alternatehistory.com

This is a small attempt at a timeline. It's probably crap though. The first PoD is relatively minor in nature, but obvious.

I'm looking for constructive criticism because I know it needs it. It's very bare bones.

1293- Alexios Philanthropenos is assigned overall commander of forces in Asia Minor except for Lydia.

1295(early)- Alexios is approached from Anatolian noblemen with an offer for him to lead a rebellion against Emperor Andronikos II. Philanthropenos is hesitent due to his loyalty. In order to delay making a decision he visits his uncle, the Emperor, in Constantinople. While there he asks the Emperor for reassignment away from Asia Minor. When the Emperor asks why, he is reluctant to answer, however, with some pressure he eventually tells all. In the end the Emperor offers him additional support in dealing with the malcontents in Asia minor.

1295(late)- A rebellion takes place in Asia Minor by the local nobility. Within months Alexios Philanthropenos's Greeco-Turkish army defeats the rebels.

1296-1328- Despite Philanthropenos's best efforts the fighting in Asia Minor degrades into one of raids and counter-raids with the tide gradually going against the Romans. The Empire still controls the entirety of the Anatolian coast of the Sea of Marmara, however, it is under constant threat of Turkish raids from further inland. The fortified cities along the coast largely are kept supplied through Alexios' raiding. These raids make minor gains that are lost by the next season. In Europe the Serbs and Bulgarians make significant gains against the Empire, mostly made during the 1st Palaiologoid Civil War(1321-28), in which Philanthropenos declares neutrality and focuses on the Turks. In 1328 Co-Emperor Andronikos III usurps the Emperorship from Andronikos II. Philanthropenos swears fealty to the new Emperor.

1329-1340- In Asia Minor the early signs of a dynamic that will dominate the Roman Eastern Frontier for the rest of the 14th century show themselves. While the Romans nominally control the coast Turks occupy most of the land during the non-winter months. Most supplies come in the form of convoys from the Government in Constantinople(minimal) and the raiding efforts of Philanthropenos, who still makes small albeit morale boosting victories during them. In Europe the Emperor and his friend John Kantoukouzenos improve administration from very poor to just poor. They also make war against Bulgaria and Serbia, with limited success. In 1337 with a mixture of diplomacy and military intervention Epirus is reconquered by the Empire. PoD: In 1338 the Emperor successfully convinces Kantoukouzenos to be crowned Co-Emperor.

1341- Emperor Andronikos III dies of malaria leaving his underage son John as Senior Emperor and John Kantoukouzenos, De Jure Co-Emperor, De Facto in control of administration. There is no significant problems in succession, though some grumble due to not being particularly fond of Kantouzenos, however it never goes beyond grumbling. In the summer a message arrives from the Latin barons in Achaea stating their willingness to surrender the area to Constantinople's control, in return for protections of their property rights. Kantoukouzenos marches south and secures the transaction.

1342-1348- Kantoukouzenos improves the administration during this time and does small reforms to the tax code. This allows more resources to be sent east.

1343- Nobles in Epirus rise up in revolt. Their leadership is uninspiring and the rebel army is quickly crushed.

1345- Philanthropenos dies and is mourned across the Empire and in particular the fortified cities in Asia Minor where he is a hero. His legacy includes the creation of the doctrine of small raider armies nipping at the heels of Ottoman Turk forces and settlers that would allow most of the fortified Roman outposts to hold out for the rest of the 14th century and kept the Turks from settling the Marmaran coastline.

1346-1349- The Black Plague devastates Roman cities.
1348- John Palaiologos is officially crowned Emperor John V Palaiologos. Kantoukouzenos steps down as Co-Emperor, but remains in charge of administration as under his father, Andronikos.

1349- Desiring a successful military campaign, John V decides to invade the Duchy of Athens. The war does not last long, with the Duchy surrendering by the beginning of the new year. Now mainland Greece is largely consolidated under Roman control.

1350-1383- During this time the Emperor, through John Kantoukouzenos, continued to work on reforming the administration and tax code of the Empire. This would spark multiple revolts from the nobility, with the worst being in 1367 when fifteen thousand men flocked to the banner of a noble in Makedonia. These administrative and tax reforms would solidify the stalemate in Asia Minor.
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