alternatehistory.com

Just had this crazy idea, and I’m sure it would strain credulity, but I’m fascinated by it. Basically, the idea here is that the Byzantine court sees Charlemagne conquering Western Europe left and right, and decides to shore up diplomatic relations. They surmise that he might decide to have himself declared Emperor - or that the Pope might do it - and beat the Franks to the punch. They send the imperial regalia (bonus points if they’ve still got the old gear that Odoacer sent back) and hail him as Western Emperor.

What happens?
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