Excellent update... I'm looking forward to seeing how this little family scrum will play itself out...
A History of Byzantium
- Thread starter VILenin
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No update yet, sorry, things are a little busy right now. Expect one in the next four or five days. For now, some feedback.
RGB: Yup, women, Man's age-old conundrum. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em (unless your into cloning, but I won't go there
). One things for certain, though, under no circumstance should you ever give them royal power! It's like feeding a Furby after midnight. Now sit back and watch as a beautiful women destroys what Caesar hath wrought.
Draco Rexus: No, Kosmas is far from finished in our story. You're right that Alexius could still redraw the political map or change the succession with enough effort, but would it be worth it? In many ways Theodoros is better suited for the throne than his brother.
crusaderknight: Apparently there's more of a backlash against Theodoros than I anticipated! Still, power is a terrible strain on family.
Terraferma: I will give you a little spoiler, though; someone important is going to die before their time in the near future.
General_BT: Thank you! I hope you'll like the culmination of the family rift in the upcoming chapter.
RGB: Yup, women, Man's age-old conundrum. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em (unless your into cloning, but I won't go there
). One things for certain, though, under no circumstance should you ever give them royal power! It's like feeding a Furby after midnight. Now sit back and watch as a beautiful women destroys what Caesar hath wrought. Draco Rexus: No, Kosmas is far from finished in our story. You're right that Alexius could still redraw the political map or change the succession with enough effort, but would it be worth it? In many ways Theodoros is better suited for the throne than his brother.
crusaderknight: Apparently there's more of a backlash against Theodoros than I anticipated!
Still, power is a terrible strain on family.Terraferma:
Yes, yes, how adroit of you. Excuse me for adding some faux-historical gravitas to my writing!
I will give you a little spoiler, though; someone important is going to die before their time in the near future.General_BT: Thank you! I hope you'll like the culmination of the family rift in the upcoming chapter.
Chapter IX
Chapter IX: Tragedy in the East
Though the re-conquest of Italy had been cut short, there was still plenty of work to be done. With Sicily now entirely in Byzantine hands the naval program initiated by Romanos IV and continued by Alexius proceeded apace. Naval control of the Mediterranean was always a vital factor for the Empire for both the power projection and the enabling of trade. Freed from the menace of Arab pirates, merchants from Italy and southern France poured into the markets of Constantinople to purchase the luxuries of the Orient, filling the Imperial coffers in the process. But while financially the Empire continued to prosper, internal politics were once again becoming problematic, and this time the trouble flowed from the Imperial family itself.
The source of that trouble was the intensifying rivalry between Alexius’ two sons, Theodoros and Kosmas. The former was now Caesar and had a hand in much of the administration of the Empire; the latter was a popular and successful general. Fears of a renewed battle between the Imperial Court and the Army pervaded Constantinople. Everyone remembered the disastrous results of the Dukas era. Above the two factions was the Emperor himself, trying vainly to reconcile his two sons. Despite his intriguing, Alexius still believed Theodoros to be the best successor, but his efforts against his brother had to be stopped. Unfortunately there seemed to be little he could do. While he remained in Constantinople he could prevent anything serious from developing but he couldn’t find a way to end their differences.
Kosmas popularity with the army, and his position as Megas Domestikos, was a cause for concern for those in Theodoros’ faction. This party was led not by the Caesar himself but by his formidable wife, Eudokia Kantakouzenos. In her quest to secure her husband’s position, and thereby her children’s, a popular and ambitious general was an obstacle, especially when he was a member of the Imperial family. For centuries Roman emperors had been made and unmade by the soldiers and Eudokia wasn’t about to forget it. There were two ways, therefore, to deal with Kosmas. Either Theodoros would have to win over the soldiers, either through bribery or military victories, or Kosmas would have to be discredited. Though Theodoros was a compotent soldier (albeit not of the same caliber as his younger brother) she chose the latter course of action. And an opportunity to do so soon presented itself.
