1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 275 The Twelve Covenants
Constantinople, the Great Palace.

On the rooftop of the palace, the young man pushed a bulky instrument towards Isaac. The main part of the instrument was cylindrical and pointed far to the east.

Isaac put his eyes against the cylinder and vaguely saw the coast of Anatolia in the distance.

This is the telescope, a new invention of Veneto Vittorio, a young member of the Royal Academy of Sciences.

A long time ago, optical magnifying instruments made of crystal or glass had already appeared, and glasses with convex lenses or concave lenses as the main body had long been invented. In order to increase the magnification, people have been trying to grind better lenses.

However, technology is a magical thing. The progress from a magnifying glass to a telescope does not require any particularly advanced technology, but only an inspiration.

Combine the convex lens and the concave lens, with the concave lens at the back and the convex lens at the front, and find the best imaging point by continuous movement. It's that simple.

In the original time and space, the person who invented the telescope was not a serious scientist, but just an eyeglass store owner.

When Isaac told Veneto about this inspiration, the scientist from Florence easily built the first telescope in the Eastern Roman Empire and installed it on the roof of the Grand Palace.

Through the telescope, Isaac saw the turbulent Bosphorus Strait, the Asia Minor Peninsula in the east, and the Anatolian fortress standing on the other side of the strait.

The magnification of this telescope is not high. Isaac estimated that it is only a few times, but it is still a remarkable breakthrough.

The telescope is a very valuable tool, and it plays an important role in astronomy, military affairs, and navigation. Isaac plans to continue supporting Veneto's research, and strive to miniaturize and mass-produce the bulky telescope as soon as possible.

"Your Majesty, what did you see?"

Mikhail, who was standing by, saw Isaac smile and became eager to try.

Isaac looked away, and Mikhail quickly walked over and soon began to marvel at the sight.

"Your Majesty, you have found a treasure this time,"

Mikhail chuckled.

"Next time I teach my staff, I'll have to show them this kind of thing."

"Okay, I'll send you a few more in the future."

Isaac nodded and turned to Veneto beside him.

"Well done, Veneto. Thank you on behalf of the military."

"You can also try other combinations of convex and concave lenses, and you may find different things."

Veneto hesitated for a moment and looked at Isaac.

"Your Majesty, if you hadn't pointed out a feasible way for me, I might never have thought of this method in my life."

"I originally built the telescope for observing celestial bodies. This time, I don't ask for any reward. I just hope you can allow me to build an observatory in your country."

"Your Majesty, the observatory is very useful. In addition to exploring the universe, I can also observe celestial phenomena for you and guide agricultural production."

"Okay, I will allocate some funds for you. As for where is suitable for building an observatory and observing the stars, I am not sure. You can find it yourself."

Isaac promised.

"During this period, you must find a way to improve the current bulky telescope and try to make it portable."

"No problem, Your Majesty, it's not difficult."

Veneto was overjoyed, bowed, and left in a hurry.

After looking at the east, Mikhail took great effort to turn the telescope to the west and admire the evening scenery of Constantinople.

"Your Majesty, this telescope is really good. I can see the black smoke in the workshop area very clearly."

"Constantinople is becoming more and more prosperous. It would be better if there were no annoying black smoke."

Mikhail looked around with great interest.

"If you like it, I'll give you one later."

Isaac said.

"As for the black smoke, that's from the coke iron smelting workshop I'm experimenting with. Just bear with it for now. When the experiment is almost done, I'll move these heavily polluting heavy industries to Adrianople."

"Did the experiment succeed?"

Mikhail asked.

"It was partially successful, but the iron produced was still relatively brittle and could not be used to make high-quality weapons."

Isaac shrugged.

"Indians' technology came from Persians, and Persians' technology came from the Yuan Dynasty. If you want to learn the most advanced technology, you still have to go to the East."

"I have ordered the third wave of the East India Fleet to focus on collecting Southeast Asian craftsmen. Their technology comes directly from the Eastern Dynasties and is definitely much better than that of the Indians."

