By a Single Decision (Alternate History)
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das
Regeneration In Process
Oui, it is quite a problem. But I AM working on it. I am considering, after I cover some things with Egypt and Byzantine Empire, taking a look on Atlantic trade, Vinland's political, economic and religious situation and a little war that involves Vinland - not necessarily but probably in that order.
*off to form a coalition against HRE*
*off to form a coalition against HRE*
das
Regeneration In Process
OOC: Dachspmg, here's Egypt.
IC:
Chapter Eighty Six
In June 5th 1012, near al-Iksandriyah, the yellow banner of Egypt was still standing. The purple banner of the Byzantine Empire, for its part, was not; it was torn into pieces by the more fanatical of the Goptan Ambrosites.
Peter Ithakos was reminiscing, whilst al-Iksandriyah was put under control and Byzantine prisoners were herded to the nearby prison.
It all started out rather rotten that day, two days ago. A disease spred amongst some of the Egyptian forces, while the spies sent to open the walls once again were killed off by the Byzantines. The city still held, and rumors came of a Byzantine force coming from the south. Rumors, it turned out on the next day, were rather outdated - the Byzantines were not coming, they already came. Sure, there was a lot more Egyptians then there were Byzantines there, but Ithakos, despite what he usually said, knew the difference between his army and the Byzantine one. The Byzantines had a well-trained, well-organized army, supplemented by the horrifying Kurdish pagan camel-riding Kataphraktoi. The Egyptians... they were true-faithed, zealous, but they were not an army. Rather, a mob. A mob with a holy goal, ofcourse, a mob of heroes, but still a mob.
Ofcourse, nothing of this ever left Ithakos' mind. What did leave it was a fast, inspired speech to the point of "God is with us, our cause is righteous, we shall triumph!" Ithakos later claimed it was divine providence; most military historians called it tactical genius; actually, it was an accident. Only a token force was left to guard the camp against the besieged Byzantine garrison.
The rest built against the charging Byzantines. Both forces employed camelry and cavalry, infantry was present in very small amounts for the Byzantines and by contrast in very large ones for the Egyptians.
Egyptian spearmen - also a rather ragtag force - formed a lengthy thin white line, and prepared their spears... Byzantine cataphracts (the horse-riding ones) cut into their ranks, but then the second white line attacked the Byzantines and drove it back. The two lines merged into a thicker one, Egyptian archers fired at the charging foes...
Then came the second, larger cataphract force, mostly camelry but some cavalry as well. Ferocious Kurdish warcries sounded. The line was at the breaking point at five spots... The Egyptian cavalry attacked the Byzantine flanks, hoping to at least slow down the charge, but failed to achieve much. Peter Ithakos himself rushed to rally the third infantry line. The third line consisted largely of swordsmenin light armor. He raised his sword. "Fear not - they can take our lives, but they can't take our freedom." - that was what he said that day. "Forward!" - he yelled, and himself charged forth, knowing that if he wins this battle, he wins the war, and even if he is dead, he has worthy successors. And if he does not win, then what is the point trying to save his own mortal life, his cursed sinful body?
Thus he put his life at risk, and by his presence he saved the morale of the first two lines. The swordsmen joined the fight as well as they could, even though swords are not the best weapons against cataphracts. Still, by then the zeal and the numbers of the Egyptians begun to show themselves; the enemy cavalry no longer held the initiative. As the great human wave envelopped the cataphracts, the battle was suddenly reversed. The surrounded cataphracts found it rather hard to fight on; besides, they have by then tired under the warm sun, as were the Egyptians... but Egyptian armor was lighter, and they had their zeal to keep themselves going for a little longer...
The cataphracts were mostly slaughtered, some surrendered and were executted later. What little remained of the Byzantine army - first wave cataphract remnants, a small infantry contingent - was forced into retreat, pursued by Egyptian camelry.
It was only after that part of the battle was over that Peter Ithakos - and indeed, most other Egyptians - noticed what else gone wrong. The Byzantines from inside the fortress-city sallied forth towards the camp, and were now slaughtering those Egyptians left there. There was no other word for this. Slaughtering.
