Heirs of Heraclius, a no Islam timeline

[Silver01]

Spring 668

Constans was looking at the sea, as he pondered his campaign with an old enemy. It all began in May 636, before Heraclius campaigned against the Slavs. He sent many raids in various territories, from the dying Sassanid state to the Slavs.Of these last raids, one was on Hispania, where the forces in the Belaric Islands had been raiding the decaying kingdom. A small force to the islands had some 4500 troops under Nicetas the Persian, who wanted to prove himself fearing his shaky spot on the court, and they were given by Heraclius to raid these lands. Unknown to them, Chintila, king of the Visigoths, was not in a good position.

The Byzantines landed near the city of Bigastro, and as soon as word spread that the Byzantines had arrived, rebellions broke out, thinking that they were invading. The king sent an army to deal with the rebellion and another to deal with the Byzantines. Despite being outnumbered and not expecting such a large force, the Byzantines wanted to return to their boats. However, the Roman commander, seeking glory and as a way to impress Heraclius, convinced the troops to fight. The Byzantine experience, amour, and tactics were superior, so the Romans chose a hill where their forces would have more chances of winning. The hill denied the numbers advantage, and after 30 minutes, the exhausted Visigothic army retreated and was chased by a few of the cataphracts; they were almost to a man. This defeat made the rebels bolder, as it seemed the Visigothic realm was to fall into complete civil war, so the commander offered a large sum of money.

The Visigothic king also paid tribute, and Emperor Heraclius took the riches the king gave him for his Slavic campaign. Years passed upon Heraclius' death in 642, and Chindasuinth revolted. Being a smart person himself, he asked the Byzantines to help him. By the time the king sent word to the Romans, it was too late; they had sided with the rebel. In a short time, tulga was deposed, and Chindasuinth was given the throne of Hispania. During Gregory’s rebellion, he didn’t attack the Romans to support Gregory, since he was busy with the Basques, and Constans paid him to not attack.

Peace continued until 653, when Recceswinth took the throne and attacked Septa, which refused to pay him tribute. Now at peace on all fronts, Constans gathered a fairly large army. News spread of the Byzantine landing. With this came the rebellion of the Vascons, led by a Gothic noble named Froya. The king sent a smaller army to deal with him, as his priority was Constans, who was busy. Both armies met near Asidonia, where Constans won a splendid victory and half of the Visigothic army lay dead or was captured. With the defeat, Froya took Zaragosa. The war continued into 654 when Recceswinth asked for peace. Constans only asked for war reparations for his empire, but he also obligated the Visigothic king to give lands to the Basques.

By 664, Recceswinth had attacked the Byzantines of Septa again while Constans was in Italy. After the Lombardic war ended, Recceswinth asked for peace, knowing that he would have to face the full might of the Byzantine army. He paid war reparations. Constans didn’t attack; he wanted peacetime to prepare his retribution against him. Now Constans was sailing to Hispania with a large army to make him pay for his treachery.

 

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668

Constans arrived in north Africa, the King of Altava, had joined him, but reports told him the Visigoths had reunited a larger force, he had no option, he had to wait till next year.

Spring 669

Constans had called more troops and the Berber king as well they crossed, to Iberia, once the news of their arrival came the Visigoths moved to the south. The Visigoths and Romans met near, iliberris. the battle began with Constans charring the center, most of the Visigothic army charged to kill the emperor.

Now that the Visigoths had left the cohesion in their lines Constantine attacked from the left and the Berber king from the right, seeing how they were being killed the Visigothic king left the battlefield with these troops. After his victory, the byzantine laid siege to Spali, the city resisted for 2 months before it fell.

Due to the centralization of the kingdom, the king had to wait to get more troops during this time, the basques attacked from the north, having no option the Visigothic king called for the franks. Chlothar III King of Neustria and Burgundy, Felix of Aquitaine who was a loyal follower and Ebroin felt that he had been humiliated by Constans all agreed.

By mid-June, they crossed to Iberia. Where the franks and the basques met in the north were the basques were defeated at Zaragosa. and continued to fight them.

Early 670

Constans moved again the in 3 months’ time he took all the cities of the south, the franks and Visigoths were too busy with the basques but know that the basques were weakened the Visigoths and franks moved to counter the Byzantines. Both armies met near cordoba, the battle began with the franks charging while constans ordered a shield wall, this resisted and began to push back while the in right and left both infantries clashed.

In order to win the battle, the Visigothic king sent his heavy cavalry to attack, this failed to outflanks Constans army, but he had to retreat when most of the army came.

the young son of Constans, Constantine moved from a hidden point against the duke of Aquitaine position, killing many to save their army both Frankish and Visigothic monarchs retreated, while later sources say it was a clever trick by constans it was most likely that constans was actually retreating and hid Constantine for his safety and he charged saving them both, as the month passed the siege of cordoba began.

Constans continued his siege of the city, but he left the siege to the Berber king and would come to lift morale, but he would spend more time in the tent while Constantine was been treated for his wounds.

 

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Cordoba fell, after this, the Basques in the north regain the initiative attacking in the fall, and Winter and the forces in Italy pushed the franks out and moved. After this, the Visigothic king know that he was losing the war, the franks wanted to retreat.

They couldn’t, so it was a gamble, make the Basques join the main army, destroy it and that would make them retreat. The Frankish king had doubts but eborin convinced him. The army launched attacks and won a battle against the Basques, the survivors fled to the south to the byzantine army, But the other Basque army stayed to defend their land.

Mid 671

The roman, Berbers, and Basques along with the Visigoths and franks met near emirtia,

Constans organized his forces himself with his guard cavalry and infantry in the center. While in the left, there was Berber light cavalry, roman cataphracts, roman and Basques infantry, with a mix of Berber and roman archers behind them, the same was for the right, Behind the center was Constantine with cataphracts, The franks, and Visigoths had heavy cavalry some archers and infantry, Father and son met their adversaries in the middle of the field for peace talks but and captured one of them, how ever he did not capture eborin tell him this is over, and to take his army leave and accept surrender, eborin insulted, got out his dagger, constans barely reacted as he received a cut in the gap of the shoulder

Eborin was bleeding from the nose and the mouth he got up and returned to his line, Constans took out the sword of Heraclius and according to an eyewitness he said quietly

Coward
Soon The battle began, with the Frankish charring in a crescent formation

This killed many in the center, the reverse moved in, the Visigothic cavalry attacked the Berber light cavalry as they were being showered by arrows and javelins, the Visigothic archers turned to loose their arrows and soon the infantry clashed

The battle continued, both archer lines nearly got destroyed, in the right, the Romans gained the advantage and asked for reinforcements but Constantine and much of the reserves when to the left who was struggling, During the chaos of battle, constans was hit in the knee by an arrow, despite the horrible pain, Constans ignored it to lead his troops.

It seemed the end was near until they heard screams from behind,It was the exchart of Ravenna and the duke of Spoleto along with the Basques, surrounded they try to flee as the Romans, Berbers, and Lombards and Basques, surrounded the Visigoths, and franks were slaughtered, while he was retreating the king was captured, with the Frankish king dead, and the Visigothic one as their prisoner, Constans victory was total, but there was no time to celebrate he had to get medical attention as the arrow had pushed deep in to his

Early 672

As eborin he was deposed for his unipolar rule, he losses to the Byzantines and for being a coward. The peace treaty was signed, the Byzantines would get everything south of the Guadiana river, alongside the Mediterranean coast, With the Frankish realms, the same was true all their coast on the Mediterranean would be handed to the Byzantines.

