Epanalávete

The Epanalávete
Date 13 January 1624 - 19 March 1749 Location Chersonian Peninsula and southeastern Belisaria Result Restoration of the Thraysian Empire Restoration of the Kingdom of Vardana Instatement of the Thraysian Inquisition and the expulsion of Thraysian religious minorities
Belligerents
Thraysia Tsensurii Vardana Ampheia Damarnis	Almurid Caliphate

The Epanalávete (Greek for "reconquest") was a period of over a century between the first successful revolt against Almurid rule and the final battle that kicked out the Almurids from Chersonia in 1749.

Background

Throughout much of the Middle Ages, the Chersonian peninsula was dominated by the Thraysian Empire. This was challenged with the rise of the Caliphates, which initially conquered most of the Chersonian Peninsula from the rule of the Thraysians. The Thraysians faced initial successes in reconquering most of the peninsula. Though in the Late Middle Ages, Thraysian rule over the Peninsula would gradually decline with pressure from the Caliphates. Additionally, the Thraysian-Caliphate wars eventually allowed the Vardanans to assert their independence from Thraysian rule and revive Miaphysite Christianity.

In 1468, the city of Konstantinopolis was sacked by the Caliphate, marking the official end of the Thraysian Empire. Its remnants would lie in the rump state of Ampheia in southeastern Belisaria. Christianity faced severe persecution by Azdarin rulers, though some minor political rights were granted to Christians later on. Many Churches, especially Hagia Vasiliki, were turned into mosques. The Patriarchates of Konstantinopolis and Damarnioch were accountable to the Sultanate and placed under heavy restrictions. Several Patriarchs were imprisoned or executed. The economic situation in Chersonia deteriorated with the decline of cities that were once highly-developed and prosperous. Life became ruralized and militarized while heavy burdens of taxation were placed on the Christian population. The exception to this included southern Ghevaric cities that flourished under Caliphate rule.

There were several rebellions by Chersonian Christians against the Caliphate. Most were largely unsuccessful and met with heavy repression.

The Great Revolt

An increase of taxes provoked a large-scale series of rebellions in 1647 known as the Great Revolt. The success of these rebellions was attributed to foreign support and a relative decline of the Almurid Caliphate. It led to the formation of several independent Christian states, including the restored Thraysian Empire. A long war would be fought between the newly independent states and Almurids from 1647 to 1656. The end result was a success among the independent states. The 1656 Treaty of Konstantinopolis defined the final borders of the new states.