Byzantine-Nubian royal marriage 6th-7th century

Imagine the Nubian Christian kingdoms without Arabic conquest stayed that way after the 7th century and Egypt never had been conquered. The Coptic Church stays in power and the Nubians still maintain their loyalty to the Coptic Church as well their close relations to the Byzantines. Now, we need a much more successful Eastern Roman Empire, if it still is a mayor player in Africa. Now there is a marriage to be arranged between a Byzantine heir and a Nubian princess. Of that marriage, a worthy heir results, who unites the kingdoms of Nubia under his crown and rules as Emperor and King of Nubia. Sudan and Constantinople develope close relations and a fruitful economic and cultural exchange.
 
Not sure that's possible.The Romans were always reluctant of entering into foreign royal marriages.Another thing is,why would Nubia end up being ruled by Rome simply because of marrying one of their princesses?If the King has no sons then most likely his next immediate male relative(e.g. brother,nephew,cousin)would inherit the throne.
 

GdwnsnHo

Banned
Lovely idea - but three major things

1) Why is a marriage with Nubia more advantageous than one with a Roman family? Now, if there is strong central control, and an inevitable inheritance of Nubia, then in those circumstances I can see this working.

2) How is Egypt saved? Nubian-Roman Alliance? Unfortunate case of dysentery in the Arab army? Different strategy when defending against the Caliphate?

3) A Surviving Empire might well have use for Nubian (and potentially Ethiopian) resources. My only concern is that they may take more resources to integrate than they may provide. I'm not familiar with the Gold production of Nubia at this point, nor its other resources.

I do find the idea interesting, especially if the Romano-Nubian Emperor and King has any claim (or interest) in conquering down to the Horn of Africa - and Arabia. Creating a strong dynasty at this point in time with clear successors could really save the Empire a significant amount of hard work and pain.
 
Surely it's easier to have someone with a preexisting Nubian marriage seize the Imperial throne, rather than arranging a marriage between a Byzantine Emperor's heir and a Nubian?
 
Surely it's easier to have someone with a preexisting Nubian marriage seize the Imperial throne, rather than arranging a marriage between a Byzantine Emperor's heir and a Nubian?
Well, if you're married to a Nubian you don't have a direct marriage alliance with another Roman family--a disadvantage when it comes to usurping, though I don't think a critical one.
 
Top