While the Basques would get more land, in Italy Constantine noticed his father looking weaker and began to cough a lot , once in Italy he and his son were congratulated on a successful campaign. Father and son visited the whole of Italy seeing how reconstruction was progressing, it was going well in these 7 years Italy was starting

Constans asked for another thing the main cities of the peninsula should have walls as formidable as Antioch.It was clear that the emperor wanted to express on how he surpassed Justinian, once he returned to Constantinople, a parade was celebrated in his honor. The coughing returned in the parade, Constans some cloth to cough in and then he looked at the piece of cloth.

and looked in horror

there was Blood … his blood ….


(hispania 672)

 

[Silver01]

mid 672
The emperors condition got worse, and he left more responsibilities and he spent more time in the palace, here he played a lot, told stories, and generally spent time with his grandson Justinian who had the bad habit of pulling hos long beard, he did it when he was a baby

Still he enjoyed his company and tried to act not as sick when around the 4-year-old, one day all 3 where walking until Constans stopped.

Father? Said Constantine ,As Constans fainted ….hours passed
Good you’re awake, said one of the doctors, basileus you should rest until you get better.

Constans did, as Some moths passed, Constans was still emperor , but he was limited to the palace as he spent most of his times , with men telling him about his empire and with his grandson, one night he was telling the story of his conquest , with his father in Hispania and your father won.

Justinian anxiously told his grandfather to tell him more , Constans saw Constantine.
I shall tell you later go now , I need to speak with your father, said the emperor

once gone the emperor said :how ironic is life right my son? What do you mean father? said Constantine

This empire nearly 40 years I have conquered, expanded it saw, gave it wealth and re organized it and now here I am, lying on my bed, I brought many things, have led battles and killed generals and rulers, yet here I am a man who can’t get up of his bed, he looked at Constantine and said come sit here , lets talk as father a son.

Those men they own you everything said Constantine

I fear what is what will this become of this , I am dying my son he said coughing: I want to know what my purpose, how will they remember me, the warrior, the man who made the empire rich?

Or a tragedy like that like Justinian, that gave everything for a dream, and I fear I might end up as failure, My son, you must be the protector of what I have giving to you I trust that you can, but you must also do the council without me.

Constantine nodded.

I am afraid I won’t be able to accompany you, you will do fine, but the scar of the church is what I fear might break everything. Promise that you will defend what I have created and heal the church.

Promise that, he said as he cough more violently.

I promise said Constantine.

May the lord guide you and might he allow the allow the Heirs of Heraclius to rule.

Now embrace me my son, I shall go to the lord; I shall go to my forefathers.

He said as both father and son hugged, They talked a while after that Constantine left.

The next day
Dawn


Justinian went to wake up his grandfather as he wanted to hear the end of the story about Grandfather wake up he said pulling his beard , Grandfather he moved him again, and again, Grandfather? Justinian said as he cried

Father! he yelled

The co emperor came with doctors, generals, and nobles, as Justinian was put outside, Constantine also waited for the doctor’s response an hour passed

Basileus?

What did you call me? Said Constantine.

Excuse Basileus but your father is dead, just recently he was still alive when Justinian ,Found him. I want to see him Constantine entered the room and saw him and many cloths filled with blood.

What is that?

Blood that came out of his mouth, he most likely drowned in it sir.

Some minutes passed, As Constantine got out the men bowed to him.

The sun had set on Constans , but his legacy would go on, The heirs of Heraclius would still rule, his empire would still live on. As the sun of Constantine raised in the sky.

 

[Silver01]

Caecilius and his king had been on diplomatic missions, asking for the support of the Berber tribes, he himself being of royal blood swore his tribe to the king and emperor, he was pondering on how this meeting would go, he had just arrived some hours ago and now was going to meet the tribe leader.

welcome, Caecilius said the attendant, the tribe leader reason for their visit.

they came for negotiation said the attendant, there he saw her, Dihya, he was stunned by her beauty despite not being in the flower of her youth since she was close to 30, even so, he was surprised.

what was your name? said Dihya.

Caecilius said the man.

no, tell me your real name said the tribe leader.

....Aksel, said the berber leader.

well, “lord” askel what do you bring to me? said Dihya

I bring a proposition, that makes a simple oath of loyalty to the king of and the Roman emperor.

In return, you shall the riches of Rome and my king. As he spoke, he showed gold, silver, turtle shells, and spices.

military protection, you will have control over your tribe just pay taxes and aid us militarily

And if I refuse? Said Dihya

Well would be missing out, but if you don’t attack us, we will let you be. If you do your tribe will disappear into the sand Said Caecilius

The discussion continued for about 3 hours before, he and his companions when escorted to their resting place, as was sleeping some entered the room, as he got closer, Caecilius pulls out his dagger and put it in the throat of the man.

Dihya, calls for you said the soldier who has had the dagger up to his neck.

Once he arrived and He said: Have you changed your mind about my proposal?

I am no slave, said the Berber leader.

Neither am I , said Caecilius

Between your king and your emperor, I disagree

I am a man of my word, my loyalty is with them. said Caecilius

they stayed there some time, the Berber also stayed there a few days till a messenger came and said: my lord, we have to return the King calls for you.

Caecilius responded: what does the King desire, it better be important

the emperor is dead…

Caecilius didn’t wait he prepared everything, to leave and said his goodbyes, as days passed, he returned as said:

My King, is it true, the emperor is dead?

Yes, said the king.

Caecilius responded: Are you not worried, your majesty?

I have met Constans son, smart boy I think we are in good hands. Said the Berber king

you knew him and fought with him remember?

And alongside you in Hispania: said Caecilius.

I see a better future, For all of us, well will argue it later, so how was your diplomatic mission. said king Skerid

Let’s just say it was interesting your majesty: said Caecilius

 

[Silver01]

as constans was invading Italy dabuya was calmed, the Romans were in the west, as the Tibetan empire attacked the Tang, he quickly sent word to them to form an alliance, the tang was also distracted with the Goguryeo.

Dabuya took this time to press more reforms he more aggressively began to take power from the royal houses especially as he began to make a more centralized army and continue planning his megaproject, the imperial census, similar to Khosrow I, but these took time and despite 4 years of information the census was not over yet, but the eastern regions were the territory of the Sassanids loyalist were a pest to him, but the sun was beginning to alienate the houses

he also was bothered by Arab raids, when Constans defeated the Arab confederation, future migrants, who wanted to go to the raid or settle in the wealthy Roman regions, Decided to enter Mesopotamia, On their way, they sacked many towns, however, he could deal more with these as in 670 the Tibetan empire attacked the tang and then captured the 18 prefectures that Tang had established over the Western Regions.

