Fellow AH members I have created a string of failed timelines. But now I have become serious. This is my first true tl and I hope you enjoy reading it. The POD is simple the empire of Trebizond under David Komnenos expanded all the way to Paphalagonia before being halted by Laskaris. In this tl Laskaris will be crushed by David and Nikea will fall to Trebizond. SO please give my writings one more chance. I will greatly appreciate it.
" Oh when Constantinople fell in the west to the Franks all hope was lost. But fear not for he the savior shall come to save our glorious empire" Nikephroros Phokas Historian of the Empire of Trebizond 1204-1276
By the year 1206 David Megal Komnenos had captured many cities and soon his empire stretched from Trebizond to Heraklia. However he was not satisfied no he had grand plans for conquest. Many historians agree that David was a bold adventurer. He had the support of the famous Queen Tamar of Georgia. *In July of 1206 David formed an alliance against Theodore Laskaris of Nicaea with the various independent byzantine princes such as Theodore Mancaphas ruler of Philadelphia, Manuel Marouzones of the Meander valley, and Sabbas Asiddenus in Sampson near Miletus. These powerful princes all banded together against Nicaea.
David realized that unless he could gain the support of the Rhomanoi Princes in Asia Minor he had no hope of victory against Nicaea. However good news soon reached his ears. Just recently Baldwin and the Latin’s had been crushed by Kalojan of Bulgaria who rapidly advanced against the Latin’s in Thrace. Seizing the opportunity David sent a note to the Bulgarian Tzar.
" Oh great Bulgarian Tzar I wish to form an alliance with you. Nicaea is a thorn to both of us. As is the Latin empire. Let us make a deal. I will marry one of your daughters and cement an alliance. You can keep the west and I can keep the east. You may have Thrace and the Balkans and I shall take Anatolia. I suggest we form this alliance to further both of our goals. We could together make powerful allies and vanquish our enemies." When this note reached Kalojan the Bulgarians replied favorably. “Very well dear David Komnenos let us meet for talks in Adrianople here we will discuss the prospects of the marriage alliance. Your ideas are sound I too feel such an alliance will prove useful to the both of us." When news arrived in Trebizond of the Bulgarian answer David rejoiced. Suddenly to take Nicaea seemed like a distinct possibility. He had already secured with bribes most of the Anatolian princes and now with the support of Bulgaria a powerful coalition headed by David and Kalojan was formed against Nicaea and the Latin empire. On December 5th 1206 David and Kalojan signed the: Treaty of eternal friendship" The treaty stated that David would marry the Bulgarian khan's eldest daughter of marriageable age and the two sides would form an alliance. it also concluded that Kalojan will have free reign in the west while David rules the east. On the day the alliance was signed David Komnenos married Maria of Bulgaria the young daughter of King Kalojan.
With these marital ties an alliance was complete. In January of 1207 David held a great meeting at his stronghold in Heraklia. Here many of the Anatolian princes arrived to discuss the future war against Nicaea. Mancamphas, Asidenos, and Maurozomes were the strongest of the princes.
It was here David made a speech.
" Oh fellow princess of Anatolia. I know how much you value independence. So you shall keep it. These are troubled times. The infidels surround us on both sides. We are disunited and weak. The So called Barbaric Nicean emperor has no real ties with the Emperors of Constantinople. Think back to the days of Manuel Komnenos. I promise to you that all of you shall remain rulers of your separate kingdoms. All I ask is that you join me in liberating Nicaea. Once Nicaea falls I would like for you to pledge your allegiance to me. In reality you shall all be autonomous rulers but in return for the autonomy you shall help me with my wars. I have no wish to control your fiefdoms and from henceforth I have decided to sign a feudal contract. In return all I ask is your support. Help me oh powerful and great princes and together we will Restore the Empire to its former Glory. Down with Nicaea down with the Turks and Down with the filthy Franks who litter our Constantinople!!!" The Speech in the fortress proved to be decisive. Many of the Anatolian princes signed the feudal contract and soon they all fell in line and sent their armies which soon swelled the ranks of Trebizond.
