The Black Sea Villa saw much in its marble hallways that day.
War was coming to the Empire. Ionnas IV knew it. He will not falter, nor will his realm. The Pontic Eagle will stand once again.
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A pivotal time in the history of the Byzantine Empire was marked by the establishment of the Komnenos Dynasty. The Dynasty of Manuel Erotikos Komnenos gave birth to some of the empire's most illustrious emperors. The Komnenos Dynasty would consolidate its authority and influence over several generations, having a significant impact on Byzantine history.
However, it was Isaac's son, Alexios I Komnenos, who truly propelled the Komnenos Dynasty to the forefront of Byzantine politics. Alexios came to power in 1081, during a tumultuous period marked by external threats and internal instability. The Byzantine Empire was facing encroachment from the Seljuk Turks, Norman invaders in Italy, and the First Crusade. Alexios faced the formidable task of restoring the empire's stability and preserving its territorial integrity.
Alexios I Komnenos proved to be a skilled statesman and military tactician. He implemented a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the empire's military forces and central administration. Alexios also sought to establish alliances and secure the support of Western powers, particularly the Crusaders. Through his diplomatic efforts, he successfully convinced the Crusaders to divert their attention to the Holy Land rather than further threatening Byzantine territories.
Under Alexios' rule, the Komnenos Dynasty achieved significant military successes. He pushed back the Seljuk Turks, recaptured lost territories, and secured the empire's borders. Alexios' reign also witnessed a cultural and intellectual revival known as the Komnenian Renaissance. The dynasty patronized scholars, artists, and theologians, leading to the flourishing of literature, art, and architecture.
Alexios was succeeded by his son John II Komnenos, who continued his father's policies and accomplishments. John II expanded Byzantine influence in the Balkans and undertook successful military campaigns against the Normans in southern Italy. He ruled for almost 25 years and left a stable and prosperous empire to his successors.The subsequent rulers of the Komnenos Dynasty, Manuel I Komnenos, and Alexios II Komnenos faced challenges but managed to maintain the dynasty's stability and prestige. Manuel, I pursued an ambitious foreign policy, seeking to reclaim territories lost to the Crusaders.
But, it was not to last.
By the time of Alexios II's reign, however, the dynasty's power began to decline. Internal conflicts and external pressures weakened the empire, leading to its eventual fragmentation and collapse in the late 12th century.But, that is only half the Story.The Grand Komnenos were a significant figure in the history and administration of the Trebizond Empire. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1204, when family members of the Komnenos sought safety in the Trebizond region, this branch of the Komnenos Dynasty began. From 1204 to now, the Grand Komnenos dominated the Trebizond Empire, reshaping its political, cultural, and military landscape.
The Grand Komnenos initially established their rule in Trebizond under the leadership of Alexios I, who became the first Emperor of Trebizond. Alexios I laid the foundations of the Empire of Trebizond and worked towards consolidating its territories and establishing its political institutions. He focused on fortifying the city of Trebizond and expanding the empire's influence in the surrounding regions.
Under the rule of the Grand Komnenos, the Empire of Trebizond flourished as an independent state. They successfully defended the empire against external threats, particularly from neighboring powers such as the Seljuk Turks and the Mongols. Through diplomatic maneuvers, military strategies, and alliances with other regional powers, the Grand Komnenos were able to maintain the independence and territorial integrity of the empire.
The Grand Komnenos were not only skilled military leaders but also patrons of culture, arts, and learning. They supported the development of literature, architecture, and the arts, fostering a cultural renaissance in Trebizond. They patronized scholars, poets, and artists, contributing to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the empire. The capital city of Trebizond became a center of artistic and scholarly activity, attracting renowned figures from the Byzantine and broader Eastern Mediterranean world.
The Grand Komnenos also played an important role in trade and commerce. Trebizond served as a significant port and gateway for commercial activities between the Black Sea region, the Middle East, and Europe. The empire benefited from its strategic location, engaging in trade with various Mediterranean powers and establishing economic ties with cities such as Genoa and Venice.
