Persia: Year 1420

Aztec Empire
With civil wars quelled, Aztec Empire joined the Great Holy War against Egipt. With the massive armies at their command, barbarians tore through Muslim defences, incorporating once core Islamic province into their Empire.

Following their conquests of Bulgaria, Aztec forces managed to push Romans beyond Dniester, claiming whole eastern Balkans for themselves.

Christian Europe
King Henri IV von Diepholz in the last years of his life, managed to return Kingdom of Bavaria into Austrasian fold, however both Moravia and Bohemia remained independent states - both of which control minor territories in the Western Europe as well.

New ruler - king Barthelemi 'The Monster' - involved himself in a Svea Rike (Sweden) war against Khazars for control over Estonia.
Sweden remains, despite feud with Norge (Norway) one of the only stable kingdoms in the Christian world, and with decline or Austrasia, it might be the most potent Catholic kingdom in Europe, lagging only slightly behind Roman Empire.

In the mentioned time period, the last wave of Nomad settlers chose to make their home in Eastern Europe, forming Khanate of Vologda.

In this perilous period of European history, with Nomads in the East, Aztecs controlling British Isles, Iberia, Greece, parts of Italy and Balkans, that identify of Western Culture was forged around the ideas of Christian unity, ingenuity and experimentation that may-- some day -- save the Western World from approaching oblivion.

Middle East

Aztec conquest of Egipt was still fresh news, when in the year 1407 Zoroastrian Holy War against Syria begun. Abbasid Caliphate, still in shock after losing their African province, could not mount sufficient resistance.

By October 1410, Persian Dynasty, for the first time since rise of Alexander the Great over 1700 years ago, gained access to Mediterranean Sea.

Fall of Egipt and Syria marked the final decine of Abbasid Caliphate, following it's Umayyad counterpart in previous centuries.
Disorganised and internally conflicted - Muslims faced the critical decline of their power across the known world. While still in control of many lands - their once intimidating empires are now dwarfed by Aztec and Persian enemies.


In this time period, first recorded mentions of renewed Sino-Persian relations - which stopped with the fall of Sassanid Empire.

Persia: Year 1400

Year 1400 - Trends and Forces:


Following period of relative stability, civilisations of Europe and Middle-East were plagued by massive uprisings. Peasant, religious and cultural struggles spread through the kingdoms like wild fire.

Aztec Empire - series of revolts resulted in 4 different rulers controlling the Aztec Empire in a period of five years. It left the powerful empire unable to join Great Holy War of High Priests against Muslim Egipt.

Austrasia - one of the most spectacular falls of the last decade - Austrasia's eastern province rebelled, proclaming itself as independent Kingdom of Bavaria... only to be forced to split again, giving birth to Kingdom of Bohemia and Duchy of Moravia

Holy Roman Empire - disappointed by the weak state of the Empire, ruling elite decided to rejoin Roman Empire after death of their former ruler.

Abbasid Caliphate - a long-standing Decadence Revolt in Abisynia, which Caliphate could not suppress is slowly gaining enough momentum, forcing Abbasids to consider it a major threat to their integrity-- threat they might be unable to stop.

Mauskarid Caliphate - young state came under fire from all directions and is now fighting for it's survival while Roman forces try to reclaim their territories in Anatolia.

Generally unstable Nomadic Khaganates were victims of same separatist movements, with Khaganate of Bulan dealing with an independence revolt encompassing over 50% of their territory. 

It is worth taking not of Kingdom of Pomerania which existed as an independent state since 1130, slowly accumulating territories and power in the region. With decomposition of Austrasia in Central Europe, Pomerania advanced to be one of the major powers in the region.

Plague, that spread across Scandinavia, failed to cross the Baltic Sea.


Persian Empire:

Cradle of Civilisation spreading from Indus to Red Sea enjoys the rare - in current global climate - time of peace and prosperity under Shahanshah Khurshid. Expanding it's influence across the region Persian Dynasty is most likely to gain as her enemies struggle...

Persia: Year 1380

Aztec Empire
It's been a century since Aztecs expanded across Europe, subjugating peoples of all races, nations and creeds.
Their empire, while large and disjointed, proven itself resilient to the forces - internal and external, that tore other nations apart in the history of Europe.