On February 5th of 1207 David marched for Nicaea.
Meanwhile Kaloyan sent to his new brother in Law a force of 20000 Bulgarians who crossed the bosphorous and landed at Heraklia. From here David and his army marched into Nicean territory. In unison the remaining Anatolian princes drew up their armies and soon Nicaea was beset by enemies on all its fronts. David had succeeded in uniting under his banner most the Anatolian princes.
Theodore Laskaris tried desperately to save the situation but it was useless. The Nicean army crumbled under pressure from many fronts. The Latin’s provided no help due to the fact that they were fighting a struggle for existence against Bulgaria and Epirus. While the Turks dared not move lest the wrath of Georgia fall upon them. Laskaris was completely isolated and Nicaea stood no chance. It was more of a slaughter than any real fighting. After months of this futile war Theodore sent peace feelers to David. On December 5th 1207 David signed the treaty of Nicaea in Theodore’s capital city. The weary king knew that most likely death awaited him. But that was not to be. David faced the humble Theodore and said “Good Theodore you are a brave emperor to last In fighting me this long. You are no an infidel and your generals fight ably. SO I will forgive you for your rebelliousness. In return for recognizing me as Emperor of the Rhomanoi your life will be spared and you may continue to rule Nicaea as my loyal vassal. The choice is yours decline my generous offer and I will have no choice but to execute you. It is your choice.
Amazed at his luck Theodore accepted David’s offers. With the stroke of a pen Nicaea became a vassal of Trebizond.
With Nicaea vassalized David still faced a bleak situation. To his east the Turks were amassing on the frontier while to the west Epirus, Latin empire, Thessaloniki, and many Latin principalities had control over the Balkans. It seemed hopeless in David’s eyes to retake the Balkans. For now he will consolidate his position and let his brother in law take care of the Epirus.
Epirus was a state that became independent after the fall of Constantinople. It was ruled by a very capable genius Michael Angelus. Michael had overrun the territory between Dyrachion and the gulf of Corinth with and with arta as his base exercised strict military control. In 1207 shortly after the capitulation of Nicaea to Trebizond Michael Angelus signed a treaty with David. In the pact made by the two orthodox brethren Alexius married Michael’s daughter Theodora Doukaina Komnena. Thus cementing marital ties with the empire of Epirus and securing another ally in the Balkans. However shortly a year later Michael died a mysterious death. While out hunting in the forest he was mauled by a boar and died on January 12th 1208. When he died Epirus was in an uproar. Their emperor had just met an untimely death due to a hunting accident. The death of Michal was indeed a mystery. Just a few months before Theodore Doukas Komnenos met his end facing an army of Latin’s led by Henry the new ruler of Constantinople. SO the only real claimant to the imperial throne was Alexius. So after much deliberation Alexius Megal-Komnenos was crowned the Despot of Epirus. Epirus thus fell into David’s hands.
Kaloyan soon became enraged at this. He sent angry letter to David asking him why he was interfering with the Balkans his territory. Before he could receive a reply at a fierce battle near the border of Constantinople. Henry the Latin Emperor delivered a decisive defeat to the Bulgarian Tzar who met an untimely end at the hands of the Latin’s. Suddenly Kaloyan was no more. This meant David who was married to Maria of Bulgaria the eldest daughter of Kalojan became Tzar of Bulgaria. The turn of events was indeed astonishing. Before anyone could react David had appeared in Sophia where gave another speech promising to keep the Bulgarians autonomous in the empire. In order to cement his ties with the populace the Patriarch of Trebizond Michael Branas gave the rank of autocephalous to the Bulgarian Patriarchate of orchrid. With this act and the lowering of taxes and the signing of feudal contracts with the Bulgarian aristocracy Bulgaria was secured for David.
