Semi-Interlude: From Mercenaries to Ceasars.
Palermo, November 1285
Adelise de Hauteville was 58 years old. Though feeling healthy, she felt the time press upon her. It was in December 1245 when she begun her rule, just a girl aged 18. Now, next month, she would celebrate her 40 years of rule as an old crone. But.. she had accomplished much. She had survived two husbands and was now at her third. Her three sons were all set, one as King of Croatia, second as the King of England and third, Simon, as the new heir of the Empire. One of her daughters was also Duchess of Crimea, aiding her husband in pacifying the distant land she had taken from none others then Mongols.
Adelise was standing on top on the biggest tower in the royal palace, gazing down to the city of Palermo. Quite a sight at normal days, but now... The port was teeming. Despite the beginning winter storms, every last place at harbour was taken. Plus, several ships near the sea, dropping their passengers off by boats, then sailing on to other nearby harbours. Even from up there, Adelise could see the city streets to be totally filled with people. The population of Palermo had grown tenfold since the announcement was made, and tomorrow, it would finally happen.
Adelise leaned on railing, thinking back on events just one month ago...
Murdering to Purple
Basileus Ioannikos the Accursed was of the “new breed”. First Sarmin was Count Iakobos of Pahpalgonia, arrived in annals of history in 1140-ies, first as a courtier and advisor of Duke Iostinios of Aleppo, then as his vassal and count. Now, less his grand-grandson was the Basileus of Byzantine- but a bad one. County was constantly involved in civil war, they lost lands to both Normans and Mongols.
Still, Adelise liked Ioannikos. Despite the fact that they were enemies, she liked the man. So, she didn’t like what she decided to do. Murderers in the night- not really Norman tradition.
Adelise chuckled. Still, quite the Byzantine tradition. The plot was discovered, murderers apprehended, but Ioannikos was dead in October 1285. Everyone knew Adelise was the one who hired them, but let’s face it, no-one cared. Son of Ioannikos, Ignatios of Sarmin, was the next Basileus. For a day. Then, new gang of hired killers managed to infiltrate his bedchambers and stabbed him to death.
Assassinations- something Normans hadn't used since the times of King Asclettin...
Everyone knew it was Adelise who had sent the killers, but no-one dared to say anything about it. Instead, the Greek rulers, scared into submission by promise to declare all-out war on the Empire, were forced to make the decision that was thought to be impossible. Next ruler of the Byzantine Empire was Basilissa Adelise, Empress of the Hauteville Empire. Without war, Adelise had gained more lands then she could dream of- all what was left of Byzantion. And that was plenty.
Defeating the Mongols? Bah! Conquering Albion? Bah! Beating the Holy Roman Empire? Bah! This is what Adelise will be remembered for...
Adelise sighed- she knew she also gained a multitude of Greek vassals, Orthodox, powerful, used to scheming. That was definitely a deviation of the current system, where everyone important was de Hauteville. But still, there was nothing to do- the prize was too great.
Adelise acknowledged her election as Basilissa of the Byzantine Empire. The title of Hauteville Empire was abandoned and as she donned on the Imperial Purple, she became something much more then just self-created Empress. As for Byzanties, when Norman Empire took over, the glory of Byzantium was restored. Even better, the borders of the Norman Byzantines exceeded these of the Byzantine Empire at the height of their power.
Something few Byzantines even dared to dream of- land of Hibernia
Then, there was just one more thing to do...
Evicting the Pope
Also in the final days of October, the Norman war machine turned on once again. It was time to evict the Pope Evaristus II from Trapani. Personal troops of Adelise gathered and marched to Trapani, plus the soldiers from nearby vassals. In 16th November, nearly 47 000 Normans stormed the castle, with 2300 Papal soldiers defending it. It was more a show of force, giving idea to their enemies what numbers Normans can muster.
Normans finally evicting the Pope from Sicily
Imperium Romanum
With the fall of Trapani, there was nothing left of the key territories of the old Roman Empire that were not Norman. After the Pope was evicted, Basilissa Augusta did what had been in the dreams of many, but what no-one could hope to achive.
Creation of Norman Roman Empire
Adelise stepped away from ledge and went downstairs. There was an official banquet today, but she planned to retire early, for tomorrow would be the most exhaustive day of her life. Tonight, she would go to sleep as the Empress of the Hauteville Empire and Basilissa of the Byzantine Empire. Tomorrow, she would go to sleep as Augusta of the Roman Empire, most powerful ruler in both Europe and world.
In the 16th November 1284, Adelise was crowned as the Augusta. Month later, the ceremony was held in Rome. Another month later, in Byzantium.
Augusta Adelise- has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
Hautevilles had reaced the new height, and the highest one could achieve ever. From mercenaries to Ceasars...
Augusta Adelise of the Roman Empire