Well I simply included them because Prussia had them.
You know, to make my Saxony extra thick.
But don't think too much, it's just an ASB map.
Map Thread XXI
- Thread starter fluttersky
- Start date
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You know, to make my Saxony extra thick.
But don't think too much, it's just an ASB map.
Making life easy for proto-Malagasy
Bring the Holy Water...
Islamic Mongol Khanate-Caliphate anyone?
45 to 60 degrees south, to a virgin earth
While civilization has regressed to a proto-industrial level around the world, and will likely stay there for a long time, this world still holds the distinction of being the farthest south world with any form of organized states beyond a city or tribal level. Only five countries were brought along to this world. Southern regions of Argentina and Chile, The Falkland Islands, The Kerguelen islands of France, and Southern New Zealand.
Chile and Argentina were by far the largest and most populated states of this new world, and have so far spent their time gradually expanding north, ranching, fishing, and farming. Their populations are growing rapidly, and in a few centuries time they will be able to populate most of the continent if current rates keep up. Many people dissatisfied with the rule of the central governments of these countries have moved north with like minded folks to form "Pioneer States" in the wilderness, independent of the supposed tyranny of Punta Arenas and Comodoro Rivadavia. Of Special note is the Papal State, which was established in the Andes along the border region of both countries to ensure the neutrality of the Papacy.
In the Falklands, a strange religious movement popped up in the aftermath of the ISOT. A strange form of Christianity which developed into worship of the Island of Great Britain itself, believing it to be the holy land and its inhabitants to be a holy people. This developed into a single minded campaign by the falklanders to colonize many small trading posts on the route to the old isles, which can also be used to harvest local resources. Their fishing boats cross the entire Atlantic regularly and they are the worlds major seafood producers. Their population has been exploding as of late, even more than is normal for this world, for in some parts of the empire the average woman has more than 11 kids, a higher number than ever recorded before anywhere else in this world.
New Zealand has more or less forgotten about the rest of the world. Most people still know that there are 3 other countries in the world, and have a vague idea of where they are on a map, but that's about it. The most communication that happens between New Zealand and any other country on a regular basis is the ships sent from Chile to inform the few Catholics left on the islands of recent Papal dictates. Their colonization of the pacific has been slow, but steady.
and that's the 3rd to last part of this series done.
While civilization has regressed to a proto-industrial level around the world, and will likely stay there for a long time, this world still holds the distinction of being the farthest south world with any form of organized states beyond a city or tribal level. Only five countries were brought along to this world. Southern regions of Argentina and Chile, The Falkland Islands, The Kerguelen islands of France, and Southern New Zealand.
Chile and Argentina were by far the largest and most populated states of this new world, and have so far spent their time gradually expanding north, ranching, fishing, and farming. Their populations are growing rapidly, and in a few centuries time they will be able to populate most of the continent if current rates keep up. Many people dissatisfied with the rule of the central governments of these countries have moved north with like minded folks to form "Pioneer States" in the wilderness, independent of the supposed tyranny of Punta Arenas and Comodoro Rivadavia. Of Special note is the Papal State, which was established in the Andes along the border region of both countries to ensure the neutrality of the Papacy.
In the Falklands, a strange religious movement popped up in the aftermath of the ISOT. A strange form of Christianity which developed into worship of the Island of Great Britain itself, believing it to be the holy land and its inhabitants to be a holy people. This developed into a single minded campaign by the falklanders to colonize many small trading posts on the route to the old isles, which can also be used to harvest local resources. Their fishing boats cross the entire Atlantic regularly and they are the worlds major seafood producers. Their population has been exploding as of late, even more than is normal for this world, for in some parts of the empire the average woman has more than 11 kids, a higher number than ever recorded before anywhere else in this world.
New Zealand has more or less forgotten about the rest of the world. Most people still know that there are 3 other countries in the world, and have a vague idea of where they are on a map, but that's about it. The most communication that happens between New Zealand and any other country on a regular basis is the ships sent from Chile to inform the few Catholics left on the islands of recent Papal dictates. Their colonization of the pacific has been slow, but steady.
and that's the 3rd to last part of this series done.
I know that they were cognizant of each other's existence. I suppose I should've been clearer and say "regular contact and interaction" instead.
Is there any map here that features the island of thule/thule ultima? The mythical island, not the real island.
