1280

Osman, founder of the Ottoman dynasty, born.

1299

Osman declares the independence of his small principality from the Selcuk sultanate of Konya.

1326

Orhan Gazi captures Bursa, which becomes the second Ottoman capital (the small town of Sogut was the first capital).

1346-1353

Black Death sweeps Europe.

1352

Benefitting from the deadly strife within the Byzantine Empire, the Ottomans cross the Dardanelles and sieze a foothold on the European side.

1361

Murad I captures Edirne (Adrianople). As the third Ottoman capital, Edirne now becomes the head-guarters for the further expansion.

1386

The conquest of Sofia (capital of present-day Bulgaria).

1396

The final conquest and annexation, under Bayezid I the Thunderbolt, of the territories of the medieval kingdoms of Bulgaria and Serbia.

1400-1401

A new force out of the plains begins to make its presence felt in West Asia, forcing the Ottomans to over-extend themselves two distant fronts.

1402

The Battle of Ankara between Timur the Lame (Tamerlane) and Bayezid I. Alienated by Bayezid's hasty push of rapid centralization, the forces of the recently annexed Turcoman principalities of Anatolia cross over to the side of the relatively semi-tribal Timur in the heat of battle. deserted by all expect his Serbian allies, Bayezid is captured and eventually commits suicide.