It comes will little surprise then, that barbarians managed to retake their Italian territories from Danes, who were left with precious few allies when the Aztecs returned.
King Merten, son of Giselher, died in battle against them, and with his death, Danish claim for Italian throne died as well.

While the city of Rome still stands as a beacon of Christianity - it is surrounded by hostile infidels.

Aztecs scored one more victory in the last two decades - they managed to push Romans over the Danube, winning large parts of the eastern Balkans for themselves.

Christian Europe
In 1361 Roman Empire split - separating Catholic Holy Roman Empire, from the Orthodox Romans.
Both states, sharing provinces of the Western Europe, came from the separation greatly weakened.

Loss of Italy and Bulgaria to the Aztecs left kingdom of Austrasia, as the only major Christian power in Europe.

Far to the north, in the stable - even if unable to project power - kingdom of Svea Rike, a new plague, the type unseen for centuries, begun.

It spread quickly through Scandinavia and in the year 1380 looked huntery over the Baltic Sea...

Middle-East
Last two decades saw a major war between different branches of Taid family, over domination of the Persian Empire. Between years 1363 and 1368 Emperor Zia was deposed from the throne, which he managed to reclaim after death of his cousin who usurped the control over the Empire.

In the same period, reports of a Mongol adventurer - Tamerlane - spread across northern borders of Persia. Despite great armies the young man gathered, he couldn't defeat the experienced and much better organised Persian troops.

Between years 1367 and 1374 Zoroastrians renewed their struggle for Arabia, eventually reclaiming it from the hands of Abbasids.

Khurshid - grandson of Zia - young Emperor, governs the largest nation in the known world - taught by the example of his grandfather however, he knows better than to feel truly safe, even among his greatest allies.

Persia: Year 1360

Aztec Empire

In the year 1342 Pope Innocentius VI called for a Crusade to reclaim Italy from the hands of barbarians. Aztec Empire at that point, became a shadow of it's former self - with long and exhausting in-fighting in various parts of the newly conquered territories spending power of the great armies.

Rome returned to the Christandom in 1349 and the Crusade was the first major victory against the Aztecs since they arrived to Europe.

Despite that defeat, barbarians still controlled great parts of the continent under their control, slowly affecting cultural and religious makeup of their empire.

Christian Europe

With victory in the Crusade granted to Danish king Giselher, new spirit of hope surged through Europe. Austrasia begun conflict with Roman Empire for their provinces in France.
Romans, after losing most of their Asia Minor territories expanded more into Central Europe, spreading Orthodox Christianity and the Feudal way of life into former Nomadic Khazar tribes.


Middle-East

Muaskarid Caliphate, which split away from Abbasids generation ago, quickly rose to power in the north - conquering both steppe nomads in the north, and pushing Romans out of their holds in Asia Minor in a Jihad in years 1349-1353.

With Mongols involved in India, Persia focused on reclaiming various provinces lost in the last century and Abbasid Caliphate bent on waging war in Africa against former Umayyad territories - each local power focused on different, non opposing commitments.

Persia: Year 1340

Aztec Empire:
Between October 1322 and August 1324 Aztec Empire lead it's first religious war in Europe.
Despite support of other Christian rulers, Most Serine Republic of Aquitaine, was conquered by the barbarians, incorporating southern France into massive Aztec Empire.

Next 15 years were marked by series of uprisings and rebellions across the vast empire. While unsuccessful, continuous unrest keeps Aztec Empire out of balance.


Christian Europe:
Fall of Aquitaine, once won from the Muslim usurpers, was a massive blow to the Catholic faith in Europe in more than one way.
With Roman Empire expanding it's religious control over it's new western provinces, Basileus failed to aid Aquitaine in their hour of need.
At the same time Northern War between Svea Rike and Norge - which involved all Christian powers surrounding Baltic Sea - occupied them too much to send any substantial aid to the besieged republic.

With aid only from Austrasia and lesser European lords, Aquitaine could not defend against Aztec invasion.

Weakness of Catholic unity could not be shown in more stunning way.

Roman Empire - ruled by Laurentios, son of Eadmaer - despite severe problems with controlling it's Catholic population, proves itself to be capable of holding it's vast domain under control - even if they cannot protect their own Asia Minor provinces from Muslim threat.

