alternatehistory.com

Assume the Suez Canal as we know it (capable of carryinv ocean-going vessels) is built earlier on history. Just to pick an arbitrary century, lets say the 14th, as the Pax Mongolica begins to break down and the Silk Road starts to revert to its earlier state.

What effects might this have on Ethiopia? On the one hand, it is well positioned to take advantage of the increase in trade along the Red Sea that will follow the canal’s opening. On the other hand, they’re now within easier reach of more powerful empires that might want such a good position along the Red Sea for themselves.
Top