Byzantium Events, Monarchs and Leaders

[Damocles]

The current Byzantine Monarchs list is rather wrong...On many accounts, as anyone with a more then passing knowledge of it's history will swiftly realize. If you were to believe the current list, then one would think that Irene was one of the best to ever rule from Constantinople. (Hardly!). I am going to put the current list here, then follow up with a revised monarchs list. Also, Byzantium currently only has one leader. So there is plenty of room, as during the Macedonian dynasty, it had many gifted generals.


historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2095 }
name = "Konstantin V"
startdate = {
year = 741
}
deathdate = {
year = 774
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 2
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2096 }
name = "Leo IV"
startdate = {
year = 775
}
deathdate = {
day = 8
month = september
year = 780
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 4
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2097 }
name = "Konstantin VI."
startdate = {
day = 9
month = september
year = 780
}
deathdate = {
year = 794
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 4
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2098 }
name = "Irene"
startdate = {
year = 795
}
deathdate = {
year = 801
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 5
MIL = 4
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2099 }
name = "Nikephoros I."
startdate = {
year = 802
}
deathdate = {
day = 26
month = july
year = 811
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 5
MIL = 4
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2100 }
name = "Michael I."
startdate = {
day = 27
month = july
year = 811
}
deathdate = {
year = 812
}
DIP = 1
ADM = 1
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2101 }
name = "Leo V."
startdate = {
year = 813
}
deathdate = {
year = 819
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2102 }
name = "Michael II."
startdate = {
year = 820
}
deathdate = {
year = 828
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2103 }
name = "Theophilos"
startdate = {
year = 829
}
deathdate = {
year = 842
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 4
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2104 }
name = "Michael III."
startdate = {
year = 843
}
deathdate = {
year = 865
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 4
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2105 }
name = "Basileios I."
startdate = {
year = 866
}
deathdate = {
year = 885
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 6
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2106 }
name = "Leo VI."
startdate = {
year = 886
}
deathdate = {
day = 12
month = may
year = 912
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2107 }
name = "Konstantin VII."
startdate = {
day = 13
month = may
year = 912
}
deathdate = {
year = 958
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 4
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2108 }
name = "Romanos II."
startdate = {
day = 13
month = may
year = 959
}
deathdate = {
year = 962
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2109 }
name = "Nikephoros II."
startdate = {
year = 963
}
deathdate = {
year = 968
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 4
MIL = 7
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2110 }
name = "Johannes I. Tzimiskes"
startdate = {
year = 969
}
deathdate = {
year = 975
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 5
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2111 }
name = "Basileios II. Bulgaroktonos"
startdate = {
year = 976
}
deathdate = {
day = 15
month = december
year = 1025
}
DIP = 7
ADM = 5
MIL = 8
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2112 }
name = "Konstantin VIII."
startdate = {
day = 16
month = december
year = 1025

}
deathdate = {
year = 1027
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 2
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2113 }
name = "Romanos III"
startdate = {
year = 1028

}
deathdate = {
day = 11
month = april
year = 1034
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 4
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2114 }
name = "Michael IV"
startdate = {
day = 12
month = april
year = 1034
}
deathdate = {
year = 1040
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2115 }
name = "Michael V"
startdate = {
year = 1041
}
deathdate = {
year = 1041
}
DIP = 1
ADM = 1
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2116 }
name = "Konstantin IX"
startdate = {
year = 1042
}
deathdate = {
year = 1054
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2125 }
name = "Theodora"
startdate = {
year = 1055
}
deathdate = {
day = 30
month = december
year = 1055
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2126 }
name = "Michael VI"
startdate = {
year = 1056
}
deathdate = {
day = 30
month = december
year = 1056
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2127 }
name = "Isaak I. Komnenos"
startdate = {
year = 1057
}
deathdate = {
year = 1058
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 3
MIL = 5
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2128 }
name = "Konstantin X Dukas"
startdate = {
year = 1059
}
deathdate = {
year = 1067
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2129 }
name = "Romanos IV Diogenes"
startdate = {
year = 1068
}
deathdate = {
year = 1070
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 4
MIL = 4
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2130 }
name = "Michael VII Dukas"
startdate = {
year = 1071
}
deathdate = {
year = 1077
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2131 }
name = "Nikephoros III Botaneitas"
startdate = {
year = 1078
}
deathdate = {
year = 1080
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2132 }
name = "Alexios I Kommenos"
startdate = {
year = 1081
}
deathdate = {
year = 1117
}
DIP = 6
ADM = 6
MIL = 5
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2133 }
name = "Johannes II Kommenos"
startdate = {
year = 1118
}
deathdate = {
year = 1142
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 6
MIL = 5
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2134 }
name = "Manuel I Kommenos"
startdate = {
year = 1143
}
deathdate = {
year = 1179
}
DIP = 7
ADM = 6
MIL = 5
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2135 }
name = "Alexios II Kommenos"
startdate = {
year = 1180
}
deathdate = {
year = 1182
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2136 }
name = "Andronikos I Kommenos"
startdate = {
year = 1183
}
deathdate = {
year = 1184
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2137 }
name = "Isaak II Angelos"
startdate = {
year = 1185
}
deathdate = {
year = 1194
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2138 }
name = "Alexios III Angelos"
startdate = {
year = 1195
}
deathdate = {
year = 1202
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 1
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2139 }
name = "Alexios IV Angelos"
startdate = {
year = 1203
}
deathdate = {
day = 30
month = december
year = 1204
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

