alternatehistory.com

The second Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire


Hello guys this is my first and till I finish it my only timeline, I presume I might be mistaken somewhere but that’s s’okay. Dump all the criticism you can seriously I will appreciate critics.


for the AH 1 legion = 2000 troops (originally it was 4000-6000)

1 legion = 20 cohorts

1 cohort = 100 soldiers


if you notice I cut the centuries there


the POD is that emperor Andronikos I was still very popular and after retaking the throne and was not overthrown 3 years later.

also while I'm starting at 1180 I'm using 1200 borders since I cant find a map for 1180 borders not even descriptions about rivers.

And for future maps well I make nice hand drawn maps which I prolly use otherwise I'll use paint.



1180, Constantinople, Emperor’s Palace


Trouble was brewing. He could smell it, after all the years of chaotic exile he had developed a keen sense of sensing trouble over the years. After persuasion from his admirals he continued the support for navy reforms. Pieces were falling into the board now. He had 10 legions ready in the Thracian theme.

The treasury also a shadow of its former self however it was still formidable, the biggest in Europe. He gazed at the night sky at the stars twinkling. He sighed, he was old. His body, however, was like it was at its peak. He was weary of war but he knew this was their best chance. This was the calling of God, The Seljuks were broken, bantering like kids while they ignored the Roman Empire as a no-threat. The Seljuks had taken the heartland of the empire but they were broken now it was the time for the lion to strike and sink its fang into the next of the Seljuks and retake what was taken.


1181, Chaldian Theme, Army Camp near Rum-Roman border



The Emperor looked at his soldiers he had accompanied them to the battle, like the old times. He took in a deep breath, “Sons of Alexander, today we stand ready to march on those who stole from us. They have razed our towns. Broken our people. Taken our treasures. BUT THEY WILL NEVER CONQUER OUR WILL. Today we will march, march for the glory of Rhomania. for the families we lost and the families we protect so I ask, Will you fight with your families ? (a roar of yes followed) Will you fight along your emperor ? (another roar of yes followed) let the Seljuks tremble as the Sons of Rome tear their barbarian camps apart” The Emperor turned around and started riding his horse at a slow trot towards to the Rum Border before drawing his sword and crying one last cry, “RISE RHOMANIA !”

811, Koloneia Theme (under occupation from RUM)


1st February: The advancing Roman Forces put the forts of Koloneia and Sebasteia under siege. The forts soon surrendered to the Romans due to a heavy revolt by the oppressed Romans in the city-forts the garrisons of the Rum Sultanate were light in the North Eastern part as the Rum Sultanate had most of their manpower devoted to the southern Seljuks successors and western Rum-Roman frontier.


4th March: 5 more legions under Prince Jon advanced through the western frontier and besiege Ancyra overnight.


29th March: Rum Sultanate finally gathers a host of 5000 infantry, 2000 cavalry and 1000 archers with Sultan 'Izz al-Din Kilij Arslan II leading them towards the forces besieging Ancyra


15th April: Prince Jon prepares earthen embarkments and trenches for the oncoming battle as he arranges his modified Macedonian Phalanx, armed with 5m long spears and light mail armor the modified Phalanx was to be tested against the Seljuks with the Prince heading 2000 Companion Cavalry in wedge formation with the Archers moving onto the hills.


1st May: The Macedonian Phalanx with their long spears and light mail managed to keep the enemy cavalry at bay Sultan 'Izz al-Din Kilij Arslan II charge with his cavalry however he had to retreat behind the Seljuk infantry lines, the Cavalry tried to out flank the Phalanx only to be answered by Jon II personally leading the counter-counter offensive cavalry to viciously push back the Seljuk cavalry behind enemy lines as the cavalry prodded and rallied at the lines of Seljuk Infantry the light Infantry which was hastily assembled in the first place held tight the first time however the second time the long lances pierced the lines of Infantry then retreated away as the Macedonian (from now on it’ll be called Roman) Phalanx charged in with spears lined soon the Seljuks turned back and retreated only to find the Rear Guard facing a heavy cavalry charge once again led by Prince Jon, soon enough the battle turned into a rout as the Sultan was slain at the battlefield by Prince Jon.

Out of a host of 10,000 soldiers only 1,090 soldiers managed to reach Amorian only to find the garrison was taken by Roman Nationalist who upon seeing the weary and tired survivors engaged them without giving them any quarter
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