Throughout their rule, the Grand Komnenos faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with neighboring states, internal power struggles, and dynastic rivalries. However, they managed to maintain the stability and independence of the Empire of Trebizond for several centuries, preserving its distinct identity in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
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Ionnas IV, the Pont
As the Crusade of Varna failed, Ionnas could tell the writing on the wall. His spies in Europe, anticipating a potential homecoming, came back, many mutilated by the wars and Ottoman Units stationed in Greece. If Ionnas were to want his crown back, he would need more strength. The rise of Georgian pretenders in the east gave him something to work on, however. February 1446 was the date of the First Ponto-Georgian War. The Imereti dynastic Feud with the Kingdom of Georgia allowed Ionnas a diversion of which to claim the coastline of the Georgian Principality. Immediately, the emboldened Pontic Army crushed the weak militia the "King" of Immereti could muster, and the coastline was secured. What followed was the hunting of the Circassian Army, one that had failed to unsiege the capital of the Imereti King, who was under Pontic supervision, and secondarily, a mass uprising of Pontic brothers in this region, leading to the overall shift from war to reclaim land, to a war of Pontic Unity.
August 1449 would be the death of Ionnas IV's Older brother, and his full-blooded heir, Alexios. The babe was never well-liked by the Nobles, however, Alexios would be crucial in the Muskovite alliance of 1450.
1451 led to the death of Alexios "The Elder" and the birth of Alexios "The Younger". 4 years later, the Civil War would start. Hermes Komnenos, cousin to the King would rally Georgian-Circassian nobles, those who resist the pontification of the realm. During this, Alexios of Gothia, the Prince of the Goths would enter the side of Alexios "The Younger" in this conflict, due to the relations between the 2 rulers, Cousins. After the battle of Guria, the rebel army would scatter into the hills. It would take two years to find Hermes Komnenos and have him killed. Thus forward, Alexios II, the Warrior, would take the lead.
Alexios II, Sword of Pontus, the Warrior
To the south, the Turks shattered. A force, veterans of the Pontic Dynastic War would be dispatched to occupy the Armenian Highlands to the south. At this time, Manuel of Muskovy, brother to the Grand Knaz was declared heir by the Nobles. Being half-brother to Alexios II did not harm his claim, as Alexios at the age of 30 had only 1 heir, his daughter. But, the winds shifted. The Turks engaged with the Venetians, and 1464 was a state of war. Within the year, the fortresses of Ankara, Sinope, and Izmir to the Pontic Sword. Venitian efforts into the Balkans went increasingly better. The Ottoman army could not break the Pontic forts, Venitian Mercenaries from the Holy Roman Empire, or the defenders of their sieged capital. In the resulting peace, the sea until the province of Kocheli was given to us, Hellas being sold to the Venetians because of Ottoman War debts would come later. The peace was signed for the year 1466.
The state underwent a period of Renaissance development at this time, the filled treasuries from campaigns, and a growing need to see temples for the conversion of the new Turkish Citizens would mean that in most provinces, marketplaces, Temples, and workshops would be littered through the, which would lead to more and more money. June 1475 saw the purchase of Genoese land in the Black Sea. These lands would, with the exception of Azov, be ethnically pont, and orthodox. But then, the Crimeans attacked. Raiding our northern border, our men demobilized in Trezibond, had to pack north, before they would take our lands. The Crimeans fought hard, however, the battle for Azov was their doom, a joint Gothic-Pontic assault against the besieged fortress and sieging Crimean forces would see all of them taken prisoner, save for the 6,000 dead. Their lands would be integrated back into the Kingdom of Vospórou. Immediate efforts to integrate them would be taken. Our forces, on the upswing, would have a year to recover, however, Manuel of Moskow would die. Alexios III would be declared heir.
December of 1480 would be the second Ottoman Crusade. Pontic men hoisted Pikes, Arquibuses, and Crossbows, and the Turks would face a renewed tide. They fractured. City-states of Free Turkish men forming, and the Beileks saw a chance and took it. Most of Southern Anatolia erupted into a fire of battle, independence and revolt. The war took 5 long years, and saw the total death of the Ottoman Army, against Alexios II's hand. 1485 would mark the end, with most of Central Anatolia being taken, and the Ottomans forced to the Balkans.
Alexios would die in 1504, in the following month, the Azeri Tribesmen would start their war.