Clash of Caliphs
Self-Made Startup in the East
The Saffarid dynasty originated from the exploits of Ya’qub ibn al-Layth, a Persian coppersmith of humble origins who emerged as a military leader following widespread revolt against perceived oppression in the Abbasid Caliphate’s eastern provinces. Starting from his relatively underdeveloped home region of Sistan, he and his brothers would go on to conquer Kirman, Khurasan, Sindh, Fars, and Khuzistan, displacing the Abbasids’ subservient Tahirid governors. Rejecting any Abbasid offers for concessions, Ya'qub's army advanced towards the Abbasid core in Iraq, where he made a temporary alliance with various anti-Abbasid factions, most notably the Zanj rebels in Ahwaz and the Iraqi marshes. The combined army was able to inflict a decisive defeat on Abbasid forces at the Battle of Humaniya, leaving the path open to siege Baghdad. After months of siege, the city capitulated and was plundered. Control of Iraq was split between the Saffarids and Khariji factions, with Khariji leaders becoming governors in Mosul and Basra. The Saffarids would go on to expand in all directions. With Abbasid power all but destroyed, ‘Ali ibn al-Layth, Ya’qub’s successor, made the unprecedented decision to claim the title of Caliph for himself, despite not being from the Quraysh tribe let alone being a descendant of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib. He reportedly did not even know Arabic. He drew most of his support from the previously disenfranchised sections of society such as non-Arab nobles and lower classes that were disadvantaged by the Arab supremacist policies of their predecessors. The empire was distinguished by its unusual egalitarianism for the time, with no ethnicity or even class being preferred over another for government and military positions. Despite this, the Saffarids would not become Kharijis themselves, a fact which opponents denouncing them as heretics ignored. This fact would also cause deep rifts in their ranks later…
Revanchist Resurgence in the West
Meanwhile across the Mediterranean, the Amirate of Qurtuba saw a new period of ascendency after a string of victories against the Asturians. Most notably, King Ordoño and many of his counts were killed at the Battle of Simancas. Amir Muhammad could now focus on the rebels in his own territory. Following the rediscovery of Greek Fire by generously funded scholars, the Qurtuban navy saw a massive build up to a size surpassing even the peak of Roman power and launched raids all along the Mediterranean coast, terrorizing European coastal towns and leading to their depopulation. Any opposing navy that dared to come close was burned to a crisp. Even cities like Venice which were previously thought safe were ravaged. Rome and Constantinople were only spared destruction because of their walls and the payment of large tributes. Their suburbs were not as fortunate. With these successes, the Qurtubans became enormously wealthy from looting and trade. Amir Muhammad would go on to expand into Morocco and the rest of the Maghrib. His successor Al-Mundhir declared himself Caliph upon hearing of the Abbasid collapse, further raising Umayyad Qurtuban prestige and encouraging more Muslim polities to submit to their rule. They would expand further east over the next few decades, first capturing Ifriqiyah from the Aghlabids that were weakened by multiple 'Alid and Khariji revolts. Then, the walis of Sicily and southern Italy pledged allegiance to the Umayyad Caliph. Various Mediterranean islands were captured from which additional raids were launched. This expansion culminated in the capture of Egypt which was in chaos following the local Tulunid collapse. Upon reaching the Levantine coast, they received the support of many Syrians, seeing as they were the Umayyad’s historical support base. It was in Syria where the Umayyads would meet their soon-to-be archrivals…
Showdown in Sham
Under these circumstances, the two rival claimants to the Caliphate met in the Holy Land to fight battles of epic scale. Each army numbered well over 100,000 in size, employing mercenaries from seemingly every corner of the Muslim world and beyond. Reported ethnicities among the many contingents included Arabs, Persians, Turks, Syrians, Egyptians, Greeks, Armenians, Kurds, Sogdians, Berbers, Muladis, Zanjis, Indians, Saqlabis, and even a small band of Chinese adventurers. The conflict was preceded by the Saffarid capture of the last Abbasid holdout in Raqqa. Caliph Al-Muqtadir was captured and personally executed by ‘Ali. They next successfully besieged Aleppo whose amir was independent but sympathetic to the Umayyads.
The archrivals first met on the battlefield in the Amaq Valley. After two long days of fighting, the Saffarids emerged victorious and captured nearby Antioch. Here, their army was split up into three parts, with one part to attack Cilicia and the other two to attack southwards. The Cilician army tried to cross the Syrian Gates but was defeated in battle by the Umayyad defenders. They tried again further north at the Amanian Gates but were defeated once more with heavy casualties. Cilicia would remain under Umayyad control for the remainder of the war. The southern armies met with considerably more success. The coastal army easily defeated any resistance and sacked Tripoli. The inland army was joined by a contingent emerging from the desert to the east, with the combined forces routing the Umayyads at the Battle of 'Asi, opening the path to take Hama and Hims. The Saffarid coastal army was checked at the Battle of Jisr al-Kasmia just north of Tyre. The Umayyad defenders were reinforced by sea and inflicted heavy casualties on the Saffarids that were funneled into a bridge. Concurrently, the main Umayyad army marching from Egypt had advanced through Palestine and occupied their old capital of Damascus, fortifying it well. Meanwhile, the Umayyad army in Cilicia advanced past the gates to Cilicia and engaged the Saffarids north of Aleppo at Dabiq, being defeated in a close-fought bloodbath. In an effort to cut off supply to Damascus, part of the inland Saffarid army advanced through the Biqa Valley and was ambushed by an Umayyad sortie. The Saffarids managed to gain the upper hand and pushed onwards to assist in the capture of Tyre. The city was swiftly conquered, as was Acre following a siege. With dwindling supplies and cut off from their main ports, the Umayyad garrison in Damascus was also forced to surrender. Many days of looting commenced.
