Effects of the ERE regaining the Italian peninsular in the 7th century?

Suppose Constans II’s Italian adventures were much more successful and later became the basis of a full scale reconquest of the Italian peninsular,what would be the effect of this?
 
I'd like to think that success would lead to a richer Empire. Now, not incredibly rich straight away, but with the state of Anatolia, and Greece, Italy is an interesting peninsular to control in its entirety.

If we are saying it leads to a further campaign, then it does drag further resources away in the short term.

It also almost certainly leads to strengthening the rumours of moving the capital to Syracuse. Not a terrible idea, but one that wouldn't be countenanced. But if there was an element of truth to them, then you could see Syracuse become a "Secondary Capital" of a sort - where all the western decisions are made, perhaps under a Katepano that more or less acts as the Emperors Western Hand.

Italy could well become a major source of strength for the Empire - it isn't as rich, but it is far enough from the eastern frontier that it is a good place to send captives to repopulate the peninsula for the future. It is also easier to defend than most, and can act as a second front for offensives in the Balkans.

Regarding the Pope, probably further attempts to ensure that the Archbishop of Ravenna wasn't subservient to him. I don't think this will work, long term, so I think that is Constans lives long enough, he'll try and have the Archbishop of Ravenna (loyal to him), made Pope, and move the capital of the Exarchate there. It isn't the best capital for the peninsula, but until the Papacy and its hold over the Italians is weakened, it is more important to keep a handle on him.

Hopefully, success in Italy, and appointing an official to rule it all, might prevent his assassination, and allow for a smoother succession, which prevents the Anarchy. (Yay!)
 
How exactly do the Byzantine reconquer Italy, in the 7th century of all time periods. Can Constans like just fare better and expect long term results if he keeps on going against the Pope? Plus I'm not sure in what state the Byzantines would find Italy after yet another full scale reconquest if they succeed. Doesn't seem like the best time to try and conquer Italy, more so when the later is in such a sorry state.
 
How exactly do the Byzantine reconquer Italy, in the 7th century of all time periods. Can Constans like just fare better and expect long term results if he keeps on going against the Pope? Plus I'm not sure in what state the Byzantines would find Italy after yet another full scale reconquest if they succeed. Doesn't seem like the best time to try and conquer Italy, more so when the later is in such a sorry state.
It just seems like Constans II was a really incompetent commander.Most of the battles he commanded personally were lost.But given that this is an emperor campaigning in person,reasonable amount of resources must be spent in the campaign.
 
It just seems like Constans II was a really incompetent commander.Most of the battles he commanded personally were lost.But given that this is an emperor campaigning in person,reasonable amount of resources must be spent in the campaign.
I'm not particularly concerned with the conquest itself, but more of its long term implications.
 

trajen777

Banned
The real keys i would see would be a
1. Much greater resources for defence all around the board (that was Justainians idea -- take N Africa and Italy --( very profitable ) and this would generate the resources to protect the borders everwhere
2. You would have good defensible borders
3. If you can keep good relations with the Franks you would prob see more success in retaking Anatolia faster
4. He moved with Italy to create the themes at a time when the Muslims were in a civil war -- so the conquests are possible
5. The Pope remaining more of a first among equals with the other sees (Const, Antioch, Jers, Alexandria) so a less religious hostility (No Holy Roman Emperor)
6. Future emperors would have to consider the best way to handle their positions. Do they :
a. Constants might not have been assassinated with the aura of the conquest of Italy
b. The added resources of Italy might / could / would have allowed for the defense of N Africa. (one of the richest areas of Byz)
c. The resources would have allowed the Byz (Themes in place under Constans) to have fielded an army of 125,000 to 150,000 or more vs 75,000 (Treadgold)
d. Franks until 800 would be stable and friendly (Would Charlamange have come to Italy with the Pope happy with the Byz - probably not )
 
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