My First TL, Making Africa A Powerhouse

Hi everyone, this is my first TL (I was planning one before, but life interfered). You probably don't know me, but I have like two posts on this site, I usually just lurk reading timelines and stories. I figure I'd try my own. Just to let you all know, I've read some great, detailed, amazing timelines and stories here. This timeline will likely be nothing like those, as it's my first. Please read and comment, and nitpick all you want! :D

The POD takes place during the "Crisis of the Third Century". From there, hopefully I can connect the dots well enough to make Africa (in particular Askum, which I've always had a soft spot for) a world power. The first post will be short, but I will write longer ones in a couple of hours.

Lastly, this won't be a story, it will be one of those "1102- This happened" type of things. Sorry if that doesn't float your boat, I'll work on stories as I get better at this.

235 A.D- Alexander Severus is murdered by Roman troops. This sparks of the "Crisis of the Third Century", as pretenders to the throne engage in civil war while the economy itself falls apart. On top of that, barbarians and the Sassanid Persians threaten the frontiers.

251 A.D- The Plague of Cyprian erupts. The entire Roman Empire is afflicted, but unlike OTL far more people die from it. Among those who die are two men, Aurelian and Claudius Gothicus.

The deadlier plague leads to a far more severe backlash against Christians, who are blamed for the spread of the plague. The Catholic Church itself is attacked by roving mobs. Christians see this as the last straw, and many move away from the Empire in what is now called "The Flight of the Cross". Christians from all parts of the Empire fled west, to Ireland. Ireland was seen as a safe haven away from the chaos and hatred in Rome. Many army soldiers who were open Christians or practiced in secret also took flight, which was convenient for the Christian civilians, as they guarded them and provided the Christians with arms.

In their flight to Ireland, they encounter hostile civilians and troops, which the Christians carve through. After a few small bloody skirmishes, the Empire decides that the flight of the Christians is "good riddance" and leaves them alone, though they do not stop civilians from interfering.

258 A.D- The Roman Empire dissolved into three states, the Gallic Empire comprising Gaul, Spain, and Britannia, the Palmyrene Empire comprising Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, and the remnants of the Roman Empire, which was made up of the rest.

269 A.D- Scythian tribes invade the Balkans. The Roman Empire, weakened by plague, dissolution of its territories, and The Flight of the Cross, can not stand against them. At the Battle of Naissus, the Roman soldiers lack strong leadership and are defeated. The Balkans are ravaged by the Scythians, but this is considered a sideshow in the great scheme of events in the Roman world.

MEANWHILE, IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

The Askumites long controlled trade through the Red Sea, and had taken note that Roman demand for goods has declined. Merchants traveling from Egypt bring news that the empire in the north is going through hard times, to say the least. This could interfere with the economy of Askum, if trade dried up, a large part of their income would be lost. To compensate, Askum began looking elsewhere to trade. They were enticed by that great land mass to their west....

Sassanid Persia looked on with glee as Rome descended further and further into anarchy. They were in a perfect position to strike against the weak Roman provinces in Asia and Africa. Of course, Persia wanted Palestine and Egypt, but the Balkans seemed particularly weak at the moment...

That what I have for now. I'll write more in a few hours maybe, after I eat. And the best part is I have no life now that high school is ending, so I can update probably daily!

Thoughts? :eek:
 
Looks like an interesting start. I don't see the connection to Africa yet, but I'm sure you'll get there.
 
Looks like an interesting start. I don't see the connection to Africa yet, but I'm sure you'll get there.

I most certainly will my good person.

Now, to continue.


270 A.D: The Roman Empire was broken, but not yet beaten. Around 270 A.D, the Romans invaded the rebellious "Gallic Empire", in order to rein in the territory but also to provide a morale boost for the soldiers and populace, to show that Rome was still the master of the world. However, their war effort was hampered by poor leadership and supply. Instead of the quick war they sought, they found themselves bogged down in a bloody back-and-forth conflict. This made the Romans cruel to their own people. When they took a city suspected of loyalty to the Gallic Empire, they usually razed it to the ground or pillaged it.