Middle-East:
Unrest that plagued Abbasid Caliphate reached zenith with formation of Muaskarid Caliphate in the northern provinces of the Muslim domain. New state, controlled by Shia, stood in opposition to all it's neighours but despite minor setbacks in war against Persia, young Caliphate manages to defend itself against larger powers in the region.

In 1322 a long-lasting Jihad against Arabia was won by the Islamic warriors, forcing Zoroastrians to retreat from the peninsula. With death of Shapur V "The Great" in 1329, throne of Persia was taken by energetic Prince Zia.

Facing large opposition, young emperor managed to subjugate parts of the Empire that split away from the monarchy in previous century. With Mongols busy in India and Abbasids, once again, forced to deal with internal strife, Zia begun long process of strengthening his dynasty and the empire itself.

Persia: Year 1320

Aztec Empire:
In the year 1311 Aztec faith, influenced by their European counterparts transformed into organised religion - becoming even greater threat to inhabitants of the conquered land.

In last two decades, Aztec Empire made little progress in terms of expansion - busy with quelling multiply rebellions in vast parts of their new empire. Only war of conquest was issued against Bejaid Caliphate for some of their Iberian territories.



Christian Europe:

As expected Basileus Eadmaer II "Half-Hand" spent most of his time quelling rebellions of his own across the, now unified Roman Empire. Great majority of his western subjects were Catholic and were less than happy to suddenly find themselves under governorship of Orthodox Patriarch.

Austrasia continued to fight with its Central European neighbours trying to expand it's territorial gains in the region.

Early 14th century saw the final collapse of Livonia - last pagan-controlled state in Europe.
Suomenusko religion survived longest in Finland, but with the rapid spread of Christianity, fall of the Old Gods could not be stopped for any longer.

In the same period, kingdom of Svea Rike - controlling majority of Scandinavia for last 3 centuries - split into three major states:
Svea Rike, ruled continuously by the prime branch of Orming dynasty.
Norge - ruled by lesser Orming branch
Smaland, under Varnso dynasty.

Middle-East:

Weakening of the Persian Empire let Mongol Horse Lords spread through Steppe and managed to spread into India.

Taid dynasty proved incapable of expanding the Persian Empire any farther and even their support to the Shirazi dynasty ruling Zoroastrian Arabia was mostly symbolic.

Persia: Year 1300

Aztec Invasion:

In November 1280 Rome fell to the Aztec invasion. Humiliating defeat of the Catholic church sent ripples across Europe - the cruel gods of foreign barbarians would not accept heavenly competition.

In Febuary 1281, Aztecs begun invasion aimed at Andalusia. Conflict that lasted over three years ended with capitulation of Caliph - Islamic faith learned the bitter taste of defeat Catholics experienced for last two decades.

Andalusia became another victim of blood-hungry gods from across the ocean...

In following decade Aztec Empire was troubled by internal strife and rebellions, giving hopes to the shrinking ranks of European defenders that the empire won so quickly, would fall with equal speed - after a decade of relative peace however, Aztecs launched their boldest invasion yet as they begun the invasion of Roman Empire in April 1293.

In December, 1294, after a battle north of Arsa, Empress Margaret Iceling - caught during the strife, was sacrificed to the Aztec gods.
Dying without heirs at the age of 20, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire left the throne empty...

First in the line of succession was Eadmaer 'Half-Hand' Iceling - son of Margaret's uncle.
Uncle who married Eirene II - Empress of the Roman Empire.



By this dynastic relation, with Eadmaer's coronation as the new Holy Roman Empire, the both Imperial titles of East and West Roman Empire were connected in the person.

And that unity was never more needed in Europe - in November 1295 Constantinopole and whole Greece alongside it, fell in the hands of Aztec barbarians:
Orthodox, Catholic and Muslims - all learned the fear invaders from across the ocean....

 Western Europe:

With the unification of Imperial titles and Austrasian expansion in Central Europe, the front against Aztec invasion could not be more unified in Christian world. The major flaw in the unification however, is the matter of Catholic and Orthodox churches...
Since year 180 AD, with excommunication of eastern Churches by Victor - bishop of Rome - conflict between Eastern and Western Christianity grew only larger - and by the 13th century both religions - while growing from faith in the same diety, saw each other as almost foreign entities.