At the imperial palace in Trebizond David smiled his plan had been executed perfectly. Through a string of marital alliances he had secured the crowns of Epirus, Nicaea, and Bulgaria. To top all off he had the full backing of the Rhomanoi Anatolian aristocracy as well as immense popularity in Bulgaria due to his acts of generosity and autonomy he gave said state. Soon the Balkans and Anatolia would be his once more
Meanwhile in Iconium the Seljuk sultan grew alarmed at the startling rise of Trebizond but dared not make a move. He knew that if he acted against Trebizond the Kingdom of Georgia would declare war and invade his borders. He decided to bide his time for now. Instead he turned to Armenia cillica. Soon he decided that Cilica was a thorn in his backside it would be his first major conquest in a long time.
In Constantinople Henry was shocked. He suddenly found himself surrounded by an emperor who had command over Bulgaria, Thessaloniki, Epirus, and Anatolia.
The Bulgarian army had at first refused to recognize David as their new leader but after bribing the major generals of the armies of Bulgaria the Military sided with David. The chief factor was a lower in taxes to military personnel and several well placed bribes to important officials in the Bulgarian army.
In 1210 David launched an invasion against the Latin empire. He sent a small detachment to Constantinople and let slip reports to Henry than a massive army would besiege Constantinople. Henry not wanting to lose the city gathered his armies and soon defended Constantinople with much of the Latin army. This was a foolish mistake. In January of 1210 David’s forces invaded not Thrace but Larissa and Thessaloniki. It was a two fronted assault. Within months the Latin emperor’s possessions in the Balkans had been reconquered. Shocked Henry immediately realized he had been duped. In outrage he moved his forces out of the capitol.
However the small byzantine army melted into the populace of Thrace where they incited revolts. Much of the Thracians detested the Latin’s and soon at the urging of these Rhomanoi soldiers much of Thrace fell into revolt. Henry found himself trapped in Thrace fighting constantly and putting down revolts by the masses. Soon the Latin’s knew not who the enemy was. The enemy was everywhere and nowhere. The resistance groups hid inside the villages as commoners. No one knew who was an actual member. They would launch surprise attacks and disappear. Henry grew furious that he was being toyed with in this manner but remained helpless.
By 1211 Anatolia and the Balkans under the Latin empire’s control had been retaken by David and his armies from the combined kingdoms. The Latin empire was reduced to Thrace. Henry suddenly found himself in a terrible position. On May 5th David launched an all pout assault on Thrace. 40000 soldiers conscripted from all the kingdoms under his control marched into Thrace where they were welcomed by the populace as liberators. By July the army arrived at the gates of Constantinople. The walls stood before David. David knew he could not take the city by force so in the cover of the night secret envoys were sent to the gatekeeper of the East gate. The man was offered 100 gold bags in return for opening the gates. The Gatekeeper Andronicus Akoupos accepted the offer and opened the gates. When the gates opened in the night David and his army stormed the city.
Henry woke up with a start as he heard screaming outside the city. He saw a terrible site the eat had opened and Rhomanoi soldiers were pouring in. Henry knew that all as lost. But he refused to surrender. He turned to his loyal assistant Roger who outfitted him with his armor. “If I am to die so be it but I shall not die a coward but as an emperor.” Henry and his loyal guards soon prepared to defend the palace. Henry fought like a lion killing many Roman soldiers. His figure sent fear down the spines of the Rhomanoi. But it was useless. David Komennos had entered the city and arrived at the palace. He had made orders clear “Henry will be mine to kill” Henry soon saw the sight of David. He laughed and thought to Himself so the foolish emperor arrives in person. “Well oh King what brings to my palace” David smiled “Emperor Henry It is I who will have the honor of taking your head.”