Emperor Gaozong gave up hopes of reestablishing the kingdom of Tuyuhun and moved Murong Nuohebo, and his people deep into Tang territory, By 672 The census was nearly over Still now he received the news that Constans was dead, and he got a little scared, he went to Constans Funeral, in his stay in Constantinople, he spoke to Constantine to hold he peace and help him, he told him about the crisis, since, the Arab tribes, were going through Mesopotamia, to go to the rich provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire. These were a pest to him, it made his military attention to the south and the raids damaged the economy of Mesopotamia who was still reconstructing, both monarchs agree to continue the peace and aid each other against the Arabs.

By early 673 Dabuya still was pushing internal policy and preparing his army finally crush the eastern pest on his border as his policies had alienated most of the houses and his taxes had made him unpopular, the census was also complete and he also pushed reforms to take away from them the power of taxation, this made the lords and governors hate him even more, the poor despite his high taxes loved him as the brought backorder, But not all of his empire was fine, the Iranian plateau was a top priority, and thus Mesopotamia and the southeast were not reconstructed, despite not being fully recovered Mesopotamia was still a tempting target for Arab nomads, Still, his reforms had brought wealth back and taking advantage of constant trade route he made the southeast port cities rich.

Do to this wealth he taxed the lords heavily to pay for his expenses which lead to some small revolts which he crushed, Another tax increase was sent and Dabuya had prepared his army for 4 -year now to march to the east but a revolt by house Varaz distracted him it was crushed by mid-674 and dabuya continued to prepare his troops, by 675 Dabuya was now ready to attack and crossed to the east to crush the Sassanid successor states In order to save their allies, the tang sent a force of Turkic mercenaries.

Once they arrived Both armies met near Nishapur, Here the battle seemed well for dabuya , his heavy cavalry struck the Turks and moved them and it seemed the day would be won but it was a rouse, they waited till a gap formed, and another Turkish force came out making attacking them and slaughtered them. Dabuya moved to save them, but it was too late, the battle continued but now he was outnumbered and slowly began to give more ground, Dabuya had to retreat, but half of his army lay dead or were captured.

Once news reached about the defeat, house the Karens,zik, suren, rebelled and the Karens sacked the capital and the treasury and its king declared to be new shah and the army seemed that they were not being paid and they too revolted, The army revolted, the lords, revolted, some people like Christians and according to some sources " the followers of mazadak" also joined the revolts, the Turks began raiding so did the Arabs He was under pressure from all sides. The only loyal were the Turkish inside mihran and some men of the army house Ispahbudhan and house Spandiyadh, who were loyal. It seemed that Persia would fall into anarchy again, but Dabuya had still one card up his sleeve, the Romans, as Constantine had just come back from view the reconstruction of Italy, He was surprised that Dabuya was there waiting for him. He explained the situation to him.

They began to bargain.

What do you offer me? Said Constantine

Well said dabuya before he was interrupted.

How about a tribute for holding back the Arab migrations?

This stunned dabuya, it was clear that he wanted to do something similar, to what the Sassanids and the Romans did with the Caucasian gates.

But he too was a savvy intelligent man and said: Mesopotamia

What ? said, Constantine

Mesopotamia It is mine but I give it you and renounce all claims for it , Its prosperous region, I have reconstructed many, of its cities and took advantage of the trade, to make some wealthy cities.

With this, the sha planned to kill 3 birds with one stone

1) He would not have to worry about the numerous Arab migrants in Mesopotamia who raided many cities and drew his attention from the east.

2) He wouldn’t have to deal with the Christians, who had a tendency to favor the Arab migrants who they shared the same region with.

3) The extra revenue from this would give him enough money to found 7 more armies if he wanted to.

All I ask is for gold and men said the sha.

Constantine began to think, he would have to deal with, unlike his father he had no dreams to expand further the empire I mean they didn’t even control fully control Balkans and Mesopotamia would overstretch his empire and he would have to deal With More Arab migrants, but Mesopotamia was wealthy and he could install a client and indeed he did one of the few direct sassanid nobles that had survived the era turmoil was Narseh who was installed as king of Mesopotamia ruling thus the area, and he could turn it into a wealthy province since dabuya had tried to rebuild it he just need it to put to order, Constantine agreed. Dabuya was given plenty of gold alongside 6000 roman troops. But Constantine could not accompany him he had a council to deal with.

 

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Dabuya now moved back to the east he met the armies of house Karen with forces from zik having 25 000 men and Dabuya having a similar sized army with help from house Spandiyadh as the armies of House of Ispahbudhan had not yet arrived, The battle began with a charge from the heavy cavalry, They managed to punch a hole in the line.

The lords were disorganized due to this charge, Dabuya sent his right and left to pin down his enemies' forces, the lords were disorganized and failed to react to this, The forces pined, and the enemy forces began to retreat.

But then Dabuya, Sent the Romans were sent to complete the encirclement, they were slaughter to a man, After Crushing the houses, the northwest surrendered to him Now Dabuya moved to the east, The man who proclaimed to be Sha in his absence was a noble from the House of Mihrān.

But instead of attacking him, Dabuya went south defeating the forces of house suren and taking those cities, This took him an entire year by late 676, With both north and south under his control, dabuya moved to the east to deal with mirhan and varaz , the usurper was horribly outnumbered, as many switched sides, and pledged themselves to Dabuya, during this period. The battle lasted a mere 30 minutes, where the usurpers and his small army were killed.

With that he reentered his capital, and spent the next half a year destroying some minor rebellions Once that was over, he congratulated his Turkic and the ones that were loyal from the houses, giving them 1/10 each of the gold and wealth that he gained from the purchase of Mesopotamia.

He had reclaimed the throne, and wasted no time, using the money he began a bigger reconstruction and with the census information, He did a herculean task of bringing Persia out of its age of chaos.

 

[Silver01]

Constantine had wrote to the Pope in early 676 for The pope had died in 678, his successor sent bishops to Constantine Council, The Third Council of Constantinople was finally opened on September 678, in a domed hall of the imperial palace.

the council began with the Acts , and the Speech of the Papal Legates after some debate the

The monolithes said: We have brought out no new method of speech, but have taught whatever we have received from the holy Ecumenical Synods, and from the holy approved Fathers, as well as from the archbishops of this imperial city, to wit: Sergius, Paul, Pyrrhus, and Peter, as also from Honorius who was Pope of Old Rome, and from Cyrus who was Pope of Alexandria, that is to say with reference to will and operation, and so we have believed, and so we believe, so we preach; and further we are ready to stand by, and defend this faith.

Second session

The pope sent letters, both letters insisted on the Roman faith as the living and stainless tradition of the apostles of Christ and therefore finally authoritative for the Universal (Catholic) Church. This view was not necessarily that of the council, which followed the precedent of earlier synods in giving the patriarch of Constantinople virtually equal dignity and authority with the Roman pontiff.

The next sessions continued about the debate the scriptural and patristic passages bearing on the question of "one" or "two wills," and one or two "operations," (of the will) in Christ. Patriarch George of Constantinople was willing to agree with the western insistence on both two wills and two operations in Christ.

At some point during the council's proceedings, a Monothelite priest claimed he could raise the dead, thereby proving his faith supreme. He had a corpse brought forth, but after whispering prayers into its ears, could not revive the body.

Session 8The Emperor said: Let George, the most holy archbishop of this our God-preserved city, and let Macarius, the venerable archbishop of Antioch, and let the synod subject to them say, if they submit to the force.

George, with which all his bishops answered and many of them, speaking one by one, agreed except Theodore of Metilene.

