Alternate History of Europe Timeline/1

This Alternate History of Europe Timeline is a timeline about a alternate history Europe, with everything different. Britain will appear earlier on the map this decade, and so will Russia. The Byzantine Empire which strengthen and become powerful again, and the Crusades will succeed.

=Timeline=

1200
The below is the starting map:



1201
In England, King John I drowns to death in the Thames River, when he accidentially falls over while out hunting. Because he had no son, the king was succeeded by one of his closest relatives, who became Edward II of England. King Edward will become one of the greatest British monarchs in history.

Meanwhile, in Europe, a new emperor comes to power in the Byzantine Empire: Davidus I. This emperor will become one of the greatest Byzantine monarchs, and will restore the ancient Empire to power and glory. Davidus I is coronated in a grand ceremony in Constanipole. He starts off his reign by paying off the Crusaders, in exchange for a promise from them to not invade the Byzantine Empire, which they threatened to do.

Meanwhile, in Smolensk, a new ruler comes to power. His name is Ivan I. The new grand prince will become one of Russia's greatest monarchs, and will unify the Russian principalities into a single state.

1203
Davidus I instigated a series of military reforms and reorganizations. The emperor reorganized the cavarly, increased the size of the infantry, and introduced new tactics. He also increased the use of Greek Fire and introduced new military technology into his forces. With his modernized military, the Emperor launched an offensive into the Khanate of Bulgaria. The well-equipped, well-trained, and well-organized Byzantine forces quickly overwhelm the Bulgarian nomad forces, conquering much of the Bulgarian territory by August 1203.

Meanwhile, William I of Scotland, and his entire family, died when a massive fire broke out in the Scottish Royal Palace. King Edward II of England was William's closest surviving relative, and as such, inherited the Scottish throne. Edward II was now King of England, King of Scots, and Lord of Ireland. The king also sent a small military expedition that conquered the Orkney and Shetland states without opposition. All of the British Isles were now under his rule. Edward II issued a Royal Proclamation, and the United Empire of Great Britain and Ireland, more commonly refered to as Britain, was established on 18 May 1203. Edward II was crowned as Emperor of Britain at Westminister Palace on 18 June 1203. The emperor issued another proclamation, which re-organized the British territories in France into the Kingdom of British France. Thus Edward II became Emperor of Britain and King of British France. Most of the European states, except the Kingdom of "True" France, recognized the existence of the new United Empire. The pope of Rome also recognized Edward II's imperial title, while the patriach in Constanipole denied it. The government of true France continued to refer to Britain as "England" and continued to recognize the existence of Scotland, Orkney, and Shetland.

Grand Prince Ivan I of Smolensk extended his power by marrying the princess of Ryazan and becoming heir to the throne of that principality. Ivan I also invaded and quickly subjated Rostov and Tver. Ivan I then implemented the Smolensk Law Code, which codified all the laws of his principality. The Code also set out his powers, making him superior to his vassals and with supreme control over judical, economic, military, and foreign affairs.

1204
Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine launched the Great Crusade against the Turkish Sultanates, which will last for the next four years. The Emperor intended to regain control of the Turkish lands in Anatolia, which was being called Turkey by the Turks. The Emperor defeated the Turks at the Battle of Hadriach, and annexed a portion of their lands, pushing the Byzantine Empire's boundaries eastwards. The Emperor also annexed numerous islands in the Greek Seas, excluding those held by the Knights of St John.

In Britain, Edward II, who was now officially known as Edward I of Britain, instigated a program, meant to consolidate the newly established Britain, ensure him absolute power, and organize British local and central administration. The Emperor began this program by issuing a Imperial Proclamation, which formally confiscated the property of many of the nobles. The nobles almost revolted, but were crushed by the Imperial Army. The emperor convened a Council of Nobles and forced them to recognize his absolute authority over the land and noblity.

The Crusaders conquer more of the coastal territories of the Ayyubid Sultanate, thus connecting their possessions together. They established the Kingdom of Judea, granting it complete independence. Judea promptly established a peace with the Sultanate, and allowed free Muslim passage to the Holy City.

1206
Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine conquered most of the rest of the Bulgar Khanate. The Emperor was brtual to his new subjects, deporting many Bulgarians to other regions of the empire, sending in Byzantine settlers, and destroying Bulgarian farms and villages. The Principality of Kiev annexed the Bulgarian territories in Beershabia, thus consuming the rest of Bulgaria.

Edward I of Britain began his administrative reforms. The Emperor divided Britain into provinces, each one administered by a Imperial Governor appointed and dismissed by the emperor at will. Each governor would administer local administration, finances, justice, and agriculture. They would, however, be mandated to provide military support and detailed reports to the emperor. Each governor would be advised by a Council of Nobles, who would also execute their orders and supervise the local administration.

Ivan I of Smolensk became the prince of Ryazan, when the previous prince died. Ivan I promptly incoporated the Ryazan principality into the Principality of Smolensk, and he began construction on a new capital city, Moscow. For this purpose, the grand prince recurited Italian, German, and Byzantine bricklayers and constructors. The grand prince also established a military alliance with Vladmir-Sudzal and dispatched diplomats to Novograd.

1207
The Byzantine Empire engaged the Turkish Emirates and Ayyubid Sultanates in a great battle, the Battle of Tyriane. This battle would decide the future of all three participants. The Byzantines achieved a great victory, gaining revenge against the Turks and Ayyubids for their previous losses against the Muslims centuries ago. Davidus I of Byzantine conquered much of the Turkish and Ayyubid lands as a result. The Byzantine Empire now hammered the Genoan Turkish territories to the coast.

In the Iberian Pennisula, the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon unified into one state, the Kingdom of Spain, when King Charles I of Aragron married Queen Catherine I of Castile. Spain began organizing it's military forces for an offensive into the remaining Arab lands in southern Iberia.

Meanwhile, in Britain, Emperor Edward I continued his reforms. He reorganized the British judical system. By Imperial Proclamation, the Emperor established the Imperial Court System. The system would consist of one Supreme Court, the Imperial Supreme Court, as well fourteen minor courts. The Supreme Court would consist of magistrates, appointed and dismissed by the Emperor at will. The Court would hear major cases from throughout the empire, and would settle disputes of the Imperial Government. However, the Emperor would have the final say in all of the Court's verdicts. The Minor Courts would be the lower courts in which local disputes and problems could be settled. One Minor Court would be assigned to each of Britain's fourteen provinces. A Imperial Justice Code was also enacted, to compile all the laws, legal punishments, and judicial verdicts of the empire.

