THE YEARS OF FRUSTRATION: THE 1480S
The years 1481- 1490 could be summed up in one word - frustration.
Konstantinos XI had to wait for the war with the Lithuanians to end. Had to wait for his bride to grow up. There were plenty of other brides available , but the Patriarch wouldn't let Konstantinos XI divorce his child bride and marry someone more suitable. The Emperor had to wait for the truce with the ottomans to end. He was conscious he didn't have many years left and he still had so much to accomplish.
The Emir of Granada must have been afflicted by similar desires as he declared war on Castile -or just suffered from a suicidal impulse. Early 1481 saw a rash of revolts, notably in Lesbos and governments falling. That of the Crimea was a suitable reminder to the Byzantine Government that people could get uppity if not mollified. Those in the City were cheered by news of a victory over Lithuania in Ossetia and in Karaman over Karaman.
Switzerland had additional members - defections from the Holy Roman Empire (technically Switzerland was still a member, but completely ignored the Emperor) and Leinster in Ireland gave Brandenburg military access. No-one was really sure just who the Elector was, but he seemed to have limited geographical knowledge. Peasants on Rhodes may have been about to revolt, but had to deal with an earthquake as well.
The Byzantine empire lost a naval battle. This wasn't really surprising. When you send a single galley into the fray instead of the rest ofthe fleet and launch the main fleet in the wrong direction, it's entirely understandable. Bayezid rose to become ottoman Sultan and soon had conquests and conducted military reforms on both land and sea.
By the end of July, having sent the whole of the fleet into action, the Karamanese coastal raiders were finally removed. The Doukas married into the Castilian royal family much to Konstantinos' annoyance. Granada got into more wars. The Emir fell in love with a Christian. He was clearly mentally unstable.
In 1482, Serbia conned 162,000 ducats out of the Ottomans and their war ended. The Byzantine Empire had rebels in Kaffa and Anatolia, which had mercenaries despatched to resolve the situation. the mercenaries provided the strong voice of reason and order was soon restored. Cyprus declared war on Karaman. They were perfectly safe, the Karamanese had no more troops or ships or land not occupiued by the Byzantine Empire. More revolts in Varna and Attica ensued. Our solitary man in Karaman waiting a bout of synchronised looting was killed. Apparently, Karaman had an army hiding eslewhere that had now made it home. The brave Cypriots had something to do after all. The Cypriot army arrived shortly afterwards in Karaman and found themselves involved in a battle. They won, but found the whole experience too much to bear and ran back to their ships and home to Cyprus. They were honoured by a flag that bore the legend - ever faithful allies of the Romans, made citizens by honour! Thhis flag was the brain child of the new Prime Minister, as he called himself, one Megas Angelos. This did not go down well with either people or Senate.
Another war broke out in north africa. Delhi and Rajputana went to war . This eventually involved every Indian nation. PM Angelos though it would be a good idea for the Empire to get involved. Peasants in Smyrna and Achaia revolted. 1482 ended with our Kakheti vassals paying 462,000 ducats to Hungary to end their war. This may or may not have had something to do with peasants in Roumelia revolting as 1483 began. Najd became Ottoman vassals. Sultan Cem revolted. This was short lived. Somebody pointed out that Megas Angelos and Cem were close friends. Bursa, Lesbos and Rhodes all suffered revolts. So did Naxos. Second reports from Naxos told a different story. Apparently, they were karamanese troops, defeated by Cyprus, who walked all the way to Naxos.
A new Emir of Granada came to power. He was soon captured by Christians. Isabella and Ferdinand celebrated by forming Spain. Richard III rose to power in England. Venice and Milan started yet another war. The Karamanese sued for peace. Konstantinos XI ordered Angelos to annex them. He made them our vasslas. To add insult to injury , he was now receiving half their income on a monthly basis. [it's what you get clicking the wrong button.]