I have diligently examined the whole force of the suggestions sent to your most pious Fortitude, as well by Agatho, the most holy Pope of Old Rome, as by his synod, and I have scrutinized the works of the holy and approved Fathers, which are laid up in my venerable patriarchate, and I have found that all the testimonies of the holy and accepted Fathers, which are contained in those suggestions agree with, and in no particular differ from, the holy and accepted Fathers. Therefore I give my submission to them and thus I profess and believe.

The answer of all the rest of the Bishops subject to the See of Constantinople.

And we, most pious Lord, accepting the teaching of the suggestion sent to your most gentle Fortitude by the most holy and blessed Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, and of that other suggestion which was adopted by the council subject to him, and following the sense therein contained, so we are minded, so we profess, and so we believe that in our one Lord Jesus Christ, our true God, there are two natures unconfusedly, unchangeably, undividedly, and two natural wills and two natural operations; and all who have taught, and who now say, that there is but one will and one operation in the two natures of our one Lord Jesus Christ our true God, we anathematize.

The Emperor then spoke : Let Macarius, the Venerable Archbishop of Antioch, who has now heard what has been said by this holy and Ecumenical Synod, answer what seems him good.

Macarius answered : I do not say that there are two wills or two operations in the dispensation of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, but one will and one theandric operation.

The council continued for months, but it was decided, by session 12, what the sentence would be.

Session 13

The sentence was carried out.

The Emperor said : After we had reconsidered, according to our promise which we had made to your highness, the doctrinal letters of Sergius, at one time patriarch of this royal god-protected city to Cyrus, who was then bishop of Phasis and to Honorius some time Pope of Old Rome, as well as the letter of the latter to the same Sergius, we find that these documents are quite foreign to the apostolic dogmas, to the declarations of the holy Councils, and to all the accepted Fathers, and that they follow the false teachings of the heretics; therefore we entirely reject them, and execrate them as hurtful to the soul. But the names of those men whose doctrines we execrate must also be thrust forth from the holy Church of God, namely, that of Sergius sometime bishop of this God-preserved royal city who was the first to write on this impious doctrine; also that of Cyrus of Alexandria, of Pyrrhus, Paul, and Peter, who died bishops of this God-preserved city, and were like-minded with them; and that of Theodore sometime bishop of Pharan, all of whom the most holy and thrice blessed Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, in his suggestion to our most pious and God-preserved lord and mighty Emperor, rejected, because they were minded contrary to our orthodox faith, all of whom we define are to be subjected to anathema. And with these we define that there shall be expelled from the holy Church of God and anathematized Honorius who was some time Pope of Old Rome, because of what we found written by him to Sergius, that in all respects he followed his view and confirmed his impious doctrines. We have also examined the synodal letter of Sophronius of holy memory, some time Patriarch of the Holy City of Christ our God, Jerusalem, and have found it in accordance with the true faith and with the apostolic teachings, and with those of the holy approved Fathers. Therefore we have received it as orthodox and as salutary to the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and have decreed that it is right that his name be inserted in the diptychs of the Holy Churches.

the council formally condemned a previous pope, Honorius I for heresy. It first anathematized several leading Monothelite bishops, including Sergius of Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria, Pyrrhus, Paul and Peter of Constantinople, and Theodore of Pharan. However, wanting to make sure that the West shouldered its share of blame for the heresy, to this list the council added the following statement:

And in addition to these we decide that Honorius also, who was Pope of Elder Rome, be with them cast out of the Holy Church of God, and be anathematized with them, because we have found by his letter to Sergius that he followed his opinion in all things and confirmed his wicked dogmas.

the fathers responded

Many years to the Emperor! Many years to Constantine, our great Emperor! Many years to the Orthodox King! Many years to our Emperor that makes peace! Many years to Constantine, a second Martian! Many years to Constantine, a new Theodosius! Many years to Constantine, a new Justinian! Many years to the keeper of the orthodox faith! O Lord preserve the foundation of the Churches! O Lord preserve the keeper of the faith!

Many years to Agatho, Pope of Rome! Many years to George, Patriarch of Constantinople! Many years to Theophanus, Patriarch of Antioch! Many years to the orthodox council! Many years to the orthodox Senate!

The Definition of Faith and The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor.

then said the official decree: The heresy of Apollinari, has been renewed by Theodore of Pharan and confirmed by Honorius, sometime Pope of Old Rome, who also contradicted himself. Also Cyrus, Pyrrhus, Paul, Peter; more recently. Macarius, Stephen, and Polychronius had diffused Monothelitism. He, the Emperor, had therefore convoked this holy and Ecumenical Synod, and published the present edict with the confession of faith, in order to confirm and establish its decrees. (There follows here an extended confession of faith, with proofs for the doctrine of two wills and operations.) As he recognized the five earlier Ecumenical Synods, so he anathematized all heretics from Simon Magus, but especially the originator and patrons of the new heresy, Theodore and Sergius; also Pope Honorius, who was their adherent and patron in everything, and confirmed the heresy, further, Cyrus, etc., and ordained that no one henceforth should hold a different faith, or venture to teach one will and one energy. In no other than the orthodox faith could men be saved. Whoever did not obey the imperial edict should, if he were a bishop or cleric be deposed; if an official, punished with confiscation of property and loss of the girdle; if a private person, banished from the residence and all other cities.

The pope confirmed the decrees against Monothelitism and reaffirmation of those against Monophysitism, in early 679, After this Constantine had a reason to ditch Heraclius compromise it was unpopular with the west and now he ruled over all of italy , a great part of Africa, even in the east were it once was popular it wasn't so much there would be tension to come from this , he did not care , he would impose orthodoxy.

 

[Silver01]

Revolts occurred when Constantine imposed Orthodoxy, Both Monophysites and Nestorians rebelled.
Constantine moved, first to Syria and levant crushing the smaller rebellion there, from there he moved to Mesopotamia crushing the rebellion in Ctesiphon, Constantine defeated the rebels near the city and had the leaders of the rebellion hanged.

He also ordered a massacre of 7 000 captured in the battle. With this settled he moved to Egypt, this rebellion also took a short time to subdue, but still, the rebels were just holding out, the emperor and they knew that they had no chance.

He crushed the rebellion killing 5000 men, After this, Constantine returned to the east, and installed the exchart of Mesopotamia, He, Constantine would build a city on the other side of the Tigris River, opposite Nineveh, His father had planned for it; Constans had many things he never finished, His city would be the city worthy of the name of Heraclius. Constantine stayed to see the reforming of Mesopotamia and to supervise the construction of Heraclius city.

spring 680

News reports came from the north, he was expecting an avar or more likely a Slavic attack, to his surprise, It was another group of barbarians.

Years ago after the disintegration Of the Old Great Bulgaria, A man called, Asparukh was followed by 30,000 to 50,000 Bulgars, He reached the Danube and while the Byzantine emperor was busy with internal policies, he and his people settled in the Danube delta.

Now he continued to move to the south, A smaller army was to deal with him but his 12,000 won, Constantine had to deal with this pest, he left the to the exchart of Mesopotamia the responsibility of the region, He gathers an army as he moved towards the north, as the roman fleet moved with him bringing supplies.