In Russia, Ivan I of Smolensk became the prince of Vladmir-Sudzal by mutual deal. He quickly unified the Vladmir Principality with the Smolensk Principality. Much of the Russian lands were under his control, and he became known as "the gatherer of the Russian lands". However, it will be some time before Novograd and Kiev are incoporated into the Smolensk Principality.

1208
The First Great Crusade ends when the Byzantines re-conquer the last Turkish territories in Eastern Anatolia. The Byzantine Empire now ruled over most of Anatolia. However, Genoa and Trebzonid, on the northern coast of Anatolia, were still independent. Emperor Davidus I began planning on taking these territories back. Meanwhile, the Emperor began a policy of perscuetion against his newly conquered subjects. The emperor trashes Muslim mosques, bans Muslim teachings, and sergerates against Muslim practicers. He also establishes a peace treaty with the Turkish Sultanate and Ayyubid Sultanate.

A new state is established along the Baltic coast: the Duchy of Prussia. Duke Albert I of Prussia secures soveregnity for his state and promptly begins building up his military and government. Britain is the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Prussia, and Emperor Edward I dispatched a diplomatic mission to Koingsberg, the capital of Prussia, lead by Count Robert de Leufourt of Brittany. Soon other countries, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire establish diplomatic relations with the sovereign Duchy of Prussia.

Edward I of Britain organized the central administration. The British Emperor established the Imperial Privy Council, to execute the emperor's orders, run the government day-to-day, supervise the governors and judicary, and provide some advice to the Emperor. Edward I issued the Imperial Charter of Britain, which detailed the organization and powers of the monarch, the government, judicary, and local provinces. The Emperor established the Imperial Chancellory as the primary administrative body of the government of Great Britain. The Emperor's administrative reforms inspired monarchs all across Europe. In Russia, Ivan I of Smolensk established the Russian Zemenevy Sobor to act as a advisory body to him. Even the Holy Roman Emperors established advisory councils.

1210
The kingdom of Spain launched the long-awaited offensive against the Muslim Emirate of Grenada in southern Iberia. The Byzantine Empire and Holy Roman Empire both provided finanical and military support to Spain, in order to weaken the "Muslim infidels". They also wanted to gain considerable influence in that region and to hopefully, secure Spain as a military ally. This was the beginning of the Byzantine-Holy Roman rivarly. Spain made major gains against the Muslims, and the first Spanish cavarly regiments reached the southern coast by August. Granada was now hammered to the south-eastern territories of Iberia. King Charles I and Queen Catherine I of Spain personally visit the Spanish army camps, and gave morale-boosting speeches.

The kingdom of British France launched an offensive into "True" France. The True French were weakened by years of war, civil war, and political unrest. Their military was in no position to stop them, and King Philip Augustus of France was captured by British French troops on 18 July. Philip Augustus was forced to sign the Treaty of Orleans, which seceeded the enterity of True France to British France. Shortly after, Philip Augustus was killed.

Edward I of Britain instigated his army reforms. The Emperor issued the Imperial War Code, which detailed the laws of organization, discipline, and procedure of the Imperial Army. The Emperor also introduced modernized military tactics, encouraged the use of more military technology, and reorganized the cavarly units. Edward I also established a system of military districts, with each district having a certain amount of troops. The districts would concide with the administrative provinces, and military forces within each district would be controlled by a certain military general, loyal to the Emperor.

Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine instigated his own reforms. The Byzantine Empire was divided into fifteen districts, each one controlled by a military governor appointed by the Emperor directly. Each district would provide a certain amount of troops for the use of the Emperor, and they would also pay taxes, which would be collected by the Byzantine Tax Administration. These reforms increased revenues and military efficency, and also made local administration of the empire easier.

1211
The kingdom of Spain annexed Sardinia and the Balearic Islands, who had once been possessions of Aragon but had revolted when their mother country unified with Castile. Thousands of rebels were executed by Spanish authorities, and King Charles I and Queen Catherine I both practiced a policy of brutal oppression in Sardinia and the Balearics.

Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine launched an invasion of the Genoan territories on the Anatolian coast. The professional Byzantine army quickly advanced, since the Genoan army defending the territories was extremely small and pitiful. The Byzantines captured the Genoan Anatolian territories by the end of the year. Davidus I promptly began a policy of oppression in his newly-acquired territories. The emperor then assembled a force to invade and conquer Trebizond.

Emperor Edward I of Britain began naval reforms. The Emperor established the Imperial Naval Office to govern and oversee the operations of the new Imperial Navy. The Imperial Government built naval dockyards at Portsmouth, Reading, and Dover. They also instigated a program of naval construction, building a fleet of 50 warships and 20 galleys. The Emperor also instigated a Naval Discipline and Conduct Code.

The Swedish Empire, under the leadership of king Carl V, began expanding into the territories of the Sami Tribes. Swedish ambition had increased under their new ruler. The new king began construction on his own navy, and built a naval shipyard at Stockholm. Carl V also sent a diplomatic embassy to Britain, and also recruited Italian and German experts, to help him build up Swedish commerce.

1212
The Renaissance begins in the Byzantine Empire, unlike in OTL in which it began in Italy. A revival of art, liteature, and science begins. Byzantine scholars begin to study the work of Socrates, Aristole, and Plato again, and also begin writing their own scholary pieces. Art becomes more three-dimensional and really takes off. Emperor Davidus I encourages this cultural revival. He establishes the Imperial Libary in Constanipole, to act as a gathering for writers, libarians, and scholars. Soon, the Libary has over 30,000 works, from all across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Renaissance soon spreads to the Italian states, then to Judea, and finally to Hungary, the Holy Roman Empire, and British France.

Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine incoporated the Empire of Trebizond into the Byzantine Empire, thus restoring Byzantine control of all of Anatolia. The Byzantine Emperor seized the palace of the Trebizond Royal Family for himself, arrested and imprisioned many Trebizond government officials, and installed a Byzantine military garrison. The Emperor would now turn his attention to regaining the Empire's former territories in the Middle East.

King Charles I of Spain captured the last remaining Muslim stronghold in Iberia, the city of Corboda. Thus the Muslim presence in Spain, which had been so since the late 600's, officially came to an end. King Charles began opression of his newly-conquered subjects. The king officially banned the Muslim religion, trashed Muslim churches, and established the Inquisition, with the Pope's approval, to begin rooting out religious dissidents and Muslims. His wife Queen Catherine supported these policies, and oversaw the brutuality programs herself.