Teke and Germayian were now revolting. Kaffa soon joined them. Without the mercenaries, the rebels would have broken the Kingdom. The rebels were often, read usually, better equipped and lead than native Greek soldiers. Thomas was now seen in public a great deal more than Konstantinos, prompting speculation that Konstantinos was ill. The populace was convinced other wise by the appearance of the Varangian Guard on the streets of the City. Sus rejected our offer of military alliance. Quite why Angelos was trying to form alliances in north africa was not understood by other logothetes. More revolts in Macedonia and Vardar ought to have convinced anyone that Angelos was preparing a bolt hole. The Empire looked as if it were about to fall. At the end of 1483 a miracle happened. A Teuton army was defeated in Alania. The Teutons had massed a 100000 troops. These had been whittled down to 37,000 by attrition. The whole Imperial army had been thrown at it. They won. This wasn't quite enough to cause peace, but it gave the Imperial regiments a fresh bounce in their steps. Rebels were attacked. The Angelos faction was brought up on charges of treason Megas Angelos escaped but the rest of his House was not sao fortunate. Their estates were confiscated.
In mid 1484, the Ottomans went to war with the Ak Koyunklu. The opportunity to attack them seemed to have come, if only the pesky lithuanians could be bought off. The Ottomans picked a fight with Mazarandam as well.
In late 1484 Romanist Bohemia annexed Gelderland- that war had been going on off and on since Romanist Bohemia had inherited Hussite Bohemia. Castile and Portugal got into a war with the Papal States and England. This was a little offputting, because Castille was supposed to be Spain.
Finally, unable to stand the waiting anymore the Byzantine Empire declared war on the Ottomans. Our vassal allies dishonoured the call. They had to be re-added as allies to join in. Karaman wasn't an ally. It was more of a bolt-hole to go so the Ottomans couldn't attack troops. War was launched May 2 1485. By September 1485 it was discovered that the Ottomans had military access. Victory was secured in Bolu. The Ottomans stranded their main army besieging Corfu. The fleet made sure they went no-where. Ottoman forces made short work of Byzantine rebels they encountered. The ottomans showed their contempt for the Greeks by getting involved in another war, this time against Al Haasa.
1486 witnessed a succession of sieges completed on Ottoman territory and a sea-saw of victory and defeat of main naval fleets in the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Johann Cicero let us know he was the Elector of Brandenburg. This made a welcome change to addressing letters as 'To whom it may concern'.
Into 1487 and the English cede Aquitaine to Castille. Some new fangled concepts proving hard to adopt. More and more of the Ottoman provinces fell to the Empire. There were fewer troops from the north,since their peace with the Golden Horde. At sea, the ottoman navy had gained the upper hand. Our first attempt to establish a colony at ifni failed. Militant catholics were demanding that they be sent. So off they went. They'd been amongst Angelos' most loyal followers. Some Turk claiming to be a son of the previous Sultan asked for our support. He was sent away. Karaman and Cyprus signed a White Peace. The second attempt also failed. undeterred , more zealots were sent. The dungeons had a practically endless supply. These were allowed fresh air and decent food for a month before being sent off.
In February 1488 the Ottomans gave Sharqiyah back to to Al-Haasa. Later a third attempt failed. Ifni would be colonised if it was the last thing the prisoners would ever do. Burgundy inherited Brittany. This marked a return to life for Burgundy.
1489 was a bad year - still no peace with Lithuania. Cyprus was annexed by Venice. Venice attacked Hungary. It got better mid year as the Imperial army engaged the ottomans on Corfu and destroyed them, defeating several naval attempts to rescue them. This was the last service of Leo the Armenian, a brilliant general who had fought countless battles. He had , however, been overlooked in terms of honours. His departure left a gigantic hole in the quality of Byzantine commanders.
In October 1489, Ferdinand and Isabella tried again to form Spain. hopefully, this attempt would fare better than the first. A colony was successfully established at ifni. Rumours suggested the colonists had the services of Leo the Armenian.
Into 1490 and Konstantinos had his first son. The Ottomans gained land off the Mamluks without even fighting and didn't seem to care that their government had collapsed. Spain began the final war against Granada. Our colony in Ifni expanded. The City received thousands of new subjects fleeing Ottoman lands.
Konstantinos vowed he'd live to see the destruction of the Ottoman Empire, gain lands off Lithuania and have four sons. He also wanted to annex the vassal states of the Caucasus.
