In 700-800?
Crusaders?
Christians controlling Mediterranean Sea?
The OP specifically asked about it happening during the Crusades.A random thought generated by the "Crusaders sack Mecca" threads. So what if Muslims attacked and raided Rome during the Crusades? [Emphasis mine]
I wonder what'd happen if they could hold Rome for a longer time (longer than a few decades).
When during the Crusades? It certainly wouldn't be as easy as in the 800s, but about 1100, a lucky shot could still get through easily enough. Rome's better fortified than mecca, but the military capabilities are still limited to piss-poor, going by the experience of the emperors a little earlier. The question is why, since I can't think of any Islamic state with enough naval power projection and enough testosterone sloshing around to make this look like a good idea. Most Islamic states at the time were governed by people who had a clearer grasp of political realities.
The Ottoman vassals in the Maghreb might try for the glory, on a bad day, but that's not 'crusades' by the most generous definition.
I wonder what'd happen if they could hold Rome for a longer time (longer than a few decades).
Every anti-muslim catholic reading that comment will pop a blood vessel.
An Italian caliphate. Crusades to recapture Rome. A new capital for Christendom, Vienna anyone?
I'm Catholic, and that sounds incredibly interesting IMO, not at all bothered.
1)Are you a devout catholic?
2)Are you anti-muslim?
Thats basically the criteria for blood vessel popping. The anti-muslim bit being particularly important.
I'm far from devout and I don't mind Muslims whatsoever? I'd still love to see a Muslim Roman Caliphate despite the fact that the Holy Palace may be desecrated in the process. If it's around the time we're thinking of to the 1400s, then, rather then ignoring the fact that Muslims took Rome, I'd actually welcome it. The Popes of the time where.....rather horrendous.
True, the Borgias spring to mind.
The comment about blood vessels popping was directed more towards the right-wing uber-catholics. The ones who shout about Eurabia and nuking Mecca.
The idea is quite intresting though.
I thought that was more from Protestant Anglo-Saxons? I hear the Spaniards are VERY kind to their Muslims nowadays.
Thats probably the best bet. Anyone have any ideas whether it could be successful? I doubt the Pope or anyone really, would be expecting it.Your best shot would be some muslim privateer operating from Tunis or Algiers. Someone with more thirst for glory and gold than common sense. A muslim Raynald of Chatillon.