1213
Ivan I of Smolensk waged a military campaign against the Principality of Novograd. The Prince's official reason was for "protection of the people of the Smolensk principality", but in reality, he wanted to annex Novograd. He made progress, and Ivan defeated the Novogradian army at the Battle of Veliky. Shortly after, his forces entered and pillaged the city. The Archbishop of Novograd surrendered, and signed the Treaty of Moscow which made Ivan I supreme prince of the city of Novograd and it's surrounding territories. Ivan I promptly incoporated Novograd into Smolensk, and proclaimed himself Grand Prince of all the Russias. Thus the Grand Principality of Russia came into existence. Ivan I then invaded and conquered Pskov. Britain and the Holy Roman Empire were the first countries to recognize the existence of Russia. The Byzantine Empire refused to, however, continuing to refer to the Russian state as "Novograd and Smolensk".

King Carl V of Sweden completed the assmilation of the Sami tribes, and the Swedish Empire was extended to the Artic. The king then drafted plans for an invasion of the Baltic Tribes, in order to secure control of the Baltic provinces and insure complete dominance in that region. Carl V in the meantime, established the University of Stockholm and welcomed Reniassance ideas into his Kingdom.

In the Holy Roman Empire, the electorate of Brandenburg is established by the Reichstag, encompassing some of the northern territories of the Empire, which is governed by the Hohenzollern dynasty. The first elector of this dynasty, Albert Frederick I, is related to the Ducal family of Prussia. This will lay the foundation of the eventual foundation of the Kingdom of Prussia.

In Britain, Edward I of Britain began construction on a grand Palace, which would become his new seat of power. The Palace would be located on the outskirts of London, and would be Roman-styled. This Palace will become the Imperial Palace. The Emperor commissioned the best bricklayers, architects, and constructors from Italy, Germany, and Byzantine to work on his Palace.

1215
The Renaissance reached a golden apex. Two of the most famous people representing the Renaissance were Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Both of them were Italian, with the focus of the Renaissance having switched to the Italian state. Da Vinci was a famous engineer, artist, and poet, who did the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper, two of the world's most famous paintings. Da Vinci also designed plans for a "flying machine" and a "wagon cannon", although these ideas would never come to fruit in his lifetime. Michelangelo was a sculptor, artist, and poet. He painted the Last Judgment and the Genesis Scenes. He sculpted the David and the Pieta. He also wrote three volumes of poetry.

Queen Catherine I of Spain died. Her husband, King Charles I of Spain, mourned, but he continued on his reign, this time alone. The king signed a treaty with Portugal. This treaty granted Spain Leon, in exchange for Portugal gaining some territory to the southern coast. Shortly after, Portugal occupied the territory agreed upon, while Spain annexed Leon. This agreement would set the stage of cooperation between the two kingdoms.

Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine invaded and conquered the Greek and Anatolian islands still controlled by the Knights of St John. The Emperor arrested and executed many of the knights, installed a military garrison on the islands, and brutalized the people. Britain, a diplomatic ally of the Knights, protested, but the Byzantine Empire ignored them. This was the beginning of British-Byzantine tensions, that will persist for some time.

Ivan I of Russia persuaded the prince of Kiev that a unified Russian state, consisting of all the Russian principalities, would benefit the Russian people, and would strengthen them in the long term. The prince was convinced, and Kiev merged with Russia. Despite that, the former principality of Kiev maintained considerable autonomy, with the prince continuing to rule as Grand Duke of Kiev, although as a vassal of Grand Prince Ivan. Ivan I annexed some of the territory of the Baltic tribes, to connect the two parts of the grand principality together.

1216
The Imperial Palace, in London, is finally completed. The Palace is a sprawling complex of smaller palaces, houses, and even some castles, with more then 600 rooms. The palace had gold and silver decorations, imported from the Byzantine Empire. There was beautiful tapsierty and paintings on the walls. The palace had a courtyard, a hunting grounds, a barnhouse, and a horse stall. A grand wall surronded the palace, for protection. The wall itself had beautiful coverings and decorations. Emperor Edward I moved in.

In Portugal, a Prince named Henry the Navigator begins sponsoring the construction of a Portugese navy. The prince, who had actual naval experience, established the School of Navigation, to teach young navigators and to encourage a naval development. He lobbied his father, King Pedro I of Portugal, to fund the establishment of a navy. Pedro I eventually did, and Prince Henry himself oversaw the construction of a navy at Lisbon Shipyards. The Portugese build 40 ships of the line and 100 galleys.

In response to the Portugese construction of a navy, Edward I of Britain commissioned a expansion of the Imperial Navy. At their shipyards in Portsmouth, Dover, and Hastings, the British constructed 50 ships of the line and 110 galleys. The Imperial Navy had been expanded greatly. Edward I divided the Navy into two groups: the Home Defense Fleet and the North Sea Fleet. Each fleet would consist of roughly half the navy.

Ivan I "the Land Gatherer" of Russia, caught a fever and died at the age of 56, after fifteen years on the throne. The grand prince had unified the Russian principalities into a single state, and had undertaken mutual deals, marriage, or conquest to accomplish this. Ivan I was buried in the Moscow Kremelin, which he had constructed, and was succeeded as Grand Prince of Russia by his son Vasily I.

The Byzantine Empire annexed Ragusa and the Republic of Venice. This expansion, although relatively minor, brought much wealth into the Byzantine treasury. Emperor Davidus I took advantage of this and began constructing a road network throughout the empire. He also financed the construction of a sewer sanitation system.

1218
Edward I of Britain was diagnozed with brain tumor. At the time, cancer was unknown, and British physicans considered the emperor's cancer a "horrible plague". They could do nothing to cure it. The Emperor died in July 1218, after a reign of seventeen years. He came to be known as Edward I the Great, for his great reforms and accomplishments. Edward I was succeeded by his son Henry I. Henry I was crowned in Westminister Abbey on 18 August. His reign will not be as succesfull as his father's.

Prince Henry the Navigator acended to the throne of Portugal, when his father, King Pedro I, suffered a major stroke and died. King Henry I of Portugal was determined to begin exploration of the seas and to make his country stronger. So, the king established the Royal College of Navigation, which also consisted of his prior School of Navigation, which he had established while he was still prince. Henry I welcomed Renassiance ideas, hoping to increase diversity of the culture within his kingdom. He supported the arts and established a Institution of Litetature.

Emperor Frederick I of the Holy Roman Empire became emboriled in a argument with the Pope of Rome, which became known as the Great Religious Controversy. The Pope claimed he wielded absolute authority over all church appointments, while the emperor of Holy Rome claimed the same. The Pope was supported by Sicily, Spain, and British France, while the Holy Roman Emperor recieved support from Hungary and Bohemia. The Controversy would drag on for the next couple years.

