Prologue: Justinian II
The Justiniad
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A Heraclian Timeline
Prologue
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A Heraclian Timeline
Prologue
Justinian II stood outside of his tent, looking at the shoreline. The sun was setting, and the battle won, the fields of Sebastopolis stained red with the blood of Romans and Arabs alike. The sound of the waves relaxed him, the smell of the sea breeze letting his body and mind forget the terrible screams and carnage of the battle. It was brutal, but at least it was a victory, something which had been rare in this time. He thought for a second, pondering the recent string of victories he and his father had achieved in the face of their overwhelming foes. He didn’t have long to think though, as he was approached from behind by his General.
“Basileus, I have news of the prisoners.” Leontios spoke, distinguished by his aged and rough voice.
“Speak General, what information have you gained?” Justinian replied, slightly disinterested. He had little care of what those heathen prisoners had to say under the screws.
“We have captured their leader sir, Mouameth, the brother of their chief Abimelech [1].”
Justinian turned to face his General, the peace that had formerly filled his mind now cleared out, replaced by the reality of the situation around him.
“You are entirely sure it is their leader, and not a man you may have confused for him?” asked Justinian.
“Yes sir, he was found with 5 other men around him, all guarding him, as they would their liege.” Leontios said, “And one of our officers claims to recognize him from previous campaigns.”
Justinian gave a wiry smile, gleeful at the capture of the chief Saracen commander, and brother to their monarch. “Well General, take me to him. I wish to see the captain of the host we have vanquished.”
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[1] In reference to Muhammad ibn Marwan and the Caliph Abd al-Malik. The Greek transliterations of their names are used in text, as is the Greek title given to the Caliph, that of "Chief"
This is my first shot at a Timeline of my own! The main POD here is a victory for Byzantine forces at the Battle of Sebastopolis, and the capture of Muhammad ibn Marwan. I wanted to write this timeline as essentially a "What if Justinian II had a decent reign". I should also mention that this is NOT about Justinian I, the one familiar in our popular memory, but instead of Justinian II, the last Heraclian Emperor to rule Eastern Rome. Hope y'all enjoy.
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