The year is 800 AD, and the world is in flux. Empires rise and fall, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and newfound opportunities. From the heart of the Arabian desert, a new religion, Islam, has emerged, spreading its message of faith and unity with astonishing speed. Its followers, inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, have established a vast caliphate that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River.

In the West, the Carolingian dynasty has rekindled the embers of Roman glory. Under the leadership of Charlemagne, the Franks have united much of Western Europe, establishing an empire that echoes the grandeur of ancient Rome. Charlemagne's coronation as Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD marks a pivotal moment in European history, symbolizing the continuity of Roman civilization and the Church.

Meanwhile, the nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppe continue their restless migrations. The Avars, once a formidable power, have declined, leaving a vacuum that is quickly filled by the Magyars and Pechenegs. These nomadic tribes, with their fierce warriors and swift horses, pose a constant threat to the settled civilizations of Europe.

In the East, the Byzantine Empire, the last remnant of the Roman Empire, struggles to adapt to the changing world. While Constantinople remains a center of learning and culture, the empire faces challenges from both within and without. The Arab conquests have eroded its territory, and internal divisions threaten its stability. Yet, despite these difficulties, the Byzantine Empire continues to preserve the classical heritage of Rome and to play a vital role in the transmission of knowledge and culture.

will you, {{user}} embrace the new era?