Thessalonica was the second city of the Empire, a large and prosperous port city whose volume of trade was surpassed only by the capital itself. So when heretical beliefs began to spread in the city it was immediately a matter of Imperial concern. The heresy was that of the Bogomils, a sect founded in the tenth century in the Balkans. Their beliefs included, among other things, the idea that the world was created by the Devil and so all worldly pleasures must be resisted. More seriously, to Byzantine authorities, the regularly practiced disobedience to the state and church by refusing to pay taxes or serve in the army. Here, clearly, was a group that could not be tolerated. As their numbers in Thessalonica grew the Orthodox Church was quick to move against them. Unfortunately for them their attempts at oppression met with little success. Anathema was pronounced on many local priests accused of following or tolerating the heretical teachings of the Bogomils but this only angered the local peasantry. Recent prosperity had greatly increased the local power of the peasants and burghers in Thessalonica to levels unprecedented anywhere else in the Empire. The correspondingly weakened positions of the clergy and nobility left the city less susceptible to external pressures then perhaps was usual.
As tensions grew in Thessalonica, and pressure began to mount in Constantinople for action against the heretics, Eudokia saw her opportunity. The Archbishop of Thessalonica was good friends with a monk named Michael who frequently accompanied Kosmas on campaign, acting in a role similar to a personal chaplain. The presence of the Bogomils in his backyard, so to speak, had considerably damaged the standing of the Archbishop in the eyes of his fellows. So, in 1098, when Eudokia went to the Patriarch suggesting the continuing spread of heresy was no accident and in fact due to the Archbishop’s own leanings she found a receptive audience. A storm of outrage came against the poor Archbishop who was quickly thrown out. From there guilt of association began to do its work; suspicions of heretical sympathies spread first to the monk Michael and then to Kosmas, just as Eudokia had intended.
Chapter IX: Tragedy in the East
Though the re-conquest of Italy had been cut short, there was still plenty of work to be done. With Sicily now entirely in Byzantine hands the naval program initiated by Romanos IV and continued by Alexius proceeded apace. Naval control of the Mediterranean was always a vital factor for the Empire for both the power projection and the enabling of trade. Freed from the menace of Arab pirates, merchants from Italy and southern France poured into the markets of Constantinople to purchase the luxuries of the Orient, filling the Imperial coffers in the process. But while financially the Empire continued to prosper, internal politics were once again becoming problematic, and this time the trouble flowed from the Imperial family itself.
The source of that trouble was the intensifying rivalry between Alexius’ two sons, Theodoros and Kosmas. The former was now Caesar and had a hand in much of the administration of the Empire; the latter was a popular and successful general. Fears of a renewed battle between the Imperial Court and the Army pervaded Constantinople. Everyone remembered the disastrous results of the Dukas era. Above the two factions was the Emperor himself, trying vainly to reconcile his two sons. Despite his intriguing, Alexius still believed Theodoros to be the best successor, but his efforts against his brother had to be stopped. Unfortunately there seemed to be little he could do. While he remained in Constantinople he could prevent anything serious from developing but he couldn’t find a way to end their differences.
Kosmas popularity with the army, and his position as Megas Domestikos, was a cause for concern for those in Theodoros’ faction. This party was led not by the Caesar himself but by his formidable wife, Eudokia Kantakouzenos. In her quest to secure her husband’s position, and thereby her children’s, a popular and ambitious general was an obstacle, especially when he was a member of the Imperial family. For centuries Roman emperors had been made and unmade by the soldiers and Eudokia wasn’t about to forget it. There were two ways, therefore, to deal with Kosmas. Either Theodoros would have to win over the soldiers, either through bribery or military victories, or Kosmas would have to be discredited. Though Theodoros was a compotent soldier (albeit not of the same caliber as his younger brother) she chose the latter course of action. And an opportunity to do so soon presented itself.
