Palailogos - True Emperors

[DumBMan]

INTRODUCTION

Since the death of Basil II in 1025, a succession of weak emperors who barely remained on the throne had sapped her strength. The formally powerful Roman fleets had shriveled to nothing, and her elites openly plotted for the throne. The weak Emperor Konstantinos IX died in 1067, leaving the throne to his son, Michael VII.

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Palailogos, also known in Latin form as the Palaeologan dynasty or the Palaeologus dynasty, was a Bizantyne Greek noble family.
The Palaiologoi were originally petty lords from Macedonia, but their earliest generations are unknown. The family is first attested in the 11th century, with Nikephoros Palailogos, a general under Michael VII, son of deceased Konstantinos IX.

The tetragrammic cross, emblem of the Palaeologan dynasty

The double-headed eagle, the most recognized emblem of the Byzantine Empire, with the dynastic cypher of the Palaiologoi in the center.

Achaia ... province governed by Georgio Palaiologis, first son of Nikheprhoros Palaiologis.

Byzantine Empire on November 25th 1070


Yellow represents my own lands
Orange represents my vassals

Georgio Palailogos served Emperor Michael VII well. He fought and defeated rebels in Belgrade and Nassau, also rebels in Abyydos. Celebration at his province after these victories were lasting three days.



William of Normandie took the throne of England, with his son Robert, as the heir to the crown. In the west, Germany proclaimed itself as the heir to Western Roman Empire, but in east, true empire remained, Byzantium, with Konstantinopolis as capital.

Portrait of William I of Normandy, usually known as William the Conqueror or William the Bastard, first Norman King of England.

 

[DumBMan]

Chapter I


Michael VII ruled empire till 16th May 1072, when he died in battle with Seljuks. Turks have conquered almost all Byzantian provinces at Minor Asia. Michael's successor was Alexios Komnenus, Kaisar of the Empire. Alexios entered in peace with Turks, just to start war with pagans at north-east.

Georgios Palaelogus named his first son after new Emperor. Newborn Alexios was raised by his parents, Georgios and Helene. At his 5th summer, he was sent to army to be trained by Marshal Ioannes of Konstantinopolis. Alexios proved himself as a good swordsman, trained by a good man.

Alexios got a younger brother, Bartholomaios, and three sisters. Zoe, eldest child of Georgios was older than Alexios only one summer. Theopano is younger than Alexios two years, while Eudoxia, three years. He grew up as a brave Byzantian.

With his father, Alexios was going to hunt. In hunt, he proved himself good archer.

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Years were passing.... It was just another boring day at the castle. Alexios already finished his education in the army.. Two years have passed when Georgios went to war with pagans in north.

''Brother!'' - someone yelled

It was Bartholomaios, running towards his older brother.

''What is it now?'' - Alexios asked

''Mother summoned you!'' - Young Bartholomaios answered

Alexios nodded, and rushed towards palace. He entered the huge building, decorated with golden curtains, with a large throne on a small staircase. Helene was standing in center of the building.

Alexios approached his mother and asked with his head down ''Mother?''

''Alexios.... You are my eldest son. You turned sixteen, and have learned of traditions of our people. When your father return, he will probably lend you his titles, and make you Prince of Peleponessos.''

Alexios nodded.

''You will have to continue our dynasty, house of Palaelogus. When Georgios return, he and I will go visit the Emperor in Konstantinopolis, and ask for hand of his younger daughter Eudoxia. Let's pray he will accept our proposal. Eudoxia is beautiful young lady, with long hair that runs down her shoulders. She is smart and strong woman. She is from house of Komnenus, and will serve you not only in bed, but as your adviser and support in hard times.''

Alexios absorbed every single word, coming from mouth of his mother. After few heartbeats, about one hundred yards from castle, Alexios could hear clatter of horses. He rushed towards city walls. Horseman riding towards castle was one of messengers from Konstantinopolis.

Messenger entered castle in galop, and when he approached young Alexios, he moved into trot and finally stopped.

''My Lord, message from Emerror.'' - Horseman said breathlessly.

Alexios nodded and took letter from messenger's hands. He opened the letter and read aloud

''Campaign in Desht-i-Kipachk was successful. We defeated the last of pagans in that province, but we lost many. Our biggest lost was death of Georgios Palaelogus, who was leading assault on Kapech, fortified castle with two thousand pagans. Georgios ensured victory, but died in battle. All men that were fighting shed a tear. Georgios was one of most renowned Byzantian leaders. Now he can rest in peace, and watch over his sons together with Almighty God. I am sorry. He was a good man....

Emperor Alexios Komnenus.''

Alexios dropped on his knees. He realised that man, the man he adored, is gone. Alekios fists were squeezed harder and harder. Alexios let out a cry that rang castle.

