Taurica Part III : Age of Thought and Discovery (1300 - 1820)

kakom · Feb 9, 2025

The Bosporan Kingdom, later known as the Kingdom of Taurica, traces its origins back to around 480 BC, when the majority of over 30 Greek colonies united for mutual defense against raids by the nomadic Scythians and Sarmatians. The capital of this new state entity became Pantikapaion. The first ruler of the kingdom was Archaeanax, the founder of the short-lived Archaeanactid dynasty, who ruled for nearly 40 years. In 438 BC, Spartokos I, a Thracian mercenary commander, took power and founded the Hellenized Spartokid dynasty. His successor was Satyros I, who continued campaigns to unify the Tauric Peninsula (Crimea). He ruled for over half a century and died during the siege of Theodosia.

After Satyros I, power was taken by brothers Leukon I and Gorgippos I, who conducted conquests of surrounding territories. Gorgippos captured Gorgippia in Asia and made it the capital, while Leukon led conquests in Crimea, eventually capturing Theodosia after long battles. He also attacked and incorporated territories of indigenous peoples into his state. He waged war with Heraclea Pontica and supplied grain to Athens. After the brothers' deaths, power passed to Leukon's sons, Spartokos II and Paerisades I. After Spartokos II's death, Paerisades I continued his father's policy, annexing Tanis and the Asian coast of the Sea of Azov.

In 309 BC, following Paerisades I's death, a civil war broke out between Satyros II, who inherited the throne, and Prytanis I and Eumelos I, who had claims to the throne. The war ended with Prytanis's defeat and Eumelos's victory. Under Eumelos's rule, the Bosporan Kingdom achieved many military successes, clearing the Black Sea of almost all pirates and rivaling the state of Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's powerful generals. Eumelos's son, Spartokos III, was able to renew trade agreements with Athens and was the first Spartokid ruler to take the title of "basileus."

Reign of the Spartokid Dynasty (307 BC – 16 AD)

The Spartocid dynasty ruled Taurica from 438 BC to 16 AD, gradually transforming the region into a powerful kingdom. During the reign of Spartokos III, son of Eumelos I, the rulers began using the title basileus (king), emphasizing their growing power. Spartokos III waged wars aimed at uniting the Tauric Peninsula (Crimea). Between 293 and 289 BC, he conquered the League of Chersonesus and Kerkinitis, and in 287–285 BC, he extended his rule over the Scythian Confederation. In 285 BC, he declared himself king of Taurica, initiating a period of expansion continued by his successors. His son, Spartokos IV, ruled from 276 to 267 BC, bringing the kingdom a brief era of peace and stabilization.

After the death of Spartokos IV in 267 BC, his younger brother Dikaios I resumed conquests. Between 260 and 256 BC, he subdued the tribes of the Maeotians, Sindians, and Zygians, extending his rule over Lake Maeotis (Sea of Azov). Between 240 and 238 BC, he exploited conflicts among the Sarmatians, occupying part of the lands of the Iazyges and gaining control over the Greek colony of Tanais, strengthening Taurica's dominance over the northern coast of the Black Sea. His son, Spartokos V, ruled briefly (231–229 BC) and was murdered, most likely on the orders of his younger brother Kephisodotos I. This ruler supported the Alkimachid dynasty in Thrace against the Celts of Galatia (228–220 BC) and waged wars with the Roxolani (218–216 BC), expanding the kingdom's territory. After the fall of the Seleucid Empire in 214 BC, his wife Aristo, daughter of Seleucus III, died from shock, symbolically marking the end of the Hellenistic era.

His son, Akrotatos I, ascended the throne in 205 BC and implemented significant military reforms. In 204 BC, he established the Stratos Taurica, the first professional army in the kingdom's history. In 203 BC, he granted citizenship to the Scythians, strengthening the integration of various ethnic groups. Between 190 and 180 BC, he defeated the confederation of the Roxolani, Kisko, and Kurnsck, incorporating their lands into Taurica. From 187 to 180 BC, together with the king of Armenia, Kozrid I, he conducted the second Tauric-Galatic war, nearly destroying the Celtic state in Asia Minor. After Akrotatos I's death in 171 BC, his son Kephisodotos II took power, continuing expansion northward, conquering, among others, the Neurian confederation (161–158 BC).

Fresco depicting the imperial coronation of Sosthenes I late 16th century - (Bing)

During the reign of Onomarchos I (145–119 BC), Taurica clashed with Rome for the first time. The First Tauric-Roman War (140–125 BC) resulted from Rome's conquest of Epirus and the demand to surrender refugees from the Aiakid dynasty. The conflict ended inconclusively but initiated a long-standing rivalry. His son, Kephisodotos III, fully professionalized the army, creating two new legions – Stratos Scythia and Stratos Sarmatia. Between 110 and 108 BC, he won the second Tauric-Neurian war, gaining small border territories and substantial reparations in the form of slaves, furs, and amber. From 100 to 90 BC, he fought against Ptolemaic Egypt, supporting Armenia; however, in 93 BC, he was mortally wounded in the Battle of Phainicha.

In 78 BC, the Second Tauric-Roman War broke out, ending in 68 BC with a spectacular victory by Kephisodotos IV "Italiotes," who earned fame as the "conqueror of Italy." After his death in 25 BC, his brother Theodotos I ruled until 18 BC, followed by Sosthenes I. In 15 BC, he declared himself Megas Basileus, introducing the imperial cult and transforming Taurica into an empire. After his death in 2 BC, a civil war (2–14 AD) began between Spartokos VI and Artemidoros I. Spartokos VI won the Battle of Tanais (14 AD) but died two years later from his wounds, leading to a coup and the takeover by Dikaios Helioklides, ending the Spartocid dynasty's rule. Its last representative, Seleukos I "the Exile," died in the Battle of Tarapura (83 AD), definitively ending the dynasty's reign.

Reign of the Helioklides-Spartokides Dynasty (16 AD – 226 AD)

After the death of Spartokos VI, Dikaios Helioklides carried out a successful coup, taking power almost bloodlessly. Together with his brothers – Kephisodotos, Thrasykles, Aratos, and Theodotos – he established a new system of government known as the Tauric Pentarchy. Power was divided between the two eldest brothers, Dikaios II and Kephisodotos V, with succession first occurring among the brothers and only later among their sons.

The new dynasty, Helioklides-Spartokides, consolidated its position by brutally suppressing a slave rebellion led by Mark Antony, concluded with the Battle of Zhenna in 17 AD. Despite the victory, for the next ten years, Taurica struggled with attacks from scattered groups of runaway slaves. Stabilization was achieved only in 27 AD, and in 28 AD, the construction of a grand temple complex in Gorgippia was completed.

During the reigns of Thrasykles I (47–72 AD) and Aratos I (55–79 AD), a war occurred with the proto-Baltic confederation of the Neurians (58–68 AD), resulting in its complete destruction and the annexation of most territories into the Tauric Empire.

The reign of Memnon I (121–129 AD) and Hegemachos I (128–130 AD) was a period of peace, but internal tensions increased. The Pentarchy system began to reveal its weaknesses, leading to factional struggles for influence. During this time, Christianity also gained significance in Taurica and throughout the Mediterranean basin.

Under the rule of Antialkides I (129–140 AD) and Antiochos I (130–144 AD), military tensions escalated, ultimately leading to the Great Mediterranean War (144–200 AD). This conflict reshaped the balance of power in the region—Taurica defeated Armenia, conquered Sicily and the coastal regions of Asia Minor, while its allies, Dacia and Aorsia, divided Illyria and Mesopotamia between themselves.

The final period of the Helioklides-Spartokides dynasty was marked by the Great Theodosian Plague (201–222 AD), which brought death and famine, destabilizing the state. In 226 AD, Theodotos IV, the last ruler of the dynasty, was murdered in the palace as an infant. Taking advantage of the chaos, two commanders—Niketes Helioklides and Artemidoros Taurides—declared themselves rightful rulers, leading to the end of the Helioklides-Spartokides dynasty and ushering in a new era in the history of Taurica.

Interregnum and the Birth of the Taurid Dynasty (226–245 AD)

The period of interregnum in the Taurid Empire began in 226 AD after the assassination of Theodotos IV and lasted until 245 AD. Two claimants to the throne, Niketes I Helioklides and Artemidoros IV Taurides, competed for power, supported by the factions Enas and Tria, which originated from the Pentarchy system. While Artemidoros IV suppressed uprisings in the western provinces and repelled barbarian invasions into the vassal state of Styr, Niketes I conquered the eastern lands of Hyrcania and Maeotia.

A turning point came in 231 AD when Niketes achieved victory at the Battle of Tanais, but he was killed during the siege of the city in 235 AD. After his rival’s death, Niketes’ forces defected to Artemidoros, who ultimately defeated the Enas and Tria factions in the battles of Hippolaos Akra and Taphros in 240 AD. In 243 AD, he captured the capital, Pantikapaion, forcing his opponent, Hipparchos, to flee to Pontus. After consolidating power, Artemidoros IV carried out reforms and brutal purges before dying in 245 AD, passing the throne to his son, Erygius I.

After ascending to power, Erigyios I continued his father's reforms, introducing changes in the agricultural, monetary, and military systems. He also carried out brutal repressions against the aristocracy, solidifying the new dynasty. From 249 to 258 AD, he waged war against Hipparchos and his Anatolian allies, ultimately emerging victorious and killing his rival in 251 AD. During the same period, he fought Persia over Albania and Armenia, concluding the war in 258 AD by establishing vassal states there. Upon his death in 267 AD, his son, Theophilos I, took the throne, continuing the empire’s expansion.

Theophilos I supported the Roman Civil War, strengthening the alliance with Rome through marriage to Servia Cornelia. Between 268 and 271 AD, his forces fought in Gaul, securing victory for the allied emperor Mettius IV. He also led campaigns in Anatolia and Palestine, restoring the power of the Taurids. His son, Kephisodoros I, continued expansionist policies, waging war against western barbarians and annexing Haemimontus in 321 AD.

In 322 AD, war with Persia broke out again, lasting until 331 AD. Towards the end of his reign, the empire faced invasions from nomads beyond the Volga, and his son, Molon I, assumed the throne in 336 AD.

Molon I focused on fortifying the empire’s borders, but in 360 AD, the Egyptian Plague struck, weakening the country. Around the same time, the Huns began their invasions, gradually devastating the eastern provinces. Tauriskos I, son of Molon, struggled with internal revolts and barbarian raids, and in 370 AD, Persia launched another attack on the empire.

After Tauriskos I's death in 378 AD, his son, Kephisodoros II, and grandson, Kephisodoros III, continued fighting off nomadic and Germanic invasions. However, in 395 AD, Kephisodoros III fell in battle, and his uncle, Hieronymos I, took the throne.

Hieronymos I enacted military reforms and repelled further Hun attacks, but his son, Molon II, faced a massive Hun invasion (420–426 AD). Despite securing victory at Zhenna in 424 AD, the threat remained. His successor, Kephisodoros IV, known as Monophthalmos, confronted additional Hun incursions, but his defeat at Tanais in 446 AD severely weakened the empire.

In 449 AD, after a four-year siege of Taphros, the Huns withdrew, but Kephisodoros IV died shortly afterward. In 450 AD, his half-brother, Alexandros, took power, symbolically marking the end of the First Taurid Empire and the ancient era in the history of Taurica.

StrategyGameEnthusiast · Feb 9, 2025

Subbed! Ready to see what the Empire gets up to in the Age of Thought and Discovery.

Crimson Lionheart · Feb 9, 2025

Oh I'm SO ready for this! Can't wait to follow Taurica during this period!

Chac1 · Feb 9, 2025

Lovely to see the great art you have been discussing now on display in this AAR. Great to see this. However, I am woefully behind in the CK3 story at this time. I will join this one once I am caught up there so I don't miss any crucial developments. Good luck with this.

kakom · Feb 10, 2025

Nikolai said:
It's progressing! Almost finished with the previous part, soon ready for this!

StrategyGameEnthusiast said:
Subbed! Ready to see what the Empire gets up to in the Age of Thought and Discovery.

Crimson Lionheart said:
Oh I'm SO ready for this! Can't wait to follow Taurica during this period!

We'll start this part maybe this week or next, but in any case my plan is to cover this period in Tauric history by the end of the year.

Chac1 said:
Lovely to see the great art you have been discussing now on display in this AAR. Great to see this. However, I am woefully behind in the CK3 story at this time. I will join this one once I am caught up there so I don't miss any crucial developments. Good luck with this.

The thread was very helpful and honestly there is a lot of fun in creating graphics using AI, of course they are never perfect but this technology has moved forward and very much. So far ChatGP and Bing are the best in my opinion Leonardo AI is the weakest generator.

kakom · Feb 12, 2025

Tauric Middle Ages - (450 AD - 1300 AD)

The Reign of the Alexadris Dynasty (450 AD – 798 AD)

After the death of Kephisodoros IV in 449 AD, the Tauric throne passed to his half-brother, Alexandros I, a talented military commander renowned for his defense of Taphros against the Huns. To solidify his rule, he married his niece, Arisone, and established the Alexadris dynasty, symbolized by a white griffin with bat wings on a red background. His reign began with administrative and military reforms—he replaced governors with a land grant system for loyal commanders and strengthened the tax system, which led to a peasant uprising (450–451 AD) that was brutally suppressed.

At the same time, he waged a series of wars against the Hunnic khanates (452–474 AD), rebuilding the empire and reclaiming control over lands east of the Dnieper. The Battle of Tyras (474 AD) ultimately broke the Hun power in the region, and Alexandros I proclaimed his coronation in Pantikapaion, reviving the traditions of ancient emperors. After consolidating power, he launched a war against the Bilar Khanate, which he viewed as the last threat to the empire. The Battle of Ungvar (484 AD) ended in his triumph, but during the victory feast, he was wounded in an assassination attempt orchestrated by his Hunnic vassal, Dengizich, and his son Hieronymos was killed saving his father.

Following the attempt on his life, Alexandros I purged the Hunnic vassals, eliminating their influence. In 491 AD, he achieved his final great victory at Gandzasar, capturing Kurus, though he lost his second son, Alexandros the Younger. He died of natural causes on September 19, 492 AD, leaving the throne to his eldest son, Kephisodoros V. His 42-year reign was one of the longest and most glorious in Tauric history—he rebuilt the empire, restoring its former grandeur, and was compared by later generations to the legendary Kephisodoros IV "Italiotes," earning the epithet "The Restorer."