1221
A massive rebellion breaks out in the Kingdom of British France. This rebellion was lead by Charles Augustus, the last surviving nephew of the dead Philip Augustus I of France. At the time, although British France was formally independent, the Emperors of Britain ruled France as Kings of France. Charles Augustus was determined to restore the proper Kingdom of France and to throw the British out, who acted almost like feudal landlords. Henry I of Britain sent a British army of 3,000 to crush the rebellion. However, this army is defeated and destroyed at the Battle of Agincourt. Afterwards, Charles recieved finanical assistance from Spain, Portugal, and the Byzantine Empire.

Emperor Davidus I of Byzantine finally launched the long-awaited offensive into the Ayyubid Sultanate. At first, the Byzantine forces were bogged down, but after heavy reorganization and refit, made major gains into Ayyubid territory. They reached as far as Mecca, in south-western Arbaia. However, Davidus I, after a reign of twenty years, was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son Michael Commenus I, who ended the campaign. Only Egypt remained in Ayyubid hands.

The Great Religious Controversy finally ended, with a victory for the Pope. The Papal Bull of Ets Authorita was issued, which recognized the Pope's control of church appointments in the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Emperor had lost a large amount of prestige and authority, and the Hohenstaufen dynasty began to decline in strength and influence. In this same year, the electorate of Hanover was established.

1223
The final British stronghold in France, Calasis, was taken by the rebel forces of Prince Charles Augustus. The French prince promptly proclaimed himself King Charles Augustus I of France, and reestablished the Kingdom of France. This kingdom was immediately recognized by the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Portugal, and most of the Italian states. Britain was forced to conclude the Treaty of Windsor with the re-established France, which recognized French soveregnity and restored peace. Despite this, however, Henry I of Britain continued to style himself as His Imperial and Royal Majesty Henry I, by the Grace of God, Emperor of Britain and King of France, although he held no territory in France, except the Channel Islands. The loss of France was a major blow to Britain's prestige, although it would fully recover from this blow.

The Kingdom of Portugal launched the first European naval expedition to travel along the coast of Africa. The expedition was personally financed and sponsored by King Henry I of Portugal, who hoped to open a direct trade route with Asia. The expedition sailed along the African coast and reached the Cape of Good Hope. Britain and Spain were both shocked about the succesfull Portugese naval mission. Henry I of Portugal was pleased and confident. He constructed a naval shipyard along Portugal's coast and commissioned even more naval expeditions.

The Byzantine Empire made several intolerable demands to the Kingdom of Judea. These included the stationing of Byzanztine troops in Judean territory, the control of the roads leading to the Holy City, and a prefered nation status. The king of Judea, Herod II, rejected these demands, and in response, Emperor Commenus began organizing a invasion force. The Byzantine Empire, however, would face opposition. Judea pleaded to the Holy Roman Empire for help, which sent a 15,000 man defense force.

1224
King Charles Augustus I of France conquered the Duchy of Provence. The French king clearly intended to solidify his control over the French lands. The king also secured a mutual deal with the Pope, in which Avignon was granted to France, in exchange for the King recognizing the Pope's unlimited religious authority in France. Charles Augustus would do virtually anything to acquire new territory. The French king also annexed Andorra. To allow for better administration in France, Charles Augustus I organized the kingdom into twenty provinces, each one administered by a governeur, appointed and dismissed by the king at will. The governeurs collected taxes, presided over the local Legislative Councils, and administered justice.

The Byzantine Empire launched a invasion of the Kingdom of Judea. More then 5,000 Byzantine troops, commanded by Emperor Commenus I, promptly headed towards Jeraelesum. However, this force was encountered by a Holy Roman force of 4,000, and the Byzantine Empire was defeated at the Battle of the Jordan. The Byzantines were forced to withdraw from Judea. Emperor Commenus quickly concluded a truce with the Judeans and Holy Romans, and paid them $50,000 in gold tribute. The Byzantines reorganized their forces, and prepared, for, hopefully, another offensive.

The Grand Principality of Russia began massive expansion into the lands of Siberia. The first Russian settlers passed the Volga and reached the Ob. Grand Prince Vasily I provided direct finanical support to these expeditions and mandated a settlement of the Ob regions. Russia gained vast forests and some natural resources as a result. The prince planned for further expeditions, and he also planned a military campaign against the Chipchak Khanate to the south, which blocked Russian access to the Black or Caspian Seas.

A Portugese naval expedition crossed the Cape of Good Hope, sailed across the Indian Ocean, and reached the southern coast of the Indian Sub-Continent, landing in the kingdom of Kerala. King Henry I of Portugal promptly established diplomatic relations with Kerala and opened direct trade with the Indian states. Henry I then planned for a series of military expeditions, to secure trading posts in India to increase economic contact with the Indian states and to ensure a Portugese foothold in the region.

King Charles I of Spain died, and was succeeded by his son, King Ferdinand I. Ferdinand was a ruthless young man, who would take any steps needed to achieve his goals. Ferdinand was also prince of Sicily, heir to the throne of that state, because he was the closest surviving relative of the current king of Sicily, Corbodo I. Ferdinand I began planning for his acension to the Sicilian throne. This would grant Spain territories in the southern Italian pennisula.

1225
King Corbodo I of Sicily died of mysterious circumstances. King Ferdinand I of Spain, also heir to the Sicilian throne, had secretly arranged Corbodo's murder, in order to gain control of Sicily earlier. Ferdinand I became King of Sicily, and he promptly incoporated Sicily into Spain. Shortly after, the Pope granted the king the title "Defender of the Catholic Faith". Ferdinand I's formal title was "His Royal Majesty Ferdinand I, by the Grace of God, King of Spain, King of Sicily, and Defender of the Catholic Faith". King Ferdinand incoporated Benevento into Spain. He consolidated his power in the southern pennisula by making Spanish the only official language, opressing his Italian subjects, and introducing Spanish-styled administration into the Sicilian provinces.

King Henry I of Portugal dispatched a joint diplomatic/military expedition to India. The Portugese expedition succesfully negotiated with some of the Hindu States, acquiring a series of military forts and economic posts along the western coast of India for "economic and diplomatic contact, as well protection of Portugese interests in the alloted regions". Henry I promptly sent settlers to these forts and posts, and thus the Portugese Colonial Empire had begun.

