WIP
In 409 the Alans settled in the Roman provinces of Lusitania and Carthaginensis, with the Vandals settling in Baetica. In 418 the Visigoths attacked, killing the Vandal king, Gunderic. The Vandals appealed to the Alans, who absorbed their tribe and defeated the Visigoths. From there the Alans and Vandals consolidated their rule, expanding into northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Although the Alans and Vandals were a minority in the region, strong political leadership and policies, combined with depopulation due to disease, famine, and war, led to a general demographic shift, with the population shifting over several hundred years. By the 600s the cultures had blended, and the people considered themselves Alanic, speaking the Alanic language, which itself was a blend of Alan, Vandal, and Romano-Hispanic, with some Amazigh influences in Africa. The language and culture have developed over the years, becoming a unique Iranic language with Germanic and Latin influences.
In 409 the Alans settled in the former Roman provinces of Lusitania and Carthaginensis, whilst the Vandals settled in Baetica. In 418 the Visigoths attacked, killing the Vandal King, Gunderic. Shortly after, the Vandals appealed to the Alans, who absorbed their tribe and defeated the Visigoths. In the years that followed, the Alans under Respendial consolidated their rule in the Iberian Peninsula, eliminating dissent and fortifying their borders. During this time a process of cultural blending began, a process that would continue for over 800 years.
From the 440s until the 520s the Alans expanded their rule into northern Africa, conquering Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, as well as various Mediterranean Islands, including Sicily, Malta, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands. After these conquests, a period of consolidating their rule in Africa began, much the same as the processes undergone in Iberia. In the 540s the Alans faced significant local resistance and Byzantine attempts to reclaim former Roman territories. The Byzantine attempts were repelled and the resistance movements suppressed, but at significant cost. The city of Carthage was burned to the ground, alongside several other important cities in North Africa. As a result, the Alans founded the city of Alanicara on the ruins of Carthage. Sometime during the late 500s the Alans converted from Arianism to Catholicism, in part to improve relations with the Christians in Italy. Around this time the Plague of Justinian ravaged the nation, leading to significant depopulation. The cultural blending that began in the 400s also began to accelerate during this time, in part due to the depopulation caused by diseases, as well as significant national policies. A major famine in the late 500s also influenced the cultural shifts.
In the early 600s significant political leadership and policies lead to the stabilization and consolidation of Alanic rule, stabilizing the nations borders and establishing a clear outline of the nation. It was during this time that an official governance system began to originate as well. By the mid-600s the demographics and ethnic identity of the nation had officially shifted towards an Alanic identity, due to various factors including disease, famine, war, and government policies. By this time a unique Alanic identity and culture had emerged, one which was a blend of Alanian, Vandal, Romano-Hispanic, and Amazigh influences.
Between the 670s and 720s the Alans fended off several successive attempted invasions by the Umayyad Caliphate, thus allowing them to maintain control over Iberia and North Africa. This also effectively ended Umayyad expansion west. Over the subsequent 100-200 years a period of general peace and stability followed. This period of peace and prosperity allowed for the further development of the Alanic culture, as well as the emergence of the Alanic language, with an Iranic core and Vandal, Latin, and Amazigh influences. It was during this time that the name Alanston became used to identify the nation.
During the 900s to 1100s Alanston began to strengthen the Catholic church within the nation, which in turn lead to the church having significant influences in the nation. It was during this time that various educational and religious institutes were established, as well as Alanic monasteries and cathedrals in a unique style throughout the nation. In the early 1000s trade with neighbouring nations and Mediterranean powers also began to increase. In the early 1100s political power was also consolidated under a centralized monarchy, with various unique structures and traditions emerging. The late 1100s was a period of flourishing Alanic culture, art, and architecture, with several iconic structures being constructed. Throughout the 13th century Alanston participated in several Crusades, with Alanic knights and nobles gaining prominence abroad, but never to the same extent as other Western European nations.
By the early 1300s the successes during the crusades lead to internal instability as rival factions vied for power. This lead to what is known as the two kingdoms period, where the south split off from the north, in what became a succession crisis war. The king died without an heir, leaving the nation struggling. The northern side supported his illegitimate son, whilst the southern side supported his sister's son. A period of strife occurred, during which several battles were fought, including the town of Vandalia (Oran) being burnt to the ground. After almost 50 years, the south emerged victorious, having defeated many of the forces in the north.