It was january 12th, when Alexios died. Peleponessos needed new leader. Alexios lost his grandfather Nikhephoros to Nikeporos Bryennios, rebel who took over titles of Prince of Butrinto, and Count of Arta. And now, he lost his father, a man who was everything to him. But now, he is new Prince of Peleponessos and Count of Achaia. He will prove himself as a great leader, greater than even his father.

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''Alexios?'' - Helene whispered ''Council is waiting for you.''

Alexios nodded and went with his mother. He entered a huge room, with seven people, including himself and his mother.



Young man could see Mathias Palaelogus, his uncle and marshal of Achaian armies. It's true that his uncle is only three years older than him, but he's incredible commander, a brilliant strategist.
''Alexios'' - he whispered ''My brother was a good man. I am sorry.''

Alexios could see a woman, sitting next to his uncle. Woman rose and said ''My name is Maria of Yegorlyk, wife of your uncle Mathias Palaelogus. I'm serving as a spy master in Principality of Peleponessos.''

Alexios nodded and looked left from and saw David Palaelogus, his second uncle, older than him only one year.
''Alexios'' - David started - ''As you can see, I am steward of Principality. I'm how, I can say head of finances.

Alexios could see Georgia Probatas and Simonis Keroularios, courtiers. He asked himself where is chancellor, and turned to his mother when she said ''Alexios. I'm head of diplomacy in Principality. As you still have no experience in diplomacy, I will guide you.''
Alexios put smile on and nodded.

''What will our new Prince do?'' - Old crow Georgia Probatas started

Every eye in the room targeted Alexios.

''Well... I will... err.... Well, as I know, we, I think Principality, is not in war, so I will probably try to build economy and increase income.'' - Confused Alexios replied

Georgia began to grin ''Boy has no experience at all. His father was much more smart at his year. He was good at diplomacy, good at stewardship, at everything. This boy has no...''

''Silence!'' - Alexios yelled ''Say one more thing, and I will cut your throat!''

Georgia looked at Alexios with her mouth wide opened

''Calm down, Alexios.'' Helene warned her son.

Alexios nodded and replied ''So this is the council. I will have to take titles my father held. Mother, tell servants to prepare things for the trip. I am going to Konstantinopolis.''

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Well, I hope you like chapter 1. I will write new chapter probably next week. I hope you will continue reading.

 

[DumBMan]

CHAPTER II


January 27th 1087


Trip to Konstantinopolis started at january 27th. Alexios rode with twenty of his elite guards. Also, marshal Mathias was riding alongside Alexios

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On seventh day of trip, one of guards would yell ''My Lord! Solun! We have arrived at Solun!''

Alexios rode at top of one hill to see Solun, one of pearls of the Romanion. City was beautiful. It is second time for Alexios to see it. About ten years ago, Georgios would travel with Alexios to Solun on the celebration of victory against Seljuks. Alexios remmembers that days, like it was yesterday.

''My Lord?'' - one of soldiers said

Alexios is waking from trance to reply ''We are going to the city. We will rest there till morning. Then we will continue journey.''

Soldier nodded, and small company continued into town.


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Alexios couldn't sleep whole night. Once he slept, he had a nightmare about his father getting killed. He could see his father from distance, but couldn't do anything. Georgios was slaying pagans, when one stabbed him from back, and then others came and finished him off. Alexios could just stand and watch.

He went outside of inn he was resting at. He walked streets of Solun just to see few drunks sleeping at muddy streets. He looked in the sky and saw picture of his father. It still hurted. Why couldn't he go to war too? If he dies, there is still Bartholomaios to inherite titles.

Alexios turned to the east and saw the first break of dawn. Town was waking. Many people rushed to streets to work.

''Why are you standing there alone?'' - someone asked.

Alexios turned and saw Mathias.

''I couldn't sleep.'' - he replied quickly.

Mathias approached Alexios and asked ''Why couldn't you sleep?''

Alexios caught uncle's look and answered ''I had a nightmares. A nightmares about my father. That's why I couldn't sleep.''

''I understand.'' - Mathias replied


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In the morning, company continued their trip. At halfway to Konstantinopolis, a heavy storm caught them, so they had to hide somewhere. One of soldiers saw forest and company hid there.

Next day, company continued trip, and after four days, they finally arrived.

''Konstantinopolis, a new Rome.'' - Alexios said full of impression when he saw beautiful capital of Empire

''Yes, a beautiful city indeed. Let's go Alexios, you have to claim titles of your father.'' - Mathias spoke

Alexios nodded and company went into city.


They left their horses and started walking towards big palace. Alexios was impressed, though he was saying again and again I am not impressed


Alexios' guards weren't allowed to enter palace, but Mathias was.

