When "Suleyman the Magnificent" was Sultan in 1550, the Ottoman Empire had
reached its zenith. Its eastern frontier was in the heart of Asia, it held
Egypt and the Northern Coast of Africa, and its European frontier reached
that of Austria and Russia. It included, with the exception of Rome, every
city famous in biblical or classical history.

Europe was dismayed at this advancing and irresistible power.

But there is a moment in the history of empires when they reach a climax.
Then comes a decline,--a time when conquest ceases, and they are content
to defend what they already possess; and finally are glad if they be
permitted to exist at all!

Such a moment of climax arrived to the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth
century. The three centuries which have followed have been a gradual and
sure decline.

The growth of a New Power beyond the Black Sea,--of Russia,--and brilliant
combinations by leaders in Hungary, Poland, and Austria, arrested the
fatal advance. Then came the struggle to keep instead of to acquire.
Hungary and Poland were torn from her, and the dismemberment had begun.

With these losses came loss of prestige at home, and revolts and internal
disorders. The Janizaries could no longer be trusted. They were open to
bribes, intriguing, and a source of danger rather than strength; and
finally a reforming Sultan touched a mine of gunpowder which led under
their barracks, and they were exterminated, the bowstring and sword
finishing the few which had escaped.