Henry smiled “Not if I take yours first.” The two powerful sovereigns faced off in battle. The two charged and soon fought bitterly on horseback. Both displayed brilliant skill in their sword forms. However David was unhorsed by Henry who charged with him with his lance. But David had a hidden dagger which pierced Henry's horse and Henry tumbled to the ground. The two soon raised their swords and fought in close combat. Soon it was a battle of endurance. But after fierce fighting and fierce parries Henry was the first to succumb. He was disarmed and soon fell to the ground. David raised his sword and brought it down upon Henry. Henry prepared for death but after moments nothing happened. Minutes passed and henry thought why I haven’t died. When he opened his eyes he saw David smiling.
Henry you are a worthy opponent. But I will not kill you. I have uses for you.”
Henry replied coarsely “what as a slave.”
“of course not. Your valor, military, skills, and judgment are incredible. So I will tell you this. The Empire is mine and you will be a strategus of one of my regiments. You will prove invaluable to me. I view it a waste to kill intelligent enemies who could work for me. Don’t worry I will make sure you family is safe. SO what do you say Henry become my subject and vassal.”
Henry retorted with words that stunned David. “Fool I am an emperor. As emperor I shall not bow to anyone. Remember this I should rather die than serve you. It was an honor facing you in battle King. But I have lost. If you wish me to be your vassal I shall not. I will fight you till the end. You may kill all my troops but I will never surrender.” With these words Henry stood up struggling. David was shocked at this man’s audacity. Henry charged at David. David with a sad face raised his sword and in one fell swoop beheaded Henry. Henry was no more. But David was disheartened. The next morning an honorable funeral was given to David’s greatest enemy. Henry was buried with full honors and his family was allowed to remain as Rhomanoi citizens and was sent to live in one of their estates in Constantinople.
David had at last. Constantinople was his and in the Hagia Sophia was crowned on Christmas day as Autokrator of the Romans, King of Bulgaria, Emperor of Trebizond, and Despot of Nicaea David I Megal-Komnenos. His brother Alexius remained Despot of Epirus Larissa and Thessaloniki.
With the Empire secure David turned his eyes toward Iconium. The Latin principalities could wait. In 1212 Tamar of Georgia and David decided to partition the sultanate of Iconium between them.
Iconium suddenly found itself facing a two fronted war.
" Oh when Constantinople fell in the west to the Franks all hope was lost. But fear not for he the savior shall come to save our glorious empire" Nikephroros Phokas Historian of the Empire of Trebizond 1204-1276
Part I: The Reign of David Megal Komnenos
By the year 1206 David Megal Komnenos had captured many cities and soon his empire stretched from Trebizond to Heraklia. However he was not satisfied no he had grand plans for conquest. Many historians agree that David was a bold adventurer. He had the support of the famous Queen Tamar of Georgia. *In July of 1206 David formed an alliance against Theodore Laskaris of Nicaea with the various independent byzantine princes such as Theodore Mancaphas ruler of Philadelphia, Manuel Marouzones of the Meander valley, and Sabbas Asiddenus in Sampson near Miletus. These powerful princes all banded together against Nicaea.
David realized that unless he could gain the support of the Rhomanoi Princes in Asia Minor he had no hope of victory against Nicaea. However good news soon reached his ears. Just recently Baldwin and the Latin’s had been crushed by Kalojan of Bulgaria who rapidly advanced against the Latin’s in Thrace. Seizing the opportunity David sent a note to the Bulgarian Tzar.