Thessalonica was the second city of the Empire, a large and prosperous port city whose volume of trade was surpassed only by the capital itself. So when heretical beliefs began to spread in the city it was immediately a matter of Imperial concern. The heresy was that of the Bogomils, a sect founded in the tenth century in the Balkans. Their beliefs included, among other things, the idea that the world was created by the Devil and so all worldly pleasures must be resisted. More seriously, to Byzantine authorities, the regularly practiced disobedience to the state and church by refusing to pay taxes or serve in the army. Here, clearly, was a group that could not be tolerated. As their numbers in Thessalonica grew the Orthodox Church was quick to move against them. Unfortunately for them their attempts at oppression met with little success. Anathema was pronounced on many local priests accused of following or tolerating the heretical teachings of the Bogomils but this only angered the local peasantry. Recent prosperity had greatly increased the local power of the peasants and burghers in Thessalonica to levels unprecedented anywhere else in the Empire. The correspondingly weakened positions of the clergy and nobility left the city less susceptible to external pressures then perhaps was usual.
As tensions grew in Thessalonica, and pressure began to mount in Constantinople for action against the heretics, Eudokia saw her opportunity. The Archbishop of Thessalonica was good friends with a monk named Michael who frequently accompanied Kosmas on campaign, acting in a role similar to a personal chaplain. The presence of the Bogomils in his backyard, so to speak, had considerably damaged the standing of the Archbishop in the eyes of his fellows. So, in 1098, when Eudokia went to the Patriarch suggesting the continuing spread of heresy was no accident and in fact due to the Archbishop’s own leanings she found a receptive audience. A storm of outrage came against the poor Archbishop who was quickly thrown out. From there guilt of association began to do its work; suspicions of heretical sympathies spread first to the monk Michael and then to Kosmas, just as Eudokia had intended.
Wow, Eudokia is a devious genius. I certainly hope that Kosmas will be able to defeat this slander, and ultimately take the Purple. I think the Empire needs him more than it needs Theodoros.
Uh-huh, a witch-hunt is a dangerous thing. You never know for sure where (or at who) the accusations will end up.
It appears events are already in motion by which cannot be stopped that I think may very well tear the empire in two. A civil war of succession, it has the potential to be that way. I would throw my lot with Kosmas. The empire does not need someone so vile as Eudokia that could lead them down a path to ruin, though I will acknowledge her cunning genious.
Utter deviousness on the part of Eudokia... I think she and Anastasia from my Byzantium would have gotten along well! Now to see how Kosmas defends himself from these charges - will it be with words, or swords?
Now to see how Kosmas defends himself from these charges - will it be with words, or swords?
Never stand between a mother and the future prospects of her offspring. Poor Kosmas, who really never really had a chance, just found that out the hard way.
Now the question is, just how far will the witch hunt go, who will end gettin' burned by it, and just what is the possibility that this just might come back to bite dear vindictive Eudokia in the arse?
Now the question is, just how far will the witch hunt go, who will end gettin' burned by it, and just what is the possibility that this just might come back to bite dear vindictive Eudokia in the arse?
Here's the next update, a little shorter than usual but the next story component. My laptops battery's about to die so feedback will have to wait a little bit.
Chapter IX (ii)
Accusing a member of the Imperial family of heresy was no small thing and in no time all of Constantinople was in an uproar. The Patriarch was beginning to bring various clergymen to trial for heretical beliefs with exile being the end result in most of the cases. As the Bogomils were a dangerous sect, from the Imperial standpoint, and moreover the Emperor’s position as the champion of Orthodoxy, Alexius did not take long to denounce Bogomils in Thessalonica and those who had failed to stop their teachings. He did nothing to defend Kosmas, short of pressuring the Patriarch to ensure the proceedings were conducted fairly. Realistically he could have done little else. If he had forced the charges to be dropped, or attempted to do so, the end result would have been worse. In any case, Kosmas was innocent and Alexius knew it; since they were groundless the rumors would eventually be proven to be just that.
Alas, things proved not to be so straightforward. Though no real evidence could be found against the Megas Domestikos, once leveled the accusation began to acquire a life of its own. Byzantine society was permeated with religion and practically every citizen, from the Emperor on down to the slaves, exhibited a vehement interest in what we today would consider the most obscure theological matters. So it would be something of an understatement to say that, on an issue like this, passions ran high. The rivalry between the two Comneni only exacerbated the situation. Mobs became a common sight in the streets of Constantinople, led by a variety of rabble-rousers and trouble-makers as well as the genuinely devout. Kosmas did have a stroke of luck, however, for while Eudokia had brought the Patriarch the entire Church did not go with him. Several prominent churchmen, opposed to sitting Patriarch for reasons of their own, rose to Kosmas’ defense. One by one the various witnesses against him were discredited and his detractors humiliated. Finally he was formally cleared of all charges heresy after swearing before an assembly of bishops in St. Sophia that was not and never had been a follower of any heretical dogma. The diocese of Thessalonica was effectively purged and the matter was put uneasily to rest.