After Alexandros I’s death in 492 AD, his son Kephisodoros V ascended the throne, focusing on stabilizing the empire and strengthening dynastic alliances by betrothing his sons to influential noble families. In 496 AD, the emperor died from a head injury sustained in a maritime accident, leaving the throne to his 14-year-old son, Hieronymos II, under the regency of his uncle Andronikos.

Upon reaching adulthood, Hieronymos II led military campaigns against the Slavs and Cumans, achieving victory at Dzanget (516 AD) but was killed by an enemy chieftain. His successor, Alexandros II, crushed the last Hunnic khanates at Chyorny Yar (526 AD), but in later years, he descended into paranoia and madness, allegedly haunted by a mysterious spirit. He died of a heart attack in 529 AD, and his half-brother, Taurion I, took the throne.

Taurion I, known for his love of comfort, delegated power to his advisors and focused on dynastic alliances, arranging his brother's marriage to the influential Princess Suwarte to secure the northern borders. In 530 AD, the empire was struck by the Greek Flux epidemic, which spread to Pantikapaion, weakening the state. Taurion I died in 531 AD from the illness, succeeded by Hieronymos III.

Hieronymos III’s reign quickly led to civil war against the Kievan Prince Theodotos and Grand Prince Antiochos. The conflict lasted a decade (532–542 AD) and ended with a victory for the imperial forces, largely due to the military genius of his wife, Suwarte, though Hieronymos III earned the epithet "The Hawk." Despite regained stability, the empire remained weakened, and the aristocracy’s influence continued to challenge imperial authority.

Onomarchos III took the throne in 565 AD, continuing the legacy of his mother, Grand Duchess Suwarte, and implementing a religious reform that blended Christianity and Gnosticism, creating Onomarchism—a monotheistic imperial cult that reinforced the emperor’s authority. His son, Kephisodotos VI, ascended in 583 AD, initially focusing on administrative reforms but later indulging in decadence, hosting feasts and tournaments, earning the nickname "The Lover of Elegance." His reign ended in 599 AD when, in a drunken state, he was trampled to death by his own riders during a hunt.

His son, Akrotatos II, inherited the throne, balancing courage, diplomatic skill, and paranoia while cultivating the cult of his grandfather, Onomarchos III. His obsessive lust for risk proved fatal—he was trampled to death by an antelope in 606 AD, ending his turbulent reign. His younger brother, Alexandros III, succeeded him.

Alexandros III, who took the throne in 606 AD, was a brutal, charismatic, and effective ruler. His marriage to Atsyrukhs, the Great Sarmatian Duchess, strengthened his position. Between 609–614 AD, he conquered the kingdom of Lunichno, establishing the Grand Duchy of Vistuli, and then secured strategic dynastic alliances with Egypt, Persia, and Macedonia.

In 627 AD, when the Islamic Caliphate threatened Taurica, Alexandros III, influenced by his son Theodotos, orchestrated an assassination attempt on Muhammad, plunging the Caliphate into chaos but failing to halt its expansion. The empire was struck by a typhus epidemic (628–630 AD), which claimed the lives of the emperor’s children and weakened his alliances. However, he later led a victorious campaign against the Gomel Confederation.

In 635 AD, the discovery of the Great Tablet, an ancient Spartokid artifact, reinforced his legitimacy. His campaigns from 636–643 AD supported Queen Sita of Pravealitana’s expansion. Near the end of his life, he engaged in religious self-mortification, leading to a fatal infection—he died on March 17, 649 AD, succeeded by Theodotos V.

Theodotos V, who ascended in 649 AD, was an intelligent and manipulative ruler, known for his cunning, beauty, and sadistic tendencies. A former master of spies, he skillfully eliminated opponents, and his reign was marked by a passion for art, music, and hunting. In 651 AD, he secured the borders by arranging a marriage alliance with Colchis through his daughter Pulcheria’s marriage to King Artashire I.

His reign ended suddenly in 654 AD when he was assassinated by an arrow during an inspection of the eastern provinces. His ten-year-old son, Theophilos II, inherited the throne, but real power passed to his uncle, Alexandros "The Merciful," Grand Duke of Vistuli, who served as regent.

Theophilos II strengthened imperial authority through a bloody civil war (654–660 AD) and victorious campaigns against Bithynia (664 AD), the Volga Kingdom (665–668 AD), and the Ghat tribes in Africa (668–673 AD). He declared Onomarchism the state religion in 666 AD and expanded the empire, culminating in the great campaign against the Caliphate (678–682 AD).

Tauriskos II, ruling from 695 AD, led wars against the Magyars (698–702 AD). His reign saw a smallpox epidemic (696 AD), claiming three of his daughters. He died in 723 AD, succeeded by his son Leukon II, whose reign was marked by political intrigues and military successes, but also by hedonism.

Tauriskos III, Leukon’s son, was a skilled diplomat and patron of the arts, but his reign was cut short by a typhus epidemic (764–766 AD), leaving the throne to his 13-year-old son, Aratos II. The empire suffered further crises, including the Arab Plague (784 AD). In 785 AD, Aratos II fell ill and died a year later, leaving the throne to 12-year-old Theophilos III under the regency of Gorgippos Hyrcanis.

The empire descended into civil war and chaos, culminating in the death of Theophilos III and the succession of the weak Tauriskos IV. By 798 AD, Theodoros I was assassinated, ending the 350-year reign of the Alexadris dynasty.

The Reign of the Hyrcanis Dynasty (798 AD – 1299 AD)

After the death of Theodoros I in 798 AD, Gorgippos Hyrcanis, who had ruled as regent for years, took advantage of the lack of male heirs in the Alexadris dynasty and declared himself Emperor of Taurica as Gorgippos II. His reign marked the beginning of the Hyrcanis dynasty, ending the rule of the Alexadris house. Known for his patience and political acumen, Gorgippos II had carefully built his position at court through intrigue and influence.

However, his rule coincided with a period of chaos—great noble houses of the empire, such as Scythia, Sarmatia, and Borysthenia, declared independence, leading to the disintegration of the Taurican Empire. In 799 AD, news reached the capital, Pantikapaion, of the revival of the Caliphate under Abdallah ibn Ahmad, posing a new threat to the region.

The death of Gorgippos II in 799 AD and the ascension of his son, Hyrcanos I, sealed the empire’s collapse. Weakened by internal strife, plagues, and noble rebellions, the Taurican Empire ceased to exist as a unified political entity. This ushered in the era of the so-called “warring warlords,” in which former vassals became independent rulers, plunging the region into prolonged chaos and fragmentation.

Hyrcanos I took power in 800 AD after his father’s death. His reign was marked by intense reforms and military campaigns aimed at rebuilding and reunifying the empire. Between 805 and 817 AD, he led a series of successful campaigns, subjugating the Grand Principalities of Aorsi, Sarmatia, and Scythia, solidifying his position as ruler.

In 812 AD, he repelled a Varangian invasion, and in 830 AD, he decisively defeated them again at the Battle of Taphros, ending their raids on the peninsula. In 827 AD, he crowned himself emperor, sparking rivalry with the rulers of Vistula and Borysthenia, who also declared themselves emperors. Hyrcanos I died in 842 AD, leaving the throne to his son, Hyrcanos II, who faced the challenge of maintaining imperial unity amid the growing ambitions of neighboring rulers.

Hyrcanos II ascended the throne in 842 AD, continuing his father’s centralization policies. His reign was marked by successful military campaigns, including victories over the Varangians at Kalos Limen and Tanais (845 and 848 AD), and by fortifying the empire’s borders. In 847 AD, he completed the construction of Hyrcania, a strategically significant new city that became the region’s economic and military center.

In 850 AD, he conducted a comprehensive census and tax reform, significantly strengthening the state’s finances. His reign ended tragically during a campaign against Northern Taurica—he was killed in battle at Smolensk in 852 AD, leaving the throne to his son, Hyrcanos III, who took power amid intrigue and suspicion.

Hyrcanos III, who ascended the throne in 852 AD, became infamous for his cruelty, ruthlessness, and skill in court intrigues. In 856 AD, he repelled a Varangian invasion led by Grima the Fat, defeating them at the Battle of Chersonesus and brutally executing Grima to deter future aggressors. That same year, he took control of the Principality of Tanais, eliminating Scandinavian settlers and consolidating his rule.

His reign saw the return of the Arab plague in 859 AD, prompting strict isolation measures, including sealing off the capital, Pantikapaion. This decision led to chaos and unrest, and in 862 AD, the emperor died from excessive drinking during isolation, leaving a state in crisis to his son, Satyros III.

Satyros III, ruling from 862 AD, focused on rebuilding the empire after the devastating plague. In 863 AD, he defeated the Varangians in the Principality of Olbi, and between 866 and 869 AD, he launched a successful campaign against the Kingdom of Borysthenia.

His reign was marked by military expansion, including the conquest of Scythia and Styrus (871–880 AD) and the suppression of Princess Nedzara’s rebellion (870 AD). Towards the end of his life, his health deteriorated, and after his death in 886 AD, his son, Satyros IV, inherited a strong but war-weary empire.

Satyros IV focused on expansion and border fortification from 886 AD. In 887 AD, he defeated the Varangians at Constania, executing Jarl Rongvaldr in a brutal display, and in 891 AD, he crushed another Varangian raid at the Battle of Braslau. Between 892 and 896 AD, he waged war against Novgorod, capturing the Principality of Smol (893 AD) and making Jarl Piodmundr Magnusson his vassal instead of fighting him.

From 896 to 900 AD, he destroyed the Kingdom of Tannis, fully integrating its lands into the empire. In his later years, suffering from illness, he gradually transferred power to his son, Satyros V, who inherited a stable but reform-needing state after his father’s death in 908 AD.

Satyros V, ruling from 908 AD, focused on stabilization and administrative reforms. In 912 AD, he abolished the feudal system, replacing it with centralized administration, facing noble resistance. He restructured the army into permanent professional units, enabling the empire to defend itself effectively, including in the Battle of Teteriv (917 AD) and the Battle of Vaskina Polyana (922 AD) against Varangian raiders. In 918 AD, he moved the capital to Satyria, a newly built city, where the first chariot races were held the following year.

In 937 and 940 AD, he repelled further waves of invaders, ending the Scandinavian threat. His nearly five-decade reign resulted in a strong and centralized empire, which his successor, Prytanis II, inherited upon his death in 948 AD.

Prytanis II ascended the throne in 948 AD, facing new military and diplomatic challenges. In his first year, he repelled an invasion by the Scandinavian warlord Pofinnr and later integrated Varangian warriors from Ylvia into the imperial guard. In 951 AD, he launched an irrigation project in Hyrcania, stabilizing the economy.

However, between 953 and 957 AD, he faced Kipchak invasions under Khan Aepak. After a decisive victory at Aorsia (956 AD) and a peace settlement in 957 AD, the eastern frontier remained stable. Prytanis II died in 959 AD, leaving the throne to his son, Hyrcanos IV, who led the empire into an era of stability and development.

Hyrcanos IV took power in 959 AD. His reign brought stability and growth, strengthening borders, the economy, and culture. In 965 AD, he conquered the Kingdom of Colchis, restoring imperial dominance in the South Caucasus, and in 970 AD, he secured an alliance with the Cumans by marrying his brother, Satyros, to the daughter of Khan Aepak.

He was a patron of the arts, supporting bone carving in Satyra, enhancing the empire’s prestige. His reign was peaceful but marred by personal tragedies—the deaths of his wife, Philias, and his brother, Satyros. After his death in 987 AD, his son, Prytanis III, inherited new challenges.

Prytanis III ascended the throne in 987 AD, pursuing expansionist policies and strengthening imperial authority. In 993 AD, he conquered the Kingdom of Kurus, achieving victory at Ambrolauri and extending influence in the Caucasus. From 989 to 991 AD, a pandemic known as "Bendidorus Boils" struck, which he attempted to combat through quarantines and medical reforms.

His reign was tested when Pope Leo declared a crusade against Sweden, the empire’s ally (994–1004 AD). Prytanis III triumphed at Homburg and Hanover, forcing the crusaders to retreat and solidifying the empire’s northern influence. In 1007 AD, he foiled a conspiracy led by his sister, Glyceria, ultimately granting her clemency. He was also a patron of science—in 1006 AD, imperial astronomers documented a supernova. He died in 1010 AD, succeeded by his son, Sosthenes II.

Sosthenes II ascended to the throne in 1010 AD, distinguishing himself through his education and strategic thinking. In the early years of his reign, he faced a smallpox epidemic (1013–1015 AD) that affected his family as well—while the emperor survived, he lost his son, Prince Nearchus. In 1016 AD, he strengthened the dynasty’s position by betrothing his heir, Prytanis, to the daughter of the Great Khan of Kohestan.

He pursued an active alliance policy, marrying his daughters to the kings of Bjarmaland and Sevarid and his younger son, Satyros, to Irmgard, the sister of the King of Raetia. Between 1018 and 1020 AD, he reclaimed the lands of the Kurus state, and in the following decade, the empire became engaged in conflicts on behalf of its allies—the Ghaznavids, Bjarmaland, and Raetia. In 1030 AD, the Turks emerged as a threat, beginning their expansion into Asia Minor. After nearly three decades of rule, the emperor passed away in 1039 AD.

Prytanis IV, who took the throne in 1039 AD, pursued administrative reforms and territorial expansion. In 1044 AD, he conquered the Kingdom of Bithynia, restoring control over Anatolia, and in 1061 AD, he annexed the Principality of Chaldia, strengthening influence over the Black Sea. He was a patron of culture—he erected a grand temple in Phanagoria and composed his own theatrical works.

However, his personal life was marked by tragedy—he lost his wife, sons, and grandson, which contributed to his inclination toward contemplation. In 1065 AD, he was killed during a pilgrimage to La Marche after being attacked by a bear.

