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1355: the Prince of Texcoco

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AlterHis
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What if the colonization of Vinland had succeeded?
Here is that story!
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Map 22


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In 1334 Bertrand de Casteljaloux (1298-1359) arrived in Indies. Initially this poor knight is in the service of the English king.

In 1335 he entered the service of the city of Texcoco.  He encourages it to conquer the neighboring cities and gathers around him a troop of mercenaries more and more numerous.  In 1343 Casteljaloux takes the real control of Texcoco (but retains dummy Indian dignitaries.) and largely enlarges its territory.

In 1347 the Black Death begins to affect Europe. Venice loses 60% of its population. On the other hand in Vinland only 15% of the population is killed, especially in the cities. Less dense, better fed and healthier, the Vinlanders were more resistant when the epidemic arrived in 1350. As for the Indians, they were already largely affected by other equally serious epidemics.

Casteljaloux takes advantage of the weakening of Europe to invade the eastern coast and take control of the ports. Venetian traders are driven to the Kingdom of Mayapan and their monopoly broken.
At the same time, rich mines - especially silver - were opened one after the other: in 1351 in Taxco, in 1366 in Zacatecas and in 1376 in Guanaruato.
King Edward III, who always needs money and is at perpetual war, must resolve to deal with Texcoco.

In 1355 Edward III granted Casteljaloux the title of Prince of Texcoco. In exchange, Casteljaloux recognizes himself as a vassal of the King of England and favors his merchants.  He even promises his daughter, Mary of England (1344-1396), to the metis son of Casteljaloux, Jean (1337-1393) against a large dowry in gold. Mary of England arrive in 1358 in Texcoco.  In 1359 Bertrand I Prince of Texcoco dies. His son Jean I (1337-1359-1393) succeeded him.

Prince Jean, related by his mother to the native nobility, will lead the principality to its peak by trying to mix native population and culture with Europeans.  He will also have to fight against English and Venetian intrigues. For this he will ally himself with the Normandite which will provide him with reliable officials.

English and Venetians will then strengthen their control over the territories where they have the advantage. Mayapan becomes totally a Venetian protectorate in 1370. And the English conquer central Vinland. But alas there are no rich mines in these regions.
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