Heirs of Heraclius, a no Islam timeline
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A faithful meeting
Caecilius and his king had been on diplomatic missions, asking for the support of the Berber tribes, he himself being of royal blood swore his tribe to the king and emperor, he was pondering on how this meeting would go, he had just arrived some hours ago and now was going to meet the tribe leader.
welcome, Caecilius said the attendant, the tribe leader reason for their visit.
they came for negotiation said the attendant, there he saw her, Dihya, he was stunned by her beauty despite not being in the flower of her youth since she was close to 30, even so, he was surprised.
what was your name? said Dihya.
Caecilius said the man.
no, tell me your real name said the tribe leader.
....Aksel, said the berber leader.
well, “lord” askel what do you bring to me? said Dihya
I bring a proposition, that makes a simple oath of loyalty to the king of and the Roman emperor.
In return, you shall the riches of Rome and my king. As he spoke, he showed gold, silver, turtle shells, and spices.
military protection, you will have control over your tribe just pay taxes and aid us militarily
And if I refuse? Said Dihya
Well would be missing out, but if you don’t attack us, we will let you be. If you do your tribe will disappear into the sand Said Caecilius
The discussion continued for about 3 hours before, he and his companions when escorted to their resting place, as was sleeping some entered the room, as he got closer, Caecilius pulls out his dagger and put it in the throat of the man.
Dihya, calls for you said the soldier who has had the dagger up to his neck.
Once he arrived and He said: Have you changed your mind about my proposal?
I am no slave, said the Berber leader.
Neither am I , said Caecilius
Between your king and your emperor, I disagree
I am a man of my word, my loyalty is with them. said Caecilius
they stayed there some time, the Berber also stayed there a few days till a messenger came and said: my lord, we have to return the King calls for you.
Caecilius responded: what does the King desire, it better be important
the emperor is dead…
Caecilius didn’t wait he prepared everything, to leave and said his goodbyes, as days passed, he returned as said:
My King, is it true, the emperor is dead?
Yes, said the king.
Caecilius responded: Are you not worried, your majesty?
I have met Constans son, smart boy I think we are in good hands. Said the Berber king
you knew him and fought with him remember?
And alongside you in Hispania: said Caecilius.
I see a better future, For all of us, well will argue it later, so how was your diplomatic mission. said king Skerid
Let’s just say it was interesting your majesty: said Caecilius
welcome, Caecilius said the attendant, the tribe leader reason for their visit.
they came for negotiation said the attendant, there he saw her, Dihya, he was stunned by her beauty despite not being in the flower of her youth since she was close to 30, even so, he was surprised.
what was your name? said Dihya.
Caecilius said the man.
no, tell me your real name said the tribe leader.
....Aksel, said the berber leader.
well, “lord” askel what do you bring to me? said Dihya
I bring a proposition, that makes a simple oath of loyalty to the king of and the Roman emperor.
In return, you shall the riches of Rome and my king. As he spoke, he showed gold, silver, turtle shells, and spices.
military protection, you will have control over your tribe just pay taxes and aid us militarily
And if I refuse? Said Dihya
Well would be missing out, but if you don’t attack us, we will let you be. If you do your tribe will disappear into the sand Said Caecilius
The discussion continued for about 3 hours before, he and his companions when escorted to their resting place, as was sleeping some entered the room, as he got closer, Caecilius pulls out his dagger and put it in the throat of the man.
Dihya, calls for you said the soldier who has had the dagger up to his neck.
Once he arrived and He said: Have you changed your mind about my proposal?
I am no slave, said the Berber leader.
Neither am I , said Caecilius
Between your king and your emperor, I disagree
I am a man of my word, my loyalty is with them. said Caecilius
they stayed there some time, the Berber also stayed there a few days till a messenger came and said: my lord, we have to return the King calls for you.
Caecilius responded: what does the King desire, it better be important
the emperor is dead…
Caecilius didn’t wait he prepared everything, to leave and said his goodbyes, as days passed, he returned as said:
My King, is it true, the emperor is dead?
Yes, said the king.
Caecilius responded: Are you not worried, your majesty?
I have met Constans son, smart boy I think we are in good hands. Said the Berber king
you knew him and fought with him remember?
And alongside you in Hispania: said Caecilius.
I see a better future, For all of us, well will argue it later, so how was your diplomatic mission. said king Skerid
Let’s just say it was interesting your majesty: said Caecilius
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Battle of Nishapur
as constans was invading Italy dabuya was calmed, the Romans were in the west, as the Tibetan empire attacked the Tang, he quickly sent word to them to form an alliance, the tang was also distracted with the Goguryeo.
Dabuya took this time to press more reforms he more aggressively began to take power from the royal houses especially as he began to make a more centralized army and continue planning his megaproject, the imperial census, similar to Khosrow I, but these took time and despite 4 years of information the census was not over yet, but the eastern regions were the territory of the Sassanids loyalist were a pest to him, but the sun was beginning to alienate the houses
he also was bothered by Arab raids, when Constans defeated the Arab confederation, future migrants, who wanted to go to the raid or settle in the wealthy Roman regions, Decided to enter Mesopotamia, On their way, they sacked many towns, however, he could deal more with these as in 670 the Tibetan empire attacked the tang and then captured the 18 prefectures that Tang had established over the Western Regions.
Emperor Gaozong gave up hopes of reestablishing the kingdom of Tuyuhun and moved Murong Nuohebo, and his people deep into Tang territory, By 672 The census was nearly over Still now he received the news that Constans was dead, and he got a little scared, he went to Constans Funeral, in his stay in Constantinople, he spoke to Constantine to hold he peace and help him, he told him about the crisis, since, the Arab tribes, were going through Mesopotamia, to go to the rich provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire. These were a pest to him, it made his military attention to the south and the raids damaged the economy of Mesopotamia who was still reconstructing, both monarchs agree to continue the peace and aid each other against the Arabs.
By early 673 Dabuya still was pushing internal policy and preparing his army finally crush the eastern pest on his border as his policies had alienated most of the houses and his taxes had made him unpopular, the census was also complete and he also pushed reforms to take away from them the power of taxation, this made the lords and governors hate him even more, the poor despite his high taxes loved him as the brought backorder, But not all of his empire was fine, the Iranian plateau was a top priority, and thus Mesopotamia and the southeast were not reconstructed, despite not being fully recovered Mesopotamia was still a tempting target for Arab nomads, Still, his reforms had brought wealth back and taking advantage of constant trade route he made the southeast port cities rich.