"However, the coal coking method has been basically successful, and citizens now have another way to keep warm."

"Your Majesty, coke still produces a lot of smoke and smell, and it is not as good as charcoal after all."

Mikhail said.

“Coke is cheap and is for lower-class citizens.”

Isaac said.

At this time, Eastern Roman craftsmen had digested the coal coking method brought back from the East and began to burn the mined coal into coke for heating of citizens.

Of course, early coke cannot be compared with modern industrial coke. It is just a slightly more advanced handicraft product.

"You are really kind to the people. No emperor in history has cared as much as you do."

Mikhail said with a smile.

"Winter is coming, and the empire is short of men. I don't want to see anyone frozen to death by the cold wind."

Isaac said.

Since the 13th century, the world has entered a Little Ice Age. Although the temperature has fluctuated, it has generally continued to decline.

The Little Ice Age had the greatest impact on the monsoon region. In addition to the reduction in crop yields, there were also a variety of disasters that followed, especially the bursting of the banks of major rivers, which was a catastrophe each time.

In Europe, the warm Middle Ages came to an end. The north and mountains were the main disaster areas. Large tracts of land in Northern Europe were covered with ice and snow and no longer produced food. The mountains were frozen everywhere, and mudslides and landslides followed one after another.

For the earth, a temperature drop of 1°C is nothing, but for humans, it is already a very serious disaster.

The Little Ice Age began to reach its peak around the late 15th century to the mid-16th century, which happened to be the era that Isaac experienced and was also the most important period of development for the emerging Eastern Roman Empire.

Since Isaac's territory was mainly located in North Africa and Southeast Europe, the damage caused by the Little Ice Age was certainly not as great as that in Northern Europe and Germany, but the Balkans are mountainous and natural disasters are inevitable.

In order to solve this problem, Isaac mainly focused on three aspects: the first was fuel, the second was clothing, and the third was crops from the New World.

In addition to coke heating and cotton and wool textiles, Isaac will also vigorously introduce American crops such as corn, potatoes and sweet potatoes. These crops are not very suitable as staple food and have many special diseases, but they are indeed more tolerant to harsh conditions and can make full use of some land where wheat cannot be grown.

Then there are the colonies. The Eastern Roman Empire had well-developed maritime transportation and could obtain grain from Egypt and West Africa. The grain had a long shelf life and could be shipped back to the country in an emergency.

Isaac also plans to introduce cassava to West Africa, a crop that is very suitable for cultivation in West Africa, with a high yield and starch content.

Later, Eastern Roman merchants could bring the staple food and cash crops grown by West Africans back to Europe, and keep the cassava for themselves. Although it was poisonous, it could be cooked before eating, so there should be no problem.

"His Majesty?"

"Ok?"

Isaac turned his head and saw that Mikhail had turned the telescope back at some point and was looking intently at the coastal fortresses in Anatolia.

"The Ottoman coastal fortresses are really well built. It must have taken a lot of effort."

Mikhail sighed.

"Yes, as far as I know, Muhammad saw that the navy could not match ours in any way, so he completely abandoned the navy and used all the money to build the fortress."

Isaac smiled and shook his head.

"I also heard that Muhammad has not been looking for new boys and girls for several years, nor has he held singing and dancing parties. His only way to relieve stress is to overeat."

"In order to save money, he even opened a big opium den and organized the sale of opium and marijuana products. He made money in the short term, but in the long run, it was absolutely no benefit."

"Haha, I'm afraid he won't live long."

Mikhail laughed.

"It's been raining in the east these days. I'm afraid he's feeling very uncomfortable."

"Who cares? I don't have the time for that."

Isaac pouted.

"So, how do you plan to deal with the Ottoman fortresses? Go around them, or attack them head-on?"

Mikhail asked.

