Imperium Sine Fine - A "Byzantine" AAR

[AKjeldsen]

After my York AAR had to be abandoned due to CTD's, a couple of people suggested that I try my hand at an AAR of the Byzantine Empire. I thought this sounded like an interesting challenge, so here you are. Let's hope this one is allowed to go further than the first one.

The primary objective in this game will be to preserve the integrity of the Empire, that is, at least to maintain the general status quo at game start. Ideally, the Empire will be able to expand into its former holdings in the Middle East, North Africa and eventually Italy, in an attempt to restore the former glory of the Roman Empire.

Incidentally, you probably won't find many references to the "Byzantine" Empire in this AAR, since that is a term coined sometime in the 18th century, by Montesquieu I believe. In keeping with the self-image of the time, I will usually call it the 'Roman Empire', or the 'Basilia Romaion', when I'm in the atmospheric mood.

The game is afoot - onward to glory and SPQR, and all that.

[AKjeldsen]

The Silver Gate in the Theodosian Walls

“Romulus shall call
That people ‘Romans’ after his own name.
I set no limits to their fortune and
No time; I give them empire without end.”

Prooímion / Praefatio

Constantine Ducas, the most powerful man in the world, was content.

From the grand balcony of his palace, the city of Constantinople, City of the Emperors, Glory of the Empire and the True Centre of the Known World, was laid out before his eyes. The harbour with its multitudes of powerful war galleys, the Forum and the Capitol, the marketplaces where marvellous goods from all corners of the world were sold and bought daily, the strong walls of Emperor Theodosius which had protected the city from attackers since time immemorial – and greatest of all, the Hagia Sophia cathedral, the greatest monument to the glory of God in all of Christendom, with the grand dome that towered above all else in this city.

But even greater than this city was the empire of which it had been the capital for more than seven centuries. In the distant future, men would call it the Byzantine Empire, or the Eastern Roman Empire, or perhaps the Greek Empire. Such concepts would have been alien to the man on the balcony, however. For him, there was only the Roman Empire, and a clear and unbroken line ran from Aenaeas through Caesar and Augustus, and later through Constantine the Great and Theodosius to himself – Constantine Ducas, ‘Basileus Romaion, Sebastos kai Autocrator’.

Another idea that would gain much recognition in the popular mind of the distant future was the idea that the Roman Empire “fell” at some point – the popular mind would have difficulty agreeing with itself over exactly when this happened, but generally at some point during the fifth century. This idea, however, would have been even more ridiculous to Constantine Ducas; for which man could make such a claim while standing where he stood now, surveying the bustle of his people in the early evening, breathe the air and feel the stones of Constantinople, this the greatest of all Roman achievements – even on occasion feel penetrated by the spirit of the ancient Romans?

It was true enough, he had to admit, that the adherents and subjects of those barbaric realms to the west often enough had the temerity to claim that the King of that precarious political entity, which they were fond of calling the “Imperium Sacrarum Romanum” or similar epithets, was in fact the true Roman Emperor, simply because the patriarch of Rome had decided that it was to be so. Ludicrous! And recently, he had even had to listen to such nonsense within the walls of his own throne room. If it hadn’t been for the niceties of diplomatic protocol, he would have had those tactless Germanic envoys put to death – or at least had their eyes gouged out. But his chancellor, Nicophorus, had advised against it.

At least they hadn’t called him a Greek.

But all the insults aside, it usually amused him to listen to the babblings of those envoys from the German King, or those from France, or Anglia, or whichever one tribe they happened to hail from in that particular month. For how could a tribe of barbarian Germans truly comprehend the glory that was the Roman Empire? How could you sit in a cold and dark granite castle in Noricum, spending most of your time squabbling with your vassals and trying to convince them to allow you to rule over them, yet claim to have inherited a tradition that had never been surpassed in glory and splendour, and never would be?

The ancients, he knew, had used a term which he much admired. Imperium sine fine. An empire that shall never end. That summed up everything that was essential to the Roman soul. Gauls, Phoenicians, Avars, Goths. The Roman Empire had seen it all, and yet had survived for more than fifteen centuries. The Empire would survive, and grow stronger, and in time, it would regain that which it had lost in previous times – not under his own lifetime, but under that of his descendants.

He knew that it could not be otherwise.

And with this thought, Constantine Ducas went to have dinner in the early evening of the first day of January, in the one thousand and sixty-sixth year after the incarnation of Christ the Saviour.


The Roman Empire on January 4th, 1066

[Kurek]

Good start. looking foward to seeing if you can take the Empire to great heights or not. I know that if a catholic country attacks another they suffer a large BB penalty but is this the same with Orthodox countries attacking Catholic and vice versa? If not you could always go for Italy

Just a side note, what is the Empire called in game? Empire of Byzantium? and the Dynasty name... Ducas?