The Safarrids then advanced into Jordan and Palestine, capturing the holy city of Jerusalem. However, multiple attempts to reach nearby Ramla were defeated at Wadi Qana and Bayt Harun. This coastal strip was bypassed, with the Safarrid armies instead crossing the desert to reach Al-Arish, where they defeated the Umayyad garrison. The path was now completely open to conquer Egypt. Another army captured the port of Ayla, cutting off land access to Hijaz for the Umayyads. With the capture of Fustat also came the capture of Umayyad Caliph Al-Mutarrif himself. In a spectacle watched by thousands, the aging ‘Ali personally beheaded his archrival, marking his second execution of a rival Caliph. The remaining Umayyad forces crumbled shortly thereafter. The now unchecked Saffarids forced the obedience of all in their way until reaching Makkah, cementing their now unchallenged claim to the Caliphate.
Aftermath
While Umayyad Caliph Al-Mutarrif was away in the Holy Land, his hajib took effective control of Andalus proper. Upon hearing of the Umayyad defeat, the Pope declared a holy war for Hispania which saw nearly half of Europe cross the Pyrenees to seek revenge after decades of constant raids. Half of Hispania was recaptured and Qurtubah shattered into a dozen smaller amirates. The Mediterranean islands were abandoned and North African domains fell to native states.
A new period of the dominance of Persian culture in the Muslim World was ushered in. However, peace was not to last. Most of the Khariji troops turned on the Saffarids and revolted along with ‘Alids and Qurayshites that were fundamentally opposed to Saffarid rule. These rebellions were eventually crushed with the heavy use of mamluk slave soldiers which subsequently gained immense power within the empire. In a 50 year period of dominance, the Saffarids would go on to subjugate the rest of Arabia and nearly capture all of Asia Minor. They also attacked the Khazars and successfully toppled the power of the Gurjara-Pratiharas in India. However, by 960 AD, the rulers had grown ineffective and were overthrown by the mamluks, shattering the Muslim world once again into another period of fitna.
The Saffarid dynasty originated from the exploits of Ya’qub ibn al-Layth, a Persian coppersmith of humble origins who emerged as a military leader following widespread revolt against perceived oppression in the Abbasid Caliphate’s eastern provinces. Starting from his relatively underdeveloped home region of Sistan, he and his brothers would go on to conquer Kirman, Khurasan, Sindh, Fars, and Khuzistan, displacing the Abbasids’ subservient Tahirid governors. Rejecting any Abbasid offers for concessions, Ya'qub's army advanced towards the Abbasid core in Iraq, where he made a temporary alliance with various anti-Abbasid factions, most notably the Zanj rebels in Ahwaz and the Iraqi marshes. The combined army was able to inflict a decisive defeat on Abbasid forces at the Battle of Humaniya, leaving the path open to siege Baghdad. After months of siege, the city capitulated and was plundered. Control of Iraq was split between the Saffarids and Khariji factions, with Khariji leaders becoming governors in Mosul and Basra. The Saffarids would go on to expand in all directions. With Abbasid power all but destroyed, ‘Ali ibn al-Layth, Ya’qub’s successor, made the unprecedented decision to claim the title of Caliph for himself, despite not being from the Quraysh tribe let alone being a descendant of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib. He reportedly did not even know Arabic. He drew most of his support from the previously disenfranchised sections of society such as non-Arab nobles and lower classes that were disadvantaged by the Arab supremacist policies of their predecessors. The empire was distinguished by its unusual egalitarianism for the time, with no ethnicity or even class being preferred over another for government and military positions. Despite this, the Saffarids would not become Kharijis themselves, a fact which opponents denouncing them as heretics ignored. This fact would also cause deep rifts in their ranks later…
Revanchist Resurgence in the West
