AHC: Norse Byantine Empire

Oh! That's a consequence, I hadn't even thought of, but I like it! Now, I know Hardrada was already a Christian and died as a Catholic. If its Harald, would it be too late to stem the Catholic tide in Scandinavia?
Denmark is pretty solidly Catholic at this point, Norway slightly less so, but still probably too late. Sweden was more up in the air, but I can't see it keeping a different religious denomination from the rest of Scandinavia. I suspect Harald would be more concerned about matters closer to Byzantium, anyway (especially since a successful Varangian coup is going to make the Varangian guard a lot less trustworthy in the future). He can't afford to be seen as too focused on Scandinavian affairs instead of the fairly significant challenges the ERE is facing at the moment.
 

Deleted member 97083

What's the worst case scenario for the 860 Viking siege of Constantinople?
 
What's the worst case scenario for the 860 Viking siege of Constantinople?

I would see a sack of the city, but I don't suspect that any Viking Chieftan would be able to set himself up as an Emperor and, if he tried, I doubt his reign would be counted in the months, let alone years.
 
So, I've come upon a possible scenario:

In 1078, the Varangian Guard revolted against the Emperor Nikephoros III after he blinded Nikephoros Bryennios, a general who had tried to declare himself Emperor. The Varangians had sought to kill the Emperor, but were suppressed by soldiers who remained loyal and had to beg pardon. So, lets say that Nikephoros is killed and the captain of the guard finds himself declared Emperor. This is a time of deep political conflict in the Empire with many factions, and its conceivable that many might prefer to see a neutral party assume the throne in order to keep their own enemies from taking it.

Now, there is going to be a series of revolts in any case, but assume that the new Nordic Emperor, lets call him Ragnar (since Emperor Ragnar I sounds kinda cool!), is successful in putting these revolts down. He also moves quickly, converting to Orthodox Christianity, and makes a strategic alliance with the Komnenos family and marries a member. Now, the Empire is facing a number of major conflicts during this time, including an invasion by Normans and continued conflict with the Turks. Assuming that Ragnar is successful is weathering the storm, and pushing these threats back, he might find himself as a popular Emperor and in a secure position.

One other possible thought: Rather than asking for a Crusade, I could see Ragnar turning his attention to central Anatolia, offering lands to any Nordic or Anglo-Saxon who come and help him drive the Turks from the region. This would draw a number people who would relish the chance to enrich themselves with land, and would also help create a seris of land owners that would be loyal to Ragnar and his descendants (of course, assuming, he is successful in his campaigns).

How does this work?
 

Deleted member 97083

One other possible thought: Rather than asking for a Crusade, I could see Ragnar turning his attention to central Anatolia, offering lands to any Nordic or Anglo-Saxon who come and help him drive the Turks from the region. This would draw a number people who would relish the chance to enrich themselves with land, and would also help create a seris of land owners that would be loyal to Ragnar and his descendants (of course, assuming, he is successful in his campaigns).

How does this work?

That seems plausible. It could be as simple as declaring that any surviving dynatoi from central Anatolia, or their direct patrilineal relatives, have X period of time to return and claim their lands, as well as report officially to Cosntantinople. Once that time is up, the unclaimed plots (which would be most of them) are offered to expatriate Anglo-Saxons, Rus mercenaries, and retired Varangian guardsmen. These new landholders would invite mostly Varangian, Norman, Asian Greek, and Anglo-Saxon retinues.
 
Strictly speaking, it's even theoretically possible to do it in a Victoria game. Ridiculously shaped Romes is a staple of Paradox games, even ones where Rome hasn't been a thing for centuries.
Fear the byzantophile, they are persistent, ruthless and a bit fantastical. Senatui Populoque Romano! :D
 
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