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So as many of you probably don't know, in AD 1018 there was another battle of Cannae which pitted the Byzantine Empire's forces (under the greatest Catepan, Basil Boioannes) versus the Lombards of Italy and their Norman mercenaries (under Melus of Bari).

IOTL the battle was a smashing defeat for the Lombards. Many of them died and their leaders slinked back to nominal vassalage under Byzantium (instead of the de facto independence they had enjoyed when the Catepans' backs were turned). For ten years the Byzantines consolidated their rule in a line going from Capua to southern Benevento until, while planning an expedition to wrench Sicily from the Saracens, Boioannes was recalled. His successors lost their grasp on the Lombards, and the Normans rose to control all of southern Italy.

Now, if the Lombards win this battle then I see Lombard power just a bit increased in southern Italy. Basil will draw back to his powerful bases of Apulia and Calabria, and Byzantine resources will be diverted from the East to reinforce him (or his successor, if he is recalled). The Normans will only be stronger in the long run, I think, and it'll be just a bit easier to wrest control of Apulia and Calabria from the Greeks in due time.

Thoughts?
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