The Thera in Rise of Thera is a broken, fallen society closely mirroring that of a third-world country, but it wasn't always that way. In this post, we're going to take a deeper look at Thera before the fall.
The image on the right is probably pretty similar to the cities described in Rise of Thera. The images on the left and top look like cities from a sci-fi movie. The images on the left and top are what Thera looked like before 3009 AD. Thera became a highly advanced, technological society thousands of years ago (from 2022 AD). They had space travel before Egypt was a kingdom.
Theran architecture is typically very angular marble and metal. Their influence can be seen in ancient Egyptian architecture.
It may look brown now, but the Egyptians built with marble and limestone. The pyramids used to be white with gold caps on the top. This is similar to Theran architecture.
You all know what ancient Egyptian fashion was for the most part, but if you don't or want a better example, here is an article I used.
Theran fashion during the time of the gods (the ancients) was very similar to that of ancient Egyptians. In the post-ancient era (after they all died), Theran fashion became more colorful. Instead of white, bright colors were used. Makeup became more bold than before. It was always fantasy-esque, but the post-ancient makeup was more extreme. Wigs continued to be common for formal setting, but color was added to Theran's natural hair. This was not done in the Ancient period.
Thera is the epicenter for technology in the universe. Otreau had a portal, but Thera is the leader in advanced technology. They are the first to make a discovery and the first to develop advanced technology. Their destruction forced the other planets to take the lead.
This Egyptian papyrus of the gods shows what Morphians look like. in the Ancient era, Morphians didn't fully morph all that often. This is why the Egyptians drew the gods with animal heads. Full body morphs were reserved for battle and intimidation. In Theran society before the fall, someone morphing was an indication of anger, surprise, or excitement. Conversations among Morphians commonly had awkward pauses due to random morphing.