Hieronymos IV ascended the throne in 1066 AD, seizing power amidst intrigue and accusations of murdering his brother. His reign was brutal—during the civil war (1070–1074 AD), he crushed a noble uprising through mass executions. Between 1072 and 1080 AD, he conquered Byzantium and Thrace, securing control over the Bosphorus, and from 1077 to 1079 AD, he defeated the Kingdom of Asiae, consolidating his power in Anatolia.

Between 1080 and 1082 AD, the empire was struck by the Sarysyn Boils epidemic, which weakened the economy and caused chaos. Hieronymos IV pursued an aggressive dynastic policy, arranging strategic marriages with Persia, Italy, and Raetia. His brutality fueled tensions, ultimately leading to his death in 1096 AD.

Theodoros II ascended the throne in 1096 AD, striving to rebuild trust after his father’s brutal rule. In 1097 AD, he faced a Turkish invasion led by Kuntuvdi, whom he decisively defeated at the Battle of Langarkan, personally fighting in the front lines. He secured advantageous alliances, receiving a vassal oath from the chieftain of the Vladimir tribe and arranging the engagement of his cousin to the ruler of Ajurann. Despite his military successes, his reign ended suddenly—he died in 1099 AD during a hunting expedition.

Theodotos VI took the throne in 1100 AD as a thirteen-year-old ruler, with his mother, Empress Aegyptia, serving as regent. His early reign was marked by civil war (1102–1105 AD) and Turkish incursions, which were quelled thanks to the loyalty of generals, particularly Pelops of Abkhazia. In 1106 AD, Theodotos VI assumed full power, facing the challenge of war with the Turkish Empire (1106–1110 AD), culminating in victories at Ardabil and Marand.

By imposing tribute on the Turkish ruler and implementing an effective dynastic policy, the emperor secured the eastern border. In subsequent years, he expanded into the Balkans, defeating the Thracian Kingdom (1111 AD) and sending an army to Italy, where he triumphed at the Battle of Cagli (1114 AD).

The years 1110–1130 AD were a period of intense consolidation and expansion. Theodotos VI arranged his son’s marriage to Fremesilla, the sister of the Queen of Saxony, strengthening the empire’s position in Europe. He led further military campaigns, conquering Thessaly (1118–1120 AD) and supporting Saxony in its expansionist wars.

Between 1131 and 1138 AD, he personally led a grand expedition against Taraxano, a powerful Indian state, achieving a decisive victory at Rahon (1138 AD). After returning, he focused on reinforcing alliances—he supported Queen Irmgar of Saxony and intervened in the Illyrian War (1142–1144 AD). Toward the end of his life, already known as Theodotos VI "The Proud," he enjoyed immense prestige, though his health deteriorated. He died in 1145 AD.

Theodoros III took the throne in 1145 AD, continuing expansion and introducing Persian influences at court, which sparked controversy among traditionalists. His reign began with war against the Kingdom of Hellas (1146–1148 AD), which ended with the imposition of imperial administration. In 1150–1151 AD, he conquered the Kingdom of the Lithuanian Balts, and in 1154 AD, after the mysterious death of his first wife, he married Drusa, with whom he had a son, Theodotos.

The years 1154–1157 AD brought one of the most significant campaigns of his rule—the annexation of the Kingdom of Asiae in Anatolia. In 1160 AD, he personally commanded a victorious battle against the Nilkar Turkish clan, securing the eastern borders. He died in 1164 AD of pneumonia.

Theodoros IV, who ascended the throne in 1165 AD, was an outstanding diplomat and a master of rhetoric. He gained popular support by organizing chariot races (1166 AD) and visiting the university in Santiago (1167 AD). His reign was marked by wars—first against the Turks (1168–1169 AD), culminating in victory at Pisidia, and then against Epirus (1170–1172 AD), which was incorporated into the empire.

During this time, Christian crusaders conquered Carinthia, weakening the position of the imperial religion, but Theodoros IV focused on consolidating newly acquired territories. He was a patron of science and art—in 1175 AD, the Imperial Court Palace in Gorgippi was completed, and scholar Niketos Helladidis published a groundbreaking medical treatise. In 1175 AD, the empire was struck by the Suceavan Pox epidemic, which claimed the emperor’s life a year later.

Theodoros V, who ascended the throne in 1177 AD as a twelve-year-old ruler, was initially under the regency of his mother, Thraetty Proctid, who effectively rebuilt the empire after the plague. Upon reaching adulthood in 1182 AD, he assumed power and focused on expansion—he conquered Crete and Cyprus (1184–1185 AD) and defeated Tekes Anustiginid (1186–1190 AD) in battles at Mugan and Dihistan.

The following years saw the annexation of Lesser Armenia (1196–1197 AD). From 1204 to 1208 AD, the empire was devastated by the Theodoros Plague, which crippled the economy and society. In 1208 AD, the emperor died from the plague.

Spartokos VII ascended the throne in 1208 AD during one of the most challenging periods in the empire's history, right after a devastating epidemic. His early years of reign focused on rebuilding the country—he reformed the tax system, secured the borders, and supported urban development.

In 1216 AD, he refused to submit to Temujin and ordered the execution of Mongol envoys, triggering a destructive invasion. He faced two separate Mongol invasions, the first in (1216 - 1218 AD), and the second in (1223 - 1226 AD)

In 1220 AD, the emperor led his army into the Battle of Zlatibor, capturing Rome and forcing the Pope to recognize the imperial religion. However, in 1227 AD, a typhus epidemic weakened the emperor, and a year later, Spartokos VII passed away.

Gorgippos III ascended the throne in 1228 AD at the age of eighteen and quickly proved himself to be a capable, though ruthless, ruler. His reign began with a devastating civil war (1229 – 1238 AD) against a rebellion led by the nobleman Empedocles, whom he ultimately defeated at the Battle of Abkhazia in 1238 AD. During this time, the empire also faced a Mongol invasion (1233–1236 AD), which Gorgippos III successfully repelled, forcing Temujin to retreat.

After restoring stability, the emperor secured trade treaties with Egypt and Sicily (1240 AD) and ensured peace on the eastern borders through a dynastic alliance with the Mongols. In 1243 AD, he embarked on an ambitious expansion, conquering Armenia and Diyarbakr (1250 AD) and directing his forces toward the Levant (1253 AD). At the Battle of Baqirda (1255 AD), he was isolated and killed, bringing his reign to an end.

Artemidoros V took the throne in 1256 AD after the death of his father, Gorgippos III, and from the beginning focused on diplomacy and internal stability of the empire. He made peace with the Savacid. His rule was interrupted by the rebellion of the governor of Thessalonica, Sophytes (1262 AD), which escalated into a three-year civil war. Eventually, imperial troops defeated the rebels at Tskhinvali (1265 AD), and Sophytes himself was exiled.

Shortly after the end of the war, the empire was struck by a smallpox epidemic (1265 AD), which quickly spread throughout the Black Sea basin, weakening the country after devastating fighting. Artemidoros V himself, infected while attending on his sons, died in 1267 AD, leaving the throne in chaos. The plague, later called "Artemidoros Pox", killed thousands and undermined the stability of the empire.

Gorgippos IV ascended the throne of the Tauric Empire in 1267 AD at the age of eleven after the death of his father, Artemidoros V, who fell victim to a smallpox epidemic. The real power, however, was held by his mother, Empress Ulujin, who sought to strengthen the dynasty’s position by tightening the alliance with the Mongols. To secure this bond, she arranged the marriage of her youngest son, Antiochos, to the half-sister of the Mongol Khan, Albold I.

Gorgippos IV died after only a few weeks of rule, and the throne passed to his brother, Antiochos III, who was also a minor, making Ulujin the regent. With the support of her Mongol brother and through decisive policies, she successfully suppressed conspiracies and rebellions, including an assassination attempt by Philopoemenos, governor of Tyras, and the coup led by Timarchos of Paphlagonia. However, in 1270 AD, a civil war broke out against a coalition of nobles led by Maximos of Bithynia, which ended in the regent’s victory after decisive battles at Maran (1271 AD) and Chersonesus (1274 AD).

Upon reaching adulthood in 1274 AD, Antiochos III assumed full power, focusing on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and consolidating his rule. His reign was marked by efforts to restore stability and by organizing grand public spectacles designed to reinforce imperial authority. As part of his dynastic strategy, he married Batulun, a relative of the Mongol ruler, strengthening the alliance with the eastern empire, which led to the birth of an heir, Artemidoros VI, in 1281 AD. However, in 1282 AD, a typhus epidemic struck the empire, devastating the population. Antiochos III himself succumbed to the disease in September of that year, leaving the throne to his one-year-old son under the regency of Batulun.

Batulun assumed power during a turbulent period—noble conspiracies threatened the stability of the empire, and the realm was weakened by the plague. In 1283 AD, a civil war erupted when Eudoxos of Aegea, backed by an aristocratic coalition, demanded the deposition of the young emperor. The conflict ended with the regent’s victory in 1285 AD after crucial battles at Taphros and Kernikitis. However, the country remained devastated, and successive epidemics, including the Babruyskina Pox (1285 AD), deepened the crisis. The situation worsened with the collapse of the Mongol Empire, depriving Batulun of crucial support from the Mongol rulers and emboldening discontented nobles to take further action against central authority.

In 1290 AD, Asclepiades, governor of Styr, launched a second civil war, exploiting the growing dissatisfaction among the elite. The decisive Battle of Gelts (1290 AD) ended in a victory for the imperial forces, but it failed to bring the conflict to an end. After several years of exhausting warfare, a truce was reached in 1293 AD, but imperial authority continued to weaken, and the nobles began acting with near-total independence. The death of Batulun in 1293 AD left Artemidoros VI, only 14 years old, without a strong guardian, turning the imperial court into an arena of intrigue and power struggles. In 1294 AD, Asclepiades once again attempted to seize the throne, igniting the third civil war (1294–1299 AD).

The weakened imperial legions were unable to stop the rebels’ advance. In 1299 AD, General Molon betrayed the empire, defecting to Asclepiades, which led to the collapse of the capital’s defenses. In October 1299 AD, rebel forces entered Satyria, and Artemidoros VI was assassinated, marking the end of the Hyrcanis dynasty.

After seizing power, Asclepiades and Molon introduced a new system of governance—Molon III was declared emperor, but real power was transferred to the aristocracy. A system of imperial election replaced hereditary monarchy, and the Tauric Empire fragmented into a federation of principalities, each gaining near-total autonomy. This decentralization and ongoing power struggles led to the empire’s disintegration, with the southern provinces, including Anatolia and Hellas, declaring independence. The fall of the Hyrcanis dynasty ended the era of absolute imperial rule, ushering in a period of chaos, rivalry, and internal conflicts that would shape the fate of the Taurica for decades to come.

TheButterflyComposer · Feb 12, 2025

Looking forward to which path Taurica takes next. Still hoping for a mega Hellenistic Russia-like empire.

StrategyGameEnthusiast · Feb 12, 2025

Decentralisation will either be a great thing for the Empire, or the cause of its final destruction.

kakom · Feb 12, 2025

TheButterflyComposer said:
Looking forward to which path Taurica takes next. Still hoping for a mega Hellenistic Russia-like empire.

StrategyGameEnthusiast said:
Decentralisation will either be a great thing for the Empire, or the cause of its final destruction.

We will see as this AAR develops.

Anyway, now some info., I'm moving to a slower pace for the next chapters. Slight burnout and the desire to present the world in a different way in the year 1300 AD is the reason. Previously I divided the world into 3 parts and presented the cultures, religions and borders of the countries together.
Now the plan is:
- The State of the Empire 1300 AD
- The World in 1300 AD, all in one chapter
- Religions and their changes and expansion throughout the Middle Ages
- The most important languages and cultural groups in the early 14th century
- Then we will move on to describe the subsequent monarchs in the years 1300 - 1500 AD
I also plan to describe the geographical discoveries and great world powers, perhaps in the 17th century AD.
In any case, a description of the empire on Friday or Saturday and then one or two chapters a week.

TheButterflyComposer · Feb 12, 2025

kakom said:
We will see as this AAR develops.

Anyway, now some info., I'm moving to a slower pace for the next chapters. Slight burnout and the desire to present the world in a different way in the year 1300 AD is the reason. Previously I divided the world into 3 parts and presented the cultures, religions and borders of the countries together.
Now the plan is:
- The State of the Empire 1300 AD
- The World in 1300 AD, all in one chapter
- Religions and their changes and expansion throughout the Middle Ages
- The most important languages and cultural groups in the early 14th century
- Then we will move on to describe the subsequent monarchs in the years 1300 - 1500 AD
I also plan to describe the geographical discoveries and great world powers, perhaps in the 17th century AD.
In any case, a description of the empire on Friday or Saturday and then one or two chapters a week.

Increasingly from this point onwards, money and economics is going to be important too. EUIV isn't very good at simulating it, but after the early colonialism expansions, Spain had infinite funds for a century (which led to mass inflation of course but still), and increasingly some countries will be so much richer than everywhere else that it has to be noted.

kakom · Feb 13, 2025

Tauric Empire – 1300 AD

The Tauric Antique period (480 BC- 450 AD)

At the beginning of the 14th century, the Tauric Empire had a history spanning nearly two millennia. The origins of the Tauric state date back to the 5th century BCE when Greek colonies on the Tauric Peninsula (Crimea) and the northern coast of the Black Sea united in response to the growing threat from nomadic Scythian and Sarmatian tribes.

In its early centuries, the Tauric Kingdom was a significant trade center, mediating the exchange of goods between Greece, Rome, and the steppe peoples who were slowly expanding into the Pontic Steppe. Its culture and governance system were initially inspired by Greek traditions, though, over time, they evolved into a unique blend of Hellenic and local Scythian-Sarmatian influences.

The first golden age of the Tauric state occurred in Late Antiquity, particularly after the conclusion of the Great Mediterranean War (144–200 AD) and during the early rule of the Third Taurides Dynasty (245 AD – 322 AD). This period saw the empire solidify its position as one of the most significant political and military powers in the region. At this time, the ancient Tauric Empire reached its territorial zenith and peak military-economic strength.

The golden era of the empire was characterized not only by military and economic growth but also by a dynamic development of culture and science. The Tauric Empire became one of the main intellectual centers of the Mediterranean world, attracting scholars and philosophers from across the Black Sea basin and the Near East.

