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Here's your challenge friends, if you would humor me.
I'm hoping to write a timeline following the development of a sizeable and powerful (though non-wankish) Empire emerging from the Republic of Siena in Tuscany. There are a few points that I was looking at exploiting, particularly the Battle of Marciano in the Italian War of 1551-1559, where the combined forces of France and Siena clashed with those of those of the Duchy of Florence, Spain, and Holy Roman Empire. Of note was the Franco-Sienese Condottiero General Piero Strozzi, who is credited with the development of the dragoon/mounted gunner infantry concept. Here's what I'm thinking of a POD:

28 June, 1554: The Senese (Italian for Sienese) troops under Leone Strozzi, the naval commander of the Franco-Senese effort, successfully repel the Imperial/Florentine assault on Scarlino. (In OTL, Leone is shot to death during the siege).

Dates not Yet Finalized: Piero, still supplied by his brother's fleet as opposed to OTL, fares much better in conquering Florentine territories and repelling assaults on Senese territory. His rival, Marquess Gian Giacomo Medici, abandons the siege of Siena to engage his in open combat.

3 August, 1554: The Battle of Marciano is a decisive victory for France and Siena, their lack of numbers being compensated for by an expert use of cannon. The Imperial Forces are routed, and "Il Medighino", as the Marquess was known, is captured.

After Marciano, the favor in Italy shifts drastically in the favor of France and Siena. Although the Imperials shift resources in that direction, the brothers Strozzi prove too formidable for them. The redeployment of troops from northern europe allows France to see more gains in Flanders and against Spain. Siena besieges Florence, and eventually conquers it, going on to seize Modena alongside their French allies as well. In 1562, when the war ends with the Peace of Ferrara, France gains direct control of those Savoian and Milanese lands which it did not already control, and Naples is divided between France and Spain. Amidst this, Siena is allowed to retain the conquered territories of Florence, Lucca, and Modena, founding the Invittissima Repubblica di Siena (The Most Noble Republic of Siena) covering nearly all of the territory of the medieval Marquisate of Tuscany. In thanks for their services, the Strozzi brothers Piero and Leone are appointed Pretore (Commander of the Armies/Pretor) and Amiral (Admiral) of the Republic, respectively.

In the future, I see the Republic as modeling itself after the Roman Empire, taking great pride in its mythical heritage as the legacy of Romulus' brother Remus. The Strozzi will likely become the hereditary protectors of the republic, and hopefully the empire.

What do you guys think? I'd like to hear your thoughts! Thanks and God Bless!
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