Fresh Batch #50: The 17th Century German Empire

From the Perspective of a Turkish Spy

As you read this letter, recall it is written almost exactly a decade before the Battle of Vienna, on the 9th of the 7th Moon, of the Year 1673. For those unfamiliar, it is the decisive battle that halted the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into Europe.

According to Wiki, the battle marked the first time the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Holy Roman Empire had cooperated militarily against the Ottomans, and it is often seen as a turning point in history, after which "the Ottoman Turks ceased to be a menace to the Christian world".^{[24] [c]} In the ensuing war that lasted until 1699, the Ottomans lost almost all of Hungary to the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I.^[24]

In a letter to Hamet, Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire, Mahmut assessed the states of Europe, “Now I will perform the Promise I made thee long ago; which was, to present thee with an Idea of the different Strength and Policies of these Nazarene Kingdoms and States; wherein I will begin with Germany, which is, as it were, the last Retrenchment of the declining Roman Empire.

“The Annals affirm, that in the Reign of Charles V. when the Mussulmans invaded Austria with innumerable Forces, that Emperor opposed him with an Army of 90000 Foot and 30000 Horse. Maximilian II. went beyond him, and raised 100000 Foot and 35000 Horse. Neither was Corn dear in so vast an Army. It is certain that the German Emperor can, upon Occasion, send into the Field 200000 expert Soldiers. It is moreover observed, that from the Year 1560 of the Christians Hegira, even to these present Times, there has been no War between France, Spain, and the Netherlands, wherein many Thousands of Germans have not serv’d.”

Notice his necklace? We’ll get into what that is, but those who’ve read A Godsacre for Winds of the Soul know all about this golden fleece. (Click the image).

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