The decline and fall of the First Empire coincided with the Second Taurides Dynasty (322 AD – 450 AD), a period marked by constant conflicts. Wars with Persia, invasions by the Huns and Germanic tribes ultimately led to the downfall of the Taurides Dynasty and the First Empire. The ascension of Alexandros I to power over the remnants of the Tauric state at the end of 450 AD is considered the symbolic end of this period in Tauric history.

The Tauric Middle Ages (450 AD – 1300 AD)

The Tauric Middle Ages began in the mid-5th century AD when, amidst invasions by nomadic tribes and the collapse of previous power structures, Alexandros I ascended the imperial throne as the first ruler of the Alexandris Dynasty. His reign was a period of reconstruction and consolidation, during which the state was stabilized, and some of its lost territories were reclaimed.

The Alexandris Dynasty reached its greatest prosperity in the 7th and 8th centuries, particularly during the reign of Alexandros III and his successors until the rule of Artos II (606–788 AD). This was a time of expansion and growing power, both militarily and economically. Cities, craftsmanship, and science flourished, and Tauric culture reached a high level, drawing inspiration from both Greek traditions and oriental Sarmatian-Scythian influences.

The decline of the Alexandris Dynasty came in the late 8th century as the state fell into deepening crises. Civil wars, aristocratic rivalries, and devastating epidemics weakened the central authority and undermined the emperor’s legitimacy. The final blow to the dynasty came with the usurpation of Regent Gorgippos, who seized the throne and founded the fifth ruling dynasty, the Hyrcanis.

The rule of the Hyrcanis Dynasty began in 798 AD amid chaos and internal struggles. Following Gorgippos' usurpation, the empire fragmented into competing principalities and provinces, each striving for dominance.

These struggles lasted for over a century, significantly weakening the state structure. Successive rulers of the Hyrcanis Dynasty constantly faced rival claimants and powerful grand princes who ruled their lands independently. Meanwhile, the Tauric Empire had to defend itself against increasing Viking raids, which, in the early 9th century, turned into regular plundering expeditions along the Black Sea coasts and rivers leading deep into Eastern European territories.

The year 908 AD marked the final consolidation of the empire with the conquest of the Kingdom of Tannis. Satyros IV finally reintegrated the last separatist territories. This period ended with a relative stabilization, allowing the Tauric Empire to enter a new era in which it could once again compete with the major regional powers.

The second period of Hyrcanis rule (908–1200 AD) was one of gradual growth and strengthening of the Tauric Empire. Successive rulers of this dynasty led numerous campaigns, securing new southern territories, reinforcing control over key trade routes, and solidifying imperial administration. Economic prosperity, urban development, and population growth made the Tauric Empire one of the most powerful states in Eastern Europe.

The year 1200 AD is considered the peak of the empire’s power under the Hyrcanis Dynasty. The empire controlled vast territories stretching from the steppes in the east to the Baltic coasts in the west and from Anatolia and Hellas in the south.

However, the 13th century brought a series of disasters that ultimately led to the fall of the Hyrcanis Dynasty. Mongol invasions ravaged the eastern and northern regions, epidemics—including a typhus plague—decimated the population, and internal conflicts and civil wars drained the empire in its final decades. The dynasty’s reign came to an end in 1299 AD.

The Tauric Empire in 1300 AD – A Fractured Realm :

In the aftermath of the collapse of absolute monarchy, a new system of government emerged in which the emperor was elected by an electoral college composed of the empire’s most powerful princes and governors. This permanently altered the structure of Tauric rule.

By the early 14th century, the Tauric Empire had transformed into a loose federation of principalities that only formally recognized the emperor’s suzerainty. The state’s structure became entirely decentralized—real power lay in the hands of the princes and governors who ruled their territories almost independently.

Despite maintaining the imperial title, the emperor’s position was significantly weakened, and each successive ruler’s election depended on political deals between the most influential aristocrats. The empire consisted of 34 principalities and 6 free cities, each of which held autonomy over internal matters, and their loyalty to the emperor was often merely symbolic.

The 34 principalities were divided into eastern and western groups:

Eastern principalities were ruled by elites tracing their lineage back to Late Antiquity and the medieval Tauric Empire. These noble families shared the Tauric language and culture.
Eastern principalities: Hyrcania, Ikrat, Volna, Alania, Tanais, Aorsia, Thyssangeti, Hyperborea, Sura, Oarus, Styr, Gelts, Budinia, Tahent, Greater Olbe, Tyras, Zargidava, Muradava, Borysthenia, Odoyevan.
Western principalities were governed by aristocratic families descending from local elites conquered during the empire’s medieval expansion.
Western principalities: Vistula, Bassetia, Aestia, Golshyn, Amadocia, Sambia, Samogitia, Curonia, Lithuania, Sporia, Rubonia, Androphagia, Lubno, Chesinia, Neuria, Theophilisia.
Free Cities: Peresopntysia, Zvyahel, Konea, Nikonia, Lesser Olbe, and Maeotia.

The Electoral System :

The electoral system that replaced hereditary succession was designed as a compromise between the faction of the empire's noblemen, led by Ascleiades, the Grand Governor of Styr, and Molon III, the new emperor and the man who brought an end to the Hyrcanis dynasty. To avoid further conflict between Molon III, who commanded loyal imperial legions, and the noble elite of the empire, both sides agreed to a compromise solution.

The new system established the election of future emperors of the Tauric Empire through a vote conducted by seven princes from the newly formed electoral college. This college consisted of four representatives of the noble faction and three imperial votes belonging to Molon III. The rulers of the principalities of Budinia, Gelts, Tahent, and Bassetia, serving as electors for the noble faction, each held a single vote in the election of a new Tauric Emperor upon the death of the previous one.

Molon III, the founder of the new ruling dynasty and the man who betrayed the last emperor of the Hyrcanis line, used his control over nearly 60,000 loyal soldiers to secure three votes in the new college during negotiations. The principalities of Taurica, Gorgippia, and Phanagoria, which had become his personal domain after his rise to power, each received a single vote. Additionally, Gorgippia and Phanagoria were granted the status of direct imperial fiefs, with their new rulers forming cadet branches of the ruling dynasty established by Molon III.

The new political system of the empire was fragile and prone to internal conflicts. Despite periods of relative peace, the rivalry among the princes and their ambitions for greater power, influence, and land often led to tensions and wars between them. Free cities, although possessing their own laws and playing a significant economic role, also had to navigate the shifting influence of the various noble factions.

As a result, the Tauric Empire entered the 14th century as a divided state, where central authority existed mainly on paper, while real decisions were made in the courts of the powerful princes.

Tauric Empire - 1300 AD

Imperial domain and vassals of Molon III – 1300 AD

StrategyGameEnthusiast · Feb 13, 2025

With three votes, Taurica will probably control the empire unless the nobles rally around one candidate.

TheButterflyComposer · Feb 13, 2025

But later on in, when ocean trade becomes far more lucrative and important, baltic coastline realms are going to get more and more important, pushing power and influence north.

Also gives a reason for the north eastern members to colonise the east. It's the only way they'll get any look in at power.

Nikolai · Feb 14, 2025

I hope to see centralized rule in the end. This weakness cannot do!

Woodythedoll · Feb 15, 2025

So excited!

kakom · Feb 15, 2025

The World at the Beginning of the 14th Century AD

The 13th century was a period of rapid changes, upheavals, and disasters that left a lasting mark on the history of many civilizations. Wars, conquests, and the rise and fall of great empires reshaped the balance of power in the known world, leading to numerous conflicts and political transformations.

One of the most tragic events of this period was another wave of the Black Death, known as Theodoros’ Plague, which struck the largest and most densely populated urban centers with unprecedented force. This epidemic, spreading along trade routes and through military campaigns, quickly engulfed both the East and the West, decimating entire societies.

The chaos that followed only deepened political destabilization—many regions saw popular uprisings, power struggles, and the collapse of traditional state structures. The long-term effects of the epidemic were catastrophic for the kingdoms and societies of the 13th century. The death of a vast portion of the population led to the decline of many cities and the weakening of once-mighty kingdoms.

Even after the great plague that shook the world at the beginning of the 13th century subsided, Europe and Asia continued to struggle with outbreaks of disease, famine, and armed conflicts. Smaller outbreaks of typhus and smallpox in various parts of the continents further weakened already devastated societies.

Depopulation and the collapse of economic structures led to the destabilization of many kingdoms and empires, which were unable to restore their power after previous catastrophes. Rulers lost control over their lands, and local nobles increasingly broke away from central authority, creating their own autonomous centers of power. In many parts of Europe and Asia, rebellions against weakening governments resulted in the fragmentation of former powers and the emergence of new political arrangements.

During this time, on the steppes of Central Asia, a man emerged who would take advantage of the chaos and the weakness of neighboring states to build one of the greatest empires in history—Temujin, later known as Genghis Khan. His military and political prowess enabled him to unite the Mongol clans and subjugate hostile peoples.

Within a few decades, his armies conquered vast territories—from China, Korea, and Tibet to Central Asia and Siberia. Inevitably, the Mongol expansion reached the Tauric Empire, which had to confront this new threat. Genghis Khan created a state whose power was based on efficient administration and brutal military effectiveness, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of all of Asia.

However, despite its immense power, the Mongol Empire did not survive in its unified form until the end of the 13th century. After Temujin’s death, his successor, Albold, continued the expansion but faced increasing difficulties in governing such a vast territory.

Internal rivalries and the ambitions of local commanders led to divisions and civil wars that weakened the empire’s cohesion. Eventually, by the end of the 13th century, the empire had fractured into several independent khanates, each ruled by a descendant of Temujin.

The 13th century was one of the most challenging periods in the history of the Tauric Empire. Successive waves of epidemics, devastating civil wars, and political instability undermined the foundations of imperial power. Despite these challenges, the state managed to repel Mongol invasions in the first half of the century, thanks to effective defensive campaigns and a network of fortified cities and strongholds.

After bloody battles that ravaged the eastern provinces, the Tauric people managed to stabilize the situation and even establish diplomatic relations with Temujin’s empire. A key element of this policy was dynastic marriages, intended to secure peace and strengthen the empire’s position in the region.

The second half of the 13th century brought a new wave of crises, this time stemming mainly from internal divisions. The sudden deaths of successive rulers and prolonged regencies of underage monarchs led to a series of civil wars. Eventually, by the end of the 13th century, prolonged conflicts and the inability to restore strong central authority led to the end of the empire in its previous form.

The system of absolute monarchical administration was replaced by a decentralized confederation of grand principalities and free cities, which only nominally acknowledged imperial suzerainty.

The new political structure dictated that the ruler of the empire would be elected by an electoral college composed of the most powerful princes. This marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Tauris—an age in which the emperor no longer ruled absolutely.

Iberia, Gaul, and Italia – 1300 AD

The 13th century was a time of great upheavals on the Iberian Peninsula, where the existing balance of power underwent drastic changes. In the northern part of the peninsula, the dominant kingdom of Tapolia, which had maintained its hegemony for centuries, fell into internal crisis. A series of noble revolts and dynastic disputes weakened the central authority, leading to the secession of two regions—Tritium and Memoriana.

These formerly annexed provinces regained independence, forming their own state structures and freeing themselves from Tapolian rule. This division weakened the power of the northern kingdom, which from that point on had to focus on preserving its remaining territories.

While the north suffered political disintegration, the south of the peninsula experienced the opposite process—consolidation and expansion. The Punic kingdom of Urbiaca, taking advantage of the chaos and the weakening of neighboring states, launched a series of conquests.

Driven by the ambition to create a new superpower, its rulers managed to unify the southern regions by defeating and absorbing the kingdom of Baestania. Furthermore, they capitalized on the turmoil in Tapolia and the troubles of the kingdom of Italia, seizing control of their former holdings on the peninsula. Thanks to effective political and military strategy, Urbiaca became the most powerful state in the region, prepared to take even bolder steps.

By the end of the 13th century, the rulers of Urbiaca decided that their military and political successes required a new, more prestigious title. In the year 1298 AD, they proclaimed the establishment of the Empire of Adberia, whose borders encompassed the entire southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The new imperial dynasty began constructing an administrative system capable of maintaining control over its vast territory while also strengthening its position on the international stage. With the birth of Adberia, the political map of Iberia was reshaped, and this new southern power became one of the key players in the world.

The 13th century was a period of relative stability for the region of Gaul compared to the dramatic transformations that affected Iberia and other parts of Europe. The rulers of the kingdom of Alameann, thanks to efficient administration and skillful management of their lands, not only maintained the unity of their state but also expanded their dominion. Increasingly, sources from this period referred to the kingdom as "Alamea" rather than its traditional name, symbolizing the growing identity and ambitions of the state.

Exploiting the weakness of its neighbors, Alamea solidified its position as the dominant power in the region, especially after the fall of the kingdom of Iveria and the decline of Italian authority in the south.

In southern Gaul, three powerful principalities emerged—Aquitaine, Narbonesia, and Massilia. Each, though differing in governance and traditions, became an independent political entity, successfully resisting the influence of both Alamea and the weakened kingdom of Italia.

The 13th century also brought massive changes to the Italian Peninsula, which, like Iberia, became a battleground for internal conflicts and decentralization. The once-mighty Kingdom of Italia, dominant over the region, gradually lost its hegemonic position. Civil wars, dynastic crises, and noble rivalries steadily eroded central authority, until by 1300 AD, the royal domain had been significantly diminished.

In the north of the peninsula, powerful principalities such as Savoy, Lombardy, Verona, Luca, Siena, and Romagna became independent. Meanwhile, the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice took full advantage of political chaos to secure their autonomy, becoming key commercial centers of the Mediterranean.

The Papal States, which had long aspired to expand their authority over Italy, seized the opportunity to take control of central Italy. Successive popes accused Italian rulers of heresy, excommunicating them repeatedly, which weakened the authority of the royal dynasty and fueled internal divisions.

Southern Italy saw even greater transformations, with the collapse of the Kingdom of Magna Graecia giving rise to a mosaic of independent principalities, including Capua, Salerno, Benevento, Apulia, and Calabria.

Sicily, though it managed to maintain its independence, lost Malta as a result of a conflict with the newly established Republic of Sardinia. Sardinia, previously under the rule of the Kingdom of Baestania from Iberia, took advantage of the collapse of the ruling power there to regain independence and strengthen its position in the Mediterranean.