The years 1481- 1490 could be summed up in one word - frustration.
Konstantinos XI had to wait for the war with the Lithuanians to end. Had to wait for his bride to grow up. There were plenty of other brides available , but the Patriarch wouldn't let Konstantinos XI divorce his child bride and marry someone more suitable. The Emperor had to wait for the truce with the ottomans to end. He was conscious he didn't have many years left and he still had so much to accomplish.
The Emir of Granada must have been afflicted by similar desires as he declared war on Castile -or just suffered from a suicidal impulse. Early 1481 saw a rash of revolts, notably in Lesbos and governments falling. That of the Crimea was a suitable reminder to the Byzantine Government that people could get uppity if not mollified. Those in the City were cheered by news of a victory over Lithuania in Ossetia and in Karaman over Karaman.
Switzerland had additional members - defections from the Holy Roman Empire (technically Switzerland was still a member, but completely ignored the Emperor) and Leinster in Ireland gave Brandenburg military access. No-one was really sure just who the Elector was, but he seemed to have limited geographical knowledge. Peasants on Rhodes may have been about to revolt, but had to deal with an earthquake as well.
The Byzantine empire lost a naval battle. This wasn't really surprising. When you send a single galley into the fray instead of the rest ofthe fleet and launch the main fleet in the wrong direction, it's entirely understandable. Bayezid rose to become ottoman Sultan and soon had conquests and conducted military reforms on both land and sea.
By the end of July, having sent the whole of the fleet into action, the Karamanese coastal raiders were finally removed. The Doukas married into the Castilian royal family much to Konstantinos' annoyance. Granada got into more wars. The Emir fell in love with a Christian. He was clearly mentally unstable.
In 1482, Serbia conned 162,000 ducats out of the Ottomans and their war ended. The Byzantine Empire had rebels in Kaffa and Anatolia, which had mercenaries despatched to resolve the situation. the mercenaries provided the strong voice of reason and order was soon restored. Cyprus declared war on Karaman. They were perfectly safe, the Karamanese had no more troops or ships or land not occupiued by the Byzantine Empire. More revolts in Varna and Attica ensued. Our solitary man in Karaman waiting a bout of synchronised looting was killed. Apparently, Karaman had an army hiding eslewhere that had now made it home. The brave Cypriots had something to do after all. The Cypriot army arrived shortly afterwards in Karaman and found themselves involved in a battle. They won, but found the whole experience too much to bear and ran back to their ships and home to Cyprus. They were honoured by a flag that bore the legend - ever faithful allies of the Romans, made citizens by honour! Thhis flag was the brain child of the new Prime Minister, as he called himself, one Megas Angelos. This did not go down well with either people or Senate.
Another war broke out in north africa. Delhi and Rajputana went to war . This eventually involved every Indian nation. PM Angelos though it would be a good idea for the Empire to get involved. Peasants in Smyrna and Achaia revolted. 1482 ended with our Kakheti vassals paying 462,000 ducats to Hungary to end their war. This may or may not have had something to do with peasants in Roumelia revolting as 1483 began. Najd became Ottoman vassals. Sultan Cem revolted. This was short lived. Somebody pointed out that Megas Angelos and Cem were close friends. Bursa, Lesbos and Rhodes all suffered revolts. So did Naxos. Second reports from Naxos told a different story. Apparently, they were karamanese troops, defeated by Cyprus, who walked all the way to Naxos.
A new Emir of Granada came to power. He was soon captured by Christians. Isabella and Ferdinand celebrated by forming Spain. Richard III rose to power in England. Venice and Milan started yet another war. The Karamanese sued for peace. Konstantinos XI ordered Angelos to annex them. He made them our vasslas. To add insult to injury , he was now receiving half their income on a monthly basis. [it's what you get clicking the wrong button.]