######
#
#
# weitere Monarchen noch nicht ganz klar, Kreuzzüge.
#
#
#

 

[Damocles]

Note that these ratings are based on a wide variety of criterion. Yet mostly on whether they left the Empire better or worse then they found it. Complete with translation of Monarch names...Also, I've rated them as EUII tends to rate its monarchs. 4-6 tending to be not bad, yet not good.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2095 }
name = "Constantine V"
startdate = {
year = 741
}
deathdate = {
year = 774
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 4
MIL = 7
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Administration might have been higher if not for the disruption that Iconoclasm caused. Militarily, he was actually quite active and capable.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2096 }
name = "Leo IV"
startdate = {
year = 775
}
deathdate = {
day = 8
month = september
year = 780
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 4
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}
Explantion: This seems about right. Though, he reigned only for a short while.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2097 }
name = "Constantine VI."
startdate = {
day = 9
month = september
year = 780
}
deathdate = {
year = 794
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 4
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

Explantion: Can't argue here. He was a disaster.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2098 }
name = "Irene"
startdate = {
year = 795
}
deathdate = {
year = 801
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 1
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Utter disaster.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2099 }
name = "Nicephorus I."
startdate = {
year = 802
}
deathdate = {
day = 26
month = july
year = 811
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 8
MIL = 5
dormant = no
}

Explanation: His reforms were absolutely vital at the time. Indeed, if Administration is an indication of how one deals with the financial and various internal aspects of a nation, then he did admirably. Militarily, he was average...Though, thanks to the adeptness of his foes on all sides, it seemed worse then he really was.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2100 }
name = "Michael I."
startdate = {
day = 27
month = july
year = 811
}
deathdate = {
year = 812
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

Explanation: His earlier ratings were extreme. At least through his advisors, his short reign deserves barely average ratings except for the well deserved miltary rating.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2101 }
name = "Leo V."
startdate = {
year = 813
}
deathdate = {
year = 819
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 4
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

Explanation: He was definitely in the high end of average. An able enough leader...When compared to the truly below average rulers.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2102 }
name = "Michael II."
startdate = {
year = 820
}
deathdate = {
year = 828
}
DIP = 6
ADM = 6
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

Explanation: He was a decent ruler if not gifted. The earlier values were rather arbitrary in light of his actual reign. Administration affects stability, and Michael's rule certainly engendered more stability then any of his predecessors for a variety of reasons.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2103 }
name = "Theophilus"
startdate = {
year = 829
}
deathdate = {
year = 842
}
DIP = 8
ADM = 8
MIL = 7
dormant = no
}

Explanation: He was very qualified. One of the better Emperors if truth be told. Died of dysentry at 38.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2104 }
name = "Michael III."
startdate = {
year = 843
}
deathdate = {
year = 865
}
DIP = 6
ADM = 6
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

Explanation: "The Sot". Weak and dominated by his advisors...Yet such exceptional adivsors there were. Considering that he was almost completely overshadowed them, his stats were raised accordingly. Such as how several of the Ottoman sultans were rated who had the fortune to be manipulated by particularly adept individuals. Militarily there were a number of victories over the Saracens.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2105 }
name = "Basil I."
startdate = {
year = 866
}
deathdate = {
year = 885
}
DIP = 8
ADM = 8
MIL = 9
dormant = no
}

Explanation: "The Macedonian" The beginning of the Macedonian dynasty, after becoming co-emperor with his 'friend' before having him assassinated. An uneducated, if extremely adept ruler (By nearly all criterion). His reign saw a revision of the law and many military successes. Almost a second Justinian. Reconquered parts of Italy. One of the better rulers Byzantium ever had.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2106 }
name = "Leo VI."
startdate = {
year = 886
}
deathdate = {
day = 12
month = may
year = 912
}
DIP = 7
ADM = 8
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

