Before I was a member of this forum, I used to look for any and all Byz. threads I could find.
Now the time has come for me to consider writing a timeline.
I have come across some likely points of divergence. None of them seem to be overused so I will use one of them. The only problem is, I can't decide which would be the most interesting. I want to see members thoughts on these PODs:
Below are my choices:
1.Basil leaves John Smbat alone: In 1022 Basil forces John Smbat III to cede Ani if John dies without an heir. That event sets in motion a chain of events culminating in the Battle of Manzikert.
2.Nikephoros Phocas never becomes Emperor- Nikephoros Phocas was one of Byzantium's greatest generals at the time. He became Emperor but was a horrible administrator
3.Victory at Myriokephalon- I don't know anything about it, but it sounds interesting.
4.Zeno never becomes Emperor: Zeno was Emperor at a crucial time for the Byz. Empire. He finally freed Byzantium's politics from the control of Aspar and other Germanic generals.
I probably won't start this timeline until I am done with Boot Camp, sometime around October.
I want all thoughts on these PODs. I don't care what people say, I just want honest discussion.