"No matter how we go around, the most suitable place for landing in Anatolia is along the Aegean Sea coast. If we land somewhere else, we won't be able to reach the Ottoman cities at all. Their war potential will not be weakened, and they can completely wear us down between the plateaus and hills."

Isaac sighed.

"Don't underestimate the Ottomans. They are the most civilized of all the Saracens. If you fight them like Berbers, you'll probably run into big problems."

"With the help of the Venetians, they absorbed new technologies at a rapid pace, such as the printing press, the matchlock gun, and the modification of the bastions... They should not be underestimated."

"But you should be able to find a way. You are invincible anyway. It is impossible for you to be blocked by a small barrier of the Aegean Sea, right?"

Mikhail said as a matter of course.

"Do you really think I'm a messenger of God? There is no such thing as an invincible person."

Isaac complained.

"There is a way, but we have to wait."

"Waiting for King Aries' attack?"

Mikhail put away the telescope and looked at Isaac with lingering interest.

"That's not the point. We can't pin our hopes on outsiders."

Isaac raised his head and looked down at Anatolia in the distance.

"As for what you're waiting for, you'll know later."

……

Western half of the Caucasus Mountains, Adygea, Sochi River Valley.

The Sochi region is located on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea and on the southwestern foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The warm currents of the Black Sea nourish this area, and the Caucasus Mountains block the cold currents from the north, making Sochi one of the few warm areas in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, and the Sochi River rarely freezes.

This area has been inhabited for a long time, but no city has developed. There are some trading posts along the Black Sea coast, and rural areas and pastures inland.

Since this beautiful place is small and cannot support too many people, only Circassian princes and nobles like to come here in winter to avoid the cold wind and enjoy the hot springs.

However, the winters in recent years have been exceptionally cold, and while the Sochi region remains warm, the snow on the mountains has increased year by year. As the temperature rises, avalanches, mudslides and landslides have destroyed several mountain villages, and many villagers have fled.

In a mountain estate, Gonzalo had half of his body immersed in hot springs, revealing his muscular chest.

Two beautiful Circassian girls surrounded Gonzalo, one on the left and one on the right, holding silk scarves in their slender white hands and wiping Gonzalo's body.

Gonzalo hugged the girl, opened his half-closed eyes, and sighed with contentment.

"Justinian was right, this place is simply heaven."

"General, are you satisfied?"

One of the Circassian girls asked in Greek, while another picked up a few grapes and stuffed them into Gonzalo's mouth.

"Very good, the brothers are also very satisfied."

Gonzalo smiled and looked at the other springs in the distance.

The officers brought by Justinian were all immersed in the land of gentleness, with snow in the distance and warmth like spring nearby.

"But your lord doesn't seem to like us very much. His eyes never linger on us."

A young girl leaned on Gonzalo's shoulder and whispered.

"He is the most distinguished guest of our tribe. Even the prince's daughter will serve him if he wishes."

"Haha, his eyes are definitely not on you. He is probably more interested in those strong and powerful warriors."

Gonzalo pondered.

"I think God must have put a lot of effort into creating you. The men are all strong and muscular, and the women are all beautiful."

"Yes, but we are coveted by others because of this. I am a Kabardian, and every autumn the Saracens invade our village and plunder everywhere."

A hint of fear flashed in the girl's eyes.

"The princes of Kabarda say that Constantinople is the richest city in the world. If you are willing to protect us, the Saracens will not dare to be so presumptuous, right?"

"We are all lambs of the Lord and should help each other."

Gonzalo said perfunctorily.

"However, this still requires joint discussion among the twelve tribes, and some tribes are not very willing to do so."

"That's because they haven't been hit by the Saracens yet. Once the blade cuts their neck, it will be too late."

The girl said disdainfully.

"Oh? You are quite knowledgeable. I heard that the Circassian tribes are divided into four classes. Which class are you in?"

Gonzalo was a little surprised.

"I am of the fourth class, a slave, but we are all trained and are used by the princes to entertain their guests."