Do to this wealth he taxed the lords heavily to pay for his expenses which lead to some small revolts which he crushed, Another tax increase was sent and Dabuya had prepared his army for 4 -year now to march to the east but a revolt by house Varaz distracted him it was crushed by mid-674 and dabuya continued to prepare his troops, by 675 Dabuya was now ready to attack and crossed to the east to crush the Sassanid successor states In order to save their allies, the tang sent a force of Turkic mercenaries.
Once they arrived Both armies met near Nishapur, Here the battle seemed well for dabuya , his heavy cavalry struck the Turks and moved them and it seemed the day would be won but it was a rouse, they waited till a gap formed, and another Turkish force came out making attacking them and slaughtered them. Dabuya moved to save them, but it was too late, the battle continued but now he was outnumbered and slowly began to give more ground, Dabuya had to retreat, but half of his army lay dead or were captured.
Once news reached about the defeat, house the Karens,zik, suren, rebelled and the Karens sacked the capital and the treasury and its king declared to be new shah and the army seemed that they were not being paid and they too revolted, The army revolted, the lords, revolted, some people like Christians and according to some sources " the followers of mazadak" also joined the revolts, the Turks began raiding so did the Arabs He was under pressure from all sides. The only loyal were the Turkish inside mihran and some men of the army house Ispahbudhan and house Spandiyadh, who were loyal. It seemed that Persia would fall into anarchy again, but Dabuya had still one card up his sleeve, the Romans, as Constantine had just come back from view the reconstruction of Italy, He was surprised that Dabuya was there waiting for him. He explained the situation to him.
They began to bargain.
What do you offer me? Said Constantine
Well said dabuya before he was interrupted.
How about a tribute for holding back the Arab migrations?
This stunned dabuya, it was clear that he wanted to do something similar, to what the Sassanids and the Romans did with the Caucasian gates.
But he too was a savvy intelligent man and said: Mesopotamia
What ? said, Constantine
Mesopotamia It is mine but I give it you and renounce all claims for it , Its prosperous region, I have reconstructed many, of its cities and took advantage of the trade, to make some wealthy cities.
With this, the sha planned to kill 3 birds with one stone
1) He would not have to worry about the numerous Arab migrants in Mesopotamia who raided many cities and drew his attention from the east.
2) He wouldn’t have to deal with the Christians, who had a tendency to favor the Arab migrants who they shared the same region with.
3) The extra revenue from this would give him enough money to found 7 more armies if he wanted to.
All I ask is for gold and men said the sha.
Constantine began to think, he would have to deal with, unlike his father he had no dreams to expand further the empire I mean they didn’t even control fully control Balkans and Mesopotamia would overstretch his empire and he would have to deal With More Arab migrants, but Mesopotamia was wealthy and he could install a client and indeed he did one of the few direct sassanid nobles that had survived the era turmoil was Narseh who was installed as king of Mesopotamia ruling thus the area, and he could turn it into a wealthy province since dabuya had tried to rebuild it he just need it to put to order, Constantine agreed. Dabuya was given plenty of gold alongside 6000 roman troops. But Constantine could not accompany him he had a council to deal with.
Dabuya took this time to press more reforms he more aggressively began to take power from the royal houses especially as he began to make a more centralized army and continue planning his megaproject, the imperial census, similar to Khosrow I, but these took time and despite 4 years of information the census was not over yet, but the eastern regions were the territory of the Sassanids loyalist were a pest to him, but the sun was beginning to alienate the houses
he also was bothered by Arab raids, when Constans defeated the Arab confederation, future migrants, who wanted to go to the raid or settle in the wealthy Roman regions, Decided to enter Mesopotamia, On their way, they sacked many towns, however, he could deal more with these as in 670 the Tibetan empire attacked the tang and then captured the 18 prefectures that Tang had established over the Western Regions.
Emperor Gaozong gave up hopes of reestablishing the kingdom of Tuyuhun and moved Murong Nuohebo, and his people deep into Tang territory, By 672 The census was nearly over Still now he received the news that Constans was dead, and he got a little scared, he went to Constans Funeral, in his stay in Constantinople, he spoke to Constantine to hold he peace and help him, he told him about the crisis, since, the Arab tribes, were going through Mesopotamia, to go to the rich provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire. These were a pest to him, it made his military attention to the south and the raids damaged the economy of Mesopotamia who was still reconstructing, both monarchs agree to continue the peace and aid each other against the Arabs.
By early 673 Dabuya still was pushing internal policy and preparing his army finally crush the eastern pest on his border as his policies had alienated most of the houses and his taxes had made him unpopular, the census was also complete and he also pushed reforms to take away from them the power of taxation, this made the lords and governors hate him even more, the poor despite his high taxes loved him as the brought backorder, But not all of his empire was fine, the Iranian plateau was a top priority, and thus Mesopotamia and the southeast were not reconstructed, despite not being fully recovered Mesopotamia was still a tempting target for Arab nomads, Still, his reforms had brought wealth back and taking advantage of constant trade route he made the southeast port cities rich.
Do to this wealth he taxed the lords heavily to pay for his expenses which lead to some small revolts which he crushed, Another tax increase was sent and Dabuya had prepared his army for 4 -year now to march to the east but a revolt by house Varaz distracted him it was crushed by mid-674 and dabuya continued to prepare his troops, by 675 Dabuya was now ready to attack and crossed to the east to crush the Sassanid successor states In order to save their allies, the tang sent a force of Turkic mercenaries.
Once they arrived Both armies met near Nishapur, Here the battle seemed well for dabuya , his heavy cavalry struck the Turks and moved them and it seemed the day would be won but it was a rouse, they waited till a gap formed, and another Turkish force came out making attacking them and slaughtered them. Dabuya moved to save them, but it was too late, the battle continued but now he was outnumbered and slowly began to give more ground, Dabuya had to retreat, but half of his army lay dead or were captured.
Once news reached about the defeat, house the Karens,zik, suren, rebelled and the Karens sacked the capital and the treasury and its king declared to be new shah and the army seemed that they were not being paid and they too revolted, The army revolted, the lords, revolted, some people like Christians and according to some sources " the followers of mazadak" also joined the revolts, the Turks began raiding so did the Arabs He was under pressure from all sides. The only loyal were the Turkish inside mihran and some men of the army house Ispahbudhan and house Spandiyadh, who were loyal. It seemed that Persia would fall into anarchy again, but Dabuya had still one card up his sleeve, the Romans, as Constantine had just come back from view the reconstruction of Italy, He was surprised that Dabuya was there waiting for him. He explained the situation to him.