This period was followed by a series of intense government reforms and new laws to prevent such a war from happening in the future. It also lead to almost a 75 year period of peace, during which the nation recovered and worked to strengthen the monarchy to further prevent such conflicts from happening again. By the early 1400s the succession crisis was behind them as the nation moved into the beginnings of the Renaissance period. During this time early renaissance ideas began to reach the nation, with a cultural revival happening. It was also during this time when the existing trade networks were strengthened and expanded, as the nation sought to increase its wealth and become a major hub of trade in the Mediterranean. By the early 1500s, partially as a result of increased Islamic hostilities and the closing of the Silk Road, Alanston began increased exploration ventures, with the Canaries, Madeira, and Azores having been settled during the late 1400s.
In the years following the war a series of inquisitions also occurred throughout the nation, during which the church actively spread its influence, in conjunction with the monarchy. The inquisitions also helped to remove questionable theological influences and ideas from throughout the nation. This was especially noticeable in the mountains of Africa, where old heresies had survived, hidden away in the deserts. The inquisition was responsible for helping identify heretical strongholds, and eliminate them. By the late 1400s all of the nation was solidly Catholic, with those who would dissent having been "dealt with". Jews were still permitted to remain, as they brought economic prosperity, although there were still specific rules specifically assigned to the Jews.
The 1500s was the century of exploration and expansion. With the nearby islands of the Atlantic firmly secured, and rumours of Basque fisherman discovering rich fisheries, the kings of Alanston funded several voyages west. These voyages discovered the Caribbean South America (Brazil). In the years that followed, Alanston began colonizing parts of Brazil, establishing sugar plantations that proved very profitable. Alanston also laid claim to several Caribbean islands, which they used as a jumping point for an invasion of the Yucatan in the early 1500s. They also claimed much of Central America and the lands further south. Viewing the united Aztec Empire as too united, they focused their efforts further southwards instead, launching a prolonged campaign against the Incan Empire. The campaign took over 60 years, but in the end Alanston was able to successfully conquer the entire empire, firmly laying claim to the entire region. From there, they began extracting wealth, moving in colonists, and consolidating their rule, a process that continues to this day. Though the Mayans continue to cause resistance and trouble, with regular unrest and uprising occurring in the region.
Starting in the mid-1500s and into the 1600s Alanston also began founding several forts in Africa, and expanding further east as well, in order to further cement their control over the spice trade. This began by the founding of Fort Elmina in the Gold Coast, and the laying claim of the regions directly surrounding it, followed a few years later by the founding of Luanda. By the early 1600s Alanston had founded the colony of St Augustine (Cape Town) in South Africa, claiming the lands surrounding it. From there, they quickly expanded into the Indian Ocean, colonizing several islands and subjugating Malabar. With a foothold in India, Alanston had officially bypassed the Silk Road, and established their own direct connection to the spice trade in India. Not satisfied, they continued their expansion, this time from both sides of the Pacific, conquering the city of Malacca, whilst also invading the island of Luzon. By the mid-1600s Alanston had also secured the port city of Macao from the Chinese, as well as founded the fort of St Francis on the island of Formosa, claiming the surrounding lands. With control over several key regions established Alanston had managed to secure much of the spice trade for themselves, as well as exclusive access to the markets of China.
Being a Catholic nation, Alanston sends regular Catholic missions, often through the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) into the lands surrounding their colonies, as well as the colonies themselves, with the intention being to save (convert) as many souls as possible. These missions are responsible for the founding of new towns and settlements, often with a church and/or monastery attached, where natives can receive "civilization" and recognition.
Still to do:
- resistance to the reformation
- expanded trade and the like in Europe
- founding of the Jesuits
- De Las Casas
Fancy structures (WIP - rewrite and adjust)
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Portus Mercatorum (Merchant's Port) in Alanicara (Tunis/Carthage)
Style: Blend of Roman, Italian, and Amazigh architectural elements.
Features:
Multi-story warehouses with large arched windows and wooden balconies, inspired by Italian merchant republics.