Tired, yet inspired by their triumph, the main Egyptian force turned around. Despite the burning, merciless sun, they marched, or rather ran, ran towards the Byzantines... and it was trully a miracle, yet they caught up to them (well, maybe the heaviness of the Byzantine armor or the fact that they were rather distracted had something to do with it), with the help of the remnants of their cavalry, and before the Byzantines could withdraw towards the fortress in good order, the Egyptians engaged and destroyed one-thrid of their small force. Ithakos was faced with a controversial decision - on one hand, the troops must rest and the dead must be buried... but on the other hand, with the Egyptians riding on the wave of success, and with the Byzantines having no time to recover, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. He decided...
...to follow up this success. The Byzantines hastily prepared for defenses, but with the makeshift assault ladders and fanaticism, the Egyptians, despite heavy casualties, climbed the walls and overwhelmed the defenders there... And the rest is history.
And so now, victory was assured in the war.
IC:
Chapter Eighty Six
In June 5th 1012, near al-Iksandriyah, the yellow banner of Egypt was still standing. The purple banner of the Byzantine Empire, for its part, was not; it was torn into pieces by the more fanatical of the Goptan Ambrosites.
Peter Ithakos was reminiscing, whilst al-Iksandriyah was put under control and Byzantine prisoners were herded to the nearby prison.
It all started out rather rotten that day, two days ago. A disease spred amongst some of the Egyptian forces, while the spies sent to open the walls once again were killed off by the Byzantines. The city still held, and rumors came of a Byzantine force coming from the south. Rumors, it turned out on the next day, were rather outdated - the Byzantines were not coming, they already came. Sure, there was a lot more Egyptians then there were Byzantines there, but Ithakos, despite what he usually said, knew the difference between his army and the Byzantine one. The Byzantines had a well-trained, well-organized army, supplemented by the horrifying Kurdish pagan camel-riding Kataphraktoi. The Egyptians... they were true-faithed, zealous, but they were not an army. Rather, a mob. A mob with a holy goal, ofcourse, a mob of heroes, but still a mob.
Ofcourse, nothing of this ever left Ithakos' mind. What did leave it was a fast, inspired speech to the point of "God is with us, our cause is righteous, we shall triumph!" Ithakos later claimed it was divine providence; most military historians called it tactical genius; actually, it was an accident. Only a token force was left to guard the camp against the besieged Byzantine garrison.
The rest built against the charging Byzantines. Both forces employed camelry and cavalry, infantry was present in very small amounts for the Byzantines and by contrast in very large ones for the Egyptians.
Egyptian spearmen - also a rather ragtag force - formed a lengthy thin white line, and prepared their spears... Byzantine cataphracts (the horse-riding ones) cut into their ranks, but then the second white line attacked the Byzantines and drove it back. The two lines merged into a thicker one, Egyptian archers fired at the charging foes...
Then came the second, larger cataphract force, mostly camelry but some cavalry as well. Ferocious Kurdish warcries sounded. The line was at the breaking point at five spots... The Egyptian cavalry attacked the Byzantine flanks, hoping to at least slow down the charge, but failed to achieve much. Peter Ithakos himself rushed to rally the third infantry line. The third line consisted largely of swordsmenin light armor. He raised his sword. "Fear not - they can take our lives, but they can't take our freedom." - that was what he said that day. "Forward!" - he yelled, and himself charged forth, knowing that if he wins this battle, he wins the war, and even if he is dead, he has worthy successors. And if he does not win, then what is the point trying to save his own mortal life, his cursed sinful body?
Thus he put his life at risk, and by his presence he saved the morale of the first two lines. The swordsmen joined the fight as well as they could, even though swords are not the best weapons against cataphracts. Still, by then the zeal and the numbers of the Egyptians begun to show themselves; the enemy cavalry no longer held the initiative. As the great human wave envelopped the cataphracts, the battle was suddenly reversed. The surrounded cataphracts found it rather hard to fight on; besides, they have by then tired under the warm sun, as were the Egyptians... but Egyptian armor was lighter, and they had their zeal to keep themselves going for a little longer...
The cataphracts were mostly slaughtered, some surrendered and were executted later. What little remained of the Byzantine army - first wave cataphract remnants, a small infantry contingent - was forced into retreat, pursued by Egyptian camelry.