They began to bargain.
What do you offer me? Said Constantine
Well said dabuya before he was interrupted.
How about a tribute for holding back the Arab migrations?
This stunned dabuya, it was clear that he wanted to do something similar, to what the Sassanids and the Romans did with the Caucasian gates.
But he too was a savvy intelligent man and said: Mesopotamia
What ? said, Constantine
Mesopotamia It is mine but I give it you and renounce all claims for it , Its prosperous region, I have reconstructed many, of its cities and took advantage of the trade, to make some wealthy cities.
With this, the sha planned to kill 3 birds with one stone
1) He would not have to worry about the numerous Arab migrants in Mesopotamia who raided many cities and drew his attention from the east.
2) He wouldn’t have to deal with the Christians, who had a tendency to favor the Arab migrants who they shared the same region with.
3) The extra revenue from this would give him enough money to found 7 more armies if he wanted to.
All I ask is for gold and men said the sha.
Constantine began to think, he would have to deal with, unlike his father he had no dreams to expand further the empire I mean they didn’t even control fully control Balkans and Mesopotamia would overstretch his empire and he would have to deal With More Arab migrants, but Mesopotamia was wealthy and he could install a client and indeed he did one of the few direct sassanid nobles that had survived the era turmoil was Narseh who was installed as king of Mesopotamia ruling thus the area, and he could turn it into a wealthy province since dabuya had tried to rebuild it he just need it to put to order, Constantine agreed. Dabuya was given plenty of gold alongside 6000 roman troops. But Constantine could not accompany him he had a council to deal with.
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Dabuyas Restoration
Dabuya now moved back to the east he met the armies of house Karen with forces from zik having 25 000 men and Dabuya having a similar sized army with help from house Spandiyadh as the armies of House of Ispahbudhan had not yet arrived, The battle began with a charge from the heavy cavalry, They managed to punch a hole in the line.
The lords were disorganized due to this charge, Dabuya sent his right and left to pin down his enemies' forces, the lords were disorganized and failed to react to this, The forces pined, and the enemy forces began to retreat.
But then Dabuya, Sent the Romans were sent to complete the encirclement, they were slaughter to a man, After Crushing the houses, the northwest surrendered to him Now Dabuya moved to the east, The man who proclaimed to be Sha in his absence was a noble from the House of Mihrān.
But instead of attacking him, Dabuya went south defeating the forces of house suren and taking those cities, This took him an entire year by late 676, With both north and south under his control, dabuya moved to the east to deal with mirhan and varaz , the usurper was horribly outnumbered, as many switched sides, and pledged themselves to Dabuya, during this period. The battle lasted a mere 30 minutes, where the usurpers and his small army were killed.
With that he reentered his capital, and spent the next half a year destroying some minor rebellions Once that was over, he congratulated his Turkic and the ones that were loyal from the houses, giving them 1/10 each of the gold and wealth that he gained from the purchase of Mesopotamia.
He had reclaimed the throne, and wasted no time, using the money he began a bigger reconstruction and with the census information, He did a herculean task of bringing Persia out of its age of chaos.
The lords were disorganized due to this charge, Dabuya sent his right and left to pin down his enemies' forces, the lords were disorganized and failed to react to this, The forces pined, and the enemy forces began to retreat.
But then Dabuya, Sent the Romans were sent to complete the encirclement, they were slaughter to a man, After Crushing the houses, the northwest surrendered to him Now Dabuya moved to the east, The man who proclaimed to be Sha in his absence was a noble from the House of Mihrān.
But instead of attacking him, Dabuya went south defeating the forces of house suren and taking those cities, This took him an entire year by late 676, With both north and south under his control, dabuya moved to the east to deal with mirhan and varaz , the usurper was horribly outnumbered, as many switched sides, and pledged themselves to Dabuya, during this period. The battle lasted a mere 30 minutes, where the usurpers and his small army were killed.
With that he reentered his capital, and spent the next half a year destroying some minor rebellions Once that was over, he congratulated his Turkic and the ones that were loyal from the houses, giving them 1/10 each of the gold and wealth that he gained from the purchase of Mesopotamia.
He had reclaimed the throne, and wasted no time, using the money he began a bigger reconstruction and with the census information, He did a herculean task of bringing Persia out of its age of chaos.
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Third Council of Constantinople
Constantine had wrote to the Pope in early 676 for The pope had died in 678, his successor sent bishops to Constantine Council, The Third Council of Constantinople was finally opened on September 678, in a domed hall of the imperial palace.
the council began with the Acts , and the Speech of the Papal Legates after some debate the
The monolithes said: We have brought out no new method of speech, but have taught whatever we have received from the holy Ecumenical Synods, and from the holy approved Fathers, as well as from the archbishops of this imperial city, to wit: Sergius, Paul, Pyrrhus, and Peter, as also from Honorius who was Pope of Old Rome, and from Cyrus who was Pope of Alexandria, that is to say with reference to will and operation, and so we have believed, and so we believe, so we preach; and further we are ready to stand by, and defend this faith.
Second session
The pope sent letters, both letters insisted on the Roman faith as the living and stainless tradition of the apostles of Christ and therefore finally authoritative for the Universal (Catholic) Church. This view was not necessarily that of the council, which followed the precedent of earlier synods in giving the patriarch of Constantinople virtually equal dignity and authority with the Roman pontiff.
The next sessions continued about the debate the scriptural and patristic passages bearing on the question of "one" or "two wills," and one or two "operations," (of the will) in Christ. Patriarch George of Constantinople was willing to agree with the western insistence on both two wills and two operations in Christ.
At some point during the council's proceedings, a Monothelite priest claimed he could raise the dead, thereby proving his faith supreme. He had a corpse brought forth, but after whispering prayers into its ears, could not revive the body.
Session 8The Emperor said: Let George, the most holy archbishop of this our God-preserved city, and let Macarius, the venerable archbishop of Antioch, and let the synod subject to them say, if they submit to the force.
George, with which all his bishops answered and many of them, speaking one by one, agreed except Theodore of Metilene.