275 A.D: The Sassanid Empire marches west, against the Palmyrene Empire. The Palmyrene Empire actually had several strong legions under its command, most concentrated toward Persia along Palestine, but only a few were in Asia Minor. That is where the Persians struck toward. They were watching closely the events in the Balkans, as the Scythians devastated the region, and determined that this was the weak gap in the Roman Empire. Their invasion was swift and unstoppable. The Palmyrene Legions, after some attempts at stopping the Sassanids ended in failure, abandoned Asia Minor to its fate and concentrated on defending the sliver of the Middle East they controlled. Besides, they still held Egypt.

It took only a few weeks to take all of Asia Minor, and the door to the Balkans laid open to them. The Sassanids began to believe in the revival of the old Achaemenid Empire, but this time they planed to punish the people who had destroyed it the first time. Greece and the Balkans laid open to them.

277 A.D: Persia crosses into the Balkans, under no resistance. Byzantium is bypassed for the time being and the Persians press deep into Greece. Nationalistic fervor and a desire to right an ancient wrong leads to brutality and mindless violence. Many historical artifacts and records in Greece are put to the flame and destroyed. The ideas of philosophers and kings are lost forever.

279 A.D: After sufficiently "punishing" Greece, Persia goes back to Byzantium, which has been effectively blockaded for two years. With no help from Rome, no food, and no real hope, they surrender. Byzantium is kept intact, the Persians intend to use it as their base in the area. Persia is there to stay.

285 A.D: Rome has finally crushed the Gallic Empire and retaken its territories, but the war has broken Gaul, Hispaniola, and Britannia. Most of the cities and towns were taken through lengthy siege, and were utterly destroyed. Western Europe is effectively ruined. The war also cost the Roman Empire a great deal of money and men, not to mention the civilian causalities. The Gallic fiasco has put the Roman Empire in a worse situation than before.


A WORD ON THE GENERAL SITUATION

The economy of the Roman Empire is in tatters, no doubt, far worse than OTL. Here, the plague killed many more people, meaning there aren't as many hands to help farm for food, leading to starvation in the cities. People flocked to the countryside, looking for work, but the lands in Western Europe are ruined from the conflict, scorched, and barren. There isn't enough land to farm in the other parts of the empire for all of these people. Crime skyrockets as desperate people fight to survive. Armed gangs rove the countryside, and trade stops, as it is too unsafe. No strong leader comes forward to unite the empire, and the pagan religion does not unify the people. More and more, we see generals and commander follow their own whims and conduct their own campaigns rather than follow the will of the Emperor, which is just as well, since the Emperor seems to change every week. The great cities of Europe start to depopulate. In a generation or two, Rome will be a ghost town.

Persia is riding high. Greece has been conquered along with Asia Minor, and Palestine and Egypt may be next. Their economy is strong, trade with China has brought wealth to the country, and the recent conquests have done much to unify the people. The government encourages people to move to Greece and Asia Minor to spread Zoroastrianism and Persian culture, as well as to destroy Hellenism. In a century's time, Greek will be a forgotten language.

Aksum has responded to the fall of trade with Rome by expanding trade into the interior of Africa. African resources pour into Aksum which is then sent on voyages to India and Asia along the sea route. The Aksumite merchant fleet has grown during this time, and Aksumite ships are a common site in India. However, there is no true naval force as there are no other real naval threats in the area. Gold from the Aksumite Empire spreads to certain African and Arabian states that deals with them. The increased trade brings benefits to all regions involved.

The Palmyrene Empire is battered, but standing. It has taken the time given to it by Persia's lack of attention to build it's army to respectable levels and fortify its position. It is also takes advantage of the proximity of Aksum to trade, increasing revenue. It takes care to prepare for the second round with Persia everyone knows is coming, but also looks at a so for ignored area on the map, North Africa, with hungry eyes.

BACK TO TIMELINE

290 A.D: Persia focuses on consolidating their hold in Greece and Asia Minor, and is in no hurry to attack the Palmyrene Empire. The Palmyrene Empire takes advantage of this and offers a 20-year truce to Persia with tribute. The Persians accept. With their border secure for the moment, the Palmyrenes began preparations to take all of North Africa.

