Boris Godunov vs Mai of Borno

Following the death of Tsar Feodor I without an heir, the Zemsky Sobor elected Boris Godunov as Tsar of Russia. This ended the Rurikid dynasty and marked the beginning of the Time of Troubles, as Boris's legitimacy was contested.

A severe famine caused by volcanic winter and crop failures struck Russia. Despite Boris's efforts to distribute grain and money, the famine killed an estimated two million people, leading to widespread social unrest and weakening his rule.

A man claiming to be Dmitry Ivanovich, the deceased son of Ivan the Terrible, invaded Russia with Polish support. This pretender's campaign gained popular support, destabilizing Boris's regime and leading to the Time of Troubles.

Boris Godunov died suddenly in Moscow, likely from a stroke or poisoning. His death left his young son Feodor II as tsar, who was quickly overthrown and murdered by supporters of False Dmitry I, plunging Russia deeper into the Time of Troubles.

The Mai became the traditional ruler of the Bornu Empire, a Kanuri state in the Lake Chad region. His reign occurred during the empire's decline, facing pressure from the Fulani jihad and internal rebellions.

The Mai's army was defeated by Fulani jihadists at the Battle of Ngala, leading to the loss of western Bornu territories. This defeat weakened the empire's control over trade routes and reduced its political influence.

The Mai signed a commercial treaty with the British Empire, granting trading rights in Bornu. This agreement aimed to counter the Fulani threat by securing European support, but it also increased British influence in the region.