The Swedish Empire finally launched the long-awaited invasion of Estonia and Latvia. Both territories were controlled by the Baltic tribes, which were split into numerous competing states. The advanced Swedish cavarly swept through the territories, and they conquered them by the end of the year. The rulers of the Baltic tribes were forced to recognize Sweden's soveregnity over the regions. King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden, who acended the throne the same year, sent in Swedish settlers, made Swedish the only official language, and encouraged the development of formalized commerce.

A civil rebellion broke out in the British provinces in Wales. This rebellion was supported by France, and this would be the first incident during the hostile British-French relations which will dominate the next several decades. Emperor Henry I of Britain crushed the rebellion ruthlessly. He acted extremely brutual. The Emperor stripped all the ancient privileges of the Welsh people, arrested and executed the rebel leaders, and ordered the plundering or burning of many Welsh villages and farms.

1228
Emperor Commenus I of Byzantine dispatched a military expedition of 10,000 troops which conquered the remaining Genoan territories on the Black Sea, and also annexed most of Crimea and southern Ukraine from the Khanate of Chipchack. These actions were done to deny Russian access to much of the Black Sea, if they invaded and conquered the Chipchack Khanate. Commenus I promptly established a military fort in the newly conquered territories, introduced Byzantine culture to his new subjects, and reorganized the local administration of the new provinces.

In the Holy Roman Empire, a rising family became the Archdukes of Austria: the Hapsburgs. Austria became a Archduchy and leading state within the Holy Roman Empire, with a status equal to that of the Prince-Electorates. The first Hapsburg Archduke, Lepold Willhelm I, also became the king of Bohemia. The Hapsburgs would, in time, become the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire itself.

Casmir I "the Great", who ruled the Polish state of Warshaw, unified all the Polish principalities into one state: the Kingdom of Poland. Casmir I became the first King of Poland and consolidated absolute power. Casmir I organized the kingdom into voviodships, organized a army, and established diplomatic relations with the other monarchies of Europe. He established his Court in the outskirts of Warshaw, and encouraged art and culture within his kingdom.

King Ferdinand I of Spain began construction on his own navy, which would be centered at the port city of Cadiz, on Spain's southern coast. The king was determined to establish for Spain it's own colonial empire, and to also share in the fun Portugal was basking in. Ferdinand I based the discipline and organization of his navy on British principles. Britain itself freely provided military engineers and naval advisors to the Spanish government, hoping to use Spain as a deterent to Portugal's expansion. This would be a mistake on their part, as Spain would later become one of Britain's greatest rivals.

1229
King Ferdinand I of Spain succesfully negotiated the Treaty of Balsidare with King Charles Augustus I of France. The treaty essentially settled territorial disputes in Corisca and Navarre. France recognized that Navarre was to become part of Spain, while Spain recognized that Corisca was to become part of France. This was the beginning of the Franco-Spanish alliance. Shortly after, Ferdinand I's military forces occupied and annexed Navarre, while Charles Augustus I likewise invaded and annexed Corisca.

Vasily I of Russia finally invaded the Chicphak Khanates. The Russian army was well-equipped, well-trained, and well-prepared. They had been drilled for military action to the south for years and had been drilled brillantly. The Chicphak armies were largely disorganized groups of nomad warriors, with virtually no modern technology and a pitiful military structure. The Russians, with the assistance of Sweden and Poland, was able to conquer virtually all of the western territories of the Khanates before the year was out. Russia's territory was doubled in size. It was now the largest state in Europe in terms of land size.

King Henry I of Portugal began construction on a massive series of fortifications along the Portugese border with Spain, wary of increasing tensions with that nation. The fortifications were built of stone and were unmatched in size and power. The king himself personally supervised the construction effort, and helped in the design of the fortifications. The king appointed a Royal Council to run the government while he was absent from Lisbon. King Ferdinand I saw the Portugese construction as hostility, and so began construction of his own fortifications on the Spanish side of the border.

1231
Because the Renaissance had begun much earlier in Europe then it had in OTL, great cultural and scientific achievements occured in a earlier period of time. Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were both famous across Europe. A German inventor named Johannes Guttenberg invented the printing press, and his print of the first book of the Bible became the first printed manuscript ever produced in Europe. In Poland, a scientist and astronomer named Nicholas Coprencius, who studied in the Holy Roman Empire and the Italian states, discovered that the planets were all centered around the sun, and not the sun around the earth, as had been previously believed. Coprencius published his ideas in a book titled Anatomy of the Planets in the Solar System. The pope almost excommunicated Coprencius, but most scientists and astronomers supported his ideas. Even Casmir the Great of Poland supported Coprencius. The Pope was forced to back down.

The construction of the Spanish navy was finally completed. The reason it had taken so long to construct was due to a series of delays and construction problems. King Ferdinand I himself christened the flagship of the new navy, the Transmarta, and officially commissioned the navy into duty. The Spanish Navy promptly became a rival to the Imperial Navy of Britain, with 220 ships of the line and 140 galleys. In response, Emperor Henry I of Britain instigated a crash-course shipbuilding program. Ferdinand I of Spain also began making plans of launching a Spanish miltiary expedition to India, to rival that of Portugal's.

The Hohenstaufen Dynasty was dealt a crippling blow, when most of the royal family died in a plague. Only the Emperor, Frederick I, and his youngest child survived this plague. Frederick I realized that he could not hope to rebuild the Dynasty, now that he was over 50 years old (which was considered old in Europe at the time). So the Emperor arranged a deal with the Electors, upon which the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire would pass to the Hapsburgs once the Hohenstaufen Dynasty went extinct in the male line. He also incoporated the duchy of Ferrara into the Empire.

1233
King Ferdinand I of Spain dispatched a military expedition to India. The expedition was lead by a young Italian navigator named Christopher Columubus, who had been hired by the Spanish King. The expedition, which consisted of three ships, the Maria, Pinta, and Santa Gomeria, trailed off course and headed towards the Americas, which were undiscovered at the time, instead. Columbus landed on the island of Hispaniola, and claimed them and their natives for the king of Spain. The expedition recovered some gold and natives, returning to Spain. Columbus believed he had set foot in India, but the evidence showed otherwise. He had discovered a new continent. King Ferdinand I was pleased and rewarded Columbus by making him a Captain, giving him an estate and a generous amount of money, and also a military honor, the Royal Honorary Decoration.

King Henry I of Portugal learned of the discovery of the "unknown lands". Henry I was determined to have his share in these lands. So the Portugese king assembled and dispatched a expedition, lead by Fransico Magellan, to the West. This was to, hopefully, find more land to colonize, and to claim it for Portugal. The expedition, which consisted of six warships, sailed West. It was almost blown off course by a storm, but strove through and landed in the lands of eastern South America (Brazil). Magellan named the lands "Brazil", because of the brazilwood found there. He also took some natives and coco beans. When he returned to Portugal, he was awarded and knighted by the king, who also formally claimed the lands in Brazil for Portugal.