I have diligently examined the whole force of the suggestions sent to your most pious Fortitude, as well by Agatho, the most holy Pope of Old Rome, as by his synod, and I have scrutinized the works of the holy and approved Fathers, which are laid up in my venerable patriarchate, and I have found that all the testimonies of the holy and accepted Fathers, which are contained in those suggestions agree with, and in no particular differ from, the holy and accepted Fathers. Therefore I give my submission to them and thus I profess and believe.
The answer of all the rest of the Bishops subject to the See of Constantinople.
And we, most pious Lord, accepting the teaching of the suggestion sent to your most gentle Fortitude by the most holy and blessed Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, and of that other suggestion which was adopted by the council subject to him, and following the sense therein contained, so we are minded, so we profess, and so we believe that in our one Lord Jesus Christ, our true God, there are two natures unconfusedly, unchangeably, undividedly, and two natural wills and two natural operations; and all who have taught, and who now say, that there is but one will and one operation in the two natures of our one Lord Jesus Christ our true God, we anathematize.
The Emperor then spoke : Let Macarius, the Venerable Archbishop of Antioch, who has now heard what has been said by this holy and Ecumenical Synod, answer what seems him good.
Macarius answered : I do not say that there are two wills or two operations in the dispensation of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, but one will and one theandric operation.
The council continued for months, but it was decided, by session 12, what the sentence would be.
Session 13
The sentence was carried out.
The Emperor said : After we had reconsidered, according to our promise which we had made to your highness, the doctrinal letters of Sergius, at one time patriarch of this royal god-protected city to Cyrus, who was then bishop of Phasis and to Honorius some time Pope of Old Rome, as well as the letter of the latter to the same Sergius, we find that these documents are quite foreign to the apostolic dogmas, to the declarations of the holy Councils, and to all the accepted Fathers, and that they follow the false teachings of the heretics; therefore we entirely reject them, and execrate them as hurtful to the soul. But the names of those men whose doctrines we execrate must also be thrust forth from the holy Church of God, namely, that of Sergius sometime bishop of this God-preserved royal city who was the first to write on this impious doctrine; also that of Cyrus of Alexandria, of Pyrrhus, Paul, and Peter, who died bishops of this God-preserved city, and were like-minded with them; and that of Theodore sometime bishop of Pharan, all of whom the most holy and thrice blessed Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, in his suggestion to our most pious and God-preserved lord and mighty Emperor, rejected, because they were minded contrary to our orthodox faith, all of whom we define are to be subjected to anathema. And with these we define that there shall be expelled from the holy Church of God and anathematized Honorius who was some time Pope of Old Rome, because of what we found written by him to Sergius, that in all respects he followed his view and confirmed his impious doctrines. We have also examined the synodal letter of Sophronius of holy memory, some time Patriarch of the Holy City of Christ our God, Jerusalem, and have found it in accordance with the true faith and with the apostolic teachings, and with those of the holy approved Fathers. Therefore we have received it as orthodox and as salutary to the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and have decreed that it is right that his name be inserted in the diptychs of the Holy Churches.
the council formally condemned a previous pope, Honorius I for heresy. It first anathematized several leading Monothelite bishops, including Sergius of Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria, Pyrrhus, Paul and Peter of Constantinople, and Theodore of Pharan. However, wanting to make sure that the West shouldered its share of blame for the heresy, to this list the council added the following statement:
And in addition to these we decide that Honorius also, who was Pope of Elder Rome, be with them cast out of the Holy Church of God, and be anathematized with them, because we have found by his letter to Sergius that he followed his opinion in all things and confirmed his wicked dogmas.
the fathers responded
Many years to the Emperor! Many years to Constantine, our great Emperor! Many years to the Orthodox King! Many years to our Emperor that makes peace! Many years to Constantine, a second Martian! Many years to Constantine, a new Theodosius! Many years to Constantine, a new Justinian! Many years to the keeper of the orthodox faith! O Lord preserve the foundation of the Churches! O Lord preserve the keeper of the faith!
Many years to Agatho, Pope of Rome! Many years to George, Patriarch of Constantinople! Many years to Theophanus, Patriarch of Antioch! Many years to the orthodox council! Many years to the orthodox Senate!
The Definition of Faith and The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor.
then said the official decree: The heresy of Apollinari, has been renewed by Theodore of Pharan and confirmed by Honorius, sometime Pope of Old Rome, who also contradicted himself. Also Cyrus, Pyrrhus, Paul, Peter; more recently. Macarius, Stephen, and Polychronius had diffused Monothelitism. He, the Emperor, had therefore convoked this holy and Ecumenical Synod, and published the present edict with the confession of faith, in order to confirm and establish its decrees. (There follows here an extended confession of faith, with proofs for the doctrine of two wills and operations.) As he recognized the five earlier Ecumenical Synods, so he anathematized all heretics from Simon Magus, but especially the originator and patrons of the new heresy, Theodore and Sergius; also Pope Honorius, who was their adherent and patron in everything, and confirmed the heresy, further, Cyrus, etc., and ordained that no one henceforth should hold a different faith, or venture to teach one will and one energy. In no other than the orthodox faith could men be saved. Whoever did not obey the imperial edict should, if he were a bishop or cleric be deposed; if an official, punished with confiscation of property and loss of the girdle; if a private person, banished from the residence and all other cities.
The pope confirmed the decrees against Monothelitism and reaffirmation of those against Monophysitism, in early 679, After this Constantine had a reason to ditch Heraclius compromise it was unpopular with the west and now he ruled over all of italy , a great part of Africa, even in the east were it once was popular it wasn't so much there would be tension to come from this , he did not care , he would impose orthodoxy.
the council began with the Acts , and the Speech of the Papal Legates after some debate the
The monolithes said: We have brought out no new method of speech, but have taught whatever we have received from the holy Ecumenical Synods, and from the holy approved Fathers, as well as from the archbishops of this imperial city, to wit: Sergius, Paul, Pyrrhus, and Peter, as also from Honorius who was Pope of Old Rome, and from Cyrus who was Pope of Alexandria, that is to say with reference to will and operation, and so we have believed, and so we believe, so we preach; and further we are ready to stand by, and defend this faith.
Second session
The pope sent letters, both letters insisted on the Roman faith as the living and stainless tradition of the apostles of Christ and therefore finally authoritative for the Universal (Catholic) Church. This view was not necessarily that of the council, which followed the precedent of earlier synods in giving the patriarch of Constantinople virtually equal dignity and authority with the Roman pontiff.
