Page:Destruction of the Greek Empire.djvu/95

 THE TUEKS 61 the combined forces of the old and new Turks commenced a series of attacks upon neighbouring territory. During the next twenty years, their success was almost unchecked. In 1282, they laid siege to Tralles (the present Aidin), and, though opposed by the son of Michael the Eighth, were able to capture and destroy the city. 1 A short time after- wards they obtained a fleet and took into their service a large number of sailors who had been discharged by the emperor from motives of economy. Twelve years later, Othman and Ali, chief of another Turkish band, pushed their raids north- ward and even crossed the river Sangarius and spread de- solation throughout the Asiatic provinces of the Empire, before they could be driven back. Two years later, they laid waste the country between the Black Sea and Ehodes. In 1299, Othman took the title of Sultan. In 1302, he othman, . . . ' first Otto- and other Turkish leaders inflicted a serious defeat upon man the imperial troops and a band of Alans on the river 1299-1327. Sangarius near Sabanja. The defeat was shortly afterwards turned into a rout and the subjects of the empire with the Alans were driven to seek shelter in Ismidt, the ancient Nicomedia. The confines of the empire were narrowed, and Othman established himself near Brousa and the neigh- bouring city of Nicaea, and came to an arrangement for division of the newly acquired territory with the other Turkish chiefs. Alarmed for a while at the news that the emperor was to receive help from the West, the Turks soon renewed their attacks upon- imperial territory, and the Greek popula- tion almost everywhere fled before them. They attacked the wealthy cities on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor and occupied several of fche islands of the Archipelago. Pachymer states 2 that they had inundated the country north of Pergamus so completely that no Eoman dared entertain the hope of keeping his property, and all fled before the flood of invaders : some to the city of Pergamus, others to Adramyttium or Lampsacus, while others again crossed the Dardanelles into Europe. 1 Pach. vi. 21. 2 i v. 21.