Explanation: "Leo the Wise". Administration might have been 9 if not for his problems with the Church. A able ruler. He left the Empire in better shape then he inherited it. Was responisble for the codification of the law,

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2107 }
name = "Constantine VII."
startdate = {
day = 13
month = may
year = 912
}
deathdate = {
year = 958
}
DIP = 5
ADM = 6
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Much of Constantine's reign was actually dominated by Romanus Lecapenus who rose to the throne as a co-emperor. Constantine was a sickly youth who was supposed to die...But ended up outliving him before being able to dispose Romanus' sons who he raised to reign with him. I am going to leave Constantine's stats as they are, and instead, make an event that raises his stats for the duration of Romanus reign (till 944 when he entered a monastery). The raise itself won't be that much. He wasn't particularly great at anything, yet was at least adept. Constantine Porphyrogenitus took sole control in 945. Admnistratively, he was adept.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2108 }
name = "Romanus II."
startdate = {
day = 13
month = may
year = 959
}
deathdate = {
year = 962
}
DIP = 6
ADM = 6
MIL = 6
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Began his reign at the height of the Macedonian renaissance. Died for 'no apparent reason'. Suspected poisoned by his wife. He certainly did not deserve 3s, unless one measures the ability to rule by how long they actually ruled. He had the makings of a very stable leader.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2109 }
name = "Nicephorus II."
startdate = {
year = 963
}
deathdate = {
year = 968
}
DIP = 7
ADM = 8
MIL = 9
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Grossly undeserved stats. Nicephorus was one of the most outstanding generals throughout the entire existance of the Byzantine Empire. Known as the White Death of the Saracens, he was a magnificent emperor. He married the widow of Romanus II after being invited as a protector to her young son. A very austure and religious man. He was short and ugly. Hacked to death by John Tzimisces who was an even greater ruler. These were the two greatest military leaders of Byzantium.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2110 }
name = "John Tzimisces"
startdate = {
year = 969
}
deathdate = {
year = 975
}
DIP = 8
ADM = 8
MIL = 9
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Actually reconquered much of the middle east for a short period. Died at 51 from malaria or typhoid. One of the greatest Byzantine emperors. Admired for his chivalry and justice...Shown to all but the late Nicephorus.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2111 }
name = "Basil II Bulgar-Slayer"
startdate = {
year = 976
}
deathdate = {
day = 15
month = december
year = 1025
}
DIP = 9
ADM = 9
MIL = 9
dormant = no
}

Explanation: The third in a series of magnficient Byzantine rulers. Militarily, he suffered early setbacks, but became one of the greatest generals Byzantium had ever seen, easily the rival of Tzimisces or Nicephorus. His diplomatic successes were legion, and administratively, the Empire flourished. His reign was the culmination of Byzantium's golden age of wealth and prestige. After his death, due to the fact that he did not leave a heir, the decline of the Byzantine Empire began.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2112 }
name = "Constantine VIII."
startdate = {
day = 16
month = december
year = 1025

}
deathdate = {
year = 1027
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 2
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2113 }
name = "Romanus III"
startdate = {
year = 1028

}
deathdate = {
day = 11
month = april
year = 1034
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 4
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2114 }
name = "Michael IV"
startdate = {
day = 12
month = april
year = 1034
}
deathdate = {
year = 1040
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2115 }
name = "Michael V"
startdate = {
year = 1041
}
deathdate = {
year = 1041
}
DIP = 1
ADM = 1
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2116 }
name = "Constantine IX"
startdate = {
year = 1042
}
deathdate = {
year = 1054
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2125 }
name = "Theodora"
startdate = {
year = 1055
}
deathdate = {
day = 30
month = december
year = 1055
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2126 }
name = "Michael VI"
startdate = {
year = 1056
}
deathdate = {
day = 30
month = december
year = 1056
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 2
dormant = no
}