The next sessions continued about the debate the scriptural and patristic passages bearing on the question of "one" or "two wills," and one or two "operations," (of the will) in Christ. Patriarch George of Constantinople was willing to agree with the western insistence on both two wills and two operations in Christ.
At some point during the council's proceedings, a Monothelite priest claimed he could raise the dead, thereby proving his faith supreme. He had a corpse brought forth, but after whispering prayers into its ears, could not revive the body.
Session 8The Emperor said: Let George, the most holy archbishop of this our God-preserved city, and let Macarius, the venerable archbishop of Antioch, and let the synod subject to them say, if they submit to the force.
George, with which all his bishops answered and many of them, speaking one by one, agreed except Theodore of Metilene.
I have diligently examined the whole force of the suggestions sent to your most pious Fortitude, as well by Agatho, the most holy Pope of Old Rome, as by his synod, and I have scrutinized the works of the holy and approved Fathers, which are laid up in my venerable patriarchate, and I have found that all the testimonies of the holy and accepted Fathers, which are contained in those suggestions agree with, and in no particular differ from, the holy and accepted Fathers. Therefore I give my submission to them and thus I profess and believe.
The answer of all the rest of the Bishops subject to the See of Constantinople.
And we, most pious Lord, accepting the teaching of the suggestion sent to your most gentle Fortitude by the most holy and blessed Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, and of that other suggestion which was adopted by the council subject to him, and following the sense therein contained, so we are minded, so we profess, and so we believe that in our one Lord Jesus Christ, our true God, there are two natures unconfusedly, unchangeably, undividedly, and two natural wills and two natural operations; and all who have taught, and who now say, that there is but one will and one operation in the two natures of our one Lord Jesus Christ our true God, we anathematize.
The Emperor then spoke : Let Macarius, the Venerable Archbishop of Antioch, who has now heard what has been said by this holy and Ecumenical Synod, answer what seems him good.
Macarius answered : I do not say that there are two wills or two operations in the dispensation of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, but one will and one theandric operation.
The council continued for months, but it was decided, by session 12, what the sentence would be.
Session 13
The sentence was carried out.
The Emperor said : After we had reconsidered, according to our promise which we had made to your highness, the doctrinal letters of Sergius, at one time patriarch of this royal god-protected city to Cyrus, who was then bishop of Phasis and to Honorius some time Pope of Old Rome, as well as the letter of the latter to the same Sergius, we find that these documents are quite foreign to the apostolic dogmas, to the declarations of the holy Councils, and to all the accepted Fathers, and that they follow the false teachings of the heretics; therefore we entirely reject them, and execrate them as hurtful to the soul. But the names of those men whose doctrines we execrate must also be thrust forth from the holy Church of God, namely, that of Sergius sometime bishop of this God-preserved royal city who was the first to write on this impious doctrine; also that of Cyrus of Alexandria, of Pyrrhus, Paul, and Peter, who died bishops of this God-preserved city, and were like-minded with them; and that of Theodore sometime bishop of Pharan, all of whom the most holy and thrice blessed Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, in his suggestion to our most pious and God-preserved lord and mighty Emperor, rejected, because they were minded contrary to our orthodox faith, all of whom we define are to be subjected to anathema. And with these we define that there shall be expelled from the holy Church of God and anathematized Honorius who was some time Pope of Old Rome, because of what we found written by him to Sergius, that in all respects he followed his view and confirmed his impious doctrines. We have also examined the synodal letter of Sophronius of holy memory, some time Patriarch of the Holy City of Christ our God, Jerusalem, and have found it in accordance with the true faith and with the apostolic teachings, and with those of the holy approved Fathers. Therefore we have received it as orthodox and as salutary to the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and have decreed that it is right that his name be inserted in the diptychs of the Holy Churches.
the council formally condemned a previous pope, Honorius I for heresy. It first anathematized several leading Monothelite bishops, including Sergius of Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria, Pyrrhus, Paul and Peter of Constantinople, and Theodore of Pharan. However, wanting to make sure that the West shouldered its share of blame for the heresy, to this list the council added the following statement:
And in addition to these we decide that Honorius also, who was Pope of Elder Rome, be with them cast out of the Holy Church of God, and be anathematized with them, because we have found by his letter to Sergius that he followed his opinion in all things and confirmed his wicked dogmas.
the fathers responded
Many years to the Emperor! Many years to Constantine, our great Emperor! Many years to the Orthodox King! Many years to our Emperor that makes peace! Many years to Constantine, a second Martian! Many years to Constantine, a new Theodosius! Many years to Constantine, a new Justinian! Many years to the keeper of the orthodox faith! O Lord preserve the foundation of the Churches! O Lord preserve the keeper of the faith!
Many years to Agatho, Pope of Rome! Many years to George, Patriarch of Constantinople! Many years to Theophanus, Patriarch of Antioch! Many years to the orthodox council! Many years to the orthodox Senate!
The Definition of Faith and The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor.
then said the official decree: The heresy of Apollinari, has been renewed by Theodore of Pharan and confirmed by Honorius, sometime Pope of Old Rome, who also contradicted himself. Also Cyrus, Pyrrhus, Paul, Peter; more recently. Macarius, Stephen, and Polychronius had diffused Monothelitism. He, the Emperor, had therefore convoked this holy and Ecumenical Synod, and published the present edict with the confession of faith, in order to confirm and establish its decrees. (There follows here an extended confession of faith, with proofs for the doctrine of two wills and operations.) As he recognized the five earlier Ecumenical Synods, so he anathematized all heretics from Simon Magus, but especially the originator and patrons of the new heresy, Theodore and Sergius; also Pope Honorius, who was their adherent and patron in everything, and confirmed the heresy, further, Cyrus, etc., and ordained that no one henceforth should hold a different faith, or venture to teach one will and one energy. In no other than the orthodox faith could men be saved. Whoever did not obey the imperial edict should, if he were a bishop or cleric be deposed; if an official, punished with confiscation of property and loss of the girdle; if a private person, banished from the residence and all other cities.
The pope confirmed the decrees against Monothelitism and reaffirmation of those against Monophysitism, in early 679, After this Constantine had a reason to ditch Heraclius compromise it was unpopular with the west and now he ruled over all of italy , a great part of Africa, even in the east were it once was popular it wasn't so much there would be tension to come from this , he did not care , he would impose orthodoxy.
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Emperor Constantine I and Justinian I approves.
Will Justinian II be born here? He seems like he had the potential to be a good emperor like his other Heraclian predecessors. His reign was off to a good start until he was deposed and mutilated.