Meanwhile across the Mediterranean, the Amirate of Qurtuba saw a new period of ascendency after a string of victories against the Asturians. Most notably, King Ordoño and many of his counts were killed at the Battle of Simancas. Amir Muhammad could now focus on the rebels in his own territory. Following the rediscovery of Greek Fire by generously funded scholars, the Qurtuban navy saw a massive build up to a size surpassing even the peak of Roman power and launched raids all along the Mediterranean coast, terrorizing European coastal towns and leading to their depopulation. Any opposing navy that dared to come close was burned to a crisp. Even cities like Venice which were previously thought safe were ravaged. Rome and Constantinople were only spared destruction because of their walls and the payment of large tributes. Their suburbs were not as fortunate. With these successes, the Qurtubans became enormously wealthy from looting and trade. Amir Muhammad would go on to expand into Morocco and the rest of the Maghrib. His successor Al-Mundhir declared himself Caliph upon hearing of the Abbasid collapse, further raising Umayyad Qurtuban prestige and encouraging more Muslim polities to submit to their rule. They would expand further east over the next few decades, first capturing Ifriqiyah from the Aghlabids that were weakened by multiple 'Alid and Khariji revolts. Then, the walis of Sicily and southern Italy pledged allegiance to the Umayyad Caliph. Various Mediterranean islands were captured from which additional raids were launched. This expansion culminated in the capture of Egypt which was in chaos following the local Tulunid collapse. Upon reaching the Levantine coast, they received the support of many Syrians, seeing as they were the Umayyad’s historical support base. It was in Syria where the Umayyads would meet their soon-to-be archrivals…
Showdown in Sham
Under these circumstances, the two rival claimants to the Caliphate met in the Holy Land to fight battles of epic scale. Each army numbered well over 100,000 in size, employing mercenaries from seemingly every corner of the Muslim world and beyond. Reported ethnicities among the many contingents included Arabs, Persians, Turks, Syrians, Egyptians, Greeks, Armenians, Kurds, Sogdians, Berbers, Muladis, Zanjis, Indians, Saqlabis, and even a small band of Chinese adventurers. The conflict was preceded by the Saffarid capture of the last Abbasid holdout in Raqqa. Caliph Al-Muqtadir was captured and personally executed by ‘Ali. They next successfully besieged Aleppo whose amir was independent but sympathetic to the Umayyads.
The archrivals first met on the battlefield in the Amaq Valley. After two long days of fighting, the Saffarids emerged victorious and captured nearby Antioch. Here, their army was split up into three parts, with one part to attack Cilicia and the other two to attack southwards. The Cilician army tried to cross the Syrian Gates but was defeated in battle by the Umayyad defenders. They tried again further north at the Amanian Gates but were defeated once more with heavy casualties. Cilicia would remain under Umayyad control for the remainder of the war. The southern armies met with considerably more success. The coastal army easily defeated any resistance and sacked Tripoli. The inland army was joined by a contingent emerging from the desert to the east, with the combined forces routing the Umayyads at the Battle of 'Asi, opening the path to take Hama and Hims. The Saffarid coastal army was checked at the Battle of Jisr al-Kasmia just north of Tyre. The Umayyad defenders were reinforced by sea and inflicted heavy casualties on the Saffarids that were funneled into a bridge. Concurrently, the main Umayyad army marching from Egypt had advanced through Palestine and occupied their old capital of Damascus, fortifying it well. Meanwhile, the Umayyad army in Cilicia advanced past the gates to Cilicia and engaged the Saffarids north of Aleppo at Dabiq, being defeated in a close-fought bloodbath. In an effort to cut off supply to Damascus, part of the inland Saffarid army advanced through the Biqa Valley and was ambushed by an Umayyad sortie. The Saffarids managed to gain the upper hand and pushed onwards to assist in the capture of Tyre. The city was swiftly conquered, as was Acre following a siege. With dwindling supplies and cut off from their main ports, the Umayyad garrison in Damascus was also forced to surrender. Many days of looting commenced.
The Safarrids then advanced into Jordan and Palestine, capturing the holy city of Jerusalem. However, multiple attempts to reach nearby Ramla were defeated at Wadi Qana and Bayt Harun. This coastal strip was bypassed, with the Safarrid armies instead crossing the desert to reach Al-Arish, where they defeated the Umayyad garrison. The path was now completely open to conquer Egypt. Another army captured the port of Ayla, cutting off land access to Hijaz for the Umayyads. With the capture of Fustat also came the capture of Umayyad Caliph Al-Mutarrif himself. In a spectacle watched by thousands, the aging ‘Ali personally beheaded his archrival, marking his second execution of a rival Caliph. The remaining Umayyad forces crumbled shortly thereafter. The now unchecked Saffarids forced the obedience of all in their way until reaching Makkah, cementing their now unchallenged claim to the Caliphate.
