alternatehistory.com

A nebulous PoD for this idea, which has been fluttering around in my head for a while, is that the rains in Bulgaria, and along Suleiman's route in 1529, are significantly less heavy than IOTL, and with a result, less of his artillery is lost, and fewer of his draft camels die.

Additionally Francis I could be doing better in the War of the League of Cognac (Perhaps the English could have been persuaded to join?) With Imperial forces stretched out further, and no relief remotely possible, the defenders would have been further demoralized, and subject to a massive heavy artillery bombardment, it seems surrender/defeat could come sooner and less bloodily. Vienna having fallen, Royal Hungary and parts of the Hapsburg lands in Austria would be under Ottoman occupation.

Forwards a few years: In 1533 IOTL, Francis I suggested to Clement VII that a council be convened to resolve the current Protestant crisis-- a council that would give Protestants and Catholics equal votes. Perhaps some incident like that could lead to a falling-out between Pope and France at some point within the decade. With Ottoman troops eager to strike Italian soil-- well, with Suleiman eager to strike Italian soil-- this could serve as an opportunity, and lead to an Ottoman attack into Italy.

How might such an attack proceed, and how might the Ottoman troops fare? Would they be able to complete a conquest of Italy/much of Italy and hold it?

Feel free to point out any errors in plausibility-- there are likely many.
Top