How has Roman art and culture been affected with the classical Empire being restored, and the Latin West being preserved and brought back into the fold? Are marble sculptures of prominent Romans and the Emperor still being produced? The last Emperor to commission one in otl was Heraclius. Has the Roman Senate been restored with Lombard nobles being Romanized thanks to the conquests of the Heraclians?
One thing I kind of have an issue with is the seemingly direct annexation of Mesopotamia. Not even Trajan could accomplish this since the Romans had to pull back after Trajan's death. This was when Rome was at its height. The Empire here has multiple frontiers to defend with large parts of the West still recovering from the migration age. Italy still hasn't recovered very much from the migration era. I feel like a series of Roman client states in Mesopotamia would be better here. Maybe they broke away from the Sassanian Empire in a civil war, and looked to the Romans for protections. And with the issue of Orthodoxy likely being a catalyst for rebellions, I don't see the Romans being able to hold on to Mesopotamia for very long. This was what happened to Trajan, as a massive Jewish rebellion forced the Empire to withdraw the troops stationed in Mesopotamia and use them to put down the rebellion.
he is already born in this timeline he is about 11
How has Roman art and culture been affected with the classical Empire being restored, and the Latin West being preserved and brought back into the fold? Are marble sculptures of prominent Romans and the Emperor still being produced? The last Emperor to commission one in otl was Heraclius. Has the Roman Senate been restored with Lombard nobles being Romanized thanks to the conquests of the Heraclians?
in this timeline eys the lombards nobles have been turned in to the senate along and fall under the juredisticion of the exchart of revena.
One thing I kind of have an issue with is the seemingly direct annexation of Mesopotamia. Not even Trajan could accomplish this since the Romans had to pull back after Trajan's death. This was when Rome was at its height.
The Empire here has multiple frontiers to defend with large parts of the West still recovering from the migration age. Italy still hasn't recovered very much from the migration era.
by 679 AD in this timeline italy has already recovered Constans and Constantine have revived the peninsula actually , the peninsula had about 14 years of recovery where the wealth of the empire has gone to it , hispania is also good since there was not much to rebuild just establish order
I feel like a series of Roman client states in Mesopotamia would be better here. Maybe they broke away from the Sassanian Empire in a civil war, and looked to the Romans for protections. And with the issue of Orthodoxy likely being a catalyst for rebellions, I don't see the Romans being able to hold on to Mesopotamia for very long. This was what happened to Trajan, as a massive Jewish rebellion forced the Empire to withdraw the troops stationed in Mesopotamia and use them to put down the rebellion.[
it will be he will install a vassal
PS if you read the comments about the city of Heraclius what name could it have?
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Battle of Ongal
Revolts occurred when Constantine imposed Orthodoxy, Both Monophysites and Nestorians rebelled.
Constantine moved, first to Syria and levant crushing the smaller rebellion there, from there he moved to Mesopotamia crushing the rebellion in Ctesiphon, Constantine defeated the rebels near the city and had the leaders of the rebellion hanged.
He also ordered a massacre of 7 000 captured in the battle. With this settled he moved to Egypt, this rebellion also took a short time to subdue, but still, the rebels were just holding out, the emperor and they knew that they had no chance.
He crushed the rebellion killing 5000 men, After this, Constantine returned to the east, and installed the exchart of Mesopotamia, He, Constantine would build a city on the other side of the Tigris River, opposite Nineveh, His father had planned for it; Constans had many things he never finished, His city would be the city worthy of the name of Heraclius. Constantine stayed to see the reforming of Mesopotamia and to supervise the construction of Heraclius city.
spring 680
News reports came from the north, he was expecting an avar or more likely a Slavic attack, to his surprise, It was another group of barbarians.
Years ago after the disintegration Of the Old Great Bulgaria, A man called, Asparukh was followed by 30,000 to 50,000 Bulgars, He reached the Danube and while the Byzantine emperor was busy with internal policies, he and his people settled in the Danube delta.
Now he continued to move to the south, A smaller army was to deal with him but his 12,000 won, Constantine had to deal with this pest, he left the to the exchart of Mesopotamia the responsibility of the region, He gathers an army as he moved towards the north, as the roman fleet moved with him bringing supplies.
Once Constantine reached Danube Delta, scouts told him The Bulgars had erected defense earth ramparts with wood in marshy areas.
This surprised Constantine since he was prepared for open battle, but still, he sent camp some kilometers from the bulgar defenses, Once the Byzantine army arrived, the Bulgars retreated behind the ramparts, The Bulgars were intimidated as they were almost outnumbered 2 to 1.
Days passed As Constantine and Asparukh viewed the situation, For Constantine, the situation was not as favorable as it seemed. The marshy terrain, was unsuitable for any large-scale attack, with a high risk of the imperial army began bogged down, and scouts said that they were attacking, he was overconfident, he was the heir of Heraclius and Constans, and he had won many victories.
As more days, passed Constantine’s patience was dismissed and the supplies of his army as well. Not wanting to leave, without anything to show for it, he ordered his attack, the next day, the Romans crossed the marshes and the battle began, the defenders especially the Bulgars were fierce adversaries.
Seeing that the first assault was going nowhere he called off the attacks, A week passed, several more attacks were performed, yet they had minimal success as Asparukh and his army were still standing strong.
Constantine was getting sick, some thought that he was going to leave, but he would do no such thing; his father despite injuries didn’t retreat from a battle a mere sickness would not make him leave.
You are as stubborn as your father said the governor of Thrace
…. Constantine smiled his old friend had arrived and he saw that he did not arrive alone, they talked, and the Governor, told him about his father’s campaign in Italy, this made the Emperor remember about, one battle.
Yes my father, remember his battle in Spoleto? Said, the emperor.
Yes, I have heard about it, said the governor.
Well, tomorrow I will make my own gamble, Said the Emperor.
The next day
it began like all the other days, the Romans attacked and the Bulgars held their ground, The battle continued, but here the troops retreated in a more disorganized fashion, despite Asparukh orders, many Slavs and many Bulgars, perused them.
Destroying their chances of victories, Constantine stopped the retreat and attacked, the bulgar and Slavic forces were soon surrounded, Now the renaming troops fought for the Romans, at the cost of many losses, but still the held line for hours.
As sunset began, the line collapsed as many escaped, including Asparukh with a portion of his forces, And fled across the Danube, Still out of 12 000 men, 9000 died, Constantine won the battle and only suffered 4000 causalities.
