Hi everyone, this is my first alternate timeline, and I've decided to write one on the Askumite Empire. The Askumite Empire was an African empire, mostly based on the coastline stretching from part of modern-day Egypt to Somalia. It existed from Roman times through to the 11th century. It was primarily a trade empire controlling the important waterway from India to Rome as well as trade from the African interior to Rome, *and* trade from Africa to India. A powerhouse indeed.
The Askumite Empire had a strong army, powerful navy, and their own coin. They also had rich gold and salt mines. I always felt it was a shame that this empire never got a place in school lessons or history documentaries (there isn't much information on it at all), so I want to give it its chance, and hopefully I can do it justice.
My POD (a term I've only recently discovered the meaning to) is set around the mid 600's AD, when Islam is on the scene and the beginning of Askum's decline sets in. My goal is to find a way to reverse Askum's falling empire and save it from collapse.
I can't post anything today, but I want to get your thoughts and advice, especially if you have any other sources I can use.