Salusa Secundus was the third planet in the Gamma Waiping star system, and the designated homeworld of House Corrino, though it later became a prison planet after the migration of the Royal Corrino court to the planet Kaitain.
Environment
Salusa Secundus was similar to old Earth in its size, relative position from its star, relative landmass, and atmosphere. Once a largely temperate and beautiful green world, of temperate climate, home to hundreds of millions of free humans. Water flowed through open aqueducts. Around Zimia, hills were embroidered with vineyards and olive groves.
However, this beautiful planet had evolved into a harsh place, with many wild beasts, extreme temperatures, and difficult terrain. It was noted for being one of the only two planets in the Universe where shigawire was grown.
History & Purpose
Salusa Secundus was remembered in Fremen tradition as being a temporary home for the Wandering Zensunni; a planet on which nine generations of the Fremen ancestors lived as slaves. However, the veracity of such a belief remains debatable.
During the last years of the Old Empire, a man named Bovko Manresa settled on then isolated Salusa Secundus and his mansion had become a meeting hall for refugee humans. During the Time of Titans, the League of Nobles supposedly was formed out of these meetings. Salusa Secundus was thenceforth its capital, until and during the Butlerian Jihad.
The planet had successfully repelled two assaults of the Thinking Machines.
Devastation
It is thought that the devastation of the planet came about by an atomic attack by a rogue House against House Corrino.==References and notes==
Due to the harshness of Salusa Secundus, it became the Corrino prison planet. Those who were deemed criminals of the Corrino empire were imprisoned on the planet. Many in the empire has suspected that the harshness of this world was responsible for breeding Sardaukar troops. This was the theory maintained by Atreides generals, namely that the harsh environment of the planet was responsible for the development of a fierce, hardened people.
This theory was further strengthened by the discovery by the Atreides of the resilience and fighting abilities of the Fremen on Arrakis. However,prior to the time of Muad'Dib, very little was truly known of Salusa's climate. The origins of the Sardaukar and the source of their numbers remained only in speculation.
Under Shaddam IV
In 10,193 A.G., Paul Atreides wrested the Imperial Throne from House Corrino. Before taking the throne, Paul promised Shaddam IV that he would keep a throne on Salusa Secundus, and that the planet would be transformed into a pleasant and beautiful world. This move was outwardly to show that he maintained respect for Shaddam, but in truth the move was to rob the deposed Emperor of the training grounds for his Sardaukar.
Shaddam IV then went into retirement, ruling over Salusa Secundus with the majority of his Household in accompaniment.
Behind the Scenes
Salusa Secundus is only a peripheral location in many of Frank Herbert's Dune novels, from which the scheming remnants of House Corrino plot the downfall of Paul Atreides and his children.
However, the planet plays a central part in the prequel novels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, particularly in the Legends of Dune series, in which it is the central world in the League of Nobles.