrows.
 * The fleet arrives at Septimia and rescue the surviving defenders of the city.