The girl said generously.

"So what do you think of my monarch?"

Gonzalo smiled and took the girl's hand.

"Gorgeous, gentle, and enthusiastic, he is the best kind of nobleman."

The girl's face was full of longing.

"If only he weren't so cold and callous."

Gonzalo pouted.

It's okay to be luxurious, but what are enthusiasm and gentleness? When you see him looting pagan women and children, you may not think so.

"Everyone says that Prince Justinian rescued four disaster-stricken villages on the way, distributed food and clothing to them, and took the children hunting," the girl said with a smile.

"We thought he would hate our customs, but it turned out to be completely different."

“It is incredible that there is a Christian monarch who is willing to worship the sacred grove with us.”

Gonzalo thought about it and nodded slightly.

While accepting Eastern Orthodoxy, the Circassians retained many of their own traditions and worshiped natural gods such as thunder, storms, the sun, and sacred forests.

Gonzalo knew very well that Emperor Isaac had already written to Justinian to tell him all about this and taught him step by step how to deal with the Circassians.

As for the issue of faith, in the East, even if the emperor cursed Jesus Christ in front of the senior priests, they could only endure it. If someone asked about it, they would not speak out but would deny it outright.

"Don't worry, my monarch is a very good person and always treats his own people well."

Gonzalo turned his head and looked at the wooden fort in the distance.

In the wooden castle, Justinian and the princes were negotiating.

A round wooden table was filled with rich food, milk, wine, honey, salt and bread.

The wooden table is engraved with the Circassian emblem of three arrows and twelve stars, representing the twelve great tribes.

Justinian sat in the guest's special seat, nibbling on honey bread.

Beside him, Timur Tash and Brahmu were fully armed and stood proudly.

He had been here for a month, following his father's teachings, getting along with the Circassians with respect and kindness, participating in their sacrifices, providing relief to many disaster victims, and even funding the construction of a church.

Of course, the most important things were always in his hands and would not be given to the Circassians for nothing.

"Your Majesty, are you satisfied with our place?"

asked a prince.

"Very satisfied. I like your culture. We are all Christians and should get along well with each other."

Justinian said in Circassian.

In the letter, Isaac emphasized to Justinian that if one wanted to tame a nation, one must first learn their language. If one always communicated through interpreters, the gap would still exist.

For a month, Justinian practiced Circassian hard. Although he didn't know the profound things yet, he had learned a lot of simple words and phrases for communication.

This was the first time Justinian spoke to them in Circassian. The princes were a little surprised and looked at him with friendlier eyes.

"But I think your tribe still has great hidden dangers."

Justinian said slowly.

"Hidden danger? Can you tell me in detail?"

A voice sounded, a voice that Justinian knew well, a prince from the Kabardian tribe.

"Isolated, closed, disunited, with limited commercial exchanges with the outside world, they can only passively withstand natural disasters and foreign invasions."

Justinian said.

"I know that you have had dealings with Genoese merchants several decades ago, but the goods they can bring to you are very limited. They only want to buy your slaves."

"I think you should establish closer commercial ties with Constantinople. I will give you many gems, silks, and various goods in the future."

"That's no problem. We have discussed it and decided to accept the commercial agreement of the Eastern Empire. This is a good thing for us."

The highly respected Chief Adige nodded.

"Also, I think you should launch a counterattack against the Saracens. If you just passively take the beating, they will only become more arrogant."

Justinian looked at them.

"Your Majesty, our forces are small and scattered, our military supplies are insufficient, and our weapons and equipment are very backward. We cannot pose any threat to the Saracens!"

The Kabardian prince spoke again, looking around at the nobles of other tribes with resentment in his eyes.

"I believe that as the only empire of the Eastern Church and the protector of all Orthodox Christians, my father and I have the ability and willingness to offer you protection and jointly stop the Saracens."

Justinian smiled.

"You were conquered by the Mongols and became their protectorate, but they seemed not to want to protect you and turned a blind eye to your suffering."