Once Constantine reached Danube Delta, scouts told him The Bulgars had erected defense earth ramparts with wood in marshy areas.

This surprised Constantine since he was prepared for open battle, but still, he sent camp some kilometers from the bulgar defenses, Once the Byzantine army arrived, the Bulgars retreated behind the ramparts, The Bulgars were intimidated as they were almost outnumbered 2 to 1.

Days passed As Constantine and Asparukh viewed the situation, For Constantine, the situation was not as favorable as it seemed. The marshy terrain, was unsuitable for any large-scale attack, with a high risk of the imperial army began bogged down, and scouts said that they were attacking, he was overconfident, he was the heir of Heraclius and Constans, and he had won many victories.

As more days, passed Constantine’s patience was dismissed and the supplies of his army as well. Not wanting to leave, without anything to show for it, he ordered his attack, the next day, the Romans crossed the marshes and the battle began, the defenders especially the Bulgars were fierce adversaries.

Seeing that the first assault was going nowhere he called off the attacks, A week passed, several more attacks were performed, yet they had minimal success as Asparukh and his army were still standing strong.

Constantine was getting sick, some thought that he was going to leave, but he would do no such thing; his father despite injuries didn’t retreat from a battle a mere sickness would not make him leave.

You are as stubborn as your father said the governor of Thrace

…. Constantine smiled his old friend had arrived and he saw that he did not arrive alone, they talked, and the Governor, told him about his father’s campaign in Italy, this made the Emperor remember about, one battle.

Yes my father, remember his battle in Spoleto? Said, the emperor.

Yes, I have heard about it, said the governor.

Well, tomorrow I will make my own gamble, Said the Emperor.

The next day

it began like all the other days, the Romans attacked and the Bulgars held their ground, The battle continued, but here the troops retreated in a more disorganized fashion, despite Asparukh orders, many Slavs and many Bulgars, perused them.

Destroying their chances of victories, Constantine stopped the retreat and attacked, the bulgar and Slavic forces were soon surrounded, Now the renaming troops fought for the Romans, at the cost of many losses, but still the held line for hours.

As sunset began, the line collapsed as many escaped, including Asparukh with a portion of his forces, And fled across the Danube, Still out of 12 000 men, 9000 died, Constantine won the battle and only suffered 4000 causalities.

But Constantine saw the potential, despite the Avars were not in the best position, they still raided a lot, the empire never went on to an offensive, the few times it did it accomplished little and it was too risky.

But these new barbarians could become a vassal and help him against the hated Avars and their Slavic dogs, Constantine proposed a deal to Asparukh, that if he helped him against the Avars and Slavs, he could keep the lands, but he was not to settle south of the Danube, for if he did, he would finish what he started in the battlefield.

some of the seven Slavic tribes moved with him and some did not but with this Rome fully annexed the territory and for the first time in 50 years, Rome had full control of the Danube defenses.
The annexation left the principality of Serbia and Croatia among other minor slavic tribes in the north east as the only Slavic powers left, even so, these were firmly at the grips of the empire as vassals, kuber brother of askperuk learned of this and revolted against the avar khanate leading 50 000 men he did not know if to march to the byzantine empire or go to with Asparukh after he learned his defeat he decided to go to help the latter in his way he but they routed the Avars in five or six battles and went to the area, but with fewer men due to the battles and helped his fellow Bulgars.

 

[Silver01]

Early 681

Ever since Ongal, Constantine's health had been deteriorating, his skin was pale, his eye bags grew, and he was constantly tired, around this time, Constantine made many new laws, for the new and old territories. Some of these new laws targeted Egypt and Mesopotamia, they claim any heretic could not hold public offices or own land, this resulted in the deposition of many high-ranking and land-owning individuals.

Still, other things plagued his mind, He was worried, if he died before Justinian became an adult, his brothers would become and kill the empire with many civil wars, and maybe kill his son, He thought about this, During his return from Mesopotamia, after watching the construction of the city of Heraclius. Once back in the capital, his health continued to deteriorate, He got weaker and spent Christmas in this bed.

682

Heraclius his brother went to him and begged him to choose a successor, Tiberius replied before he lost his speech.

The emperor said that we both would be regents over our nephew until he is ready to rule.

But it would be better if one of us, should choose as emperor, said Heraclius.

Don't you mean YOU, should be emperor because you and I know that you don't want me to be Basileus, Said Tiberius?

Constantine signaled to give him a pen and papyrus, you two, will never become emperor, for the day one of you becomes emperor the other will wage civil war.

You both will hold power for 4 years, till Justinian is ready to rule.

Both brothers understood and lowered their heads in shame, some days passed, In that time, in early 682, his brothers found him dead, Constantine IV, the law bringer of the empire, the orthodox king, the new Trajan had died, Despite the council wishing him, many years, it seems God wanted him back sooner than excepted. Now the empire was at the hands of his 2 brothers and his son Justinian.

 

[Silver01]

683 AD

The two brothers concentrated on different things, Heraclius concentrated on Mesopotamia and the city that technically had his name. And Tiberius was concentrated on the rest of the empire, mostly Anatolia the Balkans, and the middle east.

The west was a little ignored, but it was mostly still in good hands, the exchart of Ravenna was limited to his selfish endeavors do the loyal Duke of Spoleto, While the exchart of Hispania was a loyal man, who continued Constantine’s wishes in Hispania, by now 10 years after Constans conquest, it was a rich region.

proven by His seat of power Cordoba, which was a wonderful rich city, The one Exchart who was not in control and began to abuse his power was the exarchate of Africa, Raising taxes, persecuting, and using the excuse of heretics to rob many people of the land.

He even pressured, the king of Altava to pay more tribute lying that it was an imperial decree. he continued this until he got the news that the king, most loyal and dangerous subject came back, Caecilius returned from he had spent, 11 years campaign against the Mauri.

The first 5 years were raids and counter raids where he won, many small battles, by the 5th year, of his campaign he was joined by Dihya and his son , who just accompanied him since he was too young to participate.

Caecilius had expanded into Mauri territory, but now a fierce opposition, presented himself, as a charismatic leader who would unite many Mauri tribes to battle, they had many small encounters, after some months both armies were suffering from lack of water, but Caecilius army had higher morale.

Caecilius and dhyas forces took up a defensive position, the battle started off with a duel between two Altavan and mauri champions, Afterwards, the two armies exchanged arrow fire, before finally clashing, The fighting continued for hours.

The Mauri army eventually collapsed soon after the horse of the tribe leader was brought down, resulting in the major Atlavan victory, the battle took the lives of 1000 atlavans, while the mauri casualties numbered 3000, The Mauri leader survived the battle, but went into hiding and licked his wounds. Still, many tribal leaders had died in the fighting, which posed a significant blow to the Mauri. Caecilius thought about pursuing them but then decided to retreat due to a lack of water.

still the next spring he returned, striking and winning against the Mauri, and he did the same for the next 4 springs the won another encounter and subjugating, many of them to his rule , the next years would be consolidation efforts against them, but he had to return his king called for him as emperor Constantine had died. After his return, the exchart of Africa stopped, the demands on Altava , After swearing his oath to Justinian II , he returned to finally defeat the Mauri.

 

[Silver01]

Dabuya Consolidated his position, over the years, after returning from the funeral of Constantine IV, a golden opportunity presented its self, Troubles came for the tang.

