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Looking to see what would happen before 1204 :(

As I've seen the idea that the Byzantines were scornful, if not bad at trading, mentioned many times in discussions about the Byzantines, I thought I'd flip the concept of them being weak in trade on its head.

Essentially, what if Alexios I and his descendants took an active interest in trade, and the potential to tax and control it, as part of this encouraged and fortified trade quarters as widely as practical, in a manner that could rival or exceed Venice and Genoa in power.

Other than perhaps spreading Roman thought around and perhaps hastening the Renaissance, what other results could their be?

Personally the idea of the Romans interceding in a trade war in Italia dangerously entertaining :)
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