Aftermath
While Umayyad Caliph Al-Mutarrif was away in the Holy Land, his hajib took effective control of Andalus proper. Upon hearing of the Umayyad defeat, the Pope declared a holy war for Hispania which saw nearly half of Europe cross the Pyrenees to seek revenge after decades of constant raids. Half of Hispania was recaptured and Qurtubah shattered into a dozen smaller amirates. The Mediterranean islands were abandoned and North African domains fell to native states.
A new period of the dominance of Persian culture in the Muslim World was ushered in. However, peace was not to last. Most of the Khariji troops turned on the Saffarids and revolted along with ‘Alids and Qurayshites that were fundamentally opposed to Saffarid rule. These rebellions were eventually crushed with the heavy use of mamluk slave soldiers which subsequently gained immense power within the empire. In a 50 year period of dominance, the Saffarids would go on to subjugate the rest of Arabia and nearly capture all of Asia Minor. They also attacked the Khazars and successfully toppled the power of the Gurjara-Pratiharas in India. However, by 960 AD, the rulers had grown ineffective and were overthrown by the mamluks, shattering the Muslim world once again into another period of fitna.
Font: Palantino Linotype
Inspiration: shearsforest
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/map-thread-xxi.522105/page-88#post-22988365
Base maps: Admiral A. Kolchak
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/a-blank-map-thread.25312/page-283
Google Maps to pinpoint locations cuz basemap didn't have borders!
Paint.NET with pyrochild outline object plugin
Encyclopedia Iranica
Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition
And of course a metric crap ton of Wikipedia/Wiktionary (for place names, more maps, areas of control at specific times, reading general history, pretty much everything)
Inspiration: shearsforest
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/map-thread-xxi.522105/page-88#post-22988365
Base maps: Admiral A. Kolchak
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/a-blank-map-thread.25312/page-283
Google Maps to pinpoint locations cuz basemap didn't have borders!
Paint.NET with pyrochild outline object plugin
Encyclopedia Iranica
Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition
And of course a metric crap ton of Wikipedia/Wiktionary (for place names, more maps, areas of control at specific times, reading general history, pretty much everything)
Started as a stupid idea that I had to get out of my head.
While the polity is officially known as the Principality of Tanah Pamang, it is also referred to by a latinized derivative of its name, Thanapamangus. The Principality is a European polity that is situated at the southern margins of the Morimarusan Sea[1], located directly east from the Pratanan Isles[2]. For as long as its existence, it is a member of the Sriwijayan mandala, of which it had been wrestled into its reigns following the demise of the Roman Empire[3] and the subsequent collapse of authority in the province of Belgica. Though firstly, with the sheer scope of that subject, its scale exceeds the boundaries of this text and thus the matter of such will not be the main focus of discussion. Now without further ado, onto matters.
The Principality itself is an outgrowth of two concessions, standing where Hatriyapura[4] and Tanjung Tiram[5] do today. These concessions were formerly relinquished as the spoils to the Sriwijayans, who stood as one of the parties in the series of colonial wars between the successive fleets of the Asian powers and the increasingly secluded Roman Empire. This chain of conflicts decisively terminated with the swift demise and splintering of the Roman state, along with the expansion of their concessions in Europe by the Sriwijayans. Swelling into current perimeters, the Sriwijayans spun off their newly acquired territories in former Belgica as an semi-independent polity distinct from the direct jurisdiction that characterized the initial concessions, with the process resulting in the creation of the modern Principality of Tanah Pamang.
Although not unlike any other principality that constituted the Sriwijaya, the fledgling Principality of Tanah Pamang was appointed a ruling prince to oversee its state of affairs, but all in all the administering prince was ultimately still bound to dominance by the Sriwijayan mandala, and by extension subservient to the Maharaja in Palembang, whose role is to appoint them personally and responsible on their succession, though interference with the principality's state of affairs is ultimately minimal. As such, the first prince that took forth reins of the Principality of Tanah Pamang was known as Sri Yunabaladewa[6], who was the niece of the last Roman governor of Belgica prior to the collapse of the Roman Empire. Under his reign, the nascent Principality began to slowly pull itself from the mud, realized with his many projects that aimed at economic recovery and undertaking the renovation process of the road systems that criss-crossed the polity as part of the creation of public works projects.
