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As someone who generally focuses upon Islamic history and primarily, the Abbasid period, I do not normally study Rome and particularly the western. However, I have had a sudden interest to ask some questions and start a discussion that could improve my knowledge on what could transpire in a continued or surving Western Roman Empire.

Groundwork assumption, to make the question and discussion easier, the responder should answer or discuss in accordance to how they believe the Empire could survive in a generally whole sense. It does not matter thus, the major question is to contemplate what would occur once such survival achieves, in relation to the questions I give at least. Do give any opinion or prediction that you find interesting, even if it is not included within the questions or specifications given.

Also, let us place the POD at 364. However, if your scenario to rescue the Empire requires an earlier date, do so and specify.


Questions 1: If the Western Roman Empire continues, what is the development of Latin? For instance, how will the Vulgar Latin break from Latin regionally? Is this possible still, or will Latin continue to dominate general speech of peasantry and urban citizens alike?

Question 2: With this continuation, what sort foreign policy with nearby external states be? Such as Ireland and the Picts, will these areas eventually be conquered or be left to their own devices perpetually?

Question 3: If this Empire is still ascendent in Africa, what sort of relation can we see develop and at what point will trade develop and relations be created across the Sahel and into West Africa? The trade between such, what goods might Roman merchants find most appealing to have these relations develop? Could slaves be an option, or would Rome not need a slave trade to the same extent that the Abbasid benefitted from?

Question 4: Assuming Islam arises roughly otl, what might Western Rome be in terms of reaction? I cannot personally imagine the West understanding the gravity of the situation and may have to deal with a surging Islamic power into Libya. How might Rome go about defending these lands considering the inability of Byzantium, Visigoths and Berber tribes from defeating the Muslim armies?

Question 5: With The collapse of the Gökturk Khaganate in the east and the changing geopolitical situations in the steppes near Europe; how might Rome proceed in combatting first the Slavic migration waves, that will flee from the nomadic armies and how will Rome respond to major nomadic hordes invading their tribal vassals eastward? Could we even see a positive relation between Rome abd these tribal comfedersrions in the form that various Chinese empires embraced their nomadic neighbors through a system of mutual protection and trade?



Question 6: With the beginnings of ploughing innovations in Gaul and Germania, what effects on Rome does a boom in agricultural productivity do for Rome? Could we see a surge in population similar to the Ming dynastic period?

Question 7: With 6 answered, what sort of farming structure could we see? More movement towards manorialism and landlord ownership, or something else? I also want the topic of slavery to be discussed, what happens in terms of slavery?

Sorry for so many questions.
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