291 A.D: The Christians who fled the Empire have been living in Ireland for a while now. The pagan Irish they ran into were given two options: convert or die. The Christians tried peaceful coexistence before, and that failed, they weren't going to give it another try. The Irish tribes defended themselves and their way of life with valor, but the Christians, battle-hardened by the flight from Rome, crushed them. Now, years later, nearly the entire island was Christianized.

These Christians followed radical new ideas. For one, nationalities and ethnicities were "abolished". No matter what race you were or where you were from, you were Christian. It sounds nice on paper, but in reality it was enforced in a bloody manner. Any attempt to show your cultural heritage, whether it was through dress or dance or language was stamped out. The sole language was Latin, not Greek, not Gaelic, just Latin. Non-believers were put to the sword. Those who had never heard the name of Christ were given one chance to convert and enjoy full and total equality, if they did not, death awaited. All Christians were required to fight for God, including women. These Christians were led by Pope Leo, who wasn't a real Pope at all, he was just a soldier who was best able to command the people. Leo told his followers that, in the future, Christianity was destined to cover the world, even if the blood of millions would have to be spilled first.

295 A.D: Aksum begins getting involved in the politics of the Arabian peninsula. One local chieftain in Southern Arabia asked for Aksum assistance against another chieftain. Aksum sends in 10,000 soldiers and defeats the other chieftain, but does not leave. The chieftain, after dropping subtle hints that they were no longer needed, finally offers up a monthly tribute and trade concessions, as well as allowing Aksumite troops to pass through when they wished. Aksum accepts and withdraws from the region, for now.

300 A.D: For all intents and purposes, the Roman Empire no longer exists. The populace flocks to whichever general can provide protection and food. Each general then carves out a piece of land for his troops and the people that swarm to him, and they fight other generals for land. This is the beginning of warlord-ism in the Empire. The Emperor holds no power, in fact, most people don't even know his name. Major cities become ghost towns, while small farming villages suffer from overpopulation. From Italy to Britannia, there is discord and suffering. When the barbarians come in force years later, they find lands not much different from the ones they have left.
 
I don't think Greek as a language would die out that quickly and I don't think Christianity would turn into a holy-war cult that easily either. Christians have been persecuted and fled into less-civilized places before.

However, if you really want to indulge in Rome-screw, the Crisis of the Third Century is a good place to do it.
 
I don't think Greek as a language would die out that quickly and I don't think Christianity would turn into a holy-war cult that easily either. Christians have been persecuted and fled into less-civilized places before.

I had read that the Sassanid Persians really hated Hellenism and everything involved with it. When Rome conquered Greece it pretty much left it alone. When a Greek-hating Persia invades Greece and destroys its records, burns its cities, suppresses its culture and acts none-to-kindly to the citizens, I can see why it would die out, though maybe less quickly???

As for the Christian thing, perhaps, but it fits into my "Burn Europe To The Ground Approach". :D Plus, though maybe I didn't mention it strongly enough, the Christians were persecuted worse here than in OTL because of the deadlier plague. Add to that they were being attacked while running away, and why not?
 
I had read that the Sassanid Persians really hated Hellenism and everything involved with it. When Rome conquered Greece it pretty much left it alone. When a Greek-hating Persia invades Greece and destroys its records, burns its cities, suppresses its culture and acts none-to-kindly to the citizens, I can see why it would die out, though maybe less quickly???

I doubt it. The Sassanids were as fascinated by the Greeks as they hated them. A pillage of the great Greek cities? Probably. A burning of their records? Not likely. Wholesale purging of any Hellenic culture? A deathwish for Persia. The Sassanids would have to get more tolerant or die. Though it worked for one centralized state centered on the Iranian Plateau it won't work for a state having a lot of Greeks.
 
I doubt it. The Sassanids were as fascinated by the Greeks as they hated them. A pillage of the great Greek cities? Probably. A burning of their records? Not likely. Wholesale purging of any Hellenic culture? A deathwish for Persia. The Sassanids would have to get more tolerant or die. Though it worked for one centralized state centered on the Iranian Plateau it won't work for a state having a lot of Greeks.

