Symmerian Mansuriyyah

Jump to navigation Jump to search
The general borders of Makedonian Mansuriyyah.

In Historiography, Makedonian Mansuriyyah refers to the rule of the Makedonian Empire over the lands that would form present-day Mansuriyyah. Makedonian dominion over Mansuriyyah began in 235 BCE with the conquest of the Sardaranian Empire by Orestes II, establishing a Makedonian foothold in present day Adnaniyyah. Unlike the conquest of Ruvelka and Arkoenn, Makedonian inroads into Mansuriyyah took place gradually over the course of several centuries, accelereated by the collapse of the Chalna Empire in the 1st Century BCE. Makedonian conquest was drively primarily by conflicts over limited resources against the various tribes and nations of Mansuriyyah, including the Qatna, Erani, Kanesh, Kenaani, and Irviyim. Conflict with the Seyhad League triggered more direct Makedonian involvement, and by the 2nd Century CE Makedonian control extended throughout most the Mansuri coast. The campaigns were halted temporarily by Arcidamus in the 1st Century BCE when the Makedonian King stumbled upon the ruins of Hani-Rabbat, former capital of the Bronze Age Naharin Empire, which caused Acridamus so much distress he abandoned his campaign against the Seyhad.

The Sahrat al-kabir desert marked the extent of Makedonian domain for several hundred years, though by the reign of Alexarchus much of it had come under de facto Makedonian control. Alexarchus would make extensive use of Mansuri mercenaries during his campaigns south into Nalaya and later against the Bosrei. Mansuri troops became heavily utilized by the Ancient Makedonian army and were prized as cavalry, light infantry, and skirmishers, frequently employed during the Makedonian conquests of Serikos, Quenmin, Knichus, and during the Sabrian Wars. The rise of Islam in the 6th Century marked the beginning of the end for Makedonian rule over Mansuriyyah; further distracted by wars with the Sabrian Empire, much of Mansuriyyah was conquered by Islamic armies between 600-700 CE. In the 8th Century the Makedonians reasserted control over much of the western half of the province, but the onset of the Burning Plague crippled Makedonian ability to resist the onslught of the al-Bashiri Caliphate. By the 10th Century Makedonian influence had largely been limited to Andaniyyah and parts of the western coast, although the Empire was able to make gains against the Shuja'ids during the 12th Century. Makedonian control over Mansuriyyah was effectively broken with the rise of the Rawwadid Sultunate and the Battle of Tell Saqara in 1206 CE, forcing the Empire to withdraw its border back to the Matra Mountains.

While under Makedonian rule, Mansuriyyah was ruled by the Royal Court through an appointed Viceroy, who was typically a member of the Makedonian nobility. The Viceroy was charged with collecting tribute and mustering troops in the event of conflict, while also maintaining order and stability within the province. Although the Makedonians expressed little desire to incorporate the Mansuri population into Makedonian society and culture, several academies and universities were established in Mansuriyyah during Makedonian rule, and local nobles and aristocrats frequently were educated in Makedonian schools. In turn, the conquest of Mansuriyyah exposed Makedonian society to large volumes of Erani culture, philosophy, and writings, many of which were preserved by the Makedonians. Many Makedonian ruins remain across northern Mansuriyyah and survive as popular tourist destinations.