In 682, the Western Turkic Khaganate chieftain Ashina Chebo rebelled against Tang rule, and Emperor Gaozong initially was to commission Pei to defeat him , but before the army could depart, Pei died. However, the commander at Anxi, Wang Fangyi was able to defeat Ashina Chebo and crush the rebellion.

Also in 682, the Göktürk chief Ashina Gudulu rose, in alliance with Ashide Yuanzhen to claim khangante title. This, unlike the several earlier rebellions, actually saw the Göktürk Khagante being permanently reestablished to Tang's north and persisting for decades, and would plague the last two years of Emperor Gaozong's reign as well as the reigns of his successors.

With that, He moved against the Sassanid successor states, Many small encounters occurred during late 682. In spring 683 Dabuya moved against them against the last of the Sassanid royal family that still did not recognize his rule, Both armies met in Nishapur.

The Sassanid put a defensive line, But Dabuya was able to outmaneuver his Sasanian counterpart, through the use of superior tactics, The Sassanid who had been deployed in a strong defensive position, managed held out Against dabuya .

Dabuya then was able to draw out the Persians from their vantage point by skirmishing advances and then made a general but cohesive retreat, that made the Sassanid break formation and attack. During the Sassanian pursuit, the horsemen were caught in extended order across a rough landscape and narrow passes.

Dabuya then rallied and counterattacked inflicting very heavy losses on the disorganized Sassanid. Both noblemen, Who were shas of their states were killed in the final melee, and the Sassanid defeat was total. With the victory, dabuya attempted to move further east, but he had to stop, due to his overstretched supply lines, he offered peace to the Sassanid successors states allied with eastern satrapies, to no avail. With no army big enough to stop him, Dabuya moved to the east and laid siege to Merv.No army came to its salvation, but the defenders bravely held. After a year of siege, Merv fell

With that Dabuya reclaimed much of the old Sassanid territory, but he received news from the north, his army was decimated in a mountain pass, by another Sassanid Sha, not wanting to overextend and overstretch his conquest, Dabuya made peace with the last Sassanid successor states. Despite his victory, the war was not over, but still Dabuya was determined to reconquer His lands.

 

[Silver01]

Caecilius, returned to wage his war against the Mauri, The Altavan force, now numbering around 6000, was stationed on a slope, facing the enemy army with the rear being protected by the towering mount itself, before the battle, Caecilius had assigned archers on a nearby hill.

This was a strategic decision in order to protect the vulnerable flanks of his outnumbered army; the archers on the hill were to protect the left flank, while the right flank was to be protected by the Mount, which meant the Maurian army would not be able to turn around the Altavan camp, and thus the Altavan army wouldn't be surrounded or encircled by the Maurian army.

Caecilius, ordered the Altavan archers to never, under any circumstances leave their positions on the hill, unless ordered to do so by him only, the Maurian army positioned itself facing the Altavan lines, with the main body led by the Berber leader and the left and right flanks commanded by his general and a new commander named Badis. The battle began with a charge led by the Berber leader, but it was Thwarted by a shower of arrows from the Altavans , and he was forced to retreat.

The next day.

General engagement between the two armies commenced, Altavan's confidence quickly began to dissolve as the Maurian swept through their ranks. But then Caecilius ordered a counter-attack, The Maurian army was pushed back and made repeated attempts by its cavalry to overrun the Altavan left flank, were negated by their archers, the Altavan broke through the Maurian lines, with victory near their grasp. However, the archers in their overconfidence, disobeying orders to remain stationary, decided to move out, as they ran downhill to join in the advance a, leaving the flank vulnerable.

At this critical moment, the Maurian led by Badis exploited this move and attacked the archers, who did obey Caecilius orders, and were still positioned on the hill, From there, the maurians were then able to target and overrun the altavan flank and rear, Confusion ensued, and numerous atlavans were killed. While the Maurian began to advance, rumors circulated that Caecilius had been slain, however, that Caecilius had only been wounded due to an arrow, fending off the assaults of cavalrymen, most of the Altavan managed to withdraw and regroup in higher ground.

A small faction was cut off and tried to make its way back to the north, though many of these were killed, the Maurian leader, unable to ascend the slopes in pursuit of the Altavan forces and also suffered many casualties after some days of rest the Berber leader, decided to return to his camp without pressing his advantage.
The battle was a defeat for Caecilius, but it was not a total victory for the Maurians , as the maurian leader had suffered many casualties And they also had to retreat, despite the defeat this war was far from over.

 

[Silver01]

689

Years after his first major defeat, Caecilius waited a year where the Altavans and Maurians , From 686 to 689, only did raids and counter raids many small battles occurred, however, the Gaetuli also fearing altavan expansion joined the Mauri, were both had many victories and defeats, after gathering their forces both Maurian leader Aghilas and Caecilius moved, there armies where biggest armies fielded by both sides, the Maurian- Gaetuli confederation numbered about 11 to 12 thousands.

While Caecilius, Altavans, Berbers with Dihyas men numbered about 11 000, as the rest of the Altavan army was still in the kingdom just in case he failed, confident in his previous victory, Aghilas, and the other officers, but Badis argued that The army should not fight in open battle, but should instead entrench itself and dispatch the cavalry out only to probe them.

As Altavan discipline and armor were better than his loose confederation, but the officers and other leaders in the confederation, persuaded Aghilas, that the Altavans could be easily defeated, as they did years ago, especially now that they had better weapons and armor, due to the many raids on military forts. He made make up his mind, as both armies met, as both the forces were arrayed, Caecilius, moved with his horse with his son, made a speech, But soon his son took over the conversation

Men, my comrades, today we fight against TRAITORS! , for we offered peace and submission and even if they refused, they should not attack us and promised not to do so, But THEIR LEADER IS A MURDER, AND A LAIR . who killed our envoys and attacked our lands?

So today We fight for honor, the safety of our families against Murders, glory for us and for our leader, your king, and your emperor.

Who has given you the safety, peace, and wealth that you desired?

Will you find to defend all of that and be thankful?

The Berbers responded YES in unison as they also cheered.

Then let us be remembered in as the defenders of civilization against these bloody Barbarians.

He said as son and father Saw eye to eye, and Soon the whole army began to pray, as the prayer came to an end, father and son saw each other once more and parted ways, In the Maurian side, a tribe leader was given command of the elite heavy cavalry, while Badis remained with the infantry. While the maurian leader and troops were in the center. The leader of the cavalry was wary about the Altavans, but he was certain his cavalry could easily handle the ragged Berbers of Dihya and others who pledged loyalty to Caecilius.

And he was the first to set out, As he did Caecilius' son yelled HOLD THE LINE.

to his surprise, the Berbers, contingent were had good archers and a good shield wall, and held the line, as the cavalry momentum died. Caecilius son, gave a signal and his mother came out, and then They swiftly ambushed the Maurian cavalry, they attacked with they had some simply thrown bags full of pebbles at the horses’ heads, to prevent the Maurian infantry from aiding the unhorsed commanders, the altavan cavalry lead by Caecilius attacked.