[AKjeldsen]

Good start. looking foward to seeing if you can take the Empire to great heights or not. I know that if a catholic country attacks another they suffer a large BB penalty but is this the same with Orthodox countries attacking Catholic and vice versa? If not you could always go for Italy

Just a side note, what is the Empire called in game? Empire of Byzantium? and the Dynasty name... Ducas?

Yes, 'Empire of Byzantium' and dynasty is 'Ducas'.

And I imagine we'll find out about BB for Orthodox vs. Catholic soon enough. I mean - Normans? In Imperial Italy! Perish the thought! And that insubordinate Patriarch of Rome will obviously have to learn where his proper place is.

[Rirre]

Yes a Byzantin AAR I tought Byzantium would be the first country anybodey would write an AAR about, but still I'm glad to see one.

[Deaghaidh]

Good luck! I've been an ardant Romanoii-phile for a long time.

[Gothmog]

Please do continue this one...without a doubt, the Roman Empire is the one "nation" that appeals to me the most in this game (particularly pre-Manzikert), and I'm looking forward to seeing how it works in the game...best of luck...I hope you will be able to restore Justinian's borders at the least...even though the Normans may have been Scandinavian a while back, I hope you send them packing...

[AKjeldsen]

Logos I

There were certain people who would dispute the fact that Constantine Ducas was the most powerful person in the world. The Fatimid Caliphate under al-Mustansir of Cairo and Alp Arslan’s Seljuk Horde were both formidable enemies. The Holy Roman Emperor, Heinrich of Innsbruck, had more land and warriors than any other realm. And the word of the patriarch of Rome – Anselm of Lucca, a brilliant philosopher, rhetorician and theologian – carried authority everywhere in western Christendom.

But what those people failed to consider, other than their inability to see beyond their own tasteless desire for aggrandizement, was that the Basileus Romaion was the terminus of a line of Roman rulers stretching back to over seven centuries before the Incarnation – and considerably more than that, if you counted the rulers of ancient Troy, from whose ruling dynasty the founder of Rome had come. Constantine Ducas sometimes imagined that the walls of Troy had stood on the same place as Constantinople. That would make for an attractive and neat full circle, and Constantine Ducas was a great admirer of neat figures.

In any case, this grand tradition allowed the Basileus to rightly consider himself placed on a level above all other rulers of the world, and certainly to ignore such petty matters as the sizes of armies and treasuries.

That was not to say that the Basileus did not have his own problems to wrestle with. Far from it. And if somebody had asked Ducas himself – not that anyone would have dared – he would say that the greatest problem of them all was his lack of land. This might be surprising, considering that his word carried absolute authority throughout the (second) largest realm of the known world. Yet, those who knew better also knew that outside Constantinople proper, this authority was absolutely dependent on the goodwill of the Princes and Counts who actually ruled the individual provinces. This was obviously a weakness, and Constantine Ducas was determined to rectify it at the earliest opportunity.

Such an opportunity presented itself during a council meeting on January 4th, 1066. A messenger had arrived and handed a diptych to the Lord Chancellor, who swiftly read it, then stood and addressed the waiting Basileus.

“My lord, glorious Basileus! There is news from the northern frontier. Prince Alexandrii of Galich has declared war on the Pecheneg tribe. Georgios, your Majesty’s Prince of Varna, humbly suggests that we exploit this opportunity to crush the pagans and add their lands to the Roman Empire.”

Constantine Ducas briefly considered this. If he was to make use of this situation, it was essential that he could do so in person. He nodded. “Thank you, Lord Chancellor. As we all know, the responsibility for defending the borders of the Empire ultimately falls on the shoulders of the Basileus, and We would not have this matter bring undue discomfort to our princes and governors. Marshall Nicephorus, Can we take care of this campaign in person, with only our personal legions and a minimum of assistance from the provinces?”

The old soldier nodded. “Certainly so, my glorious Basileus.”

“Then by the Grace of God, that is the course we shall take. Marshall Nicephorus, call up such legions as you feel are necessary, and plan a campaign to crush the Pechenegs. I have spoken.”

The Marshall bowed deeply. “It shall be as you order, glorious Basileus.”

----

In late April, the forces of the Roman Empire had assembled near the town of Nikopolis on the southern shore of the River Danube. Constantine Ducas himself surveyed the camp from a nearby hill, and was content. Now that the troops from the province of Zadar had arrived, they were ready to strike. He turned to his entourage.

“Marshall Nicephorus. Order the troops to cross the Danuvius. Mikalos, fetch my arms and my horse.”

