This is a map I made of an alternate history scenario based on a successful Seventh Crusade which achieves its aims of taking back Egypt for Christendom. Here Louis XI, or "Saint Louis," as he's also known as manages to attain victory over the Mamaluks in Egypt. Saint-Louis's remarkable victory was hailed in the West as sign of divine favor which flocked more knights to rally around his banner allowing his army badly needed reinforcements. Louis XIX was also pragmatic in his attempts to win over the native Copts within Egypt presenting himself and his fellow Crusaders as Liberators. This led to the French making many gains as many friendly cities such as Alexandria threw open their gates to the victorious French. This victory would have wider implications for the Muslim world as North Africa and Muslim Iberia were now cut off from the rest of the Islamic World.
Louis IX then appointed his youngest son Jean I Capet as its King who received Papal Sanction which boosted the overall prestige and legitimacy of France and the House of Capet with Louis XI being remembered in Western Historiography as one of the most consequential rulers since Charlemagne especially since his forces helped relieve the beleaguered Crusader states of the Levant which were re-energized thanks to French military support. This also led to the nobles of Jerusalem acclaiming Louis IX as King of Jerusalem much to the anger of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II von Hohenstaufen who was excommunicated by the Pope. This kicked off the bitter rivalry between both dynasties that would characterize the later Middle Ages.
The new Kingdom's existence would have the effect of bolstering the Crusaders' position, as now through the Kingdom of Egypt, they had direct access to the riches of the Indian Ocean trade through the Red Sea something which had been lost since the Arab Conquests of the 7th Century. This increase in trade would also help support the the other Levantine Crusader States which became economically tied to the Capetian Kingdom of Egypt. The success of this Crusade inspired others such as the Eight Crusade for North Africa which saw the Sicilians under King Charles de Anjou restore the old Norman Kingdom of Africa. This also led to the Reconquista rapidly gaining in momentum as Louis IX, emboldened by his victories began a massive war against the Almohads who had pushed back the Christian states in Iberia.
What do you guys think of this map?
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