With Eadmaer - an Orthodox Emperor - controlling vast Catholic provinces of the Holy Roman Empire, chance for unification - while existing, were rather unlikely.

Middle East:

Both Abbasid Caliphate and Persian Empire faced a host of internal unrest in last few decades.

Taid dynasty responded to the instability by repressions in the core provinces of the Empire and granting autonomy to more distant provinces - especially those in central Asia, which were, the facto independent for few decades.

Weakness of Persia made the Mongol Empire bold enough to claim some of the former Taid territories that gained Independence from Nishapur government. Horse Lords however, had their eyes set on easier prize than the Persian Empire: West Steppe controlled by disorganised Bulan and Khazar Khagnates...

Abbasid Caliphate faced a full blown rebellion that grew out of dissatisfaction of Sa'ddin VI's governorship. It is difficult to say if the civil war tears the empire apart, or simply change the ruler to one who will follow the true teachings of Allah...

Persia: Year 1280

The Aztec Invasion:

In a rapid succession, Aztec invaders overcame Scotland (May 1260) and begun war against England (October 1260) which concluded with unconditional defeat of the British monarchy in June 1261.

Over the next decade Aztec Empire consolidated their hold on British Isles, dealing painful defeat to the Holy Roman Empire in 1263, when Imperial provinces, remnants of the Iceling dynasty origin across the Channel were attacked by the invaders.

Empress Beatrix, captured during the war was sacrificed in the newly raised temples of the Aztec people.


A decade later Aztec invasion of Italy caught everyone by surprise. In few short years - between 1274 and 1280 half of the ancient Roman domain had to bow to the Aztec gods. Belonging go the HRE territories were defended by Eadweard II - son of the excommunicated Eadweard I.

Emperor was gravely wounded during the fighting and died on 22nd of August 1278.

Coalition of all European rulers band together to combat the threat of Aztec invasion:
Caliph Tariq IV of Bejad Caliphate - who's domains, for now, remained safe
Basilissa Eirene II - who was dragged into the conflict after Roman controlled southern Italy and Sicily were taken by the invaders.
Khan Yectiek of Khazaria - nomadic Horse Lord from Central Europe

they joined the Catholic coalition of Holy Roman Empire - ruled by Eadweard II's daughter, Margaret, Queen Hodierne of Austrasia and Serene Doge Pagano III of Aquitanian Merchant Republic.

With them, many lesser lords and rulers gathered to defend known world from the unknown threat.

Persia: Year 1260

Persian Empire:
End of the Great Civil War begun a process of long prosecutions against all rebellion sympathisers. Many members of the royal family were executed or died in mysterious circumstances.
Smerids I 'The Great' never managed to complete the slaughter - or the administrative reforms that would follow once the opposing nobility would be fully subjugated: He died of allegedly poor health in the year 1243 at the age of 59.

His son, Kurush inherited the Empire in a state of flux - with many prominent families being prosecuted by the Imperial Administration. New emperor separated Arabia from the rest of the Empire, giving governance of the state to one of the only nobles who supported his father - Shirazi clan.

Shirazi Shahdom within few short years came under attack of the Muslims, enraged by the attack on their cradle, Kurush however didn't live long enough to take part in this war - he died in mysterious circumstances in year 1246.

His son - Smerdis II took the crown and early in his governship he sent aid to the Shirazi family - which suffered under massive onslaught of Jihadists.
War in Arabia between Muslims and Zoroastrians lasts for years, with neither side capable of gaining the upper hand.
Persian Empire, weakened by the struggle, couldn't resist to protect it's steppe provinces from the Mongolian attacks, securing peace by appeasement of the Horse Lords.


Muslim World:
Fall of Arabia to the infidels sent ripples through the Muslim world, compelling them to renewing Jihad on their Zoroastrian enemies. With both Abbasid and Iberian armies involved in the conflict, the Jihad against Arabia might be the biggest gathering of soldiers of Allah in five six centuries.

In Spain, Bejaid family managed to unify many of the Muslim provinces. Newly reformed Caliphate, while shadow of it's Umayyad predecessor is a promise of stability in the Islamic west.