" Oh great Bulgarian Tzar I wish to form an alliance with you. Nicaea is a thorn to both of us. As is the Latin empire. Let us make a deal. I will marry one of your daughters and cement an alliance. You can keep the west and I can keep the east. You may have Thrace and the Balkans and I shall take Anatolia. I suggest we form this alliance to further both of our goals. We could together make powerful allies and vanquish our enemies." When this note reached Kalojan the Bulgarians replied favorably. “Very well dear David Komnenos let us meet for talks in Adrianople here we will discuss the prospects of the marriage alliance. Your ideas are sound I too feel such an alliance will prove useful to the both of us." When news arrived in Trebizond of the Bulgarian answer David rejoiced. Suddenly to take Nicaea seemed like a distinct possibility. He had already secured with bribes most of the Anatolian princes and now with the support of Bulgaria a powerful coalition headed by David and Kalojan was formed against Nicaea and the Latin empire. On December 5th 1206 David and Kalojan signed the: Treaty of eternal friendship" The treaty stated that David would marry the Bulgarian khan's eldest daughter of marriageable age and the two sides would form an alliance. it also concluded that Kalojan will have free reign in the west while David rules the east. On the day the alliance was signed David Komnenos married Maria of Bulgaria the young daughter of King Kalojan.
With these marital ties an alliance was complete. In January of 1207 David held a great meeting at his stronghold in Heraklia. Here many of the Anatolian princes arrived to discuss the future war against Nicaea. Mancamphas, Asidenos, and Maurozomes were the strongest of the princes.
It was here David made a speech.
" Oh fellow princess of Anatolia. I know how much you value independence. So you shall keep it. These are troubled times. The infidels surround us on both sides. We are disunited and weak. The So called Barbaric Nicean emperor has no real ties with the Emperors of Constantinople. Think back to the days of Manuel Komnenos. I promise to you that all of you shall remain rulers of your separate kingdoms. All I ask is that you join me in liberating Nicaea. Once Nicaea falls I would like for you to pledge your allegiance to me. In reality you shall all be autonomous rulers but in return for the autonomy you shall help me with my wars. I have no wish to control your fiefdoms and from henceforth I have decided to sign a feudal contract. In return all I ask is your support. Help me oh powerful and great princes and together we will Restore the Empire to its former Glory. Down with Nicaea down with the Turks and Down with the filthy Franks who litter our Constantinople!!!" The Speech in the fortress proved to be decisive. Many of the Anatolian princes signed the feudal contract and soon they all fell in line and sent their armies which soon swelled the ranks of Trebizond.
On February 5th of 1207 David marched for Nicaea.
Meanwhile Kaloyan sent to his new brother in Law a force of 20000 Bulgarians who crossed the bosphorous and landed at Heraklia. From here David and his army marched into Nicean territory. In unison the remaining Anatolian princes drew up their armies and soon Nicaea was beset by enemies on all its fronts. David had succeeded in uniting under his banner most the Anatolian princes.
Theodore Laskaris tried desperately to save the situation but it was useless. The Nicean army crumbled under pressure from many fronts. The Latin’s provided no help due to the fact that they were fighting a struggle for existence against Bulgaria and Epirus. While the Turks dared not move lest the wrath of Georgia fall upon them. Laskaris was completely isolated and Nicaea stood no chance. It was more of a slaughter than any real fighting. After months of this futile war Theodore sent peace feelers to David. On December 5th 1207 David signed the treaty of Nicaea in Theodore’s capital city. The weary king knew that most likely death awaited him. But that was not to be. David faced the humble Theodore and said “Good Theodore you are a brave emperor to last In fighting me this long. You are no an infidel and your generals fight ably. SO I will forgive you for your rebelliousness. In return for recognizing me as Emperor of the Rhomanoi your life will be spared and you may continue to rule Nicaea as my loyal vassal. The choice is yours decline my generous offer and I will have no choice but to execute you. It is your choice.
Amazed at his luck Theodore accepted David’s offers. With the stroke of a pen Nicaea became a vassal of Trebizond.
With Nicaea vassalized David still faced a bleak situation. To his east the Turks were amassing on the frontier while to the west Epirus, Latin empire, Thessaloniki, and many Latin principalities had control over the Balkans. It seemed hopeless in David’s eyes to retake the Balkans. For now he will consolidate his position and let his brother in law take care of the Epirus.