It was only after that part of the battle was over that Peter Ithakos - and indeed, most other Egyptians - noticed what else gone wrong. The Byzantines from inside the fortress-city sallied forth towards the camp, and were now slaughtering those Egyptians left there. There was no other word for this. Slaughtering.
Tired, yet inspired by their triumph, the main Egyptian force turned around. Despite the burning, merciless sun, they marched, or rather ran, ran towards the Byzantines... and it was trully a miracle, yet they caught up to them (well, maybe the heaviness of the Byzantine armor or the fact that they were rather distracted had something to do with it), with the help of the remnants of their cavalry, and before the Byzantines could withdraw towards the fortress in good order, the Egyptians engaged and destroyed one-thrid of their small force. Ithakos was faced with a controversial decision - on one hand, the troops must rest and the dead must be buried... but on the other hand, with the Egyptians riding on the wave of success, and with the Byzantines having no time to recover, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. He decided...
...to follow up this success. The Byzantines hastily prepared for defenses, but with the makeshift assault ladders and fanaticism, the Egyptians, despite heavy casualties, climbed the walls and overwhelmed the defenders there... And the rest is history.
And so now, victory was assured in the war.
das
Regeneration In Process
I try. Next is Byzantium...
I spent some time researching/brainstorming recently, and well, I have some most interesting ideas for the Western Hemisphere. Mostly long-term, but some short-term as well.
I spent some time researching/brainstorming recently, and well, I have some most interesting ideas for the Western Hemisphere. Mostly long-term, but some short-term as well.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
Why Is There Nothing About China?????
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
hmm.... not a bad idea...
das
Regeneration In Process
OOC:
Oh, darn. Forgot to post that chapter...
As per Vanadorn's request, Viking Britain.
And as for China, well, alex, I have some things in store for it long-term. In the short-term, we'll see.
IC:
Chapter Eighty Five.
We parted with Viking Britain in 968, when in the naval battle at Rejkjavik King Olrik I died. At first, it seemed as if Viking Britain would collapse into a civil war AGAIN just after the end of the first one, but despite the initial concerns and the "great exodus" of several Celtic and Saxon clans that feared retribution at the hands of the new king, Olrik II. They fled to Vinland, despite the stormy (but by now somewhat charted) seas. But Olrik II, ofcourse, didn't care. He accepted the loss of Vinland, he also accepted the fact that his father's ideas about killing off a large part of population were unpractical but also extremelly silly. Olrik II was one of the new generation, that was slightly more assimilated, more trade-minded and less warlike.
Olrik II's rule was a time of - despite the early risings and instability - peace. Olrik II would go down in history as "the Just", and, miracilously for any age of human history, it was well-deserveed. He worked tirelessly to settle disputes, to hear out petitions, to give judgement. For many years to come, the "Olrikslaw" was to form the core of Viking British law system. Courtyards were built, young bloodthirsty nobles were put in check. This was also a time of quiet, stable prosperity, as trade picked up with Magyar realms, with the Western Caliphate (and, after its collapse, with League of Cordova), even with Brittany. As peace settled over the land, the trade potential was being realized, especially as all those sheep were put to good use - wool export became the base of Viking British economy.
Another interesting thing about Olrik II was that he was a Christian, and to boot not a one of Scandinavian stock. His faith could be said to be almost-Catholic, with slight differences; he became interested in it from his youth, when he was looked after by a Catholic slave. This shocked many of his more haughty and noble subjects, but eventually even they learned to not care about it. After all, his Christianity was a very private matter and it hardly influenced any decisions; a famous legend speaks about a wealthy Christian noble, Ulrik, who seeked to rob the poorer Nordic pagan noble, Olaf, of much of his lands. He thought that the king's Christianity would help him, and appealed privately to the king; but the king said that it matters not who his subjects are, Christian or pagan, as long as they are loyal to him and to each other. He held court and determined that not only does Olaf have the right to all of his lands, but also that (how did he find that out is unknown) Ulrik's men were constantly stealing sheep. Humiliated, Ulrik was forced to give Olaf all the sheep back, and as for those sheep already eaten, he would have to give his own. And Olaf lived happily ever after, while as for Ulrik, some legends imply that he was so enraged that he tried to kill Olrik while he was hunting, but was given away by the birds when in ambush (either that, either he was noticed by a faithful servant who was doing something near that very bush) and was apprehended, and... well, he didn't quite live for long, not saying much about living happily ever after. Olrik was popular, you see, and his "knights" (for lack of a better word) were ready to die for him, which implied they didn't mind killing for him neither.