Emperor Frederick I of the Holy Roman Empire, after a elective reign of thirty-three years, died when he drowned in a river. Shortly after, the prnce-electors choose Rudolph I of Hapbsurg Austria as the new Holy Roman Emperor. This was a result of the deal Frederick I had succesfully negotiated with the electors. Rudolph I was crowned by the Pope in Rome, and he promptly began his reign. The new Emperor was determined to centralize and consolidate the Holy Roman Empire. However, this policy will lead to confrontation with Britain, France, and Sweden.

1235
Emperor Rudolph I convened a session of the Imperial Reichstag, the legislative body of the Holy Roman Empire. This body wielded actual control over the Empire, since the power of the Emperor had been greatly reduced due to the Great Religious Controversy years before. Rudolph I, however, was determined to regain power. He and his advisors bribed many of the members of the Reichstag. The bribed members then voted to grant the Emperor supreme hegemony over the princes of the states. The Emperor, accepted, and thus, was granted the powers to appoint, dismiss, and supervise the princes of the Empire. Some of the princes protested, but Rudolph I was on his way to becoming a absolute monarch.

King Ferdinand I of Spain dispatched a expedition to the Americas, again lead by Christopher Columubus, to discover more land that could also be colonized by Spain. Columubus and his group explored Jamaica, Cuba, and the eastern coast of Central America. They recovered more natives, gold, and some cacao beans. They also gathered extensive navigational information of the Carribean region. The expedition returned to Spain, where they were welcomed with a grand party. Ferdinand I was now determined more then ever to colonize the lands in the Americas.

King Charles Augustus I of France knew of all these colonial expeditions and missions, thanks to his secret agents in the Spanish and Portugese royal courts. The king was determined for France to have her share, and as such, he dispatched a mission to the Americas, lead by Jacques Cartier, to discover lands possible for French colonization. They landed in Newfoundland, claiming that land for France, and explored as far as the location of present-day Torronto. However, they did not discover gold. Charles Augustus I began planning on setting up colonies in the lands of Canada, as the French called the lands they discovered.

1236
After a reign of thirteen years, King Charles Augustus I of France died when he accidentially fell over the Seine River and drowned to death. He was regarded as a national hero in France, for restoring French independence and re-asserting her position on Europe's diplomatic stage. Charles Augustus I was succeeded as king by his son, Francis I. Francis was only eighteen years old, and was ambitious. Francis I wanted to expand France's borders, establish colonies in Canada, and assert French influence in the Holy Roman Empire.

Emperor Henry I of Britain commissioned the compilation of the Second Doomsday Book, to record and list the properties, finances, and possessions of every noble and landowner in Britain. The Book would also list all types of possible disputes and guideline legal solutions to such disputes. The Second Doomsday Book was meant to serve as a government record book and legal code. Promptly, the Imperial Government sent out agents, tax collectors, and finance experts to conduct a survey of all the properties, finances, and possessions of the nobles and landowners of Britain. This task was great, since there was around 140,000 landowners and 1,000 nobles to go through. It will not be completed until 1240.

The first Spanish colonial expeditions were dispatched to the Americas. These expeditions were financed and sponsored by King Ferdinand I and lead by Christopher Columbus, the discover of America. The expeditions landed in Cuba and eastern Hispianola, and quickly conquered the local natives residing in those lands. The reason they were able to do so was because of superior European military technology, organization, and tactics. The Spanish settlers enslaved the local population, constructed three military forts, and began organizing a colonial government.

The king of Portugal, Henry I, dispatched a colonization mission to Portugese Brazil, in response to the Spanish expeditions in Cuba and Hispianola. The Portugese expedition landed, and reached as far as the lands of OTL Uraguay. They established the city of Rio de Janiero, which became the capital of the colony of Brazil. The expedition also constructed more villages, established the first rubber farms in Brazil, and enslaved the local population. They also set up a Local Council of Landowners, to adminster the colony until the king issued a formal Royal Charter.

Emperor Rudolph I of the Holy Roman Empire issued a Reichstag Decree, which transfered formal control of the local militaries of the princes of the Holy Roman Empire to the Emperor. This Decree was opposed by the Elector of Brandenburg and the Duke of Bavaria, but was supported by the Imperial Parliament. Rudolph I promptly unified the local militaries into the Holy Roman Army, and he established a discipline code over the organization. In response, the Duke of Bavaria began secretly corropsonding with the King of Poland, Casmir the Great, and the King of Sweden, Gustav Vasa I. This corospondence was on possible finanical and military support for a rebellion.

King Vladmir I of Denmark became the King of Norway, when the previous Norwegian king, Rurik I, died. Vladmir I promptly united Denmark and Norway into one state: the Kingdom of Nordland. Vladmir I divided his newly-established kingdom into provinces, secured diplomatic recogniztion from the Holy Roman Empire and Sweden, and began construction on a new palace in Oslo. Thus a new power had been born, and would soon become one of the Great Powers, alongside the Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, Portugal, Spain, the Swedish Empire, Britain, and France.

1238
King Henry I of Portugal granted a Royal Charter to Portugese Brazil, formally establishing the Crown Colony of Brazil. The Charter asserted the king's absolute authority over Brazil, established a colonial government, and described the framework of education, the economy, and law in Brazil. A copy of the Charter, along with a Royal governor and Colonial Council, was sent to Brazil. The Local Council of Landowners recognized the Charter and promptly dissolved. The new Royal colonial government began operation. Henry I also began to study on the possible establishment of economic posts and military forts along the coast of Africa, "for easier economic, diplomatic, and military contact".

King Francis I of France signed the Treaty of Cousille with King Gustav Vasa I of Sweden. The treaty promised military and economic cooperation, and that both would support eachother if one got dragged into a war. Francis I was pleased. He would exploit this treaty in order to enlist Sweden's help, for an invasion of the Holy Roman Empire. Francis I meanwhile began a reform of his military. The French king established the Royal Military Administration, to supervise the military. He instigated a discipline code and implemented new army tactics.

Emperor Henry I of Britain began to decline in health. He was never really robust, and had suffered illiness after illiness, although he survived. The ailing Emperor began grooming his young son, Prince Henry of Wales, as his successor. Henry recieved training in military affairs, administration, and judicial affairs. The Emperor also appointed his son the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Earl of Rochsford.