Explanation: No argument here.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2127 }
name = "Isaac I. Comnenus"
startdate = {
year = 1057
}
deathdate = {
year = 1058
}
DIP = 7
ADM = 8
MIL = 8
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Could have been a great ruler and done much to reverse the course of Byzantine fortunes. If he had lived, Manzikert would have been averted. Unfortunately, he died. Was a good general who was actually raised to Emperor by the Army to end the succession of weak eunuch dominated Emperors.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2128 }
name = "Constantine X Ducas"
startdate = {
year = 1059
}
deathdate = {
year = 1067
}
DIP = 2
ADM = 2
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Bleh.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2129 }
name = "Romanus IV Diogenes"
startdate = {
year = 1068
}
deathdate = {
year = 1070
}
DIP = 6
ADM = 6
MIL = 7
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Another general raised as Emperor. Good ruler. Yet it was too late to reverse the tide of Byzantine misfortune. His rule should go till 1072 however....After his defeat at Manzikert due to betrayal more then anything else, he was deposed by rivals.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2130 }
name = "Michael VII Ducas"
startdate = {
year = 1071
}
deathdate = {
year = 1077
}
DIP = 4
ADM = 3
MIL = 3
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Bleh. Another terrible ruler.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2131 }
name = "Nicephoros III Botaneitas"
startdate = {
year = 1078
}
deathdate = {
year = 1080
}
DIP = 3
ADM = 3
MIL = 1
dormant = no
}

Explanation: Another bad ruler.

historicalmonarch = {
id = { type = 6 id = 2132 }
name = "Alexius I Comnenus"
startdate = {
year = 1081
}
deathdate = {
year = 1117
}
DIP = 9
ADM = 7
MIL = 8
dormant = no
}

Explanation: A very successful, young general raised as Emperor. His main military setback was at the hands...Of all people...Robert Guiscard, the most amazing military adventurer between Alexander the Great and Napoleon. It is unfortunate that Alexius did not immediately began his reign after Isaac. Manzikert could have been averted. Brilliant diplomat.



I will finish the rest of the monarchs at a later date. Though, they seem more accurate already.

 

[Damocles]

LEADERS

Leaders:

These are some leaders that spring to mind. 99 percent in order of when they appear. These are the truly great Byzantine generals...Many of them can just as well be represented by the average military leader (Or worse)...But these are the TRULY distinguished from 751-1419. Some of them are Emperors with mediocore stats yet a great propensity to lead armies. Such as Constantine. Ratings based on track record and accomplishments. It goes Movement/Fire/Shock/Siege. The fire rating dosen't do anything, so just ignore that number. Where fire is higher then another for no apparent reason, it will just be my personal opinion of which man had the slight edge. I also, am not including any admirals in this list...Though there are a couple I can think of.

Constantine V - 3 2 3
Romanus Lecapenus - 3 2 3
Basil I - 4 4 4
Nicephorus Phocas - 5 4 5 1
John Tzimisces - 5 5 5 1
Bardas Sclerus - 3 3 3
Basil Bulgar-Slayer - 6 2 2 3
George Maniakes - 5 1 6
Romanus Diogenes - 3 3 3 (The Turkish Sultan who defeated him at Manzikert, Alp Arslan will have somewhere along the lines of 5 5 5)
Isaac Comnenus - 4 4 4
Alexius Comnenus - 4 4 4 (For comparison, Robert Guiscard would have 6 6 6 4)

Again...These are the most notable. I'm sure just as many mediocore ones (Such as mostly 2s/3s) can be dug up. Most Emperors, could possibly deserve a monarch leader.

 

[Damocles]

I think it is best, that even though some generals, such as Nicephorus, Tzimisces, Isaac, Alexius, etc served with admirable distinction before actually becoming Emperors...Several even saving the Empire, in order to balance it out, they should only actually become leaders at the start of their reign...Which indeed, was when most of their exploits came about anyways. The only exception might be Isaac Comnenus..

 

[unmerged(6828)]

Thank you, the list is great. Constantine Porphyrogenitus was a very good administrator, maybe 8 admind, definately 7, he continued leo the wise's work. Good clearing up of Romanus IV, not a bad emperor at all. Make the rest of the Comnenians good, because they were. By the way, did you read Norwich's history of Byzantium. Your rating of the monarchs is pretty much what he said in his books.

Very good job.




Jacob Oppenheim

 

[idomeneas]

I have to agree with Damocles list. It is far more realistic. Also many event could be added that would make Byzantium very difficult. For example when Basileios tthe 2nd gets the throne there could be a Vardas Scleros revolt which would give +15 revolt risk throughout Asia Minor. Byzantine history is well documented and the event system can depict allmost all the history of Byzantium. As for leaders there are too many (For Romanus 2 I disagree he shoould be a 6-4-4 admiral)

 

[Damocles]

It seems like alot of leaders, but thats covering roughly 500 years of Byzantine history...Look at all the French leaders for a measly 400.

 

[unmerged(11198)]

Bump. I had similar thoughts after reading Norwich's book, but you've articulated them better than I would have.