The Emperor always received his guests in the great octoganal chamber of the Great Palace, and this day the room was crowded with counts and princes from all over the realm. Ambassadors from Venice and the Kingdom of Germany stood in the corner, waiting for Imperial attention in their finest cloaks that sadly seemed drab in the New Rome. A finely dressed Saracen also stood, a representative from the Great Turk on some mission to the capital.

Overhead hung banners captured in battle, reminders of days long past. Most had been taken in the reign of Basil Bulgarontocus, and a few aged examples had even been hung by Nikephoras some two hundred years before. Far from reinforcing the might of the Emperor, they reminded Alexios of the aged rags an old prostitute would wear to still try and lure her prey.

On the far side of the chamber was a raised dais, its stairs decorated with gilded lions on their sides and deep purple velvet on their surfaces. Periodically their mouths would open and close through mechanical wizardry of some kind. While several Cumans in the room, representing the Khan, were immensely impressed, Alexios ignored the devices. His father had a working mechanical leopard installed in the throne room at Achaia some four years before.

At the top of the stairs of the dais hung a purple veil, behind which was the fuzzy outline of a great throne, its gold and ivory frame glimmering behind its shade. The Emperors had often used this ruse, Alexios remembered. Helene his mother had explained that it created a yawning gap between the Emperor and his subjects, which made him seem more powerful and awe-inspiring.


So this is palace of Konstantinopolis, Alexios whispered.


''Alexios..'' - someone spoke boy's name.

Young Prince turned and saw Nikephoros Bryennios, a man that killed his grandfather, and became most powerfull Bizantyan vassal.


Alexios is full of anger, but is not showing it.

''Nikephoros'' - Alexios said

''I heard your father died in the battle against pagans. I'm so sorry.'' - Nikephoros is showing regret though he is actually happy.

Nikephoros is bad at act, and Alexios could read him like a book

''Thank you, Prince of Butrinto. Excuse me now. I have to claim my titles.'' - Alexios spoke


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''Alexios, son of Georgios. We chose to grant you themes of Achaia, as well as title of Prince of Peleponnesos.''- the chamberlain said slowly according to the ritual. Alexios’ legs started to ache.


''You may go.'' - the chamberlain said.

Behind chamberlain, Alexios saw a tall, muscular man, dressed like a ruler, with crown on a head. That was emperor Alexios Komnenus.

''Emperor...'' - Alexios started ''I want to ask for hand of your daughter Eudoxia. I still have no wife, and I'm in need of one. I need heirs and a support in hard times.''

Emperror rose and approached Alexios ''You are much like your father. You have his eyes, a yellow eyes.''

Alexios looked high when chamberlain yelled ''Keep your head down!''

''I have decided Alexios. Royal Marriage will be held here in one month.''

Alexios smile grew larger.


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Alexios was married at february 28th 1087 A.D.

Soon after marriage, Alexios could learn wonderful news. His wife Eudoxia was pregnant.

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Size of Empire ruled by Alexios Komnenus at november 1st 1087 A.D.

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Well this is chapter 2. I hope you like it. Description about palace I took from Rome AARisen, because I just didn't knew what to write about it.

 

[DumBMan]

If anyone reads this, please comment...

 

[DumBMan]

Chapter III


April 1088 A.D.


''My Lord?'' - nurse asked.

Alexios' look rose towards nurse

''It's a boy.'' - she said

Prince put smile on his face that grew larger and larger.

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Alexios entered room Eudoxia gave birth to a child.

''Let me take him.'' - Prince slowly said

Nurse handed boy over to Prince.

''You have my eyes, little one. You are going to be conqueror just like Caesar and Constantine I. I will give you name of one of great Roman conquerors. I will name you Basileios.''


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Basileios was growing well in three years, when he got a sister Ioanna

to be continued....

 

[Alex Borhild]

It looks like young Alexios is doing well despite the loss of his father at such a young age. Good job managing to marry the daughter of the Emperor, too.

What are your plans for young Basileios?

 

[DumBMan]

Well, currently, I have conquered Tyrus from muslims, and I will write it in chapter 3 when I continue it. Alexios Komnenos is current emperror, and Nikephoros Bryennos, the man who allegedly killed Alexios' father is most powerful vassal, and as Bizantyne Empire has Elective Law, he's next heir to the throne. I am second for heritage, and will probably try to become powerful, more powerful and inherite the throne. But problem is, I'm still not that good player, and I will have problems ruling big empire...

As for young Basileios, he has quite good stats, except martial which is 4, but diplomacy is 10 and intrigue 8, but stewardship is a bit bad, it's only 5. I will train him at the court probably.