Aren Rebellion

The Aren Rebellion occurred around 1152/1153 BS when Kellanved was still Emperor of the Malazan Empire.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.94/95 calculation is based on the timeframe given for the surrender of Karakarang and the known beginning of the Genabackan Campaign The revolt in the Holy City of Aren was put down by the Logros T'lan Imass and led to a mass slaughter of its citizens. The victims of the slaughter were buried in great barrow mounds running parallel to the eastern side of the Aren Way.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 20, US HC p.531
The Tanno guard captain Turqa said "the slaughter at Aren revealed the Empire's madness", and it led to Kimloc's peaceful capitulation of Karakarang. The Spiritwalker did not want to subject his people to the same loss of life. The harsh response to the revolt was generally considered a mistake and an embarrassment by the soldiers of the Malazan Military.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 2, US HC p.66
==In Deadhouse Gates==
Apsalar still retained Cotillion's memories after being possessed by the god in the guise of Sorry. She recalled from his thoughts that the violent response at Aren appeared to have been instigated by Surly during the period in which she served as Imperial Regent while Dancer and Kellanved were away exploring the Azath Houses--although no written orders were ever found. After the slaughter was over Dancer was sent to Aren to investigate, resulting in an argument between the two.Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 5, US HC p.129 
==In Memories of Ice==
Dujek revealed to Whiskeyjack that the T'lan Imass slaughter at Aren by the Logros T'lan Imass had not been what it seemed. It was not Surly who ordered the massacre, but Emperor Kellanved who was not quite as dead as it was believed. Dujek claimed the insane former Emperor had returned to the First Throne and ordered the slaughter to "wreak vengeance on Laseen, to shake her grip on the Empire."Memories of Ice, Chapter 21, US SFBC p.771-772
==In The Bonehunters==
Barathol Mekhar was reviled as the villain of the Aren uprising. The Red Blade officer had murdered the Fist of Aren and been sentenced to be crucified on Aren Way. Before his punishment could be carried out the city rose in rebellion in his name, slaughtering the Malzan Garrison and driving the Red Blades out of the city. When the Empire's T'lan Imass arrived to put down the populace, Barathol was spotted opening the north gate to them. Thousands of citizens were killed in the slaughter that followed and Barathol's name carried ten thousand curses. Many sought to slay him in revenge following him all the way to Karashimesh before he killed the last and was able to disappear. But popular perception of his action at the gate was mistaken. As Barathol argued, what need did the T'lan Imass have of an open gate?The Bonehunters, Chapter 12, US SFBC p.502The Bonehunters, Chapter 14, US SFBC p.565-566
==In Reaper's Gale==
Gesler had been present for the rebellion and recalled how the Logros T'lan Imass had risen from the dust of the streets to cut down the city's citizens with their stone weapons. Gesler and the other soldiers could only stand and watch. If not for a former Red Blade who had opened the city's gates to open a path to escape, none would have survived except for the Malazan occupiers.Reaper's Gale, Chapter 14, US HC p.395-396 Gesler's recollection put Barathol's actions at the gate into new light.
==Trivia==
The truth of who ordered the T'lan Imass attack during the Aren Rebellion is obscured by several contradictory tales told across the Malazan series. During an author Q&A, a fan asked Steven Erikson if the true story would ever be revealed. Erikson replied, "Will we ever clear up the Aren events? No, why should we? Those were confused times and I assure you, both Cam and I share in that confusion."Ask Steven Erikson Your Memories of Ice Questions on Tor.com - See Comments 7 and 17
==Notes and references==
de:Massaker von Aren
Category:Battles