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alternatehistory.com
In 615 Eleutherius was appointed as the Byzantine Exarch of Ravenna succeding the late John I Lemigius who had been killed by Lombards...
Early in his reign after dealing with the murderers of Exarch John he faced a certain John of Compsa who had defected his territory from the Exarch's control... He marched in Naples and put down the revolt while on the same time negotiated a peace treaty with the Lombards...
His victories made him arrogant and in 619 while Emperor Heraclius was busy fighting the Sassanids Eleutherius proclaimed himself Emperor with the intend to set up his capital in Rome (reviving that way the Western Empire which was fallen 150 years ago)
However he was murdered shortly after by his soldiers on his way to Rome (he would try to force Pope Boniface V to crown him Western Roman Emperor)
WI he made it to Rome and Boniface V had declared him WRE?
How is that changing History? And how would Heraclius reacts to that? Any thoughts?