War was coming to the Empire. Ionnas IV knew it. He will not falter, nor will his realm. The Pontic Eagle will stand once again.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A pivotal time in the history of the Byzantine Empire was marked by the establishment of the Komnenos Dynasty. The Dynasty of Manuel Erotikos Komnenos gave birth to some of the empire's most illustrious emperors. The Komnenos Dynasty would consolidate its authority and influence over several generations, having a significant impact on Byzantine history.
However, it was Isaac's son, Alexios I Komnenos, who truly propelled the Komnenos Dynasty to the forefront of Byzantine politics. Alexios came to power in 1081, during a tumultuous period marked by external threats and internal instability. The Byzantine Empire was facing encroachment from the Seljuk Turks, Norman invaders in Italy, and the First Crusade. Alexios faced the formidable task of restoring the empire's stability and preserving its territorial integrity.
Alexios I Komnenos proved to be a skilled statesman and military tactician. He implemented a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the empire's military forces and central administration. Alexios also sought to establish alliances and secure the support of Western powers, particularly the Crusaders. Through his diplomatic efforts, he successfully convinced the Crusaders to divert their attention to the Holy Land rather than further threatening Byzantine territories.
Under Alexios' rule, the Komnenos Dynasty achieved significant military successes. He pushed back the Seljuk Turks, recaptured lost territories, and secured the empire's borders. Alexios' reign also witnessed a cultural and intellectual revival known as the Komnenian Renaissance. The dynasty patronized scholars, artists, and theologians, leading to the flourishing of literature, art, and architecture.
Alexios was succeeded by his son John II Komnenos, who continued his father's policies and accomplishments. John II expanded Byzantine influence in the Balkans and undertook successful military campaigns against the Normans in southern Italy. He ruled for almost 25 years and left a stable and prosperous empire to his successors.The subsequent rulers of the Komnenos Dynasty, Manuel I Komnenos, and Alexios II Komnenos faced challenges but managed to maintain the dynasty's stability and prestige. Manuel, I pursued an ambitious foreign policy, seeking to reclaim territories lost to the Crusaders.
But, it was not to last.
By the time of Alexios II's reign, however, the dynasty's power began to decline. Internal conflicts and external pressures weakened the empire, leading to its eventual fragmentation and collapse in the late 12th century.But, that is only half the Story.The Grand Komnenos were a significant figure in the history and administration of the Trebizond Empire. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1204, when family members of the Komnenos sought safety in the Trebizond region, this branch of the Komnenos Dynasty began. From 1204 to now, the Grand Komnenos dominated the Trebizond Empire, reshaping its political, cultural, and military landscape.
The Grand Komnenos initially established their rule in Trebizond under the leadership of Alexios I, who became the first Emperor of Trebizond. Alexios I laid the foundations of the Empire of Trebizond and worked towards consolidating its territories and establishing its political institutions. He focused on fortifying the city of Trebizond and expanding the empire's influence in the surrounding regions.
Under the rule of the Grand Komnenos, the Empire of Trebizond flourished as an independent state. They successfully defended the empire against external threats, particularly from neighboring powers such as the Seljuk Turks and the Mongols. Through diplomatic maneuvers, military strategies, and alliances with other regional powers, the Grand Komnenos were able to maintain the independence and territorial integrity of the empire.
The Grand Komnenos were not only skilled military leaders but also patrons of culture, arts, and learning. They supported the development of literature, architecture, and the arts, fostering a cultural renaissance in Trebizond. They patronized scholars, poets, and artists, contributing to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the empire. The capital city of Trebizond became a center of artistic and scholarly activity, attracting renowned figures from the Byzantine and broader Eastern Mediterranean world.
The Grand Komnenos also played an important role in trade and commerce. Trebizond served as a significant port and gateway for commercial activities between the Black Sea region, the Middle East, and Europe. The empire benefited from its strategic location, engaging in trade with various Mediterranean powers and establishing economic ties with cities such as Genoa and Venice.