Roman Empire:
With death of Eirene in 1253 throne went to her son Georgios, who in turn, was murdered by Khazar assassins during a Pest Conference in 1254, leaving his adolescent daughter - Eirene II as new Empress of the Romans.

Roman Empire continued to establish itself in the Central and Eastern Europe, slowly pushing the Nomadic Khazars and Bulans north.

Western Europe:
Innevetable conflict between Holy Roman Empire and Austrasia finally begun.
Known as Excommunication War, the conflict begun in a most unfavourable time for the Holy Roman Empire - already engaged in a war with the English.

Emperor Eadweard brought upon himself wroth of Pope Ioannes XI for waging war on the Welsh-controlled England while trying to expand his domains in the British Isles.

Central and Eastern Europe:
Some of the Khazars settled in the former Teuronic country, creating Khagan of Lithuania.which claimed western provinces of the Khazar Empire. During this period, Orthodox Christianity penetrated the Nomadic territories from the south, while Buddhist teachings were popular in the eastern part of the steppe.

In the far east meanwhile, Mongolian Empire slowly consumed isolated and poorly defended provinces, building up momentum needed for potential invasion...


British Isles:
Conflict between England and Holy Roman Empire ended with white peace - as both sides had more important conflicts to deal with.

HRE was forced to deal with the Austrasians, while English begun war with Scots over the Northumbria.

Those conflicts however, paled in comparison of what was coming to the British shores from the west...

Horde of bloodthirsty barbarians from across the Atlantic descended upon Irish shores, decimating the defenders and taking the island by storm in a matter of weeks, followed by equally swift conquest of Cornwall.
By the end of 1259 Aztec armies begun invasion of Scotland - already tired by the war with England.

Can the British people defend their domain? Or will the Albion fall to the Aztecs in just few short years?

Persia: Year 1240

Persian Empire
In January 1233 Moabadan-Moabad declared a Holy War against the Muslims - first organised religious invasion of the Muslim lands organised by recently reformed Zoroastrian Church.
Believers from the Steppes of Asia, to the shores of Indus marched towards Arabia to deal mortal blow to the heart of Islamic faith.

Holy War was over within 18 months, bringing much of the Arabian Peninsula under the Persian yoke. Shahanshah Smerdis, known by then as "The Great" celebrated great triumphs on his way back to Nishapur in Babylon and Bagdad and Hamadan.

With recent gains in Asia, the Persian Empire became easily the biggest and most powerful state in the known world. Vastness of the domain however, brought up separatist tensions into the empire, as various Satraps and Shahs seen themselves as independent rulers only nominally serving Smerdis.

Great Revolt which lasted since 1235 till 1239 claimed lives of thousands of Persian soldiers. The rebellion was quelled, but Smerdis - from a ruler who basked in praise and glory of his subjects, turned into bitter and vengeful monarch, as he planned to restore order in his country in the way his ancestors did, with fear and destruction of all who opposed him...

Muslim World
Collapse of Umayyad domain became fact. With only few provinces in France still fearing the Allah, Holy Roman Empire begun pushing their way into Iberia, beginning the process of reconquista of Spain.
Splintered by political and religious divide (Sunni and Shia) Muslims struggle to resist attacks of the emboldened Christians.

In the East, Abbasid Caliphate endured most humbling defeat by the Zoroastrian faith - as servants of Ahura Mazda conquered much of Arabia.

With Holy Roman Empire expanding in Africa - both towars the Egipt and Straits of Gibraltar, it seems the the Islamic faith is approaching it's twilight.


Roman Empire
Daugter of Anastasios, Basilissa Eirene, expanded Roman domain to the north, and despite defeats in Asia minor, Constantinople could enjoy time of prosperity - especially with a defeat of their Abbasid nemesis by Persian hand.

Consolidation of power in Balkans and Southern Europe promises Romans a strong base from which to expand further.

Western Europe
War against the infidels proceeds, with Holy Roman Empire - despite few hiccups on the way, still pushes against the Muslims on all fronts, overshadowing it's Austrasian neighbour.
On the other hand, Austrasian French culture has much wider spread than their HRE Longobardian counterpart.