British Isles – 1300 AD

The 13th century brought significant changes to the British Isles, which had been dominated by Scandinavian rulers for centuries. The once-powerful Kingdom of Bremenium, which had controlled a large part of the islands for almost two centuries, eventually collapsed due to internal dynastic struggles, epidemics, and conflicts with local rulers.

In Ireland, Scandinavian influence gradually weakened until it ultimately collapsed. In place of the former Scandinavian rule, a mosaic of small principalities emerged. The largest of these, Ulster, dominated the north, while others, such as Meath, Leinster, Offaly, and Desmond, were ruled by local Celtic leaders who often competed for influence.

In northern Britain, long a center of Scandinavian power over the islands, two distinct kingdoms emerged: Hvitriki and Lothian. Both were ruled by dynasties descending from Viking settlers who had arrived in the 8th and 9th centuries.

Central and southern Britain also underwent significant transformations. The kingdoms of Ordovicia and Pritania, which had formed in the central part of the island, were ruled by dynasties of Scandinavian descent, though their lands were predominantly inhabited by Celtic populations. This led to a unique fusion of Scandinavian and Breton traditions.

In the south, the once-powerful Celtic Kingdom of Levonbrinta, which had dominated the region until the early 13th century, fragmented into two separate states: Levonbrinta and Dumnonia. By the early 14th century, the islands were highly fragmented, with the former Scandinavian dominance giving way to new political structures in which local rulers competed for power and influence.

Germania, Venedia – 1300 AD

At the beginning of the 14th century, the regions of Germania and Venedia were highly decentralized and politically fragmented. The events of the 13th century—numerous epidemics, peasant uprisings, noble rebellions, and dynastic wars—led to the downfall of once-powerful kingdoms such as Frisia, Saxony, East Alameann, Rhaetia, and Ostfalen. Many of these states disappeared entirely from the map, while others, weakened by internal strife, lost control over vast territories. In their place, a network of independent principalities, counties, and free cities emerged, competing for influence and control over local resources.

This fragmentation benefited the power of nobles and princes, who often seized control of their domains at the expense of former monarchs. In many areas, municipal councils and merchant guilds took over governance, gaining prominence in cities such as Hamburg, Lübeck, and Magdeburg. Free cities became centers of trade and craftsmanship, forming loose defensive alliances against neighboring princes and external invasions. Some, such as the Hanseatic cities, even began building their own political and military structures to achieve independence from local feudal rulers.

In the east, in the Venedia region, the situation was similarly unstable. The collapse of larger states led to the emergence of numerous smaller principalities, which frequently formed alliances or engaged in conflicts with their western neighbors. Despite this fragmentation, the region remained an important trade hub, thanks to its proximity to the Baltic Sea and merchant routes leading to Scandinavia and the Tauric Empire.

Scandinavia, Baltic Coast – 1300 AD

At the beginning of the 14th century, the Scandinavian and northern Baltic regions experienced fewer upheavals than other parts of Europe but were not immune to political changes and dynastic divisions. The fall of the Estonian Empire, which had dominated the north in the early 13th century, led to the fragmentation of its former territories into several independent kingdoms and principalities.

Estonia, Holmgardr, Bjarmland, Finland, Karelia, and Latgalia became independent states ruled by local dynasties, often connected by blood ties but also competing for influence and control over trade routes.

In mainland Scandinavia, political stability was largely maintained, though not without changes. The kingdoms of Sweden and Norway retained their territories and dominance over much of the region, with their monarchs effectively preventing feudal fragmentation. One exception was Sweden, which lost control over Småland—a region that, due to hereditary claims, transformed into an independent kingdom ruled by a cadet branch of the Swedish dynasty.

On the Jutland Peninsula, the period of territorial fragmentation came to an end, and the Kingdom of Jutland was reunified under a single crown. This process occurred gradually through skillful dynastic policies and military campaigns that subdued rebellious nobles and unified the lands under one ruler.

Balkans – 1300 AD

At the beginning of the 14th century, the Balkans remained one of the more stable regions of Europe, avoiding the dramatic transformations that affected other parts of the continent. Nevertheless, some political and territorial changes took place. The Kingdom of Thrace lost part of its lands to the expansionist Kingdom of Dacia, which strengthened its position in the northern Balkans.

In the central part of the peninsula, the Kingdom of Pannonia collapsed following a dynastic crisis, splitting into three large principalities: Rab, Visegrad, and Bacs. Despite the division, these newly formed states retained their cultural and political identity while maintaining relatively peaceful relations in their efforts to stabilize after the period of crisis.

The Kingdom of Geti was one of the few states in the region to survive the 13th century without significant territorial or political changes. Through effective governance and a strategy of avoiding entanglement in destructive conflicts, Geti maintained its position as one of the more stable kingdoms in the Balkans.

In contrast, Hellada, which had been under the control of the Tauric Empire for the past century, experienced fragmentation. Civil wars at the end of the 13th century led to local governors asserting independence, creating new states such as the Kingdoms of Macedonia, Epirus, and Thessalonica, as well as the Principalities of Thrace, Achaea, and Athens. This process marked the end of Tauric dominance in the region and the restoration of power to local elites.

Dalmatia, which had been the site of crusades in the previous century, survived the 13th century with minimal territorial losses. The principalities and kingdoms of the region, with the exception of Carinthia, remained loyal to Onmarchism, and their rulers maintained independence despite attempts at external interference. The stability of the area was due to well-fortified cities and strong local administrative structures, which allowed the region to withstand religious wars and political upheavals.

North Africa – 1300 AD

In the early 14th century, North Africa underwent profound political and social changes due to the disasters of the 13th century. The collapse of the Kingdom of Baestania, whose core territories in Iberia were conquered by the Adberian Empire, had far-reaching consequences for its African holdings.

With the loss of its Iberian lands, royal authority ceased to exist, and the former provinces in North Africa declared independence. This led to the emergence of four new Punic principalities: Mauretania, Fez, Arambys, and Tafillalt. Despite their division, these states retained a shared cultural and commercial heritage. Their rulers focused on maintaining control over trade routes and defending their territories against external intervention.

The Kingdom of Massaesylia, one of the region’s more powerful states, could not avoid internal conflicts. Dynastic disputes and rivalries among the nobility weakened central royal authority, leading to the country’s fragmentation. As a result, its eastern territories seceded, forming the newly established Kingdom of Iol, which immediately competed with Massaesylia for control over lucrative trade routes and strategic Saharan oases.

The Republic of Africa, once a key trading and political center, suffered greatly from epidemics, population decline, and the collapse of Mediterranean trade networks, leading to its dissolution. In its place, new independent entities arose, including the Republics of Carthage and Tripolitania.

Sub-Saharan Africa – 1300 AD

Sub-Saharan Africa in the early 14th century was a region of intense political and social change, significantly altering the balance of power across this part of the continent. The most spectacular event of this period was the collapse of the mighty Siwaid Empire, which had dominated a vast area from the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert and Lake Chad for decades.

Internal civil wars, weakened administration, and aggression from the Kanem-Bornu Empire led to the complete dissolution of the Siwaid state. The victorious Kanem-Bornu became the dominant power in the region, though it transformed into a decentralized entity. Its rulers directly controlled the lands around Lake Chad, while numerous neighboring kingdoms and principalities, such as Air, Katsina, Kano, Yao, Wadai, Hausaland, Zazzau, and Kwararafa, remained dependent on its hegemony, paying tribute and recognizing the symbolic authority of the Kanem-Bornu rulers.

To the south and west of this sphere, new independent principalities and kingdoms emerged, capitalizing on the power vacuum left by Siwaid’s fall. Nupe, Igboland, and Yorubaland, located along the Atlantic coast, solidified their positions and successfully freed themselves from former hegemons.

Their growing significance was linked not only to political independence but also to expanding trade, including exchanges with merchants from North Africa and the Sahel region.

At the same time, the western regions of Sub-Saharan Africa experienced significant upheavals. The Kong, Akan, and Koniowid kingdoms, which had previously dominated this part of the continent, were weakened by conflicts, the decline of trade routes, and invasions by neighboring states. Akan and Koniowid ceased to exist as independent political entities, while Kong lost vast territories and found itself on the defensive against rising powers in the region.

In the east of the continent, the greatest winner of this period was the powerful Mali Kingdom, which had significantly expanded its territory over the past century, becoming the dominant force in West Africa. To the north of Mali were the kingdoms of Timbuktu and Tademekka, the latter distinguished by the presence of a Phoenician-speaking community that had settled there due to the conquests of the Second Carthaginian Empire. Meanwhile, on the eastern coast of the continent, the Kaabu and Takrur kingdoms controlled crucial trade routes and strengthened relations with both the Sahel states and external trading partners.

Egypt – 1300 AD

Unlike many other regions of the world, Egypt maintained relative political stability over the past century. Although the country did not escape crises such as plague outbreaks, peasant uprisings, or local conflicts, these did not lead to the collapse of the state but only to a change in the ruling dynasty.

The central administration managed to retain control over the Nile and key trade centers, allowing Egypt to maintain its position as one of the most powerful states in the region. Although the economy and social structure were weakened by depopulation and a decline in agricultural production, Egypt’s rulers successfully restored the state's strength, maintaining dominance over both Lower and Upper Egypt.

In contrast, the southern kingdom of Blemmyia faced far more severe problems. Noble rebellions and uprisings weakened central authority and led to significant territorial losses. As a result, Makuria, Nubia, and Aidab took advantage of the situation to expand their borders or completely free themselves from Blemmyia’s dominance.

Makuria, one of the region’s strongest states, gained importance by taking control of former Blemmyian lands. Nubia solidified its political position, while Aidab, due to its strategic location on the Red Sea coast, became a key trade and political hub.

Nubia and the Horn of Africa – 1300 AD

The region of southern Nubia and the Horn of Africa in the 13th century experienced significant political changes that disrupted the old order and led to the emergence of new states. The biggest loser of this period was the Outer Ajuraan kingdom, which lost vast territories to newly formed states such as Ogaadeen, Marchen, Adal, and Sharka. This fragmentation resulted from both internal dynastic struggles and external threats that weakened central authority.

In contrast, the kingdoms of Syrbotia and Punt managed to survive the turbulent century without major territorial losses. Syrbotia, one of the region’s oldest states, tracing its origins back to antiquity, maintained its position thanks to stable administration and a favorable strategic location. Similarly, Punt, which had been an important trade center since medieval times, retained control over its key trade routes and remained a significant player in regional politics.

Arabian Peninsula – 1300 AD

The 13th century brought significant political and territorial changes to the Arabian Peninsula, largely due to the collapse of the Turkish Empire founded by Tughril. The eastern part of the peninsula, previously under Turkish control, freed itself from their rule, leading to the rise of many independent emirates and beyliks.

The most significant of these—Oman, Mahram, Aramidis, and Yamana—began consolidating their power, strengthening governance structures, and conducting independent policies. Their newfound independence reshaped the balance of power in the eastern peninsula, where they competed both with each other and with neighboring states.

Similar processes occurred in western Arabia, where the declining Kingdom of Hejaz was unable to maintain unity. A series of internal crises, wars, and epidemics weakened its control over the region, leading to the emergence of several independent emirates. Al-Jawf, Shammar, Najd, Medina, Dawasir, and Miklaf broke away from Hejaz, creating new centers of power that began competing for influence and trade dominance in the region.

In the south, the Kingdom of Yemen managed to endure the turbulent century, albeit at a cost. Faced with growing internal challenges, Yemeni rulers opted for partial decentralization, granting local dynasties control over certain regions.

Thus, Najran, Rassids, Hadramaut, and Aden became vassals of Yemen, enjoying significant autonomy while still acknowledging the king’s supremacy. This policy allowed Yemen to maintain stability and avoid complete disintegration, which had befallen other states in the region.

Asia Minor – 1300 AD

With the collapse of imperial power at the end of the 13th century, Anatolia and the southern Caucasus once again became a patchwork of independent states. In the Caucasus, the ancient kingdoms of Kurus, Colchis, and Vaspurakan, which had been among the first to fall to the Tauric Empire in the 10th century, re-emerged. After years of imperial rule, their local elites regained autonomy, exploiting the weakening of Taurida and internal chaos to rebuild their political structures. The reappearance of these states altered the region’s balance of power, making the Caucasus a theater of rivalry and local dynastic influence.

In Anatolia, a similar situation unfolded—local governors, who had previously served as imperial administrators, became independent, transforming their provinces into hereditary principalities. Consequently, independent states such as Anatolia, Ephesos, Opsikion, Kilikia, Kappadokia, Sebasteia, Edessa, Khaldia, Armeniac, Bucellaria, Paphlagonia, and Optimatoi emerged. Each developed in its own direction, constructing unique systems of governance and alliances, though all shared a common heritage in Tauric administration. The region became an arena of competition between these principalities and external forces seeking to reclaim influence over fragmented Anatolia.

Asia - 1300 AD

The Mongol conquests of the 13th century transformed Asia into the largest empire the world had ever seen. Temujin, later known as the GreatKhan, united the nomadic steppe tribes and launched highly effective military campaigns that led to the subjugation of vast territories—from the eastern borders of the Tauric Empire, through Central Asia, Tibet, Siberia, Manchuria, and all the way to China.

The Mongol Empire reached the height of its power during the reign of Temujin's son, Albold, but his death marked the beginning of its fragmentation. As a result of competition among Mongol princes and generals, four main successor states emerged: the Golden Horde, the Blue Horde, the Gray Horde, and the Purple Horde, alongside the Yuan Dynasty in China, which continued the tradition of Mongol overlordship.

The Purple Horde, the youngest of the factions, took control of Tibet—a region that the Mongols had conquered last. Although it formally remained part of the Mongol world, its geographical isolation and unique local traditions led to a high degree of autonomy.

The Gray Horde, which controlled the Central Asian steppes, became the dominant power in the region, exerting influence over Persia and neighboring kingdoms such as Khorasan, Kohestan, Sistan, the Ghurids, Baluchistan, and Yavana. While these states retained some nominal independence, in practice, they paid tribute to the Gray Horde, and their rulers often served as puppets of Mongol governors.