1240
Henry I of Britain caught a debilitating flu. The Emperor's personal physicans tried everything they could, every poultce or medicine they could produce, to stop the flu. However, it was a losing battle. Emperor Henry I died on 3 May 1240, after a reign of twenty-two years. He was succeeded by his son Prince Henry, who became Henry II of Britain. The new Emperor would have a eventful reign, and would become renowned for breaking with the Roman Catholic Church, having six wives, and warring against France.

Emperor Rudolph I of the Holy Roman Empire issued another Reichstag Decree, with the support of the Reichstag. This decree expanded the Emperor's power considerably. He was granted the right to lay and collect taxes, manage the Imperial treasury, issue decrees concerning finanical or economic matters, and to force princes to provide him with funds. These powers effectively granted the Emperor control of the Holy Roman Empire's finances. The Duke of Bavaria protested, and began secretly organizing a rebel army, with the finanical support of Poland and Sweden.

King Ferdinand I of Spain dispatched another expedition to the "New World", as the Americas were being called. The expedition was to discover more islands and colonize them in the name of the King. This expedition was lead by Ponce de Leon. The expedition landed in Puerto Rico. They quickly conquered the natives, claimed the island for Spain, and constructed a series of small villages. The king learned of the succesfull expedition and granted formal Royal Charters to the colonized lands, establishing the Royal Colonies of Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

King Henry I of Portugal organized a series of marriages for his children, meant to bind the Portuguese Royal Family with the Royal Families of the other monarchies of Europe. Henry I married his son Prince Ricardo of Portugal to Princess Charlotte of France. Henry I married his eldest daughter Princess Elisabeth to the son of King Ferdinand of Spain, Prince Charles. He also arranged a marriage of his youngest daughter, Catalina, to the young Henry II of Britain (the marriage would happen in 1245), and a marriage of his youngest son, Philipe, to Princess Elisa of Nordland (this marriage would happen in 1247). Henry I then commissioned Ferdinand Magellan to plan a expedition to Africa, to establish colonial posts and forts there.

1241
Emperor Rudolph I of the Holy Roman Empire issued a Imperial Proclamation, which asserted the Holy Roman Emperor's complete control over the Imperial Reichstag. It also granted the Emperor the power to assent, modify, or repeal Imperial legislation. This granted the Emperor immense legislative powers. It was also the final straw for the Duke of Bavaria. The Duke, as such, openly rebelled, and began using his army of 20,000, to try to assert the independence of Bavaria. Poland promptly entered the war on the side of Bavaria, and, under the leadership of Casmir I, launched an invasion into eastern Germany. Sweden also intervened on the side of Bavaria and used it's Navy to destroy German trade in the Baltic Sea.

Francis I of France assembled most of his military forces along the border with the Holy Roman Empire. He had planned an invasion, and would take advantage of the civil war within the Holy Roman Empire, plus the attacks against that Empire by Sweden and Poland, to gain much German territory. Francis I organized his generals, planned out a strategy, and made sure his forces were well-trained, well-organized, and well-quipped. The French will not invade for another year.

King Henry I of Portugal announced his neturality in the Holy Roman Civil War, as it was beginning to be called, and instead turned his attention to Portugese commerce. The Portugese king constructed a commerce fleet, sponsored the establishment of merchanthouses in Lisbon and Ajun, and lowered internal trade duties. He also began construction on a internal road system, meant to link his kingdom together, and to provide the government with contact with all the governors. Henry I also began assembling a fleet for his planned expedition to Africa.

1242
Sweden landed a army of 56,000 in the northern parts of the Holy Roman Empire, lead by Charles Vasa I. The army promptly began a campaign of conquest and ravage in northern Germany. The Swedish conquered most of the Hasenatic states, ravaged Brandenburg, and destroyed the city of Dusseldorf. Emperor Rudolph I tried to confront the Swedes at the Battle of Munster, but was defeated. The Swedes then linked up with the rebel Bavarians, having made considerable gains. Gustav Vasa I then consolidated his claims, reorganized his army, and sent the Swedish plunder back to Stockholm. Casmir I also invaded parts of the Holy Roman Empire, and made considerable gains in the East. He thus linked up with the Swedes.

France launched it's own invasion of the Holy Roman Empire. A French army of 10,000 raced to the Rhine river, conquering Metz and Strasbourg along the way. Another army reached Genoa, destroying many Holy Roman villages and towns. Francis I of France himself lead an offensive against Holy-Roman held Dunkirk. This is the place where the French encountered real opposition. A Holy Roman army of 15,000 had been hastily assembled by the Emperor and sent to defend Dunkirk. This army clashed with the army of Francis I at the decisive Battle of Dunkirk. Francis I eventually achieved victory, but had lost over 5,000 men and dozens of tons of supplies. He was thus forced to stop his campaigns into the Holy Roman Empire. Nevertheless, France had made astronomnical gains.

Britain, ruled by Henry II, was worried about the French gains to the East. The British believed that Francis I would soon threaten the existence of their nation and would try to gain control of the shrinking Holy Roman Empire. These were only presumptions, however, and were overestimated. Nevetheless, Britain began assembling a military expedition, to be launched against France, to force it to hand over it's gains back to the Holy Roman Empire. The expedition would consist of 30,000 troops, enlisted from all across Britain.

King Ferdinand I of Spain constructed for himself a palace, called El Escorial, in Madrid, the Spanish capital. The palace was a vast complex, and bore a courtyard, horse stall, a tennis court, a joustling court, and a storagehouse. The king intended this as both a bureaucratic palace and a luxury palace. He promptly moved in and placed the Royal Court here.

1243
The British expedition was finally ready and landed at Calasis, France. The expedition's mission was to force King Francis II of France to hand back his gains to the Holy Roman Empire, thus weakening French prestige and power. However, nothing could be done that easily, and the expedition was confronted and defeated by a French army at the Second Battle of Dunkirk. The expedition was then trapped within France, and was forced to surrender, when they ran low on supplies. Britain's already low prestige had dropped further. Henry II promptly made a peace with Francis I, paying finanical compensation.

King Henry I of Portugal finally launched the expedition to Africa. However, everything began to go wrong with the expedition. The ships had numerous flaws in them, and could easily be overwhelmed by the powerful waves of water. The ships of the expedition sunk and ran aground off the coast of Africa, with Ferdinand Magellan one of the casualities. They were never heard from again. Henry I assumed the worse and never again launched a expedition for the remainder of his reign.