Were they? I'll edit it then, maybe make Greek decline in importance? Though I kind of do want to keep a burning of their records there. It works in my grand scheme. Chalk it up to stupid angry soldiers just burning stuff like Alexander did.

Separate question, where do I go to make maps?
 
The Aksumites will have to deal with their two largest rivals:

\The Arab Traders and Mother Nature. It was largely in part due to drought, famine, and overexhaustion and tree stripping of the land around Aksum which lead to erosions that forced the once great city to sink in size and the population of people go inwards. They are going to need canals, pumps, and new irrigation techniques passed on from Rome possibly.
 
A WORD ON ROMAN NORTH AFRICA

North Africa, the granary of the empire, was hit hard by the plague. However, it was not hit by the chaos in Europe, and thus was relatively peaceful. Rome no longer collected taxes from them, and ships no longer came to pick up grain. It was as if all of North Africa was teleported to a peaceful oasis. Rather than fighting among themselves in a bloody civil war, the legions of the area decided to band together under their generals. These generals effectively ruled their own lands, but their rule was amazingly benign, and trade continued nearly uninterrupted. All of the general-governors agreed not to attack each other and keep a common currency. They also agreed that, in times of crisis, they would pool their resources together. Thus Roman Africa became a Roman Confederation, with Carthage acting as the de-facto political center.

The first test put to the Confederation was how to organize their defense. It was unlikely that Rome would attempt to retake the area. Equally unlikely was any threat from the African interior. But the Palmyrene Empire was a mystery. They had signed a truce with the Sassanids and, with their border secure, seemed poised to strike west. The Palmyrene military was stronger and the Confederation could not hold out against them for long. Through recent arrival of traders from the African interior, the Confederation learned of Aksum, a trading empire in the East, bordering the Palmyrenes.

TO THE TIMELINE

300 A.D: The Confederation sends a diplomatic mission to Aksum, through the desert. The diplomats would have died if not for their guides; Aksumite explorers who had recently arrived in Carthage months earlier, who were bragging about their hometown. The objectives of the diplomats is to convince Aksum to join the Roman Confederation in a joint attack on Palmyrene.

Once the diplomats enter the city of Aksum, they are stunned by its beauty and size. They had not known anything like this existed in Africa. Upon being granted audience with the king, they learn that these explorers were state sponsored, but that detail is not highly regarded by them. They ask the king for an alliance against Palmyreme. The king refuses, stating that Palmyreme is one of their trading partners and they have no reason to engage in war with them. Furthermore, Aksum knows of the Sassanids and would prefer a border with Palmyreme than them.

The king then questions the diplomats about this Roman Confederation and the Mediterranean situation in general. He learns that the region as a whole is chaotic, but North Africa has become something of a safe haven. He also learns from the diplomats and his explorers about Carthage, the great harbor and trade center. This peaks his interest, but when the diplomats tell him shipping has practically stopped due to the wars, he says none-to-subtly that peace in the region would be best for all involved to re-start trade. He then invites the diplomats to stay in his city as guests for a time, to which they agree.

302 A.D: Persia has its hands full with Greece. The violent invasion did nothing to capture the hearts and minds of the Greeks, and the destruction of many Greek artifacts hasn't helped the matter. After the shock of the invasion wears off, Greek citizens rise up against the invaders. This isn't a war, more like rioting and general disobedience. The discord in Greece wards off many Persian citizens and merchants from moving to the area while at the same time increasing the costs of occupation for the Persians. The area is fast becoming a drain on the Sassanid Empire, but the Persians refuse to withdraw from the area.

305 A.D: The Palmyrenes have finished their military buildup and feel capable of defending themselves from Persia, as well as being able to take North Africa. However, a divide has occurred in the government as to what path should be taken. Some in the court feel that North Africa should be conquered; with the wealth of the area in Palmyrene hands, they would be the new power in the Mediterranean. Others feel that there is no real need to invade the Confederation as they aren't a serious threat to them. In addition to that, the populace is not in the mood for a war. These anti-war court members would rather see the government put its efforts into development of infrastructure. Lastly, they felt that as soon as Palmyrene attacked the Confederation, Persia would attack them. This last point, more than any other, dissuades the court from going to war, at least for the time being. Still, the military is kept mobilized.

