Vivec is the definition of unsustainable architecture and could only be supported by a highly militarized, autocratic state. It existed in the literal shadow of the meteor Baar Dau, frozen moments away from crashing into it in arrogant defiance of nature (or Sheogorath, depending on who you ask). The only thing that delayed this environmental catastrophe was the "god" Vivec drawing ridiculous amounts of energy from a single energy source (the Heart of Lorkhan) that required constant imperialist intervention to assert control over. It follows that the existence of Vivec city would not be possible without the military build-up seen across Vvardenfell such as the Ghostfence, Buoyant Armigers, Ordinators etc and enshrinement of the (very flawed and egotistical) tribunal as divine. Not to mention the creation of the entire Tribunal Temple religious order and forced colonial assimilation of belief systems of the native Ashlanders into it. The actions of the Nerevarine ultimately destroy this regime, but there is no saving Vivec city without the existence of Vivec the "god." Hence the destruction of the city and desolation of the area during the Red Year of 4E 05.