The Golden Horde focused its rule on the western frontiers of the former empire, controlling vast territories from the eastern borders of the Tauric Empire to the northern steppes of Asia. It imposed its authority on numerous Ugric and Finno-Ugric principalities, which, despite their formal autonomy, were required to supply warriors and pay tribute. Thanks to its strategic location, the Golden Horde controlled trade routes between Europe and Asia, generating enormous wealth.

The Blue Horde, also known as the Northern Yuan Dynasty, ruled over Mongolia and Manchuria, imposing tribute on the Kingdom of Korea and smaller northern tribes. Meanwhile, the main Yuan Dynasty in China faced challenges in maintaining internal stability and asserting dominance over the other Mongol hordes. Despite attempts to restore control over its former Mongol allies, the Yuan were unable to subjugate them completely, leading to ongoing tensions and rivalry among the various factions of the Mongol Empire.

Persia, Mesopotamia – 1300 AD

During the 13th century, Persia and Mesopotamia underwent significant political and demographic changes. The former Kingdom of Savacid and the remnants of the Turkish Empire finally collapsed, leaving a political vacuum. In Mesopotamia, the resulting chaos led to a mass migration of Turkish nomads, who had previously attempted to seize lands in Anatolia but were repelled by the forces of the Tauric Empire.

These settlers established three states: Assyriana, Kufa, and Basra, which gradually formed their own political structures and began competing for control over the fertile lands between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

In Persia, local dynasties re-emerged, taking advantage of the weakened regional powers to reclaim their former territories. However, their independence was short-lived—by the late 13th century, the Mongols launched a series of invasions into the region, forcing Persian kingdoms to recognize the authority of the Gray Horde.

As a result, Persia became a tributary of the Mongol Khanate, significantly affecting its economy and politics, making it part of the broader web of dependencies imposed by the Mongols on their conquered lands.

Indian Peninsula – 1300 AD

The 13th century brought significant transformations to the Indian subcontinent. The once-powerful Taraxano Empire, which had long dominated Tibet and parts of northern India, lost control of its northern provinces to the Mongols in the mid-13th century. This defeat forced the Taraxano rulers to retreat into the Indian subcontinent, where they struggled to maintain their rule.

Their power was further weakened by their own Turkish mercenaries, who had played a key role in the empire’s military. One of these leaders seized control of the state and established a new dynasty, initiating a series of brutal conquests to solidify his newfound rule.

The new Taraxano Empire, now under the Turkish Alachid dynasty, began an expansion campaign that rapidly brought northern India under its control. Countless smaller principalities that had maintained relative independence for years were either destroyed or forced into submission.

The greatest casualty of this expansion was the Bengal-based Harshapalid Empire, which was unable to resist the military strength of the Turkish invaders. As a result, northern India became centralized under the powerful and unified Taraxano Empire, which established a new political order in the region. Despite its strength and expansion, the empire’s rulers found it more beneficial to allow some Himalayan principalities to remain independent in exchange for regular tribute. This allowed the Himalayan foothills to remain free from direct occupation, though they remained under close imperial supervision.

Unlike the unified north, the southern subcontinent in the 14th century remained a patchwork of rival kingdoms and city-states. As in most previous eras, no single ruler dominated the region, and numerous dynasties and city-states waged wars and formed alliances in their quest for regional supremacy.

The Taraxano Empire had yet to make a decisive move to conquer the south, partly due to the geographical challenges and partly because it needed to consolidate its rule over the newly subjugated north.

Thus, the 14th century ushered in a new era in the Indian subcontinent, where a strong northern empire coexisted with a divided south, and both old and new dynasties vied for control over this wealthy and diverse region.

Japan – 1300 AD

The events of the 13th century led to the near-total collapse of centralized authority in the Japanese islands. A series of disasters, including plagues, droughts, and famines, undermined the emperor's authority and forced local leaders to assume full control over their domains.

By the early 14th century, Japan was fragmented between warring clans, warlords, and samurai commanders who nominally recognized the emperor but only when it served their interests. The old hierarchy of power had been replaced by feudal arrangements, where military strength and survival skills dictated one’s standing.

On the mainland, the situation was equally unstable, particularly on the Korean Peninsula. The Kingdom of Korea, which once controlled the entire peninsula, had been pushed into its southern regions, while the northern lands fell under the direct rule of the Mongol Blue Horde. Korea’s ruling dynasty survived only by remaining loyal to the Mongols, though its influence and independence were significantly curtailed. Korean rulers were forced to pay heavy tribute and provide troops for Mongol campaigns, weakening their ability to reclaim full sovereignty.

Further north, in Manchuria, the Blue Horde’s dominance was even more pronounced. Almost the entire region remained under its control, with only a few small khanates and tribes maintaining partial autonomy—though they, too, were forced to pay tribute to the Mongol overlords.

The conquered populations and local leaders operated within the Mongol administrative system, which demanded loyalty in exchange for relative peace. By the early 14th century, the region remained a key base for the Blue Horde’s continued operations, serving as a vital source of warriors and resources necessary for maintaining Mongol dominance over East Asia.

Indochina – 1300 AD

By the early 14th century, Indochina had undergone significant political changes due to Mongol invasions and raids in the late 13th century. The kingdoms of Champa and Annam were utterly shattered—Annam’s northern territories were annexed by the Mongol Empire and later placed under the Yuan Dynasty’s control. In western Indochina, Mongol incursions destabilized and weakened larger states such as Annam, Champa, and Isana. While the Mongols failed to permanently conquer these lands, the fragmented principalities were forced to pay tribute to the Yuan Dynasty, solidifying Mongol dominance over the region.

Amid this chaos, some Indochinese states sought to strengthen their positions. The Kingdom of Langkasuka fell due to a peasant uprising that brought the Kunjakaris dynasty to power. Meanwhile, Lavanpura and Haripunchai survived the turbulent era with fewer losses, with Haripunchai abandoning its northern lands to create buffer states against the Yuan-controlled regions.

The dominant power in early 14th-century Indochina was the Burmese Empire, which emerged from the ruins of the Pagan Kingdom. Uniquely, this state was founded by a former Mongol general during the Mongol Empire’s fragmentation. The new Mongol-ruled Burmese kingdom, governed by the Jlijin dynasty, combined Mongol military and administrative structures with local traditions, making it the most formidable force in Indochina.

Indonesia - 1300 AD

At the beginning of the 14th century, the Indonesian region had already emerged from a period of destabilization caused by the plague epidemic, which had spread from here to other parts of the world in the 13th century. Paradoxically, this prior experience with the disease allowed the region to recover and stabilize more quickly, leading to the rise of new political powers. One of the most significant events of this period was the resurgence of the Srivijaya Empire, which, following the collapse of the Langkasuka kingdom on the Malay Peninsula, managed to reclaim its former glory. A new ruling dynasty took power and, over the course of the 13th century, gained control over the western part of the archipelago, dominating much of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.

On Java, the political chaos and struggles for power in the 13th century led to the rise of the Majapahit dynasty, which eventually became the undisputed hegemon of the entire region. Under its rule, at the beginning of the 14th century, the empire extended its influence from western Sumatra to New Guinea. The southern part of Brunei and Sulawesi also came under Majapahit control, while many other island kingdoms either paid tribute or remained dependent on this powerful dynasty.

In the Philippines, the process of consolidating power led to the emergence of five main kingdoms: Amianan, Lusong, Kabisayan, Butuan, and Maguindano. Unlike Indonesia, where centralized empires had formed, the Philippines remained divided into several competing centers of power. However, each of these kingdoms controlled significant territories and maintained extensive trade relations with neighboring regions. New Guinea, was still inhabited by independent tribal confederations, which were not organized into a unified state but engaged in trade and maintained connections with the region’s larger kingdoms.

StrategyGameEnthusiast · Feb 15, 2025

Europe is extremely fractured, could this be an Asia Universalis timeline?... (unless the Mongols collapse immediately)

kakom · Feb 18, 2025

Religions of the World in 1300 AD

Omonarchism

Omonarchism is a state religion of the Tauric Empire, emerging from earlier local traditions with influences from both ancient and regional practices. Established in 573 AD through the reforms of Emperor Onomarchos III "The Anointed", the faith took its name from its founder and became deeply intertwined with the empire's political and spiritual life.

The religion combined monotheism with an imperial cult, portraying the emperor as the divine representative of Omono, the supreme and impersonal deity who created the universe. The emperors were considered the "sons of Omono," ruling by divine mandate, reinforcing their absolute authority as sacred figures.

A key aspect of Omonarchism was the cult of motherhood, which emphasized the divine nature of femininity as a source of life, wisdom, and compassion. Within this framework, Gaia was venerated as the patron of motherhood, embodying both the nurturing aspects of nature and the creative power of the universe. She was regarded as the protector of all living beings, with rituals dedicated to honoring her through acts of care, creation, and protection of life. This belief system placed great importance on the role of women in society, viewing them as spiritual leaders and guardians, equal to men in status and influence.

Omonarchism contained strong Gnostic elements, particularly the belief that the material world was flawed and imperfect, a mere shadow of a higher spiritual reality. The path to salvation, according to Omonarchism, lay in acquiring gnosis—divine knowledge that revealed hidden truths about the cosmos and the self. Onoma, the sacred divine wisdom, was believed to be the key to unlocking this higher reality. Followers sought enlightenment through meditation, rituals, and the study of sacred texts, which contained encoded teachings designed to guide believers toward spiritual awakening. This perspective shaped the Omonarchist view of existence, encouraging detachment from purely material concerns and a focus on the spiritual transformation of the soul.

The Omonarchi, priests of Omonarchism, formed an elaborate hierarchical structure led by the Grand High Priest, who served as the emperor's chief spiritual advisor. Priests were responsible for conducting rituals, interpreting sacred scriptures, and guiding the faithful. Their authority extended beyond religious matters, as they also played a significant role in imperial governance.

Omonarchism incorporated elements of Christianity, blending them with its own beliefs and practices. This syncretism was evident in the reverence for figures such as Jesus Christ, who was regarded as a manifestation or incarnation of Onoma. However, unlike traditional Christianity, Omonarchism reinterpreted key doctrines to align with its Gnostic and mystical worldview.

Concepts such as sin, redemption, and the afterlife were viewed through the lens of spiritual knowledge rather than strict moral absolutes. Salvation was not achieved through faith alone but through a progressive understanding of divine truths, which could only be attained through sacred study and enlightenment.

The religion had several sacred cities, which served as both religious and political centers of the empire. Pantikapaion housed an impressive temple to Omono, where grand annual festivals and ceremonies honoring the imperial ancestors took place. Theodosia, on the southern Crimean coast, was home to the coronation temple, where emperors were anointed, and was the seat of a major high priest. Chersonesus, an important western port, held special significance as the seat of the Grand High Priest, making it the spiritual heart of Omonarchism. Borysthenia, strategically located along the Dnieper River, played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of the faith, ensuring its continued dominance in the region. These cities reinforced the religious unity of the empire, serving as pillars of Omonarchist power for centuries.

Faith in Onomo – Medieval Expansion

In the Middle Ages, faith in Onomo became the dominant religion in Eastern Europe, and its spread was closely linked to the expansion of the Tauric Empire. From the 9th to the late 13th century, successive imperial conquests effectively introduced this faith into new territories, displacing local cults and traditions. The eastern lands of the Venedi, extending to the shores of the Baltic Sea, were incorporated into the empire, leading to the gradual decline of the ancient beliefs of the Balts and Slavs. The policy of intensive religious integration ensured that Onomarchism not only took root in these regions but also became a crucial element of the new identity of the conquered peoples.

The conquests in the south, encompassing the Southern Caucasus, Anatolia, and Greece, played a key role in strengthening Onomarchism. The imperial rulers' acquisition of these territories in the 10th and 11th centuries initiated an intense process of converting the local population, carried out by governors overseeing the provinces. As a result, local branches of Christianity, such as the Apostolic Church and the Macedonian Church, gradually lost their followers, giving way to the new faith. The empire pursued a broad policy of transforming former places of worship, converting churches and temples into centers for teaching Onomarchism, which accelerated the process of religious assimilation.

In Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, Onomarchism spread not so much through conquests as through the extensive cultural and political influence of the Tauric Empire. As the dominant power in the region, the empire engaged in lively trade and diplomatic relations with Scandinavian chieftains and kingdoms, leading to the gradual adoption of the new beliefs. Although Nordic traditions initially resisted Onomarchism, over time, Scandinavian elites began embracing the faith, recognizing it as a means of strengthening ties with the powerful empire. Thus, the faith spread throughout Scandinavia, albeit in a slightly modified form that incorporated earlier Nordic beliefs.

A similar process occurred in the Balkans, where the influence of the Tauric Empire steadily grew. Although the region was divided among various kingdoms and principalities, its dependence on imperial policies led to the rise of Onomarchism. Many Balkan rulers adopted the new faith to gain the favor of the imperial court and consolidate their power. As a result, although the Balkans formally remained outside the empire's direct control, the faith in Onomo became the dominant religion, replacing former Christian and pagan beliefs.

Further to the northeast, in the regions of northwestern Siberia, Onomarchism spread primarily through merchants. Local tribes, initially reluctant to accept the new religion, gradually began incorporating its elements into their traditions. In this way, Onomarchism, albeit in a modified form, reached even the distant regions of Siberia. Faith in Onomo was also present in far-off China, where, during the travels of Satyros Satyrion in the 11th century, a young ruler of the Wu Kingdom was converted. By the early 14th century, a strong Onomo diaspora existed in the region.

Christianity and it Main Branches in 1300 AD

Christianity was the most widespread monotheistic religion in the known world, encompassing three main doctrines in the early 14th century. The origins of Christianity are associated with the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ, who was born around 33 BC in Palestine, then a province of the Ptolemaic Empire. The story of Jesus' birth, teachings, death, and resurrection forms the foundation of Christianity, which over the course of a few centuries became one of the world's largest religions.

During the first three centuries, Christianity spread rapidly across the Middle East. The teachings of Christ found fertile ground, as the regions of the Middle East were often embroiled in conflicts, with death being a common occurrence.