Central Europe
With Khazarian domination secured across eastern Baltic shore, the Nomadic armies crossed Vistula, sweeping over the Teutonic Order lands, and few lesser chiefs, putting Pomeranians and Silesians on defence. In the year 1221 Bohemian duke Rostislav liberated his people from under Bavarian domination (effectively ending the Bavarian Kingdom) forming Duchy of Austria.

British Isles
With Iceling dynasty replaced by Welsh Penllyn family, the chance of England to join the HRE grew smaller. Young king - Maelgwn (3 years old) will have a difficult time keeping his Anglo-Saxon subjects loyal, but if he manages to keep the crown, he might become a powerful ruler who may finally unite English and Welsh people under one banner.

In 1224 Guichard 'The Lionheart' returned Irish crown to the native Irish people.


Pagan Faiths
Despite a massive armies prepared to invade known world, Mongol Empire was stopped at the asian steppes by a coalition of Buddhist rulers who sent aid from India to defend their nomadic brothers in faith.
The situation is still unclear of how the Mongolian Invasion shall proceed, but it seems at this point in time, a stalemate is a likely outcome.
In the west, Bulan and Khazar Khahnates are systematically Christianized, Slavic and Germanic faiths existing only in isolated enclaves with only Suomenusko faith remaining official faith of a significant state of Livonia.

Persia: Year 1220

Persia
Smerdis, son of Shapur the Just reached age of 16 in late 1200, becoming new Shahanshah of the Persian Empire. Under his rule the Empire enjoyed, so far, a time of prosperity and calm. Now, at the age of 35, Smerdis faces Shia Jihad against his western provinces.
Weak and distant Shia Emirs pose little threat to the stability of the Empire, but the conflict will force Persians to focus troops in the west to repel the invasion.

Muslim World
Sa'saddin V 'The Usurper' took throne from Samir II after a massive Abbasid revolt. Sa'saddin, himself member of the Abbasid clan continued the expand the Caliphate north. He also used weakness of Roman Empire to claim few provinces in Asia Minor.

Roman Empire
As expected, Catholic Khazar Empress was not the ruler Greek Orthodox nobility would accept. Lasting for almost a decade civil war put on the throne Anastasios III Mouzalon.
While old and without male heirs, new Basileus was the neutral choice for most factions opposing hostile, catholic takeover.
As an effect of the civil war, weakened Roman army couldn't defend against Muslim invasion and Trapezous was taken by the Abbasid Caliphate.

In the west, Umayyad Caliphate experienced series of defeats in the Crusade against France, eventually losing the war. As an indirect result of the conflict, Umayyad clan lost almost all influence in Muslim Spain - continuing fragmentation of Islamic domains in the region.

Western Europe
Successful crusade for France became a catalyst of important changes on the continent.
Ealdhun, king of Germany, Italy, France and Africa was crowned the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1209
With fragmented territories and weak infrastructure, newly born empire isn't capable of projecting power yet - but the unification of power will have a lasting effect on the shape of Western Europe.

Austrasia - now directly in competition with HRE over the hegemony in the Catholic Europe will probably, sooner or later, challenge the Empire or submit to it.

Central Europe
Pomeranians, Silesians and Teutons still dominate the region, but newly settled Gamer Khazars formed a new state south of Silesia, forming a new centre of power, replacing the disorganised Kingdom of Bavaria. In the east old Khazaria expanded it's influence from Lake Onega all the way to Vistula. Farther east, Khaganate of Bultan controlled great majority of steppe all the way to the Mongolian Empire, which came under the direct control of Khagan Temujin.

British Isles
England, separated from the HRE but still controlled by the Iceling dynasty, managed to retake Surrey from the Swedish occupation.

Ireland, after a period of civil war came under the control of Breton 'de St Pol de Leon' dynasty.


Pagan Faiths
Last two decides saw eventual fall of Germanic and Slavic faiths across Europe, with few minor chiefdoms still controlling insignificant pieces of land in the east.
Rapidly advancing Buddhism and re-surging Tengri faith  extinguished last hopes of the old european religions to survive to the east of ever-expanding Christian faith.

Persia: Year 1200

Persia
Restoration of the Persian Empire brought little in terms of stabilisation of the country. Over last 50 years internal conflict remain major element of Taid focus. Empire grew in size to the north, expanding into the steppe areas, which caused only more problems as the wild frontier was impossible to maintain in peace.