Despite not having many numbers in his attack, the surprise and heavy armor were enough to grant the advantage, to the Maurian force was annihilated and thus, their principal advantage was destroyed. Regathering the remnant of his cavalry, the Berber leader furiously charged the Berber lines directly, and similar to Scipio Africanus against Hannibal, Caecilius son made the Berbers step aside to open up a corridor and let the Maurian cavalry through, then closed it again, separating the cavalry and like Scipio they made sounds and other things to disturb the horses.

While the rearguard man by Diyha held a line to prevent the cavalry from returning, as Caecilius kept plowing the Maurian infantry, soon the leaders were slain in battle, seeing their leaders dead, panic spread and the maurian ranks broke up and fell into retreat. The ones who didn’t, under Badis held ground for a while longer, but Berber numbers soon overwhelmed them.

The Maurians were routed. Of the 12 000 troops, half were killed, ¼ captured, and ¼ escaped. Including the ones that died was Aghilas, after the battle, Caecilius moved against the Mauri, over the period of two years the tribes submitted to him, atlavan influence now stretched to the great ocean, during this time he also defeated or allowed more Berber tribes to join him asking them to submit to the king and the emperor.

Once he returned, He was expecting a parade for his triumph, but then was mortified, due to the exchart of Africa, who was in a better position and had abused Altavan sovereignty, demanding more tribute, and using his excuse to some officials that they were heretics to commit various atrocities against them while he gave the king the excuse that they were for the defense of the empire and some of his subjects were religious dissidents as some Donatist extremist did commit attacks against officials.

now It seemed a conflict between the exchart and Caecilius would be inevitable.

 

[Silver01]

early 689,

Justinian was ruler already and he has been for 5 years, Justinian was now 20 and occupied, with the empire. To avoid his uncle's fighting, as civil war nearly broke out during the 4-year regency, due to the different views and interests of the regents, Justinian separated his uncle’s and gave them power so that they might not fight each other .

his uncle Heraclius became the exchart of Mesopotamia, he turned the province wealthy it was represented with his seat of power, the city of Heraclia , the city of emperor Heraclius. After the construction of the city was finished in 686, Heraclius made it wealthy, constructing massive buildings and a church that was only surpassed by Hagia Sophia, after that was done.

Heraclius and Justinian ordered the building of a statue and mosaic of Emperor Heraclius, in the city There was to be no ambiguity in the message. Heraclius had brought Sassanid Persia to its knees and Constans II with the same sword had killed it.

On the other hand, Tiberius became ruler of Italy, collaborating with the duke of Spoleto, and still worked with the other 2 excharts but in a lower level, aside from "Lombard" raids in the north, Italy was a quiet province, As Tiberius had to manage and keep order Since his father and brother had already done much of the reconstruction and migration to make the province great again.

Their efforts were paying off, Italy after nearly 30 years of good imperial rule, was close to a full recovery of the devastation it had seen in the 6th century, however, a rift began after the death of Constantine IV, tensions grew during the rule of the two brothers tried to get powerful nobles on their side and to them loyalty was more important than skill as tensions grew, even more, the men taxed more the new regions they also competed for the loyalty of the nobles of Italy and the ones of the Caucasus.

however before the civil war began Justinian II reached adulthood he quickly separated his uncles, but he did not get rid of their respective supporters as he did not care much for administration and was more concentrated on gathering more recourses to deal with the enemies of the empire he began he kept the high taxes that made him somewhat unpopular he also augmented the tribute to the prince of third Heraclian appointed Armenia Grigor, the ruler of Caucasian Albania Varaz Trdat and the ruler of Iberia, Adarnase II .

Justinian went to the east and crushed the first Khazar incursion to the byzantine empire with help of the 3 rulers of the Caucasus and even led a relatively successful expedition to the khaganate territory, later as Tiberius was reconstructing and making his province rich until he was killed by his emperor to assist him

as Slavic tribes had crossed the Danube others attacked the Bulgars, was due to them weakening due to his defeat against the byzantine and Kuber arrival the khan and he developed a rivalry the khan had kuber assassinated in 686 which led to some rebellions that were crushed quickly which led to some Slavs migrating Slavs attacking the area, so Justinian and Tiberius wherein the Balkans, as the Slavs began, attack, and also began to push to the byzantine ally territory, the Bulgars, aspekruk joined the emperor and his uncle.

The Slavic leader was told to go to the mountain passes and took advantageous positions on the heights but his impatience made him go down to the lowlands and attacked the enemy, the battle started at 7 AM in the morning and lasted until sunset. It was long and bloody but in the end, the Romans were victorious although they lost many soldiers and commanders. The Bulgars also had heavy casualties, while the Slavic leader managed to escape.

years passed, the Slavs attacked the now attacked the Bulgars again, Justinian first attempt to overwhelm the defenders in the hills to the north it was unsuccessful and his army was unable to pass through despite this the Emperor did not abandon the attack, he ordered his uncle and the bulgar khan to maneuver his troops around and attack. the Slavs from behind, while he continued the main assault

They did And led their troops along a steep path that led him into the Slavic rear, 3 hours they attacked the Slavic defenders trapping them , The Slavs abandoned their position face this new threat and Justinian was able to break through the front line, in the confusion of the rout, thousands of slavic troops were killed and the remainder desperately attempted to flee.

Among the ones killed were the Slavic leaders after the victory, they consolidate their positions and soon in the next years expanded till the Carpathian mountains, by 692 Justinian returned to his capital, To find out that a rebellion had broken out in Altava .

 

[Silver01]

Caecilius Moved against the exarch, under command of his family and Badis one of his old enemies now his general, Faced the exarch with about 9000 men, the two armies formed up for battle two byzantine generals the wings army while exarch was in the center, Caecilius deployed with the center, again appointing dhyia as commander of the left-wing, His son and Badis as the commander of the right-wing.

The battle began with a duel, between Caecilius son and the two generals of the byzantine wings. The duel was short as the 20-year-old manage to kill one, and cut the other down, the life of dealing with Constant raids and then fighting since he was 14, with his father against Mauri made him into a natural warrior.

After his son killed the 2 generals, the battle began. Caecilius gave the order for a general attack and the Berbers rushed forward to assault the Byzantine army, the Byzantine army the men fought bravely and were able to hold the Berber attacks for a while.

But because of the death of their generals, disorder and confusion soon became apparent in the byzantine ranks, eventually, under the continuous Berber attacks, the Byzantine army lost all cohesion, turned, and retreated. Half of the army was slain or captured, but the exarch of Africa escaped. After the defeat, he fled to Justinian and lied about what happened.

Early 694
Justinian arrived with the exarch and met Caecilius for battle, and the later sources state that Caecilius looked at the coin of Heraclius coin that Gregory had all those years ago and by some sources, he said: Pity that I have to fight your flesh and blood, because of some lying dog.

Caecilius son gave another fervent speech and said

do not hold the emperor at fault that he fights us today, ITS THE FAULT OF THE DECEIVING Dogs! Who lied to him.
the young leader told him to capture the emperor if they encountered him after all was their ruler and then said: If you see the banner of the governor of Africa, be sure to bring us his head.
the battle began with a charge, the Byzantines soon began to push the Berbers back, but the Byzantines left advanced too fast, got encircled, and many of them got captured or slain, they retreated the first day ended. On the second day, Badis plan was put into action

Badis massed his cavalry force, while Caecilius was intended to drive the Byzantine cavalry entirely off the battlefield so that the infantry, who formed a great part of this imperial army, would be left without cavalry support and thus would be exposed when attacked from the flanks and rear. At the same time, he planned to push a determined attack to turn the left flank of the Byzantine army.

