Parpolis

Parpolis City was an ancient city in the Archaic Greek time period. It was a city state, being run by a leader of the city. It had a population of around 40,000 in its walls with another ~5,000 outside. It was located somewhere within the Greek shoreline but was not on an island. The city was eventually destroyed by invaders; with most of its city population perishing in the invasion. People from the city were known as Parpolians.

History
Historically, the city was founded by exiled Macedonians or Greeks who sought peace. By its end period, the city had survived since the ending of the Greek Dark Ages - so the city was about 250 years old. Historically, the city was run by a Council of Eight representing eight different factors of the city life. Healers/nurses/doctors of the city were named 'Priest(esses)'. During its end period, many of its inhabitants were slaughtered or committed suicide; with about 70% of the population committing suicide via drowning. The ancient Goddess, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atargatis#:~:text=Atargatis%20%2F%C9%99%CB%88t%C9%91%CB%90r,or%20in%20one%20word%20Deasura. Atargatis], saw the mass suicide event and used the last of her powers to resurrect the citizens into the modern merfolk. Almost all of these merfolk initially fought back against the invaders and killed as many as they could. Most merfolk liking their new powers, stayed in the sea and eventually occupied the Aegean Sea; whilst others (particularly those who unwillingly drowned) went back to the surface as a human to find their loved ones. Those who stayed in the sea created 'bubble cities' that took many aspects from Parpolis; the Priest(ess) role as well as the Council of Eight. In modern times, Parpolis no longer exists; though its merfolk descendants still roam the seas.

Behind the scenes

 * Parpolis is not a real city or a real story, though its merfolk creation is similar to the Greek mythology version; that of the mermaids being the souls and bodies of those who died by drowning.