Byzantine Sicily

In 1038 the Byzantine general led an expedition to Sicily which over the next few years nearly completed re-conquered the entire island. WI: This expedition had succeeded, with the entire island being reconquered and re-settled by the Byzantine empire. Could they have continued to hold it, even during the chaos after the battle of Manzikert?
 
In 1038 the Byzantine general led an expedition to Sicily which over the next few years nearly completed re-conquered the entire island. WI: This expedition had succeeded, with the entire island being reconquered and re-settled by the Byzantine empire. Could they have continued to hold it, even during the chaos after the battle of Manzikert?
yes. What needs to happen is that the rhoman generals in southern Italy must not fight amongst themselves. if they do not fight each other then most liukely the norman invasion woulve failed. If the norman invasion failed then Southern Italy will remiain in Byzantine hands. As long as infighting doesnt break out in southern Italy the rhomans will be able to retain it.
 
In 1038 the Byzantine general led an expedition to Sicily which over the next few years nearly completed re-conquered the entire island. WI: This expedition had succeeded, with the entire island being reconquered and re-settled by the Byzantine empire. Could they have continued to hold it, even during the chaos after the battle of Manzikert?

That general was named George Maniakes. He was made of awesome. Yes, if he hadn't been slandered at the Imperial court, he would have remained the Katepano of Italy and could have easily held his winnings and finished conquering Sicily.
 
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