The Eagle of Eastern Europe

Calicut occupies an important position in the southern region of India as a transit point for spices and other commodities. Pepper and ginger were Calicut's main exports at that time. The Muslims dominated the country and ensured Calicut's dominance in maritime trade by granting special favor to the Arabs on the Malabar coast. Calicut has been attracting tourists with its charming features and prosperous scene since ages. In the 14th century AD, the Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta visited Calicut many times and admired its prosperity.

The trade here was originally controlled by Arabs and Indians, but in the past few days, dozens of merchant ships from the West came here.

"Dear King, I, Andrew Mason, the envoy of the Roman Empire, have come to trade with your country."

Mason submitted diplomatic documents to the king of Calicut in accordance with European practice and proposed setting up a commercial post and trading point here. But unfortunately, this place has long been occupied by the Arabs, and it is extremely difficult to open up new trade here.

During these months of sailing, Mason not only explored the trade route to India, but also gained a second Roman colony.

The Socotra Islands, not far from the Yemen region, consists of four islands: Socotra, Abdul Kuri, Samha and Derse. It is a transit point for Indian shipping routes. According to records on the island, as early as AD 52, the islanders had converted to Christianity under the guidance of Saint Thomas. Coupled with the Arabs' tyranny here, when Mason came here with his fleet, the islanders cheered and took out their long-cherished crosses to prove that they were from the same clan as them.

Mason first drove away the Arab lords on the island with his fleet, and then took the document to declare that this was the land of the Roman Empire, and renamed the four islands Andre Island, Morris Island, Patin Island and Bogdan Island. He also sent a priest and a dozen people to help the islanders establish government agencies and religious institutions. After a period of rest, they headed east again and finally reached India.

"You are welcome to come. I agree to your request, but the merchants in the city may not agree."

The king's words were conveyed to Mason through a translator, which made him feel a little uncomfortable, because in the past few days, his caravan had truly felt the hostility of the Arabs towards them. Their merchants could only purchase some of the goods here, and the missionaries also encountered difficulties in their missionary work here, making it difficult for everything to get off the ground.

But no matter what happens, as long as the king can approve it, it is enough. Others can be discussed slowly.

"Thanks to His Majesty the King for his permission, the two countries can complement each other in trade and prosper together."

When Mason met the king, the caravan he led was engaged in various activities in Calicut. Because Arab merchants were uncooperative, they had no choice but to go further afield and buy directly from locals.

Missionaries also encountered difficulties, and local beliefs had become deeply rooted in the people. It is very difficult for them to preach, and they don't know what magic power this religion has that can convince the people so much.

After a few days, they understood that these pagans were stopping them. They spread rumors to these local residents that they were enemies of religion and would rob their holy relics. This was very influential to devout believers.

In this case, they leave, they are not welcome here anyway. After barely loading two cargoes of goods, they headed north and arrived at the northern port of Cannanore two days later.

Unlike Calicut, caravans were welcomed here, and here they took advantage of the negotiated low prices to acquire goods such as pepper, ginger, and textiles in large quantities.

Seeing the opportunity, Mason began to show off his speaking skills and persuaded the local elders to sell them a piece of land as a trading post and trading point. The caravan had its first foothold in India.

Missionaries established churches here, and merchant houses gradually expanded their trade. Within a few days, dozens of ships were filled with not only spices, textiles, pearls, gems, but also several Indian slaves. I also bought some wood, ivory, metal, dyes, soap, glass, gunpowder, fireworks, cement, etc. produced in India. Because at this time India's industry and commerce was second only to the East. As we all know, the Roman Empire thousands of years ago had many colosseums, but leopards, tigers, and elephants did not exist in Europe, so they could only be imported from abroad, and India was the largest supplier of these beasts. These beasts passed through Central Asia and reached the territory of the Roman Empire. In order to keep this route open, the Romans once fought against the Parthians in northern Iran.

These goods were enough for Mason to deliver. After leaving three ships and dozens of people, he left India with the rest of the fleet and returned to Europe during the monsoon period.

The appearance of European Christians in India caused panic among the Crescent merchants who had controlled the spice route for a long time. They gathered together and did not know what to do.

There are also big figures behind these businessmen. Even if they are not, they have been doing business here for at least a hundred years and have a deep foundation. These big bastards cannot control the place of production, otherwise how would they do business.

They decided that the next time the pagans came again, they would force the king to drive them out, and they would never let them take away any goods here. I originally wanted to ask some powerful rulers for help, but they knew very little. They were either busy with other things or unable to protect themselves. Moreover, they were only doing business. If they were robbed, they might retaliate.

The Eastern Development Project led by the Southern Chamber of Commerce suddenly received a large amount of capital investment, and its efficiency was half as high. In addition to investing in colonial and canal projects, funds will also be invested in the penetration of the Mamluks, including Alexandria and Cairo. If a war breaks out in the future, the Suez project will bear the brunt, and the Chamber of Commerce must find a way to protect its interests in Egypt.

The Jerusalem area chamber of commerce has also begun to get involved. In Ashkelon, which is the gateway, and other important cities such as Jaffa, the chamber of commerce has established trading points. Since there is no smooth communication on land, sea trade has become the only way to connect. If we want to connect, we have to win over Syria.

An unopened canal cuts off free flow on both sides. The trade between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean was separated by an isthmus, and since the fall of Egypt, Rome had lost this Mediterranean granary and money bag. Although it made some moves, it always fell short. But now, it seems that hope of recovery has been rekindled. The potential decline of the Mamluks and the revival of Rome caused the forces on both sides to change. Is it possible that the luck of the believers from Mecca and Medina is coming to an end?