Michael Baizerman Author

 This is my latest contribution to the Discussions section on the Academia site. The Mongol invasion of Central Europe in 1241-1242 took the western leaders aback. Gruesome and spine-chilling, the victorious campaign of the steppe army sent shock waves across the continent. That was a powerful lesson that the Latin decision-makers would never forget. The campaign is assessed in terms of its strategic goals and viewed through the eyes of survivors. The author supplies several factors explaining the momentous withdrawal of the winners from the occupied territories. You may read the article  https://www.academia.edu/40613981/The_Squall_from_the_East I also uploaded another extract where I attempt to cover the diplomatic correspondence between Great Khan Guyuk and Pope Innocent IV.   The paper explores the attempt of the Apostolic See to keep an eye on the Mongols after their disastrous campaign against Central Europe. The Holy Father forwarded epistles to talk some sens...

  About three weeks ago, I uploaded a new version of my article "The Enigma of the Antipodes" for Discussions on academia.edu. This is the concluding chapter of Unit II of my manuscript, "The Enchanting Encounter with the East". You may view this extract  https://www.academia.edu/40346434/The_Enigma_of_the_Antipodes as well as enjoy reading the rest of my 20 something papers that represent the three projects.  T he paper explores a strand of medieval geography concerning the Antipodes, the legendary fourth continent of the European Middle Ages. It plunges the readers into a scholastic debate, presenting opposite sides. The arguments become intense and controversial on the eve of the Age of Exploration. This is a famous mappamundi featuring the Sciapod, a fantastic one-legged creature living and breathing in the Antipodes.    Burgo de Osma Mappamundi Courtesy:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mappa_mundi_of_Burgo_de_Osma_Beatus#/media/File:B...