Furious at her defeat, it was anyone’s guess how Eudokia might move against Kosmas next. She never got her chance. Determined to preserve the precarious tranquility in the capital, Alexius announced he would once more be taking the army to the field, and this time both his sons would be accompanying him.
Accusing a member of the Imperial family of heresy was no small thing and in no time all of Constantinople was in an uproar. The Patriarch was beginning to bring various clergymen to trial for heretical beliefs with exile being the end result in most of the cases. As the Bogomils were a dangerous sect, from the Imperial standpoint, and moreover the Emperor’s position as the champion of Orthodoxy, Alexius did not take long to denounce Bogomils in Thessalonica and those who had failed to stop their teachings. He did nothing to defend Kosmas, short of pressuring the Patriarch to ensure the proceedings were conducted fairly. Realistically he could have done little else. If he had forced the charges to be dropped, or attempted to do so, the end result would have been worse. In any case, Kosmas was innocent and Alexius knew it; since they were groundless the rumors would eventually be proven to be just that.
Alas, things proved not to be so straightforward. Though no real evidence could be found against the Megas Domestikos, once leveled the accusation began to acquire a life of its own. Byzantine society was permeated with religion and practically every citizen, from the Emperor on down to the slaves, exhibited a vehement interest in what we today would consider the most obscure theological matters. So it would be something of an understatement to say that, on an issue like this, passions ran high. The rivalry between the two Comneni only exacerbated the situation. Mobs became a common sight in the streets of Constantinople, led by a variety of rabble-rousers and trouble-makers as well as the genuinely devout. Kosmas did have a stroke of luck, however, for while Eudokia had brought the Patriarch the entire Church did not go with him. Several prominent churchmen, opposed to sitting Patriarch for reasons of their own, rose to Kosmas’ defense. One by one the various witnesses against him were discredited and his detractors humiliated. Finally he was formally cleared of all charges heresy after swearing before an assembly of bishops in St. Sophia that was not and never had been a follower of any heretical dogma. The diocese of Thessalonica was effectively purged and the matter was put uneasily to rest.
Furious at her defeat, it was anyone’s guess how Eudokia might move against Kosmas next. She never got her chance. Determined to preserve the precarious tranquility in the capital, Alexius announced he would once more be taking the army to the field, and this time both his sons would be accompanying him.
Yes, war is often a good way of shoring up stability - if it is successful of course.
This is just what Kosmas needs! He is definitely better than his brother on the battle field. If he uses the opportunities presented to him wisely, he can secure the posotion away from Theodoros.
There's one way to put the issue to rest! Take them both into the field and see if the enemy will sort the succession problem for you!
Wow!
I have just cough up with this AAR (I read something like 10 pages!) and must say I am deeply impressed. You have created a highly believable historical setting. But I must say it's absolutely typical that the sympathy of everyone here lies with Kosmas. Who knows perhaps Theodoros is a truly brilliant statesman. Being married to a witch does not disqualify you as emperor.
Anyway I am curious to see how things will develop.
~Lord Valentine~
I have just cough up with this AAR (I read something like 10 pages!) and must say I am deeply impressed. You have created a highly believable historical setting. But I must say it's absolutely typical that the sympathy of everyone here lies with Kosmas. Who knows perhaps Theodoros is a truly brilliant statesman. Being married to a witch does not disqualify you as emperor.
Anyway I am curious to see how things will develop.
~Lord Valentine~
Ugh.
I wish I read your AAR before I even started mine. Yours is just so realistic.
Incidentally, the battlefield is a great place to have accidental deaths.
I wish I read your AAR before I even started mine. Yours is just so realistic.
Incidentally, the battlefield is a great place to have accidental deaths.