In the matter of foreign policy, Persia faced another failed attempt at Jihad, which strained the Zoroastrian empire to it's limit for over three years.
Taid family managed to maintain peace with their neighbours across the Indus, securing tentative peace on it's eastern border.

Muslim World
Abbasid Caliphate managed to subjugate it's Abyssinian neighbour, incorporating great number of land, resources and people into it's domain - which soon lead to a massive revolution which, ongoing in year 1200, is likely to severely weaken Abbasid Caliphate.

Muslims were unable to thrown Christians out of Africa, with Lombardian culture beginning to spread through Tunis and neighbouring provinces.

Former Umayyad Caliphate, with greatest difficulty was saved from complete disaster by Ya'far, son of the last Umayyad caliph. He managed to overthrow the Lepe family and reclaim control over many of his father's provinces in Iberia.
Despite his long life, he couldn't project enough power to claim African provinces, which quickly begun to fracture into smaller entities, stop spread of Shia heresy in Spain, or stop the reconquista of France.
All his talents were used, to keep what was left of his family's glory from complete collapse.
He lived for 88 years, siring 14th children. After his death the Umayyad Caliphate remained in a damage control state, until renewed Crusade to restore Christianity in France.

Holy War - still in progress in year 1200 is likely to push Islam out of many French provinces - as the once unified empire shattered into many smaller entities.


Roman Empire
In the year 1197 Basileus Innokentios died in battle without male heir. With his daughter Chrysogone dead, her daughter (Innokentios' granddaughter) took the throne. Young Empress' father however, was a Catholic Khan of Spis - one of Khazar nomads that formed a kingdom north of Balkan borders of the Empire.

Romans are now force to endure (or rebel against) Catholic Khazar ruler.

Western Europe
Period of renaissance of European powers is in full swing. Kingdoms of Austrasia, Kingdom of Italy (Africa), Kingdom of England and Republic of Aquitaine are the greatest Catholic powers of the continent.
With Iceling dynasty controlling both English and Italian throne, a talk of restoration of new form of Western Roman Empire is in progress, feat which, however, would require subjugation of Austrasia.

Iceling dynasty begun in 520s, with Duke Icel of Merica. In 920s his direct male descendant - Duke Wulfhelm married German princess of the Karling dynasty, becoming the king of Germany.

Central Europe
Continuing instability in the region shows tendency for new and surviving governmental entities - both of indigenous Saxon and Slavic people to follow the Christian faith - turning Central Europe into a domain open to unification by a single Catholic ruler. Three of the prevailing powers between Elbe and Vistula are the:
Teutonic Order (German Culture)
Kingdom of Pomerania (Pomeranian Culture)
and Chiefdom of Lower Silesia (Polish Culture)

East of Vistula various short-living chiefdoms are dominantly of Khazar culture, but even there Catholic faith is succeeding in pushing back old Tengri faith.


British Isles
Unification of England proceeds, with only few Welsh Petty Kingdoms, Cornwall and Swedish Sussex and Surrey remaining outside of the English king - Petre the Pious' domain.

Pagan Faiths
Once controlling a massive parts of Europe, Germanic, Slavic and Suomenusko faith are pushed to the edges of civilised world, with Romuva - faith of old Baltic People, eradicated almost completely.
Germanic believes are still upheld in Denmark and Silesia.
Slavic faith controls few small states in Eastern Europe, none of which command any substantial power.
Only Suomenusko faith, shielded from main Christian religion by distance alone, managed to remain state religion in Livionia - controlling large (even if empty) lands north of Gulf of Finland.

Tengri faith - which few centuries ago pushed into Central Europe with Khazar invasion, is slowly replaced by Christian or, rarely Islamic faiths.
Tengri faith however, is likely to exist for many years to come, as great fragmentation of power in the nomadic Khaganates.
From the Far East, Tengri are threatened by Buddhist faith, spreading through Central Asia's steppe domains of Mongolia, Khotan and Meizomates.