In the modern day, the Principality of Tanah Pamang is perhaps primarily renowned for its agricultural exports that are products of its developed agroindustries, which primarily consist of lac, beetroots, tubers, pork, cepa, aestivum, poultry, napus, beef and lycopersicum. Besides such, a sizable portion of its economy is allocated to other types of industries, such as electrical machinery production, manufacturing, chemicals and fishing. Positioned on the mouth of the Rina[7], one of the largest waterways on the European continent and an important trade artery, the Principality have taken this towards their strategic advantage with its control of trade along the river and charging a toll on passing ships. In its own way, the bustling port of Tanjung Tiram is one of the largest centers for trade on the continent, only rivaling Palembang in the eastern hemisphere in terms of splendor. Along with the grand capital city of Kutaraja[8], perhaps these are the notable marks of the Principality's affluence and prosperity.
[1] North Sea
[2] British Isles
[3] A surviving Western Roman Empire that somehow outlives its eastern counterpart, only to later stagnate and proceed to get their ass kicked in a series of wars. Haven't decided on the other details of this TL just yet.
[4] Den Haag
[5] Antwerp
[6] If I'm not mistaken it means something like "the auspicious Ioannes, protector of the gods". It isn't his actual name though, more of a regnant name that he chose himself.
[7] Rhine
[8] Nijmegen
Profile of the Principality of Tanah Pamang
While the polity is officially known as the Principality of Tanah Pamang, it is also referred to by a latinized derivative of its name, Thanapamangus. The Principality is a European polity that is situated at the southern margins of the Morimarusan Sea[1], located directly east from the Pratanan Isles[2]. For as long as its existence, it is a member of the Sriwijayan mandala, of which it had been wrestled into its reigns following the demise of the Roman Empire[3] and the subsequent collapse of authority in the province of Belgica. Though firstly, with the sheer scope of that subject, its scale exceeds the boundaries of this text and thus the matter of such will not be the main focus of discussion. Now without further ado, onto matters.The Principality itself is an outgrowth of two concessions, standing where Hatriyapura[4] and Tanjung Tiram[5] do today. These concessions were formerly relinquished as the spoils to the Sriwijayans, who stood as one of the parties in the series of colonial wars between the successive fleets of the Asian powers and the increasingly secluded Roman Empire. This chain of conflicts decisively terminated with the swift demise and splintering of the Roman state, along with the expansion of their concessions in Europe by the Sriwijayans. Swelling into current perimeters, the Sriwijayans spun off their newly acquired territories in former Belgica as an semi-independent polity distinct from the direct jurisdiction that characterized the initial concessions, with the process resulting in the creation of the modern Principality of Tanah Pamang.
Although not unlike any other principality that constituted the Sriwijaya, the fledgling Principality of Tanah Pamang was appointed a ruling prince to oversee its state of affairs, but all in all the administering prince was ultimately still bound to dominance by the Sriwijayan mandala, and by extension subservient to the Maharaja in Palembang, whose role is to appoint them personally and responsible on their succession, though interference with the principality's state of affairs is ultimately minimal. As such, the first prince that took forth reins of the Principality of Tanah Pamang was known as Sri Yunabaladewa[6], who was the niece of the last Roman governor of Belgica prior to the collapse of the Roman Empire. Under his reign, the nascent Principality began to slowly pull itself from the mud, realized with his many projects that aimed at economic recovery and undertaking the renovation process of the road systems that criss-crossed the polity as part of the creation of public works projects.
In the modern day, the Principality of Tanah Pamang is perhaps primarily renowned for its agricultural exports that are products of its developed agroindustries, which primarily consist of lac, beetroots, tubers, pork, cepa, aestivum, poultry, napus, beef and lycopersicum. Besides such, a sizable portion of its economy is allocated to other types of industries, such as electrical machinery production, manufacturing, chemicals and fishing. Positioned on the mouth of the Rina[7], one of the largest waterways on the European continent and an important trade artery, the Principality have taken this towards their strategic advantage with its control of trade along the river and charging a toll on passing ships. In its own way, the bustling port of Tanjung Tiram is one of the largest centers for trade on the continent, only rivaling Palembang in the eastern hemisphere in terms of splendor. Along with the grand capital city of Kutaraja[8], perhaps these are the notable marks of the Principality's affluence and prosperity.
The Principality simply does not wait for the future to arrive, for instead it started building it today.
[1] North Sea
[2] British Isles
[3] A surviving Western Roman Empire that somehow outlives its eastern counterpart, only to later stagnate and proceed to get their ass kicked in a series of wars. Haven't decided on the other details of this TL just yet.
[4] Den Haag
[5] Antwerp
[6] If I'm not mistaken it means something like "the auspicious Ioannes, protector of the gods". It isn't his actual name though, more of a regnant name that he chose himself.
[7] Rhine
[8] Nijmegen
Last edited:
I think the example of Venezuela, Cuba, Thailand and such is pretty good examples of regimes that have survived complete economic meltdown. The real question is whether the state can maintain the loyalty of the armed forces, which is a task the CCP has put at the front and center of policy since the Zunyi Conference. If the CCP survived the Cultural Revolution and reform, I don't see why it is unlikely to survive another total economic meltdown, to the point where its downfall is considered inevitable.
