George Maniakes, one of the greatest Byz generals was recalled by Constantine ix (one of the worst Byz Emperors)during the conquest of Sicily for treason in 1042. Instead of coming back (to be killed) he lead a rebellion. At a battle outside of Thessaloniki he was on the verge of victory until killed at the moment of victory.
If he had won what would have happened to the Byz empire ?
I think :
1. The army which was still excellent but being starved would have recovered
2. Sicily conquered (the Normans were Byz mercs at this time) so no Norman kingdom
3. The army is rebuilt and expanded
4. After the victory over Seljuk's in 1045 (real world) the eastern front is strengthened (George started his career by conquering Edessa).
5. The reinforced army keeps Anatolia secure.
6. Being a great general and an usurper he would have had to gain victories to keep the throne so i think the best choices would have been
a. Aleppo (protects Syria) very profitable city, great base of defense. Form their take the cities along the coast (Beruit, Tyre, Acre, etc)
b. Central Italy and Rome
c. Tunisia
So any thoughts ?