308 A.D: The Christians on Ireland have built up a rather militaristic state. The island is turned into an armed camp, the reason for which is fear of Roman attack. Being so isolated, they generally are not sure as to whether or not Rome has survived the turmoil. Their Pope, the charismatic Leo the Soldier, has the ultimate goal of spreading Christianity throughout the world, but recognizes that a strong state would be needed first. And a strong state, to him, meant a strong military. It also meant avoiding any other influence or contact with the outside world, until he felt his people were ready. Thus, as the few people who travel to Ireland disappear for one reason or another, people in Europe gradually came to view the island as cursed. However, he was shrewd enough to know that information was the most valuable commodity, and he made sure to send people to Britannia and Europe, incognito, to report to him the changes in the area.

310 A.D: The Palmyrene-Persian treaty has expired. Palmyrene braces itself for a Persian attack, but none comes. During this first tense year, diplomats from the Aksumite Empire arrive in Alexandria. The diplomats state their desire for peace and prosperity in the region, and for peaceful coexistence between Palmyrene and the Roman Confederation. They do not mention their previous contact with Confederation diplomats. These diplomats provide the final push for Palmyrene, and they offer a treaty of non-aggression to the Confederation. It is accepted, and trade flows from Carthage to Alexandria, which then flows, of course, to Aksum.

A WORD ON TRADE IN NORTH AFRICA, AKSUM, AND SOUTHERN ARABIA

Trade between Arabia and Rome previously went through the Arabian desert, through Persia, and ended up in the Eastern Roman provinces. Once the Sassanids came to power, trade through the Persian route dried up. Coincidentally, when Aksum "acquired" trade rights in Southern Arabia some time later, a new route opened up. Frankincense and myrrh for example, valuable fragrances, find themselves being shipped across the Red Sea to Aksum ports. These are then sent up the Nile, ending up in Palmyrene Alexandria. From there, they are sent to Carthage in the Roman Confederation. Frankincense and myrrh become widely popular in these three countries. On the return route, trade ships carry North African grain (which was no longer being exported to Europe, meaning there was greater supply) and Egyptian papyrus through the Nile to Aksum, and from there, Arabia. The result is increased food supply in Arabia and increased flow of gold in Africa. Compared with the rest of the world, North Africa, Aksum, and Southern Arabia had the most complex and valuable trade relationships, except for perhaps China.

BACK TO TIMELINE

312 A.D: Persia still has not attacked Palmyrene, and by this point the Palmyrenes think the threat is over, though they cannot risk lowering their military readiness. The trade with the Confederation and Aksum has brought wealth to the country, and along with their military, Palmyrene is the major power of the region. Their army (but not their navy) is stronger than the Confederation's, Persia was too busy in Greece to be a player in the area, and Aksum, while strong, could not go toe-to-toe with them, nor had they the desire to do so. Taking advantage of the peace in the area, Palmyrene builds various infrastructure works. Waterways and canals are built in the Nile Delta to facilitate trade and transport. Palestine, still in their hands, is also improved. Various towns and irrigation projects are built up. Soldiers are also concentrated in this area, as there no longer seems to be a need to station them deep in Egypt. The soldiers themselves bring business to the area as merchants and families follow them.

314-326 A.D: The Aksumites are enjoying great prosperity, though not as great as when Rome was united and strong. The King has sent out various expeditions to North Africa and the interior, to map the regions and make contact with the peoples. The Aksumite Empire was never one for serious expansion. This does not mean Aksum never engaged in conquest, for it has, and would continue to. But for the most part, Aksum was only interested in keeping the peace in its own borders and spreading trade.

Through various expeditions, Aksum learns of the various lands and people below the desert. The explorers notice the large amount of trees in the area, far more than in Aksum. The timber possibilities are at once realized by Aksum, and they consider sending ships here to begin cutting down the trees and sending them back up north, to be used in shipbuilding and construction. There are tribes living here however, and not all of them are willing to let the Aksumites fell their trees. In response, Aksum sends a large expeditionary force down to the northern coastal tip what is OTLTanzania. But rather than engage the tribes in territory unfamiliar to the Aksumites, they begin construction of a fort.