So basically a reverse-colonised!Netherlands in a Dominant!Asia TL ? As an Indonesian, I can't really find words matching my feeling about this. Ironic, I guess ? Speaking of which, do you think Indonesia still be a thing in this TL ?Started as a stupid idea that I had to get out of my head.
[SNIP]
Profile of the Principality of Tanah Pamang
Christ, astounded that the first one turned out to be *real.* I mean holy shit that thing is huge
To be honest, I just saw an OTL map in this format and decided to make something similar.
Hmm, that is a very valid point. I have no counter to that
I suppose then you'd require the PLA, or a general, to turn against the CCP and win.
Saudis have a kilometer long tower under construction (thought on pause. Jeddah Tower)
RIP neo Ummayads.Clash of Caliphs
Self-Made Startup in the East
The Saffarid dynasty originated from the exploits of Ya’qub ibn al-Layth, a Persian coppersmith of humble origins who emerged as a military leader following widespread revolt against perceived oppression in the Abbasid Caliphate’s eastern provinces. Starting from his relatively underdeveloped home region of Sistan, he and his brothers would go on to conquer Kirman, Khurasan, Sindh, Fars, and Khuzistan, displacing the Abbasids’ subservient Tahirid governors. Rejecting any Abbasid offers for concessions, Ya'qub's army advanced towards the Abbasid core in Iraq, where he made a temporary alliance with various anti-Abbasid factions, most notably the Zanj rebels in Ahwaz and the Iraqi marshes. The combined army was able to inflict a decisive defeat on Abbasid forces at the Battle of Humaniya, leaving the path open to siege Baghdad. After months of siege, the city capitulated and was plundered. Control of Iraq was split between the Saffarids and Khariji factions, with Khariji leaders becoming governors in Mosul and Basra. The Saffarids would go on to expand in all directions. With Abbasid power all but destroyed, ‘Ali ibn al-Layth, Ya’qub’s successor, made the unprecedented decision to claim the title of Caliph for himself, despite not being from the Quraysh tribe let alone being a descendant of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib. He reportedly did not even know Arabic. He drew most of his support from the previously disenfranchised sections of society such as non-Arab nobles and lower classes that were disadvantaged by the Arab supremacist policies of their predecessors. The empire was distinguished by its unusual egalitarianism for the time, with no ethnicity or even class being preferred over another for government and military positions. Despite this, the Saffarids would not become Kharijis themselves, a fact which opponents denouncing them as heretics ignored. This fact would also cause deep rifts in their ranks later…
Revanchist Resurgence in the West
Meanwhile across the Mediterranean, the Amirate of Qurtuba saw a new period of ascendency after a string of victories against the Asturians. Most notably, King Ordoño and many of his counts were killed at the Battle of Simancas. Amir Muhammad could now focus on the rebels in his own territory. Following the rediscovery of Greek Fire by generously funded scholars, the Qurtuban navy saw a massive build up to a size surpassing even the peak of Roman power and launched raids all along the Mediterranean coast, terrorizing European coastal towns and leading to their depopulation. Any opposing navy that dared to come close was burned to a crisp. Even cities like Venice which were previously thought safe were ravaged. Rome and Constantinople were only spared destruction because of their walls and the payment of large tributes. Their suburbs were not as fortunate. With these successes, the Qurtubans became enormously wealthy from looting and trade. Amir Muhammad would go on to expand into Morocco and the rest of the Maghrib. His successor Al-Mundhir declared himself Caliph upon hearing of the Abbasid collapse, further raising Umayyad Qurtuban prestige and encouraging more Muslim polities to submit to their rule. They would expand further east over the next few decades, first capturing Ifriqiyah from the Aghlabids that were weakened by multiple 'Alid and Khariji revolts. Then, the walis of Sicily and southern Italy pledged allegiance to the Umayyad Caliph. Various Mediterranean islands were captured from which additional raids were launched. This expansion culminated in the capture of Egypt which was in chaos following the local Tulunid collapse. Upon reaching the Levantine coast, they received the support of many Syrians, seeing as they were the Umayyad’s historical support base. It was in Syria where the Umayyads would meet their soon-to-be archrivals…
Showdown in Sham
Under these circumstances, the two rival claimants to the Caliphate met in the Holy Land to fight battles of epic scale. Each army numbered well over 100,000 in size, employing mercenaries from seemingly every corner of the Muslim world and beyond. Reported ethnicities among the many contingents included Arabs, Persians, Turks, Syrians, Egyptians, Greeks, Armenians, Kurds, Sogdians, Berbers, Muladis, Zanjis, Indians, Saqlabis, and even a small band of Chinese adventurers. The conflict was preceded by the Saffarid capture of the last Abbasid holdout in Raqqa. Caliph Al-Muqtadir was captured and personally executed by ‘Ali. They next successfully besieged Aleppo whose amir was independent but sympathetic to the Umayyads.