Epirus was a state that became independent after the fall of Constantinople. It was ruled by a very capable genius Michael Angelus. Michael had overrun the territory between Dyrachion and the gulf of Corinth with and with arta as his base exercised strict military control. In 1207 shortly after the capitulation of Nicaea to Trebizond Michael Angelus signed a treaty with David. In the pact made by the two orthodox brethren Alexius married Michael’s daughter Theodora Doukaina Komnena. Thus cementing marital ties with the empire of Epirus and securing another ally in the Balkans. However shortly a year later Michael died a mysterious death. While out hunting in the forest he was mauled by a boar and died on January 12th 1208. When he died Epirus was in an uproar. Their emperor had just met an untimely death due to a hunting accident. The death of Michal was indeed a mystery. Just a few months before Theodore Doukas Komnenos met his end facing an army of Latin’s led by Henry the new ruler of Constantinople. SO the only real claimant to the imperial throne was Alexius. So after much deliberation Alexius Megal-Komnenos was crowned the Despot of Epirus. Epirus thus fell into David’s hands.
Kaloyan soon became enraged at this. He sent angry letter to David asking him why he was interfering with the Balkans his territory. Before he could receive a reply at a fierce battle near the border of Constantinople. Henry the Latin Emperor delivered a decisive defeat to the Bulgarian Tzar who met an untimely end at the hands of the Latin’s. Suddenly Kaloyan was no more. This meant David who was married to Maria of Bulgaria the eldest daughter of Kalojan became Tzar of Bulgaria. The turn of events was indeed astonishing. Before anyone could react David had appeared in Sophia where gave another speech promising to keep the Bulgarians autonomous in the empire. In order to cement his ties with the populace the Patriarch of Trebizond Michael Branas gave the rank of autocephalous to the Bulgarian Patriarchate of orchrid. With this act and the lowering of taxes and the signing of feudal contracts with the Bulgarian aristocracy Bulgaria was secured for David.
At the imperial palace in Trebizond David smiled his plan had been executed perfectly. Through a string of marital alliances he had secured the crowns of Epirus, Nicaea, and Bulgaria. To top all off he had the full backing of the Rhomanoi Anatolian aristocracy as well as immense popularity in Bulgaria due to his acts of generosity and autonomy he gave said state. Soon the Balkans and Anatolia would be his once more
Meanwhile in Iconium the Seljuk sultan grew alarmed at the startling rise of Trebizond but dared not make a move. He knew that if he acted against Trebizond the Kingdom of Georgia would declare war and invade his borders. He decided to bide his time for now. Instead he turned to Armenia cillica. Soon he decided that Cilica was a thorn in his backside it would be his first major conquest in a long time.
In Constantinople Henry was shocked. He suddenly found himself surrounded by an emperor who had command over Bulgaria, Thessaloniki, Epirus, and Anatolia.
The Bulgarian army had at first refused to recognize David as their new leader but after bribing the major generals of the armies of Bulgaria the Military sided with David. The chief factor was a lower in taxes to military personnel and several well placed bribes to important officials in the Bulgarian army.
In 1210 David launched an invasion against the Latin empire. He sent a small detachment to Constantinople and let slip reports to Henry than a massive army would besiege Constantinople. Henry not wanting to lose the city gathered his armies and soon defended Constantinople with much of the Latin army. This was a foolish mistake. In January of 1210 David’s forces invaded not Thrace but Larissa and Thessaloniki. It was a two fronted assault. Within months the Latin emperor’s possessions in the Balkans had been reconquered. Shocked Henry immediately realized he had been duped. In outrage he moved his forces out of the capitol.
However the small byzantine army melted into the populace of Thrace where they incited revolts. Much of the Thracians detested the Latin’s and soon at the urging of these Rhomanoi soldiers much of Thrace fell into revolt. Henry found himself trapped in Thrace fighting constantly and putting down revolts by the masses. Soon the Latin’s knew not who the enemy was. The enemy was everywhere and nowhere. The resistance groups hid inside the villages as commoners. No one knew who was an actual member. They would launch surprise attacks and disappear. Henry grew furious that he was being toyed with in this manner but remained helpless.