Throughout their rule, the Grand Komnenos faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with neighboring states, internal power struggles, and dynastic rivalries. However, they managed to maintain the stability and independence of the Empire of Trebizond for several centuries, preserving its distinct identity in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ionnas IV, the Pont
As the Crusade of Varna failed, Ionnas could tell the writing on the wall. His spies in Europe, anticipating a potential homecoming, came back, many mutilated by the wars and Ottoman Units stationed in Greece. If Ionnas were to want his crown back, he would need more strength. The rise of Georgian pretenders in the east gave him something to work on, however. February 1446 was the date of the First Ponto-Georgian War. The Imereti dynastic Feud with the Kingdom of Georgia allowed Ionnas a diversion of which to claim the coastline of the Georgian Principality. Immediately, the emboldened Pontic Army crushed the weak militia the "King" of Immereti could muster, and the coastline was secured. What followed was the hunting of the Circassian Army, one that had failed to unsiege the capital of the Imereti King, who was under Pontic supervision, and secondarily, a mass uprising of Pontic brothers in this region, leading to the overall shift from war to reclaim land, to a war of Pontic Unity.
August 1449 would be the death of Ionnas IV's Older brother, and his full-blooded heir, Alexios. The babe was never well-liked by the Nobles, however, Alexios would be crucial in the Muskovite alliance of 1450.
1451 led to the death of Alexios "The Elder" and the birth of Alexios "The Younger". 4 years later, the Civil War would start. Hermes Komnenos, cousin to the King would rally Georgian-Circassian nobles, those who resist the pontification of the realm. During this, Alexios of Gothia, the Prince of the Goths would enter the side of Alexios "The Younger" in this conflict, due to the relations between the 2 rulers, Cousins. After the battle of Guria, the rebel army would scatter into the hills. It would take two years to find Hermes Komnenos and have him killed. Thus forward, Alexios II, the Warrior, would take the lead.
Alexios II, Sword of Pontus, the Warrior
To the south, the Turks shattered. A force, veterans of the Pontic Dynastic War would be dispatched to occupy the Armenian Highlands to the south. At this time, Manuel of Muskovy, brother to the Grand Knaz was declared heir by the Nobles. Being half-brother to Alexios II did not harm his claim, as Alexios at the age of 30 had only 1 heir, his daughter. But, the winds shifted. The Turks engaged with the Venetians, and 1464 was a state of war. Within the year, the fortresses of Ankara, Sinope, and Izmir to the Pontic Sword. Venitian efforts into the Balkans went increasingly better. The Ottoman army could not break the Pontic forts, Venitian Mercenaries from the Holy Roman Empire, or the defenders of their sieged capital. In the resulting peace, the sea until the province of Kocheli was given to us, Hellas being sold to the Venetians because of Ottoman War debts would come later. The peace was signed for the year 1466.
The state underwent a period of Renaissance development at this time, the filled treasuries from campaigns, and a growing need to see temples for the conversion of the new Turkish Citizens would mean that in most provinces, marketplaces, Temples, and workshops would be littered through the, which would lead to more and more money. June 1475 saw the purchase of Genoese land in the Black Sea. These lands would, with the exception of Azov, be ethnically pont, and orthodox. But then, the Crimeans attacked. Raiding our northern border, our men demobilized in Trezibond, had to pack north, before they would take our lands. The Crimeans fought hard, however, the battle for Azov was their doom, a joint Gothic-Pontic assault against the besieged fortress and sieging Crimean forces would see all of them taken prisoner, save for the 6,000 dead. Their lands would be integrated back into the Kingdom of Vospórou. Immediate efforts to integrate them would be taken. Our forces, on the upswing, would have a year to recover, however, Manuel of Moskow would die. Alexios III would be declared heir.
December of 1480 would be the second Ottoman Crusade. Pontic men hoisted Pikes, Arquibuses, and Crossbows, and the Turks would face a renewed tide. They fractured. City-states of Free Turkish men forming, and the Beileks saw a chance and took it. Most of Southern Anatolia erupted into a fire of battle, independence and revolt. The war took 5 long years, and saw the total death of the Ottoman Army, against Alexios II's hand. 1485 would mark the end, with most of Central Anatolia being taken, and the Ottomans forced to the Balkans.
Alexios would die in 1504, in the following month, the Azeri Tribesmen would start their war.
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