Best PODs for Alexios I Komnenos

In terms of PODs, which of these do you guys think would be the best material for a new TL:


  • Alexios is victorious at Dyrrhachium in 1081 after listening to the advice of his generals (specifically George Palaiologos, Duke of Dyrrhachium). In OTL he was advised not to launch an immediate attack against the Normans...but did so anyway, which puzzles me considering the strength of the Norman cavalry and the success the Romans had with delaying tactics later in 1108!
  • Alexios marches to Antioch to relieve the Crusaders in 1098/1099. Although he is too far away to arrive in time for the crusader victory, his arrival cements the position of the Romans in Cilicia and Antioch and allows Raymond of Toulouse to win his power struggle with Bohemund of Taranto atop the hierarchy of 1st Crusade leaders. Alexios does not need to make in in time for the crusader victory, he simply needs to show up with his field army and press his claims to Antioch and the crusader cause itself...this is my favourite POD
  • Alexios accepts Malik Shah's offer to become overlord of the renegade Anatolian Turks in the early 1090s and is already more focused upon Anatolian matters upon the arrival of the crusaders...




I really want to make #2 into a major TL! Let me know what you think
 
I am interested in seeing someone exploring the first and third because I remember reading some discussion on the second in this forum and so I am more curious about the other two.
 
@Rian et al: Do you guys think John II Komnenos could have avoided his premature death in 1143 as well? That would really be a cool Komnenian POD! I would not expect him to live past say...1153 butt still, it would have been fascinating to have him putting the hammer to Antioch and the Seljuqs, plus he could have been involved in the 2nd Crusade.


Is him avoiding his hunting accident in Cilicia a doable POD?


The Saxon
 
IIUC he cut himself on an arrowhead and didn't get it treated, as a result he developed septicaemia. Perhaps he doesn't cut himself, or the cut isn't so bad and he doesn't get sick, or the cut is the same and he gets treated and doesn't get sick, or gets less sick and survives. That tiny event alone has a bunch of PoD that could have had Johhny K survive.
 
2 and 3 can combine into an excellent POD;however,bear in mind what Sassanid Saxon poses as an argument which as a thought is very critical...
 
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