Open-air market halls with colonnaded walkways and domed roofs, incorporating Amazigh decorative styles.
Watchtowers and fortified walls around the port, featuring Roman engineering and Alanic warrior motifs.
Monastery of Saint Augustine in Hunimundara (Hippo/Annaba)
Style: Romanesque with Alanic and Iberian influences.
Features:
Stone cloisters with rounded arches and columned walkways, decorated with Alanic and pre-Roman Iberian carvings.
Central church with a basilica layout, featuring a large transept and semicircular apse.
Frescoes and stained glass windows depicting the life of Saint Arius and other notable Alanic saints.
Monastic buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with living quarters, a scriptorium, and a library.
Fortress of Alamar in Vithimiran (Seville)
Style: Military architecture with Alanic and Roman influences.
Features:
Massive stone walls with rectangular and circular towers, incorporating Roman fortification techniques.
Inner keep with a blend of Romanesque and Alanic decorative elements.
Use of battlements and machicolations for defence, along with a central gatehouse adorned with Alanic warrior symbols.
Residential quarters and a small chapel within the fortress, reflecting the integration of daily life and military readiness.
Alanic Great Hall (Magna Aula Alanorum) in Vithimiran (Seville)
Style: Romanesque with Persian and Amazigh influences.
Features:
Large central hall with a vaulted ceiling, used for assemblies and major events.
Decorative friezes and mosaics on the walls, showcasing Alanic legends and historical achievements.
A raised dais at one end for the king and council members, with elaborately carved thrones and seats.
Side chambers for smaller meetings and administrative functions, featuring Persian-style arches and Amazigh-inspired tilework.
Grand Market of Carthangis (Cartagena)
Style: Romanesque with Italian and Amazigh influences.
Features:
Large open-air market square surrounded by covered arcades.
Market stalls with tiled roofs and decorative frescoes depicting trade and commerce.
Central fountain with a blend of Roman and Amazigh design elements.
Clock tower with both mechanical and sundial features, showing technological advancements.
Royal Palace of Icosimar (Algiers)
Style: Romanesque with Byzantine and Alanic influences.
Features:
Central courtyard with a marble fountain and colonnaded walkways.
Throne room with a high ceiling, frescoes, and mosaics depicting royal lineage and Alanic heroes.
Private gardens with Persian-style water channels and exotic plants.
Audience halls and private chambers with a blend of Roman and Alanic architectural elements.
Cathedral of Saint John in Vithimiran (Seville)
Style: Romanesque with Persian and Alanic influences.
Features:
Grand façade with arched doorways and intricate stone carvings.
Central nave with a high vaulted ceiling and side aisles supported by Alanic-style columns.
Large rose window with stained glass depicting biblical and Alanic historical scenes.
Bell tower with Persian-inspired decorative tilework and Alanic motifs.
Examples from earlier times include:
Fortified Town of Tangitan (Tangier)
Style: Roman and Alanic military architecture.
Features:
Defensive walls built with Roman engineering techniques, reinforced with Alanic defensive innovations.
Watchtowers and gatehouses featuring Alanic warrior carvings.
Central plaza with a market hall influenced by Roman forums, decorated with Amazigh patterns.
Residential buildings with thick stone walls and small, arched windows for defense.
Monastery of Our Lady of the Hills near Vithimalaca (Malaga)
Style: Early Christian monastic architecture with Alanic influences.
Features:
Cluster of simple stone buildings with sloped roofs, arranged around a central courtyard.
Small chapel with a semicircular apse and wooden beams.
Herb garden and communal dining hall reflecting self-sufficient monastic life.
Decorative elements in the chapel featuring early Alanic symbols and Christian iconography.
Alanic Tower of Learning in Vithimiran (Seville)
Style: Blend of Roman, Persian, and Alanic elements.
Features:
Tall, cylindrical tower with a spiral staircase and observation platform.
Library chambers with large windows and wooden shelving, decorated with Persian tilework and Alanic carvings.
Study rooms and lecture halls with vaulted ceilings and arched doorways.
Use of both natural light and oil lamps for illumination.
Gates of Hercules
twin statues of Archangels Gabriel and Michael standing guard over the Mediterranean from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Translation
