Ah, the Byzantine Empire! Who has not dreamed of a world in which the Hagia Sofia is still the centre of the Orthdox Church, the Avtokrator rules from Ispania to Mesopotamia and Greek Fire is a secret weapon rather than a kebab restaurant in Luton? Where the Mediterranean is Mare Nostrum once more, and the year is counted from the creation of the world?

Byzantine scenarios are very popular in AH, partly because of Harry Turtledove's Byzantine-scholar background, and partly…just 'cause. Its greatest defender is without doubt Midgard, at least until he left. Presently, Basileus Giorgios, Sargon and Konstantin Paleolog number among the most prominent and respected Byzantinologists on the forums.

The unwary traveller reading AH.com accounts of Byzantium might be left with the mistaken belief that the Byzantines had airships, space marines and heavy metal.

Byzantine Empire Points of Divergence

Roman Points of Divergence

Greek Timelines and Scenarios

Greek Points of Divergence

Ottoman Empire

Military and civil ranks of the Byzantine and Ottoman Imperial Courts - A list of ranks as used in the Byzantine Empire.