alternatehistory.com

Around 1160s-1170s Pope Alexander III was at odds with Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa and during this time Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel I wrote a letter to the Pope offering him his support against his struggle with Barbarossa with plenty of gold and troops and also the union of the Churches in exchange with the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire which was held "illegaly" by Friedrich Barbarossa (according to Manuel's views).
Initially Alexander III was in favour of this proposal but soon after he changed his mind and turned the offer down as Barbarossa was "checkmated" by him and Manuel's help wasnt needed anymore.

WI The Pope had accepted Manuel's offer and granted him the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire in exchange for troops and the union of the Churches. Is this plausible?

Propably would lead to a clash between ERE and HRE and in a major turmoil in Europe... Any thoughts on that?
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