But Constantine saw the potential, despite the Avars were not in the best position, they still raided a lot, the empire never went on to an offensive, the few times it did it accomplished little and it was too risky.
But these new barbarians could become a vassal and help him against the hated Avars and their Slavic dogs, Constantine proposed a deal to Asparukh, that if he helped him against the Avars and Slavs, he could keep the lands, but he was not to settle south of the Danube, for if he did, he would finish what he started in the battlefield.
some of the seven Slavic tribes moved with him and some did not but with this Rome fully annexed the territory and for the first time in 50 years, Rome had full control of the Danube defenses.
The annexation left the principality of Serbia and Croatia among other minor slavic tribes in the north east as the only Slavic powers left, even so, these were firmly at the grips of the empire as vassals, kuber brother of askperuk learned of this and revolted against the avar khanate leading 50 000 men he did not know if to march to the byzantine empire or go to with Asparukh after he learned his defeat he decided to go to help the latter in his way he but they routed the Avars in five or six battles and went to the area, but with fewer men due to the battles and helped his fellow Bulgars.
Constantine moved, first to Syria and levant crushing the smaller rebellion there, from there he moved to Mesopotamia crushing the rebellion in Ctesiphon, Constantine defeated the rebels near the city and had the leaders of the rebellion hanged.
He also ordered a massacre of 7 000 captured in the battle. With this settled he moved to Egypt, this rebellion also took a short time to subdue, but still, the rebels were just holding out, the emperor and they knew that they had no chance.
He crushed the rebellion killing 5000 men, After this, Constantine returned to the east, and installed the exchart of Mesopotamia, He, Constantine would build a city on the other side of the Tigris River, opposite Nineveh, His father had planned for it; Constans had many things he never finished, His city would be the city worthy of the name of Heraclius. Constantine stayed to see the reforming of Mesopotamia and to supervise the construction of Heraclius city.
spring 680
News reports came from the north, he was expecting an avar or more likely a Slavic attack, to his surprise, It was another group of barbarians.
Years ago after the disintegration Of the Old Great Bulgaria, A man called, Asparukh was followed by 30,000 to 50,000 Bulgars, He reached the Danube and while the Byzantine emperor was busy with internal policies, he and his people settled in the Danube delta.
Now he continued to move to the south, A smaller army was to deal with him but his 12,000 won, Constantine had to deal with this pest, he left the to the exchart of Mesopotamia the responsibility of the region, He gathers an army as he moved towards the north, as the roman fleet moved with him bringing supplies.
Once Constantine reached Danube Delta, scouts told him The Bulgars had erected defense earth ramparts with wood in marshy areas.
This surprised Constantine since he was prepared for open battle, but still, he sent camp some kilometers from the bulgar defenses, Once the Byzantine army arrived, the Bulgars retreated behind the ramparts, The Bulgars were intimidated as they were almost outnumbered 2 to 1.
Days passed As Constantine and Asparukh viewed the situation, For Constantine, the situation was not as favorable as it seemed. The marshy terrain, was unsuitable for any large-scale attack, with a high risk of the imperial army began bogged down, and scouts said that they were attacking, he was overconfident, he was the heir of Heraclius and Constans, and he had won many victories.
As more days, passed Constantine’s patience was dismissed and the supplies of his army as well. Not wanting to leave, without anything to show for it, he ordered his attack, the next day, the Romans crossed the marshes and the battle began, the defenders especially the Bulgars were fierce adversaries.
Seeing that the first assault was going nowhere he called off the attacks, A week passed, several more attacks were performed, yet they had minimal success as Asparukh and his army were still standing strong.
Constantine was getting sick, some thought that he was going to leave, but he would do no such thing; his father despite injuries didn’t retreat from a battle a mere sickness would not make him leave.
You are as stubborn as your father said the governor of Thrace
…. Constantine smiled his old friend had arrived and he saw that he did not arrive alone, they talked, and the Governor, told him about his father’s campaign in Italy, this made the Emperor remember about, one battle.
Yes my father, remember his battle in Spoleto? Said, the emperor.
Yes, I have heard about it, said the governor.
Well, tomorrow I will make my own gamble, Said the Emperor.
The next day
it began like all the other days, the Romans attacked and the Bulgars held their ground, The battle continued, but here the troops retreated in a more disorganized fashion, despite Asparukh orders, many Slavs and many Bulgars, perused them.
Destroying their chances of victories, Constantine stopped the retreat and attacked, the bulgar and Slavic forces were soon surrounded, Now the renaming troops fought for the Romans, at the cost of many losses, but still the held line for hours.
As sunset began, the line collapsed as many escaped, including Asparukh with a portion of his forces, And fled across the Danube, Still out of 12 000 men, 9000 died, Constantine won the battle and only suffered 4000 causalities.
But Constantine saw the potential, despite the Avars were not in the best position, they still raided a lot, the empire never went on to an offensive, the few times it did it accomplished little and it was too risky.
But these new barbarians could become a vassal and help him against the hated Avars and their Slavic dogs, Constantine proposed a deal to Asparukh, that if he helped him against the Avars and Slavs, he could keep the lands, but he was not to settle south of the Danube, for if he did, he would finish what he started in the battlefield.
some of the seven Slavic tribes moved with him and some did not but with this Rome fully annexed the territory and for the first time in 50 years, Rome had full control of the Danube defenses.
The annexation left the principality of Serbia and Croatia among other minor slavic tribes in the north east as the only Slavic powers left, even so, these were firmly at the grips of the empire as vassals, kuber brother of askperuk learned of this and revolted against the avar khanate leading 50 000 men he did not know if to march to the byzantine empire or go to with Asparukh after he learned his defeat he decided to go to help the latter in his way he but they routed the Avars in five or six battles and went to the area, but with fewer men due to the battles and helped his fellow Bulgars.
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Gone Before his time
Early 681
Ever since Ongal, Constantine's health had been deteriorating, his skin was pale, his eye bags grew, and he was constantly tired, around this time, Constantine made many new laws, for the new and old territories. Some of these new laws targeted Egypt and Mesopotamia, they claim any heretic could not hold public offices or own land, this resulted in the deposition of many high-ranking and land-owning individuals.