Persia: Year 1150

Persia:

After the extended period of instability caused by dynastic, economic and military strife for control over the Empire caused by death of the last hair of the main branch of the family defending the empire against another Jihad in early 12th century, Taid family managed to maintain their position on the throne. Soon after renewed conflict with Abbasid Caliphate, lead to regaining control over ancient ruins of Ur in Kufa.

This conflict was the first instance of Romans and Persians fighting Abbasid Caliphate on two fronts at the same time, forcing Muslims to deal with threat on both eastern and western frontier.

In year 1144 Muslihbiddin 'The Holy', from the Bahram branch of the royal family, who took throne after death of his cousin - Kurush, son of Khashayar - mortally wounded in Jihad, officially resorted Persian Empire.

With it, Muslihbidden restored office of High Priest, reforming the Zoroastrian faith. With it, the ancient order of Immortals was reinstated.

During the whole period, northern borders of the Empire expanded into central Asia, but with few cities and nomad population, the region remains under very loose control of the central government in Nishapur. 

Muslim World:

Failed Jihad against Persia in early part of the century, marked the beginning of crisis of the followers of Allah.

Umayyad Caliphate managed to defeat Christians in another holy war for Aquitaine in years 1111-1114, but the empire collapsed from internal unrest few years later, with Umayyad family losing control over their whole domain.

Title of Caliph went to Yahaff of the Lepe clan, who led the rebellion. But large portions of the Umayyad domain chose independence, including second most powerful family in the Iberian peninsula - Mundirid clan - which took control of the substantial territories in Spain.

Alhoceimid dynasty, members of the Shia sect, lost any control over Africa, as their province was finally conquered by Italians. Religious strife between Shia and Sunni branches of the Muslim faith prevented any aid to the collapsing Alhocemid family.

Muhallabid family, once ruling Egypt, was pushed away from the mouth of Nile by Abbasid Caliphate, and eventually lost a civil war to the Hafizid clan which claimed the Sultanate of Abyssinia.

Abbasid Caliphate, while on the rise to restore it's former glory, had to deal with the increasing military cooperation between Roman and Persian Empires, eventually defeating the first, but yielding control over mouths of Tigris and Euphrates river and provinces directly south of it.

Abbasid military was also strongly involved in war against Tengri nomads living north of Caucasus mountains. Campaign was met with the similar lack of lasting effect that plagued Persian efforts in conquering nomads in the same time period.

Abbasid Caliphate stands as the greatest power in the Muslim world, with other great clans and families facing defeats and division in their domain.


Roman Empire:
While capable of defencing Sicily Romans still failed to project power outside of their borders, losing war against Abbasid Caliphate despite aid from Persians in the east.
Pterotos family itself doesn't have great authority in the Empire, encouraging renew revolts that undermine Roman military power.

Western Europe:
Implosion of Umayyad Caliphate became a turning point in religious war that ravaged France for centuries. Without single, central government opposing Christianity, local Muslim rulers couldn't repel Catholic attacks on their domains.
Italia, Austrasia and England (a kingdom that evolved by merge of German and French domains in Britain) managed to push back Islamic states, beginning the process of French Reconquista.
The conflict will be long, but the glimpse of unification in Western Europe promises more focus on repelling non-Catholic enemies of the Church and people.

British Isles:
In the year 1105 Eadweard the Cruel managed to unify French and German crowns under his control, and forming the first Kingdom of England by unifying their British domains.
New kingdom became instantly a major player in European affairs, claiming various provinces of both English, German and French crown across the continent.
Eaedweardian focus however, was located mostly in his new domain across the Channel.
Within few short years Wessex was subjugated with only Petty Kingdom of Cornwall and few Welsh provinces remaining independent.

Pagan Faiths:

East of Elbe situation remained as grim, as it was before - with rulers raising to power and prestige conquering their neighbours, only for the new centre of power collapsing with death of it's creator.
With notable exception of Slavic kingdom of Pomerania and, slowly growing, domain of the Teutonic Order on the west bank of Vistula.

East of Vistula situation was even worse, with mostly Nomadic and Tribal entities raising and falling in quick succession. Religious and cultural fragmentation remains the source of constant instability, with no one people capable of dominating their neighbours for long enough to establish a single national identity.

In Central Asia a Buddhist Shahdom of Mongolia begun pushing against their Khotan neighbours, adding to the lack of unity across the Nomadic-controlled region.