“It’s time to make a new choice.”

Chief Adyge and several nobles looked at each other and then looked at Justinian.

"Your Majesty, you have been very kind to us. It is rare for a noble prince to be so honest with us."

"Since you are here, you must have some needs. We all understand. Please tell me clearly."

Justinian nodded and stood up.

"In fact, I am planning to organize a crusade against the Saracens, with the goal of raiding the Shirvan territory and avenging the Christians."

"I can mobilize 3,000 elite Cossacks and 1,500 Royal Guards Dragoons. If you can join us, our chances of winning will be even better."

The tribal nobles were somewhat surprised, silently estimating the enemy and our own forces, and talking in low voices.

"The Kabardian tribe is willing to follow!"

Princes from the Kabardian tribes were the first to respond.

Soon after, several small tribes responded.

They are all tribes in the east, on the front line of Saracen invasion, and have had a very difficult time in recent times.

Justinian nodded and looked towards the rest of the tribe.

"Your Majesty, are you sure?"

asked an old chief.

"Nothing is perfect, but I am willing to lead my warriors and charge with you."

Justinian smiled.

"Just last year, we fought a battle with the Crimeans and defeated them severely."

The tribal nobles nodded; they had all heard the news.

"When the war is over, I will share the spoils with you, and I guarantee it will be fair and just."

Justinian added.

"Your Majesty, the harvests in recent years have been poor. All tribes have suffered severe disasters. The cattle and sheep have not been fully fed, and the people are still starving. This is one of the reasons why we cannot unite to fight against foreign enemies."

Chief Adyge spoke slowly.

"Why don't you wait a few years? Maybe the harvest will be better this year."

"Do you believe this? The weather is getting colder and colder. It's already May and mudslides are still happening in some places."

Justinian stared at him.

"Besides, since you are willing to fight for me, I will not sit idly by and watch your disaster. Timur Tash has brought a lot of ships, and the ships are full of food, clothes and fuel."

"When we arrived, you looked at the Cossacks' cotton clothes and their abundant food, and you were very envious."

"Serve me as your Lord, and you will enjoy the same treatment."

Justinian said calmly.

Seeing that Justinian finally stopped hiding his ambition for the Circassian throne, the tribal nobles had different expressions, some smiled, and some remained silent.

"Your Majesty, the Circassians are a docile people, but also a free people. We have our own culture and customs, and we do not wish to submit to anyone."

A noble said.

"Including you, your friendly majesty."

"I will not interfere in your private affairs. Each tribe will be completely autonomous, just as before."

Justinian looked at him.

"You don't have to pay any taxes to me, and I won't live here forever to accept your support."

"I have only one request. When the Saracens come, I will recruit you to defend our homeland together."

"If I can conquer some land in the east, I will give it all to you."

"You will have your seats in the Senate and the gates of Constantinople will be open to you."

"If you wish, you can send your sons to serve as officers in the imperial army and gain glory and fame for yourself, just like the Mamluks did in the past."

Justinian continued.

"I can tell you that many people in Constantinople say that you are barbaric and perverse, not true Christians, but polytheists who are even more evil than the Saracens. They suggest that the emperor block your trade routes and unite with the Saracens to completely eliminate you."

Seeing the tribal nobles' faces change drastically, Justinian showed a faint smile on his face.

"However, I always believed that the Circassian tribes were friendly and gentle, and would become loyal allies of the empire. They argued for their rights in the court and gave your delegation the best hospitality."

"It was not until I came here that I felt your friendliness and gentleness. At the same time, I was deeply saddened by the suffering you were going through. That's why there were large ships loaded with food and cotton clothes."

Justinian sighed.

"I heard that the Circassians value friendship and will repay a life-saving favor with their own life. I hope that's true."

The tribal nobles were silent and looked at several respected chiefs.

"Your Majesty Justinian, we believe in you and your father, but the Eastern Empire is still too powerful. When you no longer need us, will you invade our land and plunder our people?"