On April 22nd, 4500 troops of the Imperial legions crossed the River Danube into the mountainous pagan lands of Turnu, routed the defenders within hours and captured the local chieftain’s hill fort within days. Severin, Tirgoviste and Birlad fared little better. Soon, the campaign turned into little more than a race against the Prince of Galich over who would first reach the main camp at Belgorod.

Ultimately, the Prince of Galich did, but in the meantime, four whole provinces had been captured for the glory of the Empire, and Basileus Constantine decreed at once that these should henceforth form the Principality of Wallachia, and that this should form a part of the imperial demesne from this day and until the Day of Reckoning.

(Or so he would have done, if a small shortage of finances hadn’t made a brief delay necessary.)


The new Imperial Principality of Wallachia

[AKjeldsen]

Logos II

One of the methods Constantine Ducas used to keep his advisors and courtiers tightly reined in was the extensive use of irregular and unscheduled meetings. Another was to make sure that the courtiers could never be quite sure what the could expect at such meetings, as young Chancellor Nicophorus Comnenus was to be reminded at a meeting in the morning, on April 15th, 1068.


The Chancellor bowed deeply as he entered the lavish chamber where the Basileus usually took his breakfast. “Glorious Basileus, My Lord. I hope that you are well on this fine morning.”

“Admirably so, Chancellor, admirably so. Have a date. They’re excellent. From Antioch."

Chancellor Nicophorus eyed the bowl of dates, weighing the odds of annoying the Basileus by refusing against the risks of accepting. Dates did so upset his stomach. “I thank your glorious Majesty, but I am fasting in atonement these days. Perhaps I may have the honour of presenting a proposal to your glorious Majesty instead?”

“As you wish, Nicophorus. Present at your leisure.”

“I thank your glorious Majesty. As I have reported earlier, the Kingdom of the Zirids are engaged in a war against the Normans in Apulia. I have recently conferred with our Lord Marshall, and we believe that the time is ripe to strike against the Zirids, now that they are distracted and their forces are engaged in Italy. This would be an excellent time to reclaim our former possessions on Sicily and in Carthago. In fact…”

“I am sure,” he was interrupted by a female voice. ”I am sure, good lord Chancellor, that your idea holds great potential. But are you certain that it is, in fact, the best thing to do in this situation?”

The Chancellor closed his eyes. *Not that woman again,* he thought. *I’ll have that idiot who told me she wouldn’t be here boiled alive.*

Putting on his most amicable expression, he turned to face the Empress. “My most honourable lady Basilis. Surely you shine brighter than the sun this wonderful morning. But may this servant ask why making use of an opportunity to reclaim ancient possessions of the Roman Empire could possibly be a bad thing?”

“I did not say it was a bad thing, just that it might not be the best thing to do. As I recall, even your brief campaign against the transdanuvian pagans cost considerable amounts of money, and even put us into debt for over a year. Imagine your glorious Roman Empire going into debt! Now you would have us go to war against a considerably more competent enemy, halfway across the Mare Nostrum, risking raids and counterattacks on our lands? I could think of hundreds of other ways to use that money more profitably.”

“And those would be, my lady Basilis?”

“New constructions here in Constantinople. Developing our new possessions in Wallachia. Reducing taxes. Donations to the Church.”

Basileus Constantine had been watching the exchange with some amusement. Now he decided to stop them before things might become problematic. “I have made my decision. Chancellor Nicophorus may proceed with the invasion plans. Dearest Eudocia, I know that you think little of such pursuits, but it is necessary to show the world that the Roman Empire is still strong – that may prevent greater problems in the future. There will be money enough for your plans once this is over. You may both leave now.”

His wife and the Chancellor left the room. Constantine Ducas took another date, and reflected that being a ruler wasn’t really as hard as most people thought.


The Imperial Legions set sail for the island of Sicily

[C.N.]

Good start. Watch out for sneaky princes seeking to become King of Bulgaria.

[Stuyvesant]

So far, so good. Just make sure you end your Sicilian entanglements before the Seljuqs show up. Manzikert is only a few short years away...

[CrazyBugger]

Great story - I'm glad that you chose Byzantium - this one should be good.
Thank you for all the hard work.

Jono

[AKjeldsen]

Logos III

It had been a while since Constantine Ducas last visited the city of Palermo. That was to be expected, considering the whole island of Sicily had been in the hands of the Arab Kingdom of Zirid since 1061. From his vantage point on the hills around the city, it seemed like it had grown in those years. Good to see that the Arabs had taken good care of his city.


