What real life continent or land is Kunark based on?

[SorenVC]

I'm a huge fan of the Iksar Empire and I wanted to know what real life continent or land this Kunark is based on where the Iksar live. This is the wiki description for Kunark.

"Kunark is a continent introduced in EverQuest: The Ruins of Kunark. It is home to the Iksar.

Kunark is a continent of ancient ruins and hostile lands. Records tell tale of empires lost to time, their ruined cities and hidden tombs still filled with treasures. The evil hand of Cazic-Thule touched this land and spawned the Iksar, a powerful reptilian race. Once the predominant force, they now strive to rise from the ashes and reclaim their glory. The creatures in Kunark are quite formidable and regard all as invaders. Only the elven outpost of Firiona Vie offers safe haven for adventurers. This is no place for the weak."

Based on this description, what culture or land do you think this Kunark or Cabilis could be based on? There's gotta be something. Lake of Ill Omen sounds very biblical and ancient for example but I can't grasp what they based the Iksar aesthetics on exactly. Anyone got a clue?