The nobility in the Netherlands and Switzerland rebelled, demanding complete independence and soveregnity. Emperor Rudolph II could not hope to crush their rebellions, while also fighting the Swedish, the Poles, and the Bavarians. As such, the Emperor surrendered, and asked for a truce. Sweden and Poland agreed. Negotiations promptly began at Munster and Osnbruck, cities in the German region of Westphalia. All fighting terminated during these negotiations. France also sent delegates to the Conference, in order to gain recogniztion of it's territorial gains.

King Ferdinand I began to decline in health. The King had been overworking himself, constructing his palace, governing the country, and overseeing the Spanish colonies. Ferdinand I began preparing his young teenage son, Prince Charles, as the next King. Ferdinand I also arranged plans for his funeral. The Spanish king knew he was near death.

1244
Diplomats from Sweden, Poland, the Holy Roman Empire, the Bavarian, Dutch, and Swiss resistances, and France sign the Treaty of Westphalia on 14 August 1244. This treaty had numerous conditions and terms, affecting all the powers involved. The treaty officially recognized the independence of Bavaria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The Duke of Bavaria became the sovereign King of Bavaria. The Netherlands would be ruled by a King as well, while Switzerland would be a sovereign confederation of states, each one ruled by a Prince. The treaty also granted Sweden, Poland, and France the territories they had conquered during the war. In return, all three would pay what was left of the Holy Roman Empire $100,000. The Swedish occupation in Brandenburg and the northern Rhineland would end, and both territories would be returned to the Holy Roman Empire. The treaty also allowed the Haseantic States to remain in existence, although governed and supervised by Sweden. The Hapsburg dynasty was allowed to remain elective Emperors of what was left of the Holy Roman Empire, as well Archdukes of Austria and Kings of Bohemia. However, the Emperor's power was drastically curbed, so much that he only was a political figurehead and would have only nominal control of some foreign affairs. After the Treaty was signed and ratified by all states, the Imperial Reichstag renamed the Holy Roman Empire the Holy Germanian Empire, to reflect it's considerably reduced territory.

The Byzantine Empire launched an invasion of the now defenseless Kingdom of Judea. During the War, Emperor Rudolph I had withdrew all 10,000 Holy Roman troops there to defend against the invasion of Sweden and Poland. The Byzantine army, virtually unopposed, made major gains into Judea, and eventually, they captured the Holy City itself. Emperor Commenus I outlawed the Jewish religion, destroyed many Jewish synagogues and churches, and restricted the civil rights of Jewish people. As a result, the Jews became extremely resistant to Byzantine rule.

After a reign of twenty years, King Ferdinand I of Spain became sick with plague and died on 18 August 1244. The king had established the Spanish colonial empire, constructed a Spanish navy, and gained control of Sicily. He was succeeded as king by his son Prince Charles, who became Charles II of Spain. Under Charles, the Spanish colonial empire would really boom in size, power, and wealth. Charles II, along with his Portuguese wife, the new Queen Elisabeth, were crowned on 18 October at the Church of El Escorial in Madrid.

1245
Casmir I the Great of Poland held a great party in Warsaw, the capital of the Kingdom of Poland, and invited virtually of the European monarchs to attend this ceremony. It was meant to demonstrate the power and wealth of Poland. It was also meant as a diplomatic conference. It had a outstanding turn-out rate. Henry II of Britain, Francis I of France, Gustav Vasa I of Sweden, Charles II of Spain, Henry I of Portugal, Commenus I of Byzantine, Vasily I of Russia, and Vladimir I of Nordland all attended the party. The party had great extravagance and displayed Casmir's power and wealth. The monarchs attending the party now wanted to make their nations prosperous and powerful, most especially Charles II of Spain.

The Hapsburg dynasty had been severely weakened following the Holy Roman Civil War. Although they were Holy Germanian Emperors, Austrian Archdukes, and Bohemian Kings, they were increasingly powerless. Finally, a major rebellion broke out in the Austrian-ruled Kingdom of Bohemia. The people were tired of Hapsburg dominance and wanted to become fully sovereign. Rudolph I, in his position as Archduke of Austria, attempted to crush the Bohemian rebellion. However, Sweden and Poland provided financial support to the rebellion and threatened the Holy Germanian Empire with further war if they attempted to regain dominance over Bohemia. As such, the Hapsburgs were forced to back down and signed the Treaty of Prague with Bohemia, granting that state complete sovereignty. The leader of the Bohemian rebellion became King Philip I of Bohemia. He would become a great reformer and ruler.

King Henry I of Portugal, after returning home from the Grand Party in Poland, starts to decline in health. Henry I, just like Ferdinand I in Spain, had been overworking himself, and was exhausted. Henry I begins to arrange plans for his son, Prince Ricardo, to assume the throne after he died. The old king meanwhile delegated much of the day-to-day rule to his ministers, for the time being at least.

1246
After thirty years on the throne, Vasily I of Russia dies when he drowns in the Volga River, while out on a hunt. The grand prince was succeeded by his young and feeble son, who becomes Vladimir III the Feeble of Russia. Vladimir's reign will bring great disaster to Russia, and will lead to the loss of some territories in the south and north-west.

After a reign of twenty-eight years, King Henry I of Portugal finally succumbed to disease and died peacefully in his bed. He was succeeded by his son, who became King Ricardo I of Portugal. Ricardo was formally crowned King in the Cathedral of Lisbon. Under Ricardo, expansion for the Portuguese colonial empire would soon occur.

King Charles II of Spain instigates a program of reform within the Spanish colonial empire. At the time, Spain ruled over Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Charles II was determined to centralize the administration. Each colony was granted a legislative assembly and executive council. The council would be chaired by the colonial governor, who would also approve and implement laws of the assembly. The governor would wield control over military forces stationed in his colony, but would be subject to the king, and would be appointed and dismissed by him at will. Each Colony would have a Charter, clearly detailing it's government, duties, and organization of provincial judiciary.

1248
In Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus I comes to the throne, succeeding his father Gustav Vasa I. King Gustavus I is a more agressive monarch then his father, a military warrior in his own right. King Gustavus wanted to consolidate Swedish control of the north Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. This would mean cutting off the limited Russian access on the Neva. As such, the new Swedish king sent his troops into Ingria, swiftly conquering that territory and annexing it to Sweden. Vladmir the Feeble, who was mentally retarded, does nothing to stop it. This convinces Emperor Commenus I of Byzantine that Russia will be a easy target.

King Casmir I the Great of Poland, after a reign of some twenty years, dies when he falls off his horse during a hunt and breaks his neck. He is buried in the Cathederal of Warsaw and succeeded by his son, Stainslaw Augustus I. Stainslaw Augustus I will be notable for extending Polish power into the Baltic territories, and thus making Poland a direct rival of Sweden.