The archrivals first met on the battlefield in the Amaq Valley. After two long days of fighting, the Saffarids emerged victorious and captured nearby Antioch. Here, their army was split up into three parts, with one part to attack Cilicia and the other two to attack southwards. The Cilician army tried to cross the Syrian Gates but was defeated in battle by the Umayyad defenders. They tried again further north at the Amanian Gates but were defeated once more with heavy casualties. Cilicia would remain under Umayyad control for the remainder of the war. The southern armies met with considerably more success. The coastal army easily defeated any resistance and sacked Tripoli. The inland army was joined by a contingent emerging from the desert to the east, with the combined forces routing the Umayyads at the Battle of 'Asi, opening the path to take Hama and Hims. The Saffarid coastal army was checked at the Battle of Jisr al-Kasmia just north of Tyre. The Umayyad defenders were reinforced by sea and inflicted heavy casualties on the Saffarids that were funneled into a bridge. Concurrently, the main Umayyad army marching from Egypt had advanced through Palestine and occupied their old capital of Damascus, fortifying it well. Meanwhile, the Umayyad army in Cilicia advanced past the gates to Cilicia and engaged the Saffarids north of Aleppo at Dabiq, being defeated in a close-fought bloodbath. In an effort to cut off supply to Damascus, part of the inland Saffarid army advanced through the Biqa Valley and was ambushed by an Umayyad sortie. The Saffarids managed to gain the upper hand and pushed onwards to assist in the capture of Tyre. The city was swiftly conquered, as was Acre following a siege. With dwindling supplies and cut off from their main ports, the Umayyad garrison in Damascus was also forced to surrender. Many days of looting commenced.
The Safarrids then advanced into Jordan and Palestine, capturing the holy city of Jerusalem. However, multiple attempts to reach nearby Ramla were defeated at Wadi Qana and Bayt Harun. This coastal strip was bypassed, with the Safarrid armies instead crossing the desert to reach Al-Arish, where they defeated the Umayyad garrison. The path was now completely open to conquer Egypt. Another army captured the port of Ayla, cutting off land access to Hijaz for the Umayyads. With the capture of Fustat also came the capture of Umayyad Caliph Al-Mutarrif himself. In a spectacle watched by thousands, the aging ‘Ali personally beheaded his archrival, marking his second execution of a rival Caliph. The remaining Umayyad forces crumbled shortly thereafter. The now unchecked Saffarids forced the obedience of all in their way until reaching Makkah, cementing their now unchallenged claim to the Caliphate.
Aftermath
While Umayyad Caliph Al-Mutarrif was away in the Holy Land, his hajib took effective control of Andalus proper. Upon hearing of the Umayyad defeat, the Pope declared a holy war for Hispania which saw nearly half of Europe cross the Pyrenees to seek revenge after decades of constant raids. Half of Hispania was recaptured and Qurtubah shattered into a dozen smaller amirates. The Mediterranean islands were abandoned and North African domains fell to native states.
A new period of the dominance of Persian culture in the Muslim World was ushered in. However, peace was not to last. Most of the Khariji troops turned on the Saffarids and revolted along with ‘Alids and Qurayshites that were fundamentally opposed to Saffarid rule. These rebellions were eventually crushed with the heavy use of mamluk slave soldiers which subsequently gained immense power within the empire. In a 50 year period of dominance, the Saffarids would go on to subjugate the rest of Arabia and nearly capture all of Asia Minor. They also attacked the Khazars and successfully toppled the power of the Gurjara-Pratiharas in India. However, by 960 AD, the rulers had grown ineffective and were overthrown by the mamluks, shattering the Muslim world once again into another period of fitna.
Font: Palantino Linotype
Inspiration: shearsforest
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/map-thread-xxi.522105/page-88#post-22988365
Base maps: Admiral A. Kolchak
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/a-blank-map-thread.25312/page-283
Google Maps to pinpoint locations cuz basemap didn't have borders!
Paint.NET with pyrochild outline object plugin
Encyclopedia Iranica
Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition
And of course a metric crap ton of Wikipedia/Wiktionary (for place names, more maps, areas of control at specific times, reading general history, pretty much everything)
Saffarids taking caliphate would have interesting effects I suppose.
The girls are fightinggggggg
This rules! But I hate having to pick between the two best countries
- Status