Christianity grew dynamically, gaining more and more followers among all social strata. By the 3rd century, this faith began to dominate in Egypt, the Middle East, Anatolia, and Greece. In 332 AD, Emperor Volumnius IV Cornelius Scipio converted to the Christian faith after the miraculous healing of his only son and heir. The emperor issued the Roman Edict, guaranteeing religious freedom for Christians and effectively establishing Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholicism was the dominant form of Christianity in Western Europe. The roots of this branch of Christianity trace back to the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Volumnius IV Cornelius Scipio, who converted to Christianity and established it as the official religion of the Roman Empire in 322 AD. The central figure in this tradition became the Patriarch of Rome, who eventually came to be known as the Pope, residing in Rome. Roman Christianity spread within the Empire’s borders until the mid-5th century, when the Roman Empire declined due to barbarian invasions, losing much of its territory outside Italy.

A renaissance for this denomination came with the conquests of the Alemannic Kingdom. These Germanic barbarians, within 150 years from 450 AD, managed to conquer the lands of Gaul and part of the Iberian Peninsula. In the late 6th century AD, the ruler of this kingdom invaded the weakened Kingdom of Suevi, which had attacked and ultimately ended the Roman Empire nearly 80 years earlier.

King Rathar II, after capturing Rome, in agreement with the then-reigning Patriarch Anastasius, crowned himself Emperor, making himself the successor of the Roman Empire. From that moment in 598 AD, Roman Christianity began transforming into a unified Roman Catholic Church, which the rulers of the Alemannic Empire used to unify their territories.

Roman Catholicism Medieval Expansion

During the Middle Ages, Roman Catholicism became the dominant religion of West, spreading through both missionary activities and military conquests. Successive popes, seeking to strengthen the Church’s authority, organized crusades aimed at converting pagan peoples.

The Catholic kingdoms of Western Europe actively participated in this expansion, viewing it as both a sacred duty and an opportunity to gain new lands and wealth. The influence of the Catholic Church became a key element of European politics, making Catholicism not only the dominant religion but also the foundation of royal authority and social organization.

One of the pivotal moments in Catholic expansion was the religion’s arrival in northwestern Africa, which occurred as a result of a grand crusade organized by Pope Constans III. At the request of the rulers of the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Church launched a campaign against the Second Carthaginian Empire, which controlled vast territories in North Africa.

The crusade led to the capture of Carthage and the conquest of significant parts of the former empire, greatly contributing to its downfall. The conquered lands were Christianized, and the Church initiated an intensive missionary effort aimed at converting the local population and solidifying Catholic authority.

In the following years, smaller-scale crusades were launched against the western territories of the former Carthaginian Empire, further advancing the expansion of Catholicism. These campaigns, conducted by both papal forces and Catholic kingdoms of Europe, gradually strengthened the Church’s position in the region.

The local population, initially resistant to the new faith, gradually came under the Church’s influence, especially since conversion was often a condition for retaining land and social status. As a result, northwestern Africa became one of the regions where Catholicism took deep root, establishing Christian communities under the authority of the Holy See.

Catholicism reached the British Isles through missionary work and the conversion of local elites. The Celts, and later Scandinavian invaders, gradually embraced the Catholic faith, seeing it as both a tool for stabilizing power and a means of establishing relations with powerful neighbors on the European continent.

Missionaries, sent by the pope and European monastic orders, founded monasteries and carried out evangelization, contributing to the rapid growth of the Church in these lands. Ireland and Scotland became significant Christian centers that later played a key role in the Christianization of Scandinavia.

Iceland, though distant from major Christian centers, also adopted Catholicism through missionary activities and trade relations with Europe. Rulers and local elites, recognizing the benefits of belonging to the Christian world, accepted the new faith and gradually incorporated its principles into social and political life.

Coptic Church

Coptic Church the was the dominant form of Christianity in Egypt and Nubia, reaching far into the southern parts of Africa. It emerged as a result of Christianity being adopted as the official religion in the Egyptian Empire of the Ptolemies in the mid-4th century AD. From the mid-4th century AD, over the following centuries, the early Egyptian Church evolved, leading to a schism with the Nestorian Church, which gained popularity in the Near East.

The rulers of the Egyptian Empire, first the Ptolemies and later subsequent dynasties, used the Coptic Church to unify their lands. The Patriarchs of Alexandria, who since the establishment of the church by the last representatives of the Ptolemaic dynasty, titled themselves as Patriarchs of Alexandria, which became the religious and spiritual center of the Coptic Church. With the rise of the Patriarch of Rome, the Patriarchs of Alexandria also elevated themselves, serving as the spiritual leaders of the great empire.

The Coptic Church Medieval Expansion

During the Middle Ages, the Coptic Church underwent significant transformations due to the dynamic religious conflicts in the Middle East and its confrontation with Islam, which emerged in the 7th century on the Arabian Peninsula. The fall of the Zafrid Caliphate and the increasing political fragmentation of the Arabian Peninsula created new opportunities for Coptic Christianity, allowing it to conduct missionary activities more freely and strengthen its structures in the Middle East and East Africa.

A decisive moment for the Coptic Church was the conquest of the western part of the Arabian Peninsula by the pagan Ajuraan Empire, which took advantage of the chaos following the caliphate’s collapse. The new rulers, hostile to Islam, not only permitted Christian missionaries to operate but eventually began converting to the Coptic faith themselves.

This process of converting local elites, combined with extensive missionary efforts, led to the strengthening of the Coptic Church’s position in western Arabia. Gradually, Islam was driven out of these lands, and Coptic Christianity began to play a key role in shaping the region’s culture and politics.

The spread of Copticism in western Arabia also had significant consequences for the Horn of Africa, where Ajuraan influence extended over vast territories. Coptic missions, supported by newly converted rulers, contributed to the erosion of old pagan beliefs and the further weakening of Islam’s position in the region. As a result, the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia, became a stronghold of Coptic Christianity, which displaced earlier belief systems and laid the foundation for further religious expansion into the African interior

Near Eastern Church (Nestorianism)

Nestorianism, a branch of Christianity that emerged from Christological disputes. The name derives from Nestorius, the Patriarch of Antioch, who was condemned by the Patriarch of Alexandria in 531 AD for his teachings about the nature of Christ. It was in 531 AD that the schism between the Coptic Church and the Near Eastern Church occurred, leading to the establishment of the separate Nestorian Church. Nestorianism became the dominant form of Christianity in Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Assyria in 9 century AD. The Nestorian Church of the East operated independently of Rome and Alexandria.

Nestorianism, which had long held significant influence in Mesopotamia, gradually lost its position in the region between the 9th and 13th centuries. A key turning point was the arrival of Turkish nomads in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, who settled in these lands after unsuccessful attempts to migrate into Anatolia. The new settlers were predominantly Manichaean, leading to the marginalization of Nestorianism in Mesopotamia. The old Nestorian communities either assimilated or relocated to other areas where they could practice their faith more freely.

Despite its decline in Mesopotamia, Nestorianism remained present in the Levant, where it survived in regions stretching southward to the Sinai Peninsula. The Nestorian communities in this area focused on missionary activities.

Beyond the Levant, Nestorianism also gained followers in Central Asia, where it spread through missionary efforts. Among the nomadic groups inhabiting the steppes north of Lake Balkhash, the faith took root particularly strongly, largely due to its doctrinal flexibility, which allowed the incorporation of certain elements of local traditions.

By the 14th century, Central Asian Nestorian communities had become a significant religious force, competing for influence with Manichaeism and local forms of Buddhism. The Nestorian Church in Central Asia developed independently from its Middle Eastern counterparts, forming unique traditions adapted to the nomadic way of life.

Manichaeism

Manichaeism, alongside Christianity and Onomarchism, was the third-largest religion by the number of followers. A syncretic religious movement, it originated in the 4th century AD and combined elements of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Gnosticism. Its founder was the prophet Mani (316-376 AD), who was born in Mesopotamia, then part of the Gobryasid Empire in Persia. Mani claimed to be the last in a series of prophets, which included Zoroaster, Buddha, and Jesus.

Manichaeism quickly spread to both the East and the West, covering areas from the Roman Empire to China. Its popularity stemmed from its universalist nature and the intellectual appeal of its doctrine. Over time, this religion became the dominant faith in Persia, where by the late 5th century, the rulers of the Gobryasid dynasty established it as the official religion of their empire, replacing Zoroastrianism. The primary reason was the struggle against the influences of Christianity, which at that time extended its reach as far as the Indus.

Between the 7th and 9th centuries, Manichaeism faced challenges from Islam and the Zoroastrian rebellion in Daylam, as Persia remained in a state of constant turmoil. However, the religion experienced a resurgence as the dominant faith across vast areas of Western Asia with the expansion of the Tughrilid Empire. After the Tughrilid dynasty adopted Manichaeism, they launched an intense campaign to convert their subjects, establishing it as the state religion.

In Mesopotamia and the eastern edges of the Levant, this process occurred gradually—Nestorianism, which had previously been dominant in these regions, was displaced through royal decrees and migration of a large number of Turkish population to this area, and state support for Manichaean clergy and scholars.

The Tughrilid conquests on the Arabian Peninsula brought particularly significant changes to the region’s religious structure. Islam, which had long been the dominant faith, was almost entirely replaced by Manichaeism, especially in cities controlled by Turkish garrisons and administration. Muslim temples and religious centers were repurposed for the new faith, while Manichaean priests gained increasing influence at the courts of local governors.

The reach of Manichaeism under the Tughrilids was not limited to their direct conquests. The religion became an inspiration for new religious and philosophical movements that emulated its dualistic cosmology and ascetic ideals. In Mesopotamian cities such as Baghdad and Mosul, influential schools of Manichaean thought emerged, attracting scholars from various parts of the world. By the early 14th century, Manichaeism was widely practiced throughout the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and Central Asia

Turumism

Turumism is the reformed religion of the Ugric-Finnic peoples. In the beliefs of these peoples, Num-Torum is regarded as one of the most important and highest deities, often identified as the god of the sky, sun, and light. His name is often translated as "Sky God" or "Lord of the Sky," emphasizing his role as the creator and protector of the world. The cult of Num-Torum is closely connected with nature and included rituals aimed at obtaining his blessing and protection. Offerings were made in places considered sacred, such as hills, groves, or rivers.

The most important rituals associated with Num-Torum included animal sacrifices, prayers, and festivals that commemorated his role as the protector of humanity. These beliefs and religion were codified and reformed as a result of the unification of Ugric-Finnic tribes, first in the unified Kingdom of Ob and later in the Siberian Empire.

Turumism, deeply rooted in the culture of the Ugric peoples of Siberia, managed to survive the turbulent times of the Mongol invasions. Unlike other regions conquered by the Mongols, where new religions were imposed or old beliefs were eradicated, the Ugric principalities of Siberia experienced relatively little religious interference. The Mongol conquerors primarily focused on collecting tribute and controlling key trade routes, allowing traditional rituals and beliefs associated with Turumism to continue without major obstacles.

By the 14th century, this religion remained dominant among Ugric communities, particularly in principalities that formally recognized the suzerainty of the Golden Horde but retained significant autonomy in internal affairs. Temples and sacred sites of Turumism continued to function, and shamans and priests maintained their respected status. The Mongols, primarily concerned with political and economic control, did not interfere in local religious matters, enabling Turumism to persist and develop even under challenging circumstances.

Old Goktarnism (Tengriism)

Old Goktarnism (Tengriism) is the religion and belief system practiced by the Turkic-Mongol peoples and some Central Asian tribes, who worship the sky as the supreme deity, referred to as "Tengri." Tengriism is not a religion in the conventional sense but rather a collection of beliefs, practices, and worldviews that deeply influence the social, political, and spiritual lives of these peoples.

In the first half of the 13th century, when Temujin united the clans and forged a powerful empire, this religion was widely practiced among the steppe communities, serving as the foundation of their worldview and value system.

Towards the end of his life, Temujin initiated religious reforms that led to the creation of a new, reformed belief system known as Goktarnism. This new form of religion was adopted by a significant portion of the Mongol elites and hordes; however, not everyone accepted these changes. Many nomads, particularly those living in more remote regions, rejected the reforms and remained faithful to the old traditions. This led to a division and the emergence of two religious branches: the new Goktarnism and the traditional Old Goktarnism.

By the 14th century, Old Goktarnism was still practiced across vast areas of East Asia, including Mongolia, Manchuria, and the distant regions of Siberia, where the influence of Mongol reformers had not reached or remained weak. Followers of this faith continued traditional rituals, venerating ancestral spirits and the forces of nature according to ancient customs. Despite changes in the religious landscape of the region, Old Goktarnism remained deeply rooted in the culture of the steppe peoples, maintaining its distinct identity in contrast to the new movement that emerged from Temujin’s reforms.

Goktarnism

Goktarnism, as a reformed belief system, emerged as a result of religious reforms carried out by Temujin in the mid-13th century. Before his reforms, the traditional belief system of the nomads, known as Old Goktarnism, was based on the worship of the heavens, ancestral spirits, and harmony with the forces of nature. Although this religion was deeply connected to the social and military organization of the steppe peoples, it was decentralized and lacked a unified doctrine. Temujin, seeking to spiritually unify his empire, introduced a series of reforms aimed at structuring and organizing these beliefs in alignment with his vision of a new order.

One of the most significant aspects of these reforms was the unification of the worship of the Heavens (Tengri) as the supreme deity, whose will supposedly justified the khan’s rule over the world. While in traditional Old Goktarnism, Tengri was one of many spiritual entities, in the new system, he became the paramount deity, and his favor was believed to determine the fate of the empire and its ruler. Temujin, proclaiming himself the “Chosen One of Tengri,” gave the religion a strong political dimension, intertwining it inseparably with the authority of the khan and his dynasty.

Another crucial reform was the establishment of a more organized priesthood. Traditional shamans and spiritual guides (kam) continued to play an important role, but their activities were subordinated to the new system, in which religion became more institutionalized. The priests of Goktarnism took on the role of political advisors and guardians of spiritual order within the empire. Special rituals were introduced to reinforce the legitimacy of Mongol khans and promote religious unity among the conquered peoples.

Temujin's reforms also involved introducing new ceremonies and modifying existing religious practices. While many old shamanic traditions were preserved, greater emphasis was placed on communal rituals designed to unite the tribes under the khan’s authority. The perception of the afterlife also evolved—according to the new doctrine, the souls of worthy warriors were destined to join Tengri in the celestial steppes, where eternal glory awaited them. These beliefs reinforced the warrior ethos and strengthened the loyalty of the Mongol army to its leaders.