By 1211 Anatolia and the Balkans under the Latin empire’s control had been retaken by David and his armies from the combined kingdoms. The Latin empire was reduced to Thrace. Henry suddenly found himself in a terrible position. On May 5th David launched an all pout assault on Thrace. 40000 soldiers conscripted from all the kingdoms under his control marched into Thrace where they were welcomed by the populace as liberators. By July the army arrived at the gates of Constantinople. The walls stood before David. David knew he could not take the city by force so in the cover of the night secret envoys were sent to the gatekeeper of the East gate. The man was offered 100 gold bags in return for opening the gates. The Gatekeeper Andronicus Akoupos accepted the offer and opened the gates. When the gates opened in the night David and his army stormed the city.
Henry woke up with a start as he heard screaming outside the city. He saw a terrible site the eat had opened and Rhomanoi soldiers were pouring in. Henry knew that all as lost. But he refused to surrender. He turned to his loyal assistant Roger who outfitted him with his armor. “If I am to die so be it but I shall not die a coward but as an emperor.” Henry and his loyal guards soon prepared to defend the palace. Henry fought like a lion killing many Roman soldiers. His figure sent fear down the spines of the Rhomanoi. But it was useless. David Komennos had entered the city and arrived at the palace. He had made orders clear “Henry will be mine to kill” Henry soon saw the sight of David. He laughed and thought to Himself so the foolish emperor arrives in person. “Well oh King what brings to my palace” David smiled “Emperor Henry It is I who will have the honor of taking your head.”
Henry smiled “Not if I take yours first.” The two powerful sovereigns faced off in battle. The two charged and soon fought bitterly on horseback. Both displayed brilliant skill in their sword forms. However David was unhorsed by Henry who charged with him with his lance. But David had a hidden dagger which pierced Henry's horse and Henry tumbled to the ground. The two soon raised their swords and fought in close combat. Soon it was a battle of endurance. But after fierce fighting and fierce parries Henry was the first to succumb. He was disarmed and soon fell to the ground. David raised his sword and brought it down upon Henry. Henry prepared for death but after moments nothing happened. Minutes passed and henry thought why I haven’t died. When he opened his eyes he saw David smiling.
Henry you are a worthy opponent. But I will not kill you. I have uses for you.”
Henry replied coarsely “what as a slave.”
“of course not. Your valor, military, skills, and judgment are incredible. So I will tell you this. The Empire is mine and you will be a strategus of one of my regiments. You will prove invaluable to me. I view it a waste to kill intelligent enemies who could work for me. Don’t worry I will make sure you family is safe. SO what do you say Henry become my subject and vassal.”
Henry retorted with words that stunned David. “Fool I am an emperor. As emperor I shall not bow to anyone. Remember this I should rather die than serve you. It was an honor facing you in battle King. But I have lost. If you wish me to be your vassal I shall not. I will fight you till the end. You may kill all my troops but I will never surrender.” With these words Henry stood up struggling. David was shocked at this man’s audacity. Henry charged at David. David with a sad face raised his sword and in one fell swoop beheaded Henry. Henry was no more. But David was disheartened. The next morning an honorable funeral was given to David’s greatest enemy. Henry was buried with full honors and his family was allowed to remain as Rhomanoi citizens and was sent to live in one of their estates in Constantinople.
David had at last. Constantinople was his and in the Hagia Sophia was crowned on Christmas day as Autokrator of the Romans, King of Bulgaria, Emperor of Trebizond, and Despot of Nicaea David I Megal-Komnenos. His brother Alexius remained Despot of Epirus Larissa and Thessaloniki.
With the Empire secure David turned his eyes toward Iconium. The Latin principalities could wait. In 1212 Tamar of Georgia and David decided to partition the sultanate of Iconium between them.
Iconium suddenly found itself facing a two fronted war.
will be put up in a couple hours.