But I digress.
The warlike nobles plotted and schemed, but none dared attack the king, who was so popular with the common folk. They waited for him to die. But Olrik II persisted in not dying, until 1009. In 1009, his son Erik II, a weak if well-meaning monarch, came to power. He was influenced strongly by his nobles, who now no longer seeked petty raids that they enjoyed before Olrik. No, their minds were put to a more honorable task. Task of conquest, conquest of the hated Brittany.
But first, they needed to go and massacre some Celts back at home. Grrr, treacherous Celts...
Oh, darn. Forgot to post that chapter...
As per Vanadorn's request, Viking Britain.
And as for China, well, alex, I have some things in store for it long-term. In the short-term, we'll see.
IC:
Chapter Eighty Five.
We parted with Viking Britain in 968, when in the naval battle at Rejkjavik King Olrik I died. At first, it seemed as if Viking Britain would collapse into a civil war AGAIN just after the end of the first one, but despite the initial concerns and the "great exodus" of several Celtic and Saxon clans that feared retribution at the hands of the new king, Olrik II. They fled to Vinland, despite the stormy (but by now somewhat charted) seas. But Olrik II, ofcourse, didn't care. He accepted the loss of Vinland, he also accepted the fact that his father's ideas about killing off a large part of population were unpractical but also extremelly silly. Olrik II was one of the new generation, that was slightly more assimilated, more trade-minded and less warlike.
Olrik II's rule was a time of - despite the early risings and instability - peace. Olrik II would go down in history as "the Just", and, miracilously for any age of human history, it was well-deserveed. He worked tirelessly to settle disputes, to hear out petitions, to give judgement. For many years to come, the "Olrikslaw" was to form the core of Viking British law system. Courtyards were built, young bloodthirsty nobles were put in check. This was also a time of quiet, stable prosperity, as trade picked up with Magyar realms, with the Western Caliphate (and, after its collapse, with League of Cordova), even with Brittany. As peace settled over the land, the trade potential was being realized, especially as all those sheep were put to good use - wool export became the base of Viking British economy.
Another interesting thing about Olrik II was that he was a Christian, and to boot not a one of Scandinavian stock. His faith could be said to be almost-Catholic, with slight differences; he became interested in it from his youth, when he was looked after by a Catholic slave. This shocked many of his more haughty and noble subjects, but eventually even they learned to not care about it. After all, his Christianity was a very private matter and it hardly influenced any decisions; a famous legend speaks about a wealthy Christian noble, Ulrik, who seeked to rob the poorer Nordic pagan noble, Olaf, of much of his lands. He thought that the king's Christianity would help him, and appealed privately to the king; but the king said that it matters not who his subjects are, Christian or pagan, as long as they are loyal to him and to each other. He held court and determined that not only does Olaf have the right to all of his lands, but also that (how did he find that out is unknown) Ulrik's men were constantly stealing sheep. Humiliated, Ulrik was forced to give Olaf all the sheep back, and as for those sheep already eaten, he would have to give his own. And Olaf lived happily ever after, while as for Ulrik, some legends imply that he was so enraged that he tried to kill Olrik while he was hunting, but was given away by the birds when in ambush (either that, either he was noticed by a faithful servant who was doing something near that very bush) and was apprehended, and... well, he didn't quite live for long, not saying much about living happily ever after. Olrik was popular, you see, and his "knights" (for lack of a better word) were ready to die for him, which implied they didn't mind killing for him neither.
But I digress.
The warlike nobles plotted and schemed, but none dared attack the king, who was so popular with the common folk. They waited for him to die. But Olrik II persisted in not dying, until 1009. In 1009, his son Erik II, a weak if well-meaning monarch, came to power. He was influenced strongly by his nobles, who now no longer seeked petty raids that they enjoyed before Olrik. No, their minds were put to a more honorable task. Task of conquest, conquest of the hated Brittany.