This fort, begun in 314, becomes a local center for trade with the natives and is the first instance of Aksum power projection so far away from its territory. Most of the tribes, enticed by Aksum goods, began trading with them. They offer up medical herbs, timber, and perhaps most importantly, guides offering to show Aksum explorers into the forest. Other tribes are not so kind, and either ignore Aksum or are openly hostile. One such tribe attacks the fort in 315, but is repulsed. This small battle does much to impress the power of Aksum into the other tribes.

A WORD ON WESTERN EUROPE

The situation in Europe is dire, and is likely to stay that way for some time. Warlords are in constant conflict with one another, and no warlord can stay on top for long. If one gets too strong, other warlords will ban together to defeat him. Those victorious warlords then turn on each other for various reasons, and the same pattern repeats. The civilians who have flocked to them for safety are not spared. The men are often impressed into service, meaning duties traditionally handled by men are now given to women, since all of the men are in military service. It becomes a common site to see villages with far more women than men. While this will have interesting effects in the future, at the moment it has led to the disintegration of the traditional family, as women usually work and raise the children without a husband.

Borders are in constant flux and trade has not recovered, and will not for a long, long while. There is evidence that the Roman Confederation has interfered in Europe from the beginning, making sure no one warlord became too strong to unite the region, as they were not strong enough themselves to move in and end the fighting. This makes sense, as a united Europe would likely move back into North Africa, and the North Africans have grown use to life without Imperial rule.
 
279 A.D: After sufficiently "punishing" Greece, Persia goes back to Byzantium, which has been effectively blockaded for two years. With no help from Rome, no food, and no real hope, they surrender. Byzantium is kept intact, the Persians intend to use it as their base in the area. Persia is there to stay.
Two years to take a little fishing Village. Now maybe Sparta and it's Legions, hold out for two years, but not Istanbul. I mean whe are not talking Constantinople, which was built in 330 AD.
A WORD ON TRADE IN NORTH AFRICA, AKSUM, AND SOUTHERN ARABIA

Trade between Arabia and Rome previously went through the Arabian desert, through Persia, and ended up in the Eastern Roman provinces. Once the Sassanids came to power, trade through the Persian route dried up. Coincidentally, when Aksum "acquired" trade rights in Southern Arabia some time later, a new route opened up. Frankincense and myrrh for example, valuable fragrances, find themselves being shipped across the Red Sea to Aksum ports. These are then sent up the Nile, ending up in Palmyrene Alexandria. From there, they are sent to Carthage in the Roman Confederation. Frankincense and myrrh become widely popular in these three countries. On the return route, trade ships carry North African grain (which was no longer being exported to Europe, meaning there was greater supply) and Egyptian papyrus through the Nile to Aksum, and from there, Arabia. The result is increased food supply in Arabia and increased flow of gold in Africa. Compared with the rest of the world, North Africa, Aksum, and Southern Arabia had the most complex and valuable trade relationships, except for perhaps China.
??What The??
Aksum and Indian Trade Ships went up the Red Sea, across the Nile Canal, into the Med. Once in the Med they traveled from the Black Sea to Britannia.
The cross desert route didn't open up till the importation of Camels into NAfrica in the mid 300's.
The Aksumites will have to deal with their two largest rivals:
There largest Rival [and largest trade Partner] is India
 

Art

Monthly Donor
This is rather . . . strange . . .

I agree that the 3rd century crisis was a DIRE situation for the Roman Empire, but the idea that the Palmyran Empire and Gallic Empire last for that long are . . . unlikely. Christians taking refuge in IRELAND?? IN A. D. 290-330? Talk about your absurd ideas. Most Christians did not have the funds to travel that far, and the (pagan) Romans were more united than you think. Check out Mithras, and some of the other imported eastern religions to the Roman Empire. Cities were certainly sacked in that day and age, but what really killed the cities of Western Europe in that time was high taxes, guild rules that made little sense, and Diocletian establishing a caste system that made changing a persons profession a crime. The idea of Greek becoming a dead language in the 200s-300s is nearly impossible. You seem to want to level the playing field so Africa comes out on top. That is possible, but difficult, and I am not sure it can be pulled off.
 
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