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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:
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