One chief asked worriedly.

"What's the reason? The empire has a lot of land and many valuable trade routes. Why would we go through so much trouble to force a group of brave and warlike people to rebel for a piece of worthless land?"

Justinian looked at him.

"I will sign a treaty with you, placing the Circassian Crown under the protection of the Eastern Roman Crown, and both sides will have peace for generations, with Saint Andrew as witness."

The nobles looked at each other, somewhat shaken.

The Kabardian prince stood up suddenly and looked at the chieftain of Adyge.

"We have been plundered by the Saracens for many years, and we have lost a lot of people and land. When they plundered us, you refused to help us."

"Now we have a chance to have enough food and clothing and develop peacefully. If you still sit back and do nothing about our disaster, I think there is no need for this alliance to exist."

The Kabardian prince was about to say more, but Chief Adyge stretched out his hand and stopped him.

Chief Adyge slowly walked towards the wall and took down a long sword from the wall.

Twelve stars are shining on the sword.

Chief Adyge walked towards Justinian, holding a long sword.

"Many years ago, the Mongols came and conquered our land and massacred our people."

"They conquered us by force, and forced us to forge a sword out of the finest iron, and a crown out of all our gold."

As the chieftain spoke, two sturdy men came out holding a tray. On the tray was a golden crown, which also sparkled with twelve stars.

"Our ancestors sent us the sword and the crown, but the Khan threw them on the ground and ordered us to take them back with great contempt, saying that such things were not worthy of being worn on his head. Then he continued to send troops and plunder."

The chief slowly told his story.

"Now, your father is willing to treat us, the barbarians that ordinary people call us, with respect and kindness."

"If you can really do what you say, you can really protect us and make us prosperous."

"Then we are willing to sign an agreement with you and make you our king!"

Chief Adyge raised his voice suddenly, raised his sword high, and knelt down.

Two warriors knelt behind the chief, holding the crown.

The Kabardian prince breathed a sigh of relief, crossed himself, and knelt down.

Seeing that the two largest tribes reached an agreement, the remaining tribes hesitated for a moment and knelt on the ground.

Justinian looked at the dark green marks on the crown and suddenly understood why the Mongol Khan was unwilling to accept the crown.

This thing is actually made of brass.

Justinian took the sword but did not touch the crown that was offered to him.

"His Majesty……"

Chief Adige was stunned.

"I know you still have doubts. I will lead you to conquest with my sword, and use it to take land, slaves, and money."

Justinian looked at his old face.

"As for the crown, it will wait until later, when I return."

"When I return victorious, I hope to be crowned in front of all the soldiers. I hope you do it from your heart, not because you are forced by the situation."

Chief Adyge looked at Justinian carefully, very surprised, his eyes flickered, and he nodded heavily.

Justinian faced the crowd and raised his sword.

"From today on, you are my vassal. I swear to protect you and not let you starve or be bullied. You swear to be loyal to me, to defend my territory, and to defend my descendants!"

"king!"

The tribal nobles drew their scimitars and pointed them at the sky.

On May 1469, 5, the twelve Circassian tribes held an alliance meeting and signed the "Twelve Concordats", declaring their allegiance to the Palaiologos family and, in accordance with Isaac's order, honoring Crown Prince Justinian as the King of Circassia.

On May 5, more than a dozen merchant ships began to unload their cargoes. The small trading post was filled to the brim with food, cotton clothes and other necessities of life. Horse-drawn carriages from various tribes gathered here, bringing hope to the suffering people.

On May 5, after discussion, the twelve tribes decided to give the trading post to Justinian as the king's only territory in Circassia.

On May 5, Justinian convened all the troops in the small port named Sochi and announced the formation of a coalition army.

A week later, groups of Cossacks arrived in Sochi, and the elite soldiers from various tribes gathered here. The two sides joined forces and marched towards the east in a mighty force.

(End of this chapter)