Yiiiiis. Me gusta.
I just have this magnificent image of the idolisation of Sextus Pompeii.
Although, considering that this "Third Rome" would have to be a naval power to protect itself, I look forward to its blistering wealth, and trade wars between Genoa and Venice. Controlling Mediterranean trade would be the strategic masterstroke for a Roman Empire in Sicily.
Glad to know you liked it
I would have Basil the 1st not have the fleet transporting marble instead of defending Syracuse. Have instead them defend Sicily and then use this force with a concerted effort to capture the island. If Sicily had been captured this would have resulted in a better economic base for a Byz West scenario. From here the distance to Cartage and NA (again very valuable land) makes a stronger Western power able to expand here. At some point a reconquest of Italy would have to happen to create defensible borders in the north.
Mostly agree, Sicily was an asset that should have been defended better by Constantinople. Holding Sicily could in principle allow the Empire to push the borders till the Papal states once the Caliphate weakens, and Anatolia is not under constant threat.
Do you know where the marble story came from btw? Heard of it before, but never found out the source
Also, was NA still valuable? I figured climate change + grazing had already done a number to the land, but I admit I actually don't know what was the point of no return.