1: The Devil Came to Italy (1150-1159)
25 May, 1159
Parma, Kingdom of Italy
My brother is dead.
Michael, who you've met in previous letters was slain by a Milanese artillerist two weeks ago. I am his sister, Elayne.
You may expect me to hold a great grudge against Milan, to look forward to their chastisement with longing. You may think I stand at the walls of our fair city day after day staring north, silently urging on the mighty German/Italian army at their gate. Were father alive, he would demand the head of the artillerist who slew my brother, he would want revenge.
I have trouble hating someone for wanting to be free, though. At least, that is what they say they are fighting for. Liberty, justice, freedom, traits a German cannot be expected to understand. I will leave it up to you, gentle reader, to decide if the Milanese cause is justified. My decision was made long ago, but like a trapped hare there is little I can do except hope for better days. At least our men are busy in Italia, and not in a ruinous war with half of Western Europe.
Perhaps I should start at the beginning.
Italy
The story of the year appears to be my new master, Federico Barbarossa, who assumed the throne in 1152. Words cannot describe this man. I have it on good authority he was anointed by God himself with the protection of Christendom. He is victor of a thousand battles (except Poland,) wrestles wolves with his bare hands (or would if he could catch one,) ruins castles before break-fast (true) and rebuilds them by dinner (we shall see.) He is the Archpaladin, the direct descendant of Charlemagne, the champion of Christ and the last, best hope for little bunnies and kittens. So say the authorities.
Which makes it interesting he can't hold his kingdom together, and now he can't hold Italy together either.
In September 1158 he issued the statues of Roncaglia ending the autonomy of Italy's cities. He demands we submit to his authority. Milan refused and rose up against the emperor. As I mentioned at the outset, Milan is besieged by Sir Reinald von Dassel with over thirty-three thousand men. Given the emperor's rages, I dread what will happen next. Rebels have already besieged Pisa, demanding a removal of the 'imperial puppet.' Will he destroy Italy to keep us?
Elsewhere:
* 1150: Romans promise vengeance against the Normans of Sicily. Not much comes of it and a treaty is signed in 1158.
* 1155: We extradite Arnold of Brescia, a heretic and dissident, to the Papacy. He's hung and burnt.
* 1156: Declare war (with Germany, Arelate, Austria, Denmark, Gelre and later Bohemia on Pommerania-Wolgast. Ongoing.
* 1156: The above alliance, less Gelre, declares war on Poland and Pommerania-Stettin. The latter is annexed by Denmark, the former takes Brandenburg from Germany.
* 1158 Burgundy declares war on Arelate. Soon it's Burgundy, Blois-Champagne, France, Toulouse, England and Wales fighting Arelate, Germany, Saxony, Austria, Bohemia and ourselves.
Western Europe:
Western Europe is in a state of flux. Having already succeeded to the throne of Anjou and then marrying the repudiated ex-wife of the French king, Henri II d'Anjou became King of England in 1154 and unified his realms. France was naturally concerned, but Henry did agree to French dominance over their lands and formed a long-term alliance.
In Germany, Friedrich Barbarossa dealt with the rampant instability of his realm by forging a 'Peace of Lands,' recognizing the authority of the various princes. Saxony, Austria and Bavaria have prospered by this so far. This decentralization at home seems to have been matched by a need to consolidate elsewhere, as Barbarossa has now been in four wars in nine years (three ongoing.) He issued the Roncaglia to Italy as well as married the heir to Arelate, recognized Bohemia's independence and thus vassalized them as well, and interfered with the Polish succession.
Elsewhere:
* 1150s: Sporadic fighting between the Irish chiefdoms.
* 1151: Almoravids destroyed by Almohads, they flee to Baleares.
* 1152: A Dutch coalition led by Flandres destroys Friesland.
* 1152: Along with being ruler of Germany and Italy, Friedrich is elected Holy Roman Emperor.
* 1153: Navarra realizes its in an untenable position and vassalizes itself to Leon.
* 1154: Castile government falls
* 1155: Bound by marriage, Aquitaine vassalizes itself to England. England joins the French alliance days later.
* 1156: France issues its first ordnances and starts limited actions against the Plantagenet threat.
* 1157: Seville becomes Almohad main trading center
* 1157: Danish civil war ends
* 1158: Rebellion in German Mainz.
* 1158: Castile-sponsored rebellion results in Toledo's defection from the Almohads.
* 1158: Murcia is destroyed in two wars, the first by a Christian coalition led by Aragon seizes Valencia in and thus avenges El-Cid. Almohads lead a Muslim coalition, and Baleares destroys them in 1158.
* 1159: Icelandic government falls
Eastern Europe
The Roman Empire's days may be waning, but she's proven she won't go down without a struggle. The Empire has been involved in numerous wars. After a failed action against the Rum Seljuks, Rome and her allies (usually Zeta, Serbia and Georgia) soundly defeated a Hungarian/Bohemian force in 1155, vassalized the Alanes to Georgia in 1157, annexed Bosnia in 1158, and are now at war with Dalmatia.
The north has seen several states fall. Kiev destroyed a Volhyna/Galich alliance, while Polotsk did the same to the Baltic Tribes and Lithuania despite them having Prussen and the Ests for allies. The Vlachs also fell to Bohemia.
Elsewhere:
* 1152-5 In a series of confidence (and financial) building measures, Jerusalem spares the Ayubbid garrison at the Bride of Syria, and the Ayubbids buy first an assassin (who they kill) then the sacred head of Mohammed's grandson.
* 1157: Major earthquake devastates Holy Land, involving Ayubbids, Tripoli, Antoich and Rome.
* 1158: After Cyprus is raided by Antioch and Armenia Minor, the Roman Empire promises revenge despite Jerusalem's attempts at restoring the peace.
*1150: Romans decide *not* to go with a land/taxes for military service deal that would have had long term damaging effects.
Asia and Africa:
The largest news elsewhere is a great foe appears to have fallen. Reports are sketchy at best, but it seems after their ruler was kidnapped or murdered, the Seljuk Empire simply fell apart. Rebellion after rebellion broke out, forming nation after nation. Two other countries sworn to their Empire broke their oaths. It seems unlikely they will recover.
The largest news elsewhere is a great foe appears to have fallen. Reports are sketchy at best, but it seems after their ruler was kidnapped or murdered, the Seljuk Empire simply fell apart. Rebellion after rebellion broke out, and two countries sworn to their Empire broke their oaths. It seems unlikely they will recover.
Lastly the Ghurids and Ghaznavids in far off India were embroiled in a fierce war after the sacking of Ghazni. It lasted for a year and a half before the Ghaznavids surrendered in 1153, giving up a great deal of territory. Here's a map of the area.
Oh, there's also some rumors about some group called the Mongols harassing people in Cathay. That's not to be taken seriously though. Even if it's true, the Mongols would never make it here.
Elsewhere:
* 1150s: Songhai/Ghana alliance get in three wars with moderate success.
* 1158 Mongols annex Tatars, Lamutes