End of an Era
remember as of between Denmark and Sweden, it's around this time (or very near future) that Denmark start developing a continental inspired heavy Cavalry, but it would still be half a century or such before Sweden starts the same process. Reason for the differing times of development is that Denmark is much closer both Geographical (and at least at current time Socialogical and Cutural) to Central Europe, and is much more rapidly influenced by them due to their wars in northern Germany.
And with the force multiplier of heavy cavalry, it aren't really a good time for Sweden to pick a fight with Denmark, due to sudden difference in strength
I'll bear that in mind.
I've only got a quick update for tonight, I've just got my exam results back and downloaded the Charlemagne DLC for Crusader Kings 2 and I'm hooked.
1212 AD - 1222 AD:
As 1212 AD closes out, Bohemia acknowledges the suzerainty of Henry VI, who also sends the Knights of the Teutonic Order into Transylvania to 'protect' Hungary from Cuman raids. More importantly, the Iberian kingdoms won a descive victory at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, hastening the decline of the Almohad sultanate. Over the years, more of the old guard depart this world. 1213 marks the death of Queen Tamar of Georgia and the beginning of the ascendency of the Cathar movement in the Languedoc, tentatively supported by Peter II of Aragon. 3 years later, Geoffrey Plantagenet, the last surviving son of Henry II, dies peacefully in his bed at the age of 58, succeeded by Arthur, Duke of Brittany.
Then, in 1218, to everybody's relief, Henry VI Hohenstaufen dies while planning an invasion of the Baltic. His eldest son, Frederick II, succeeds smoothly to the now-hereditary imperial throne, but he will still face many challenges within and without during his reign. Frederick's first action with Pope Pius is to declare a Northern Crusade against the pagans of the Baltic. Back in the Basileia ton Romaion, Empress Theodora dies giving birth to her third and final son, Manuel. Her death sends Alexios into a deep depression and he turns increasingly to food and drink to alleviate his emotional pains. During a party/negotiation with envoys of George IV of Georgia, he agreed to betroth John to George's daughter, who was actually more in Manuel's age range. Disaster was narrowly averted when Alexios got so drunk he accidently mixed up John with Joannicius and had to be reminded before he wrote the final document. Alexios realised he needed to prepare for the succession, since none of his sons were old enough to rule by themselves, so he wrote up his will:
* In the event of his death, the throne would pass to David until John was 16 years old.
* If David should die before John was 16 years old, the throne would pass to David's sons, whom Alexios had forbidden to marry.
He wouldn't have to wait long. On February 1st, 1222, after the marriage of Anna to King Ladislaus of Sicily, Alexios III died shortly after hearing news of several major cities in Central Asia - Bukhara, Samarkand, Urgench, Merv - have been sacked and their inhabitants cruelly massacred. He was only 40 years old, so people began to say he was frightened to death, but it was more likely a combination of his depression, guilt and heavy drinking. Before he died, he confessed to the murder of Constantine XI Angelos and made David swear to follow his will to the letter. The new emperor agrees, but words carry only so much weight...
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Children of Alexios III Komnenos 'the Wise':
Eudokia (b.1201) - 21 years old. Married to Prince Tancred of Sicily.
Anna (b.1204) - 18 years old. Married to King Ladislaus III of Hungary.
John (b.1210) - 12 years old. Betrothed to Princess Tamar of Georgia.
Joannicius (b.1212) - 10 years old.
Manuel (b.1218) - 4 years old.
Children of David I Komnenos:
Nikephoros Komnenos (b.1204) - 18 years old
Demetrius Komnenos (b.1206) - 16 years old
Komnenos dynasty (so far):
Isaac I Komnenos: 1057 AD - 1059 AD (2 years)
Alexios I Komnenos: 1081 AD - 1118 AD (37 years)
John II Komnenos 'the Good': 1118 AD - 1143 AD (25 years)
Manuel I Komnenos 'the Great': 1143 AD - 1180 AD (37 years)
Alexios II Komnenos: 1180 AD - 1183 AD (3 years)
Andronikos I Komnenos 'the Cruel': 1183 AD - 1185 AD (2 years)
Manuel II Komnenos 'the Gentle': 1185 AD - 1195 AD (10 years)
Michael VIII Kalamanos: 1195 AD - 1196 AD (1 year)
Constantine XI Angelos: 1196 AD - 1199 AD (3 years)
Alexios III Komnenos 'the Wise': 1199 AD - 1222 AD (23 years)
David I Komnenos: 1222 AD -
As always, feel free to comment, criticise, anything. I aim to please.