Still, other things plagued his mind, He was worried, if he died before Justinian became an adult, his brothers would become and kill the empire with many civil wars, and maybe kill his son, He thought about this, During his return from Mesopotamia, after watching the construction of the city of Heraclius. Once back in the capital, his health continued to deteriorate, He got weaker and spent Christmas in this bed.
682
Heraclius his brother went to him and begged him to choose a successor, Tiberius replied before he lost his speech.
The emperor said that we both would be regents over our nephew until he is ready to rule.
But it would be better if one of us, should choose as emperor, said Heraclius.
Don't you mean YOU, should be emperor because you and I know that you don't want me to be Basileus, Said Tiberius?
Constantine signaled to give him a pen and papyrus, you two, will never become emperor, for the day one of you becomes emperor the other will wage civil war.
You both will hold power for 4 years, till Justinian is ready to rule.
Both brothers understood and lowered their heads in shame, some days passed, In that time, in early 682, his brothers found him dead, Constantine IV, the law bringer of the empire, the orthodox king, the new Trajan had died, Despite the council wishing him, many years, it seems God wanted him back sooner than excepted. Now the empire was at the hands of his 2 brothers and his son Justinian.
Ever since Ongal, Constantine's health had been deteriorating, his skin was pale, his eye bags grew, and he was constantly tired, around this time, Constantine made many new laws, for the new and old territories. Some of these new laws targeted Egypt and Mesopotamia, they claim any heretic could not hold public offices or own land, this resulted in the deposition of many high-ranking and land-owning individuals.
Still, other things plagued his mind, He was worried, if he died before Justinian became an adult, his brothers would become and kill the empire with many civil wars, and maybe kill his son, He thought about this, During his return from Mesopotamia, after watching the construction of the city of Heraclius. Once back in the capital, his health continued to deteriorate, He got weaker and spent Christmas in this bed.
682
Heraclius his brother went to him and begged him to choose a successor, Tiberius replied before he lost his speech.
The emperor said that we both would be regents over our nephew until he is ready to rule.
But it would be better if one of us, should choose as emperor, said Heraclius.
Don't you mean YOU, should be emperor because you and I know that you don't want me to be Basileus, Said Tiberius?
Constantine signaled to give him a pen and papyrus, you two, will never become emperor, for the day one of you becomes emperor the other will wage civil war.
You both will hold power for 4 years, till Justinian is ready to rule.
Both brothers understood and lowered their heads in shame, some days passed, In that time, in early 682, his brothers found him dead, Constantine IV, the law bringer of the empire, the orthodox king, the new Trajan had died, Despite the council wishing him, many years, it seems God wanted him back sooner than excepted. Now the empire was at the hands of his 2 brothers and his son Justinian.
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Sorry to intrude here, but I want to know something. No one here may have noticed, but I have this personal obsession of replacing France's name with Jaille (which according to that most reliable sources of information - Wikipedia
would be how the name Gallia would evolve into modern French). Given your timeline, I see an opportunity. Could it be possible that a Rhomaic army might assist a strong leader of Aquitaine in conquering Neustria and Burgundy, thus preventing Gaul from being called Western Francia? It would cancel out Charlemagne but we'd have Love in Jaille.
would be how the name Gallia would evolve into modern French). Given your timeline, I see an opportunity. Could it be possible that a Rhomaic army might assist a strong leader of Aquitaine in conquering Neustria and Burgundy, thus preventing Gaul from being called Western Francia? It would cancel out Charlemagne but we'd have Love in Jaille.Sorry to intrude here, but I want to know something. No one here may have noticed, but I have this personal obsession of replacing France's name with Jaille (which according to that most reliable sources of information - Wikipedia
Hmmm re interesante i migth look think about that and how the course of this timeline would go
This is still the 7th century so the native Gallo-Roman identity is still present in the west. These only really started to diverge during the Islamic invasions and the loss of the Eastern Empire's choke-hold over the Mediterranean. There was no real latin hegemonic power, and thus the vulgar latin spoken in all these regions diverged into the archaic Romance languages we know today. Plus French only really became unified under the standard Parisian dialect in the 18th century. Even during Charlemagne's day, there ws a distinct Gallo-Roman identity within Aquitaine despite the Frankish Gallo-Roman dialect starting to not be mutually intelligible with the Italo-Roman dialect.Sorry to intrude here, but I want to know something. No one here may have noticed, but I have this personal obsession of replacing France's name with Jaille (which according to that most reliable sources of information - Wikipedia
Uh oh I see a civil war a comin.
Maybe the Arabs take Mesopotamia in a deal that they don't invade anything else?
So we're going to have a Bulgarian Romania huh.
I'll admit part of me would want to see a Byzantine Emperor saying to hell with the west and try and pull an Alexander...
Maybe the Arabs take Mesopotamia in a deal that they don't invade anything else?
So we're going to have a Bulgarian Romania huh.
I'll admit part of me would want to see a Byzantine Emperor saying to hell with the west and try and pull an Alexander...
lets see how tiberuis and heraclius manage the empire for 4 years.
maybe or maybe not , and yes good obsererver the arab migrations are still going on.
maybe maybe not i mean they lost ongal , but knowing the bulgars they will try to cross the danube once again.
DD , well they already have mesopotemia , but i think it would requiere a mad man to inved the whole of persia .
Not true, the Patria mentions several statues in Constantinople after Heraclius' reign, statues of Constantine VI on a column and a kneeling statue of Justinian II being some noteable examples. Statues were still produced, but far less frequently. With no Arab Conquests I expect you'd see more of them. I also think there would be more large scale, monumental buildings like the Hagia Sophia, which the Empire was unable to reproduce after the Arab Conquests due to the massive loss of resources and manpower.
I've got no ideas for what happens to the west though, as it's artistic landscape will completely change if the Empire holds onto it.
The Roman Senate was already gone by this point IOTL. Italy is still a depopulated mess even if it has been politically reunified. There's simply no local wealth for a Senate to be viable, and I don't see why Constantinople would recreate a dead Senate when they already have their own in Constantinople.
Italy by this piont ie 682 AD , italy has gone by numerous changes , its still underpopulated compared to pre gothic wars italy , but Constans and Constantine had spent wealth in to rebuilding its infrastucture , aquedtucs have been rebuilt along side many cities , both emperors had made some removals from more populated areas to italy . so yes italy in terms of population has been recovering ever since 665 AD, and already has a good infastructure .
Since Constans and Constantine wanted to show that they where better than Justinian , that while Justinian reconquered italy and left it a mess , they would reconquer it and brining back to life .
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