Teke and Germayian were now revolting. Kaffa soon joined them. Without the mercenaries, the rebels would have broken the Kingdom. The rebels were often, read usually, better equipped and lead than native Greek soldiers. Thomas was now seen in public a great deal more than Konstantinos, prompting speculation that Konstantinos was ill. The populace was convinced other wise by the appearance of the Varangian Guard on the streets of the City. Sus rejected our offer of military alliance. Quite why Angelos was trying to form alliances in north africa was not understood by other logothetes. More revolts in Macedonia and Vardar ought to have convinced anyone that Angelos was preparing a bolt hole. The Empire looked as if it were about to fall. At the end of 1483 a miracle happened. A Teuton army was defeated in Alania. The Teutons had massed a 100000 troops. These had been whittled down to 37,000 by attrition. The whole Imperial army had been thrown at it. They won. This wasn't quite enough to cause peace, but it gave the Imperial regiments a fresh bounce in their steps. Rebels were attacked. The Angelos faction was brought up on charges of treason Megas Angelos escaped but the rest of his House was not sao fortunate. Their estates were confiscated.
In mid 1484, the Ottomans went to war with the Ak Koyunklu. The opportunity to attack them seemed to have come, if only the pesky lithuanians could be bought off. The Ottomans picked a fight with Mazarandam as well.
In late 1484 Romanist Bohemia annexed Gelderland- that war had been going on off and on since Romanist Bohemia had inherited Hussite Bohemia. Castile and Portugal got into a war with the Papal States and England. This was a little offputting, because Castille was supposed to be Spain.
Finally, unable to stand the waiting anymore the Byzantine Empire declared war on the Ottomans. Our vassal allies dishonoured the call. They had to be re-added as allies to join in. Karaman wasn't an ally. It was more of a bolt-hole to go so the Ottomans couldn't attack troops. War was launched May 2 1485. By September 1485 it was discovered that the Ottomans had military access. Victory was secured in Bolu. The Ottomans stranded their main army besieging Corfu. The fleet made sure they went no-where. Ottoman forces made short work of Byzantine rebels they encountered. The ottomans showed their contempt for the Greeks by getting involved in another war, this time against Al Haasa.
1486 witnessed a succession of sieges completed on Ottoman territory and a sea-saw of victory and defeat of main naval fleets in the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Johann Cicero let us know he was the Elector of Brandenburg. This made a welcome change to addressing letters as 'To whom it may concern'.
Into 1487 and the English cede Aquitaine to Castille. Some new fangled concepts proving hard to adopt. More and more of the Ottoman provinces fell to the Empire. There were fewer troops from the north,since their peace with the Golden Horde. At sea, the ottoman navy had gained the upper hand. Our first attempt to establish a colony at ifni failed. Militant catholics were demanding that they be sent. So off they went. They'd been amongst Angelos' most loyal followers. Some Turk claiming to be a son of the previous Sultan asked for our support. He was sent away. Karaman and Cyprus signed a White Peace. The second attempt also failed. undeterred , more zealots were sent. The dungeons had a practically endless supply. These were allowed fresh air and decent food for a month before being sent off.
In February 1488 the Ottomans gave Sharqiyah back to to Al-Haasa. Later a third attempt failed. Ifni would be colonised if it was the last thing the prisoners would ever do. Burgundy inherited Brittany. This marked a return to life for Burgundy.
1489 was a bad year - still no peace with Lithuania. Cyprus was annexed by Venice. Venice attacked Hungary. It got better mid year as the Imperial army engaged the ottomans on Corfu and destroyed them, defeating several naval attempts to rescue them. This was the last service of Leo the Armenian, a brilliant general who had fought countless battles. He had , however, been overlooked in terms of honours. His departure left a gigantic hole in the quality of Byzantine commanders.
In October 1489, Ferdinand and Isabella tried again to form Spain. hopefully, this attempt would fare better than the first. A colony was successfully established at ifni. Rumours suggested the colonists had the services of Leo the Armenian.
Into 1490 and Konstantinos had his first son. The Ottomans gained land off the Mamluks without even fighting and didn't seem to care that their government had collapsed. Spain began the final war against Granada. Our colony in Ifni expanded. The City received thousands of new subjects fleeing Ottoman lands.
Konstantinos vowed he'd live to see the destruction of the Ottoman Empire, gain lands off Lithuania and have four sons. He also wanted to annex the vassal states of the Caucasus.
