Central And Northern Europe

Central and Northern Europe have undergone significant changes resulting in a distinct reality, differing significantly from the European continent as we know it.

Kingdom of Rusland

In this timeline, Scandinavia - including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland - has been replaced by the powerful Slavic-speaking Kingdom of Rusland, which encompasses the area and extends south into what would have been modern-day Poland and Belarus. Rusland is known for its vast, sprawling taiga forests, numerous rivers, and boreal climate.

The Dominance of Slavic Cultures

The majority of Northern Europe is dominated by Slavic languages due to the influence of the Kingdom of Rusland. This pervasiveness of Slavic culture extends to other regions such as Baltic, leading to a strong Eastern Orthodox Christianity heritage.

Central European Differences

The landscape of Central Europe also differs from the familiar narrative in several ways:

Austrasia

Austrasia, a prosperous German-speaking state, plays an increasingly significant role in the development of Central Europe. Compared to our reality, it incorporates not only East Francia but also Switzerland and Bavaria. With easy access to the Rhine, Austrasia benefits from robust trade and cultural exchange with other neighboring states, making it a powerful economic and political force.

Kingdom of Noricum

The Kingdom of Noricum, occupying most of what is currently present-day Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, is ruled by a powerful dynasty who succeeded in forging a political union of various tribes and ethnicities. This alliance paves the way for a unified Central European empire, fostering a unique blend of customs, traditions, and shared identities. The landscape of Noricum is characterized by vast alpine forests, expansive grasslands, steppes, and mountains, with numerous great rivers, such as the Danube, Elbe, and Oder acting as major trade and transport arteries.

Cultural and Geographic Differences

The variety of terrains across Central and Northern Europe influences the climate and native lifestyles, with a broad range of flora and fauna found in forests, swamps, mountains, arctic plains, and coastal regions. A strong Slavic heritage and the presence of distinctive German-speaking states contribute to a diverse range of customs, languages, folktales, and beliefs, making this alternate European landscape a fascinating departure from our known history.