But first, they needed to go and massacre some Celts back at home. Grrr, treacherous Celts...
das
Regeneration In Process
Um... right.
Well anyway, any other comments?
Well anyway, any other comments?
das
Regeneration In Process
The Vikings.
So, yes, what Iggy said. There will be at least one more addition to the colonial game at a considerably later date.
Yes. There too few people there in OTL. But here, with the Viking Britain as a base, colonization of Greenland is more effective, and by consequence so are there enough Vikings to secure OTL Newfoundland.
das
Regeneration In Process
Ready for the next chapter yet?
das
Regeneration In Process
Chapter Eighty Seven.
There was a series of good reasons as to why the Byzantines, in July 1012, begun to withdraw out of Egypt.
Firstly, and most obviously, the Byzantine armies there were exhausted. They did not achieve much, they were facing defeat... the conquest of Egypt was no longer obvious. In fact, it was now quite improbable.
Secondly, there were economic reasons. That prolonged war was most unprofitable, a serious drain on the treasury. And it would have been fine if one could be sure that after it the prosperous land of Egypt would come under Byzantine control... but for that, see above.
Thirdly, and most importantly, there was politics. Basileus' - or rather, Basilea's - power and prestige alike were weakening, as a consequence of the shortcomings in Egypt. Dissent against Irene was growing. And all this allowed Patriarch Iraklion to strenghthen his positions and the influence of the clergy, knowing that the State, as represented by Irene, was too preoccupied in Egypt to stop the Church. The attempt to poison Iraklion failed, and he possibly was now aware of it... Too much was at stake at home to risk in Egypt.
Thus, in July 1012, without any declarations, the Byzantines left Egypt and moved their forces back to Sinai. The Fourth Sacred War, ultimately, did not give them much territory-wise, but otherwise it put an end (or, rather, a halt - but the Byzantines knew little of it back then) to the Nazarean War, as the Byzantine positions in the Holy Land now were secure. Access to the Red Sea was gained. The Byzantines subdivided the conquered territories (i.e. those gained since the fall of the Eastern Caliphate) - into four themas - Syria, Palestina, Assyria, Mesopatamia. And despite the shortcomings in Egypt, much wealth and prestige was gained from the control of Jerusalem. The Byzantine Empire, all-in-all, looked like its golden age only begun.
Especially with its entry into the Arabian Sea trade.
There was a series of good reasons as to why the Byzantines, in July 1012, begun to withdraw out of Egypt.
Firstly, and most obviously, the Byzantine armies there were exhausted. They did not achieve much, they were facing defeat... the conquest of Egypt was no longer obvious. In fact, it was now quite improbable.
Secondly, there were economic reasons. That prolonged war was most unprofitable, a serious drain on the treasury. And it would have been fine if one could be sure that after it the prosperous land of Egypt would come under Byzantine control... but for that, see above.
Thirdly, and most importantly, there was politics. Basileus' - or rather, Basilea's - power and prestige alike were weakening, as a consequence of the shortcomings in Egypt. Dissent against Irene was growing. And all this allowed Patriarch Iraklion to strenghthen his positions and the influence of the clergy, knowing that the State, as represented by Irene, was too preoccupied in Egypt to stop the Church. The attempt to poison Iraklion failed, and he possibly was now aware of it... Too much was at stake at home to risk in Egypt.
Thus, in July 1012, without any declarations, the Byzantines left Egypt and moved their forces back to Sinai. The Fourth Sacred War, ultimately, did not give them much territory-wise, but otherwise it put an end (or, rather, a halt - but the Byzantines knew little of it back then) to the Nazarean War, as the Byzantine positions in the Holy Land now were secure. Access to the Red Sea was gained. The Byzantines subdivided the conquered territories (i.e. those gained since the fall of the Eastern Caliphate) - into four themas - Syria, Palestina, Assyria, Mesopatamia. And despite the shortcomings in Egypt, much wealth and prestige was gained from the control of Jerusalem. The Byzantine Empire, all-in-all, looked like its golden age only begun.
Especially with its entry into the Arabian Sea trade.
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