Basileus Constantine besieges Syracuse in the early stages of the invasion

Incidentally, the hills around the city were also an excellent place to station the siege engines that now rained boulders and Greek fire down on the city. The city’s defenders had made a pitiful attempt to resist the invasion, of course, but 350 against 5500 were rather poor odds. So far, he had lost many more men to attrition than combat – Sicily might be rich, but not enough to feed the size of this army. No matter. He knew that things would be worse in the deserts around Carthage, while the counties of Lucca and Apulia would seem like Paradise to his exhausted men once they got that far. And they would get that far. Nothing could stop them.


The Imperial Legions prepare for a landing near Carthage


The battle of Bizerte

Time proved Constantine Ducas right. Sicily, Malta and Carthage fell in short order. King Murtaza attempted a feeble stand in Bizerte, and was routed easily. Not even money was a problem, once the rich harbours of Sicily had fallen into his hands.

In April of 1071, the Imperial Legions stormed the city of Apulia, which the Zirid King had taken from the Norman Duke of Apulia the year before. The conquest of the Zirids was over, and the Roman Empire had taken a large step on the path to the restoration of their past greatness.


The new western provinces of the Roman Empire

[Rocky Horror]

((Great, now I KNOW most of the rest of our AARs will get lost in the shuffle.

Great work!))

[AKjeldsen]

Logos IV

In early September of 1071, Constantine Ducas had returned from the glorious and overwhelmingly successful campaign against the Kingdom of the Zirid. Conquering new provinces was all well and good, of course, but it didn’t surpass the pleasure of exulting over the fact that his wife had been in error. He proceeded to do so at their first meeting after his return.


Eudocia Ducas, Basilis Romaion

“As you can see, my dear Eudocia, this venture was on the whole very successful. Sicily and Carthage have both been returned to the Imperial fold, and they have increased our revenue almost five-fold.”

Empress and Imperial Steward Eudocia bowed her head. “I must grant you that I was too reluctant. You chose the best course, as always. And how is it your wish that these new revenues are to be used, my Basileus?”

“We need to increase the size of our legions. It is my wish that you prioritize building training grounds and barracks in Constantinople and in the Principality of Walachia. Our new Pecheneg subjects are strong warriors, and if we can muster them in sufficient numbers, they could be invaluable in further wars. After that, you may allocate them as you think fit – but do so wisely.”

The Empress bowed her head again. Even though she was his wife, and able to enjoy a certain level of familiarity, she held no illusions that she would be spared the usual punishments for failure. “It shall be as you desire, my Basileus.”

“Excellent. You may leave me now.”

The Empress rose, bowed and left. The Emperor sat in thought for a moment, then waved to a servant. “Find the Lord Marshall and inform him that I wish to have words with him at once.”


Nicephorus Botaniates, Marshall of the Roman Empire

A few minutes later, old Nicephorus Botaniates hurried though the door as quickly as his 70 years allowed and bowed carefully. “You wished to see me, oh glorious Basileus?”

“Indeed, Nicephorus. Do sit. I have considered the matter of events on the eastern border carefully since we last spoke. While it is indeed regrettable that the Kingdom of Georgia is losing ground to the Abbasids, I do not think it would be advisable to involve ourselves just yet. After all, they have refused our offers of protection on several occasions, so surely King Bagrat must prefer to look to his own defences. Maybe should Georgia actually fall at some point in the future, we might have to involve ourselves, but interfering in how a brother monarch manages his realm would be most inappropriate. Do you not agree, Nicephorus?”

The Marshall nodded. “It is most surely as you say, grand Basileus. Nevertheless, should I request that the legions in the Chaldea principality should stay on alert?”

“I believe that would be the prudent course of action, my good Marshall Nicephorus.”

[VPeric]

I'll be defienately be reading this!!

And, be easy on the Prince of Serbia

[Prufrock451]

A nice start!

But who shall take up the reins once the Basileus is dead? Isn't the Emperor a little overstretched from controlling so many provinces? How long can the Empire sustain such losses?

*agitates*

[tyreynolds]

Interesting AAR. I am interested in knowing what the loyalty levels are of your vassals. Historically, their loyalty was very low, which aided the treason during the battle of Manzikert. Since you are playing, the husband of the legitimate Emperess of the Macedonian dynasty, I am wondering about the stability. Ahh, for the days of the glorious Basil the Bulgarslayer. After his death in 1025, his two daughters and their consorts let the military collaspe while spending large amounts on the civil side.

[AKjeldsen]

A nice start!

But who shall take up the reins once the Basileus is dead? Isn't the Emperor a little overstretched from controlling so many provinces? How long can the Empire sustain such losses?

*agitates*

His beloved son, Michael Ducas will take over when the current Basileus is no more, the Basileus can control a beautiful total of 27 provinces directly, and the Empire's manpower of 50564 can easily sustain such trifling losses as we have seen so far.

Stay tuned.

[Prufrock451]

Count on it.