By the 14th century, Goktarnism had become the dominant religion among most nomadic peoples of Asia, extending its influence from the eastern borders of the Tauric Empire to the Pacific Ocean. Despite its strong connection to the Mongol Empire, this faith retained the ability to adapt to local traditions and cultures, enabling its spread into new territories. Temujin’s reforms transformed Goktarnism into not only a spiritual system but also a political tool that solidified the rule of steppe empires and their dominance over neighboring peoples.

Buddhism - Major Traditions

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism, literally translated as the "Great Way" or "Great Vehicle," is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, alongside Theravada. It originated in India and developed around the 1st century AD as a reform movement within existing Buddhism. Mahayana emphasizes compassion, universal salvation, and the pursuit of becoming a Bodhisattva—a being who, out of love and compassion, strives for enlightenment but delays entering Nirvana to help others achieve liberation.

In the 9th century, Mahayana Buddhism was widespread in Bactria and the Himalayan regions, but its position in these areas began to decline in the following centuries. The rise of Manichaean influence, especially after the expansion of Turkic and Persian empires, led to the gradual displacement of Mahayana Buddhism. Additionally, other Buddhist sects gained popularity among Himalayan communities. As a result, Mahayana lost its former prominence in Central Asia, becoming largely confined to the eastern fringes of the continent.

On the Korean Peninsula and in Manchuria, Mahayana Buddhism remained well established until the 13th century. However, the Mongol conquests led to its near-total eradication in Manchuria. The nomadic steppe tribes, following the newly developed belief system of Goktarnism, abandoned Mahayana, and many of its followers perished or were forced to convert. In Korea, Mahayana Buddhism managed to survive, though its status was weakened due to the kingdom’s political dependence on the Mongol Blue Horde.

The greatest success of Mahayana Buddhism during this period was its expansion to the Japanese Archipelago. From the 9th to the 14th century, this branch of Buddhism gained increasing influence among Japanese elites, particularly the aristocracy and samurai classes. By the 13th century, following the decline of imperial central authority and Japan’s transition into the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period), Mahayana Buddhism became the dominant belief system among the competing clans. Buddhist monks often served as political advisors and spiritual mentors to local warlords, further strengthening the significance of this religion in a fragmented Japan.

Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism, which literally means "Teaching of the Elders" or "Path of the Elders," is one of the oldest and most conservative branches of Buddhism, directly tracing its roots to the teachings of the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama. It is considered the most orthodox form of Buddhism, preserving many of the original teachings and practices that were written down in the Pali Canon (Tipitaka).

This branch gained popularity and spread within the Taraxano Empire in the 7th and 9th centuries AD, whose rulers adopted it as the primary form of Buddhism, contributing to its free propagation within their empire.

Over the centuries following the 9th century AD, Theravada Buddhism gradually spread across Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and the western part of the Malay Archipelago. Its expansion was driven by both missionary activity and political and trade connections between local rulers and states where Theravada was the dominant religion. The influence of this Buddhist tradition particularly grew among urban and courtly communities, where adopting the new faith was often associated with prestige and access to a broader cultural and trade network spanning Southeast Asia.

By the early 14th century, Theravada Buddhism had become the dominant religion in the Burmese Empire, which was one of the most powerful states in the region. In the western parts of the Indochinese Peninsula, Theravada gradually displaced earlier animist beliefs and Hindu influences, gaining the support of both the elite and rural populations. However, on the Malay Peninsula and western Sumatra, Theravada Buddhism faced competition from local belief systems and.

Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the "Diamond Path" or "Path of the Vajra," is one of the three main branches of Buddhism, alongside Theravada and Mahayana. It is a form of Buddhism that evolved from Mahayana, incorporating unique tantric and esoteric practices. This form of Buddhism was adopted as the main and most important form of this philosophical movement in the Goshwami Empire in the early 9th century AD.

From the 9th century onward, Vajrayana Buddhism gained a strong foothold in southern India, where its mystical and esoteric practices found fertile ground among local religious traditions. Its popularity grew particularly in regions where Buddhist monasteries collaborated with royal courts, offering both spiritual and political support.

By the 14th century, Vajrayana had become the dominant form of Buddhism from Bengal to Ceylon, with its rituals and teachings deeply integrated into local culture and daily life. However, in western India, it faced strong competition from Theravada Buddhism, which had an equally long tradition in the region and enjoyed the backing of certain rulers.

In central Indochina, Vajrayana Buddhism was an important part of the religious landscape, although it did not hold as strong a position as it did in India. Some rulers and aristocrats supported the tradition, seeing its practices as a tool for legitimizing their authority and maintaining the spiritual stability of the state.

Nevertheless, Vajrayana had to compete with Theravada Buddhism, which dominated the western part of the region, as well as with the Tulamanon beliefs, deeply rooted in the traditions of the eastern Indochinese populations.

Yasenism

Yasenism is a philosophical-religious movement that emerged from the teachings of the prophet Yasen, who lived in the mid-6th century AD in the Tayuan Empire, a Hellenistic state spanning the regions of Tibet and Fergana. Yasenism combines elements of Hellenistic beliefs with Eastern teachings, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, creating a syncretic religion that gained popularity throughout the empire.

Yasen was born around 530 AD into a family of to tocharo-hellenic orgin in one of the cities of the Tayuan Empire. His youth was marked by a deep interest in both traditional Greek beliefs and Eastern philosophies, which permeated the empire from neighboring regions. In his travels through Tibet and Fergana, Yasen delved into the teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism, particularly fascinated by the concepts of reincarnation, spiritual rebirth, and karma.

Yasenism blends elements of Hellenistic religions, such as the worship of the Olympian gods and belief in destiny, with concepts of reincarnation and spiritual rebirth borrowed from Buddhism and Hinduism. According to Yasenism, the soul is eternal and undergoes continuous migration, passing from one body to another until it reaches a state of spiritual perfection. The central idea of Yasenism is the journey of the soul, which can reincarnate not only into newly born individuals but also into already existing ones. It is believed that the soul can manifest in several bodies simultaneously, which is a unique aspect of this religion.

The soul follows a path of spiritual development, gaining knowledge and experience through successive incarnations. The ultimate goal is to reach a state called "Clarity," a state of enlightenment similar to Nirvana in Buddhism. Astrology plays a key role in Yasenism. It is believed that the positions of stars and planets influence the fate of souls, determining their path of spiritual development. Yasenians often consult astrologers to understand their spiritual destiny and predict future incarnations.

Although Yasenism does not completely reject traditional Greek gods, it focuses on the worship of the prophet Yasen, who is considered the first soul to reach the state of Clarity. Yasen is revered as a teacher who showed humanity the way to spiritual enlightenment. Each incarnation is seen as an opportunity for spiritual rebirth and closeness to the state of Clarity. Spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, and offerings, are important for progress on this path.

Spread of Yasenism: After Yasen's death in the late 6th century AD, his teachings quickly gained popularity in the Tayuan Empire. With the support of the empire's rulers, Yasenism spread across vast areas of Tibet and Fergana. Over time, this religion began to influence local beliefs and traditions, creating a complex spiritual mosaic in the region.

Emerging in 6th-century Tibet, Yasenism gradually established itself as the dominant belief system of the region. Its deep integration with Tibetan culture made it an essential part of the identity of the highland inhabitants. Between the 9th and 14th centuries, Yasenism evolved, absorbing local beliefs and traditions, which allowed it to endure despite numerous political and social changes.

During this period, Yasenism also began to spread beyond Tibet, reaching the northeastern borderlands of China and Indochina. Among local communities, its flexibility and adaptability enabled a successful fusion with existing animistic and folk beliefs. In these areas, Yasenism adopted elements of local religious practices, becoming a significant part of the region’s spiritual landscape.

By the mid-11th century AD, Yasenism was also adopted among the Indo-Greeks in northwestern India. Its rich symbolism found expression in Indo-Greek art and architecture, while its cosmological concepts influenced local schools of thought, further integrating it into the region's religious and philosophical traditions.

Confucianism

Confucianism, originating from the teachings of Confucius (551–479 BCE), developed as an ethical-philosophical system that profoundly influenced the societies of East Asia. Its core principles—social hierarchy, loyalty to family and state, and the pursuit of harmony—served as the foundation of Chinese administration and daily life since the Han dynasty.

By the 14th century AD, Confucianism remained the dominant ideology in China, though it faced competition from Buddhism, Taoism, Onomarchism, and other belief systems that had gained popularity among the population. The Yuan dynasty, ruling China under Mongol authority, initially favored other religious traditions but ultimately adopted Confucian administrative principles, recognizing them as essential for effectively governing the empire.

Fetishism

Fetishistic paganism is a belief system based on the worship of objects that are considered to possess supernatural power or serve as dwellings for spirits. In many cultures, these objects, known as fetishes, were used in rituals, magic, and religious practices. Such beliefs are especially common in West and Southern Africa. Fetishes could take the form of natural objects, such as stones, bones, or plant fragments, as well as carved figurines and talismans, which were believed to have protective powers or the ability to influence human fate.

In West and Central Africa, fetishism is a key element of traditional religions, and the spirits residing in fetishes were regarded as guardians of communities and mediators between humans and deities.

Rooganism

Rooganism Emerging in the mid-10th century AD in West Sub-Saharan Africa, Rooganism was a reformed and hierarchical version of earlier African beliefs centered around ancestor worship. This religion placed a strong emphasis on the cyclical nature of life and reincarnation within the same family lineage, fostering a deep sense of social and communal identity among its followers. Priests and elders played a key role in interpreting the will of the ancestors and organizing rituals meant to ensure prosperity for future generations. The reforms of Rooganism aimed to create a more unified and systematic form of worship, extending beyond local, fragmented traditions to encompass broader communities.

The communal nature of Rooganism made it an important force in strengthening social and political bonds among the tribes of West Africa. The belief in reincarnated ancestral spirits reinforced the idea of individual responsibility toward family and society. Temples and shrines dedicated to ancestral spirits and legendary tribal figures became central to social life, while annual ceremonies and rituals united worshippers around shared values. Rooganism also served as the foundation of legal and moral systems, regulating interpersonal relationships and ensuring stability within the dynamic trade communities of the region.

The rise of Rooganism was closely tied to the expansion of political organizations in West Africa, such as the growing Mali Kingdom. Monarchs and rulers adopted the religion, justifying their rule through divine ancestry and the support of ancestral spirits. Coronation rituals became a vital part of legitimizing power, and Rooganist priests often served as political advisors. Rulers strengthened their religious authority by constructing temples and organizing grand festivals in honor of ancestral spirits, further solidifying Rooganism’s influence within the region's social structures.

By the 14th century AD, Rooganism had become the dominant religion in West Sub-Saharan Africa, replacing older, less structured forms of animism and tribal beliefs. Despite the emergence of competing religions, such as Catholicism, Rooganism maintained its prominence due to the strong social bonds it cultivated.

Tulumanon

Tulumanon, the pagan religion of the inhabitants of the Philippine archipelago, traces its roots to the beliefs of the indigenous peoples who had settled these islands since ancient times. In its original form, it was centered around the worship of nature spirits, ancestors, and guardian deities. However, in the 11th century AD, a major reformation unified its beliefs and rituals. The defining feature of reformed Tulumanon was the emphasis on honor, bravery, and spiritual power, particularly in relation to dueling and warfare. It was believed that a person’s soul resided in their head, which made skull collecting a crucial aspect of both war rituals and the social status of warriors.

Shamanism played a key role in Tulumanon, as shamans acted as mediators between the spirit world and the people. They conducted purification rites, divination rituals, and ceremonies dedicated to nature deities and ancestral spirits. Ritual celebrations were especially significant, combining dance, music, and offerings to spirits, often in the form of food or symbolic objects. The Tulumanon communities believed that ancestral spirits watched over families and villages, and that performing proper rituals could bring prosperity and protection from misfortune.

By the 14th century, Tulumanon was deeply rooted in the Philippines and was also practiced by the inhabitants of northern Borneo, Sulawesi (Celebes), and parts of the former Champa Kingdom in Indochina. The spread of this religion was driven by migration, trade interactions, and military conflicts. Despite contacts with other religions, Tulumanon maintained its distinct identity, and its practices remained dominant among local communities. The belief system, based on the worship of honor, warrior traditions, and spiritual harmony, remained inseparable from the identity of the region’s inhabitants and served as the foundation of their social and political life.

Kahausibwarist

Kahausibwarist, a pagan religion of Indonesia, was deeply rooted in ancestor worship and the belief in guardian spirits. Its followers believed that the souls of the deceased continued to influence the lives of the living, making ancestral veneration a fundamental part of social and religious life. A key feature of this tradition was megalithic architecture, which involved the construction of stone monuments, tombs, and temples as sacred sites for communicating with the spirit world. These monumental structures symbolized strength, unity, and the ancestral heritage of the community.

When the rulers of the Majapahit Empire officially adopted and reformed Kahausibwarist, the religion became a central political and ideological tool, reinforcing the unity of the empire. In addition to ancestor worship, it emphasized the divine legitimacy of royal power, helping the Majapahit rulers justify their dominance over conquered peoples. Megalithic architecture became even more prominent, with stone temples and tombs serving as symbols of imperial power. Moreover, religious rituals were used to strengthen social unity and promote loyalty to the state.

The reformation of Kahausibwarism also placed a strong emphasis on warrior culture and military valor. The religion encouraged the collection of trophies from defeated enemies, which symbolized not only the personal strength of the warrior but also the honor and prosperity of his clan. Ancestor worship was intertwined with the belief that the spirits of fallen warriors would join the guardian spirits of the empire, further enhancing its strength and divine protection. Through this ideology, Majapahit successfully unified many peoples of the Malay Archipelago, using religion as both a means of integration and a justification for military expansion.

Taurica Part III : Age of Thought and Discovery (1300 - 1820)

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Basileus Romaion

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Lt. General

The House Always Wins.

Scribe of the Grand City of Copán

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The Dark Lord Kelebek

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The Dark Lord Kelebek

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Lt. General

The Dark Lord Kelebek

Basileus Romaion

Corporal

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