[quote=Vilageidiotx]
It is because people don't look at the map and think "This looks like an economical place to set up camp. Imagine the grain I can RP!" They think "Wow, look at this area with all the crazy shit there! I bet I can do something badass here!"
[/quote]

Given the mind-set of some people I was under the impression that there'd be a scramble for areas where they can claim the best possible conditions and then try to recreate Rome. The regions like that one sort of exist for that purpose.