Meanwhile, the Berber centered their attack pressed against it from the front, while the Berber right moved to make under the two-pronged attack, the Byzantine center fought, while right-wing fell back and collapsed and fell back to the Byzantine left center, greatly disordering it, the remaining Berber cavalry under Badis then attacked the Byzantine left wing cavalry at the rear.

Justinian, noticing the huge cavalry maneuver of the Berbers, ordered his cavalry to group together but was not quick enough. Before he could organize his heavy cavalry squadrons, the Berbers had wheeled their cavalry back to attack the concentrating Byzantine cavalry squadrons, falling upon them from the front and the flank while they were still moving into formation. The disorganized and disoriented Byzantine heavy cavalry was soon routed and dispersed to the east.

With the Byzantine cavalry completely routed, The Byzantine left-center was attacked at its rear by Caecilius cavalry and was finally broken, with the retreat of the Byzantine left center, a general Byzantine route started.

Nevertheless, many of the soldiers managed to escape the slaughter, the Berbers took many prisoners in the battle and the subsequent pursuit, Among them was the emperor and the exarch, the battle was over but Caecilius was sad he never wanted this , the situation of Altava revolt was explained, and with Justinian’s blessing, the Berbers executed the exarch

Justinian was freed in Mid-694 and returned to his Capital, unknown to him the situation had changed, the incompetent landowners and men in the government heard rumors of the death of the emperor and as he had no son some went to Heraclius and Tiberius to ask them to take the throne while other generals and nobles went to take the throne, Leontios one of Justinian generals took power and claimed the throne, Using the argument that none of the 2 brothers could rule since Constantine IV forbade them from been emperors and he even forged a document that Justinian II left his empire.

In reality, Justinian was forced to flee, but rumors that he was still alive spread, This lead to the duke of Spoleto and Tiberius rebelling as he was not a claimant to the throne but a restorer, in Anatolia some others rebels as well while the Caucasian princes also supported the Heraclians and defended the Caucasus, Still news reached Africa, that Justinian was probably executed, and Tiberius and other Heraclians were was fighting the usurper.

Caecilius said to Badis: Prepare the troops general; tomorrow we march towards the east.

 

[Silver01]

Early 695

Caelcuis now moved to avoid the coast and quickly laid siege to Carthage, with the exchart dead the morale was low, the intentions of Berber was to distract the usurper and allow Tiberius to win, the siege lasted 3 weeks as news got to them that the Berbers were fighting as a distraction, most of the men were loyal to Justinian and therefore Tiberius so they opened the gates.

And Caecilius took the city, he hoped the usurper would send part of his army, and allow Tiberius to take the throne, around two weeks later Tiberius and the usurper met near Doclea. Apsimar commanded the left-wing; another byzantine commander the right; and Leontios positioned himself in the center. On the other side, the duke of Spoleto was stationed on the left-wing, a byzantine general was positioned on the right, and the center was commanded by Tiberius

In the ensuing battle, the imperial left-wing under Apsimar, completely routed the rebel right-wing, Pursuing them to the rebel camp, there and was on the cusp of seizing the rebel camp and victory along with it, the soldiers tried to kill Apsimar but failed, Still, the rebel left, pushed back the right flank, seeing this the rebels pushed back Apsimar forces to their camp

It seemed the Heraclian would win, but in the height of battle, Tiberius was shot down from his horse by an arrow and was killed, the rebel forces seeing this panicked and routed, Tiberius had been slain, the Duke fled, but the new emperor dint peruse him as he just received news that the Berbers took Carthage.

The Berbers had just taken the city some time ago, then news reached him that Tiberius had died, Caecilius received the news and quickly sent word to Heraclius in Mesopotamia, it was in his eyes the last hope of the Heraclian line, but he needs to distract the usurper so he argued with his son to expand or defend Carthage, it was decided that they would leave some take the towns they did not attack and then he waited for the response of Heraclius.


(author note )

I always wantd the berbers to make more impact in timeline so i did but i dont know how, one day i found a post so i took inspiration from @metalinvader665 idea of a berber muhamed . i dont know if this is what he planned either way its fun so i adapted to my story so yeah thanks man

 

[Silver01]

Seeing how the Berbers took Carthage, the Franks and Visigoths attacked, the situation had changed since the defeat of Eborin he tried to deal with the rebellions and chaos after the death of Childeric II he managed to win and then tried to conquer the north however the events that had occurred weakened him to the point that the Austrasians defeated and killed him in the battle of Bois-du-Fays under Pippin and Martin, Pippin popularity rose and he later became mayor of the palace, later he defeated the Neustrians at the Battle of Tertry by 689 he was lord of all of Frankia, he later subjugated the Alemanni, Frisians, and Franconians, bringing them within the Frankish sphere of influence. Between 690 and 692.

Once news that the civil war broke out in the roman empire he moved quickly to attack and also unite the southern franks against a common enemy and attacked the area controlled by the Romans, In a year and a half the Franks took back their Mediterranean coast. except for some cities, the duke of Aquitaine odo allied with the Romans that in exchange for them leaving their coast he would attack the franks, and surprisingly he did but nothing major his attacks however made the franks pay tribute so that Odo would not attack them in their sieges.

While the Visigoths were another story, As soon they attacked the south, the basque attacked, Also to the surprise of the Visigothic king the people under Roman rule didn't revolt, instead, they joined them to fend off the Visigoths, as 20 years of imperial rule made their lives better than the sick Visigothic system and Hispania was run buy an efficient government which did not suffer too much from the corruption that followed Constantine IV death.

The “emperor” seeing this, had to choose between who to deal with first Seeing as how Tiberius was dead and that Heraclius submitted to him which was a major plus as Heraclian accepted his rule, his main enemy was the Berbers.

He sent the navy under the command of John the Patrician and Apsimarus, they entered the harbor and successfully recaptured it in a stunning surprise attack, in late 696 which resulted in the city's forces fleeing.

But they didn't press their advantage, instead, they bickered about what to do next as Apsimarus waned to secure the surrounding area while Jonh wanted to quickly press the advantage to push them back to Altava in a desire to impress the emperor or even have enough popularity to overthrow the current “emperor”, with the Romans, were in disarray due to infighting they were sapped of much of their strength.

Askel was occupied as the King of altava had abdicated in favor of him, Still, when he found out about the attack, he was enraged at having to retake a city that had not resisted the Roman take over, offered no terms except to surrender or die.

Leontios had also given his forces instructions of victory or death, but the Romans left Carthage and attacked Aksel army directly, He and His son received the full brunt of the charge and retreated.

In reality, it was a ruse, dhyia, and Badis, charged from the sides and dealt massive casualties to the Romans .their commander decided to wait out behind the walls of Carthage to let the Berbers exhaust themselves since he could continue to be resupplied from the sea. As more Berbers, and men from dhyia confederation joined. The defenders were faced with overwhelming numbers, and ferocious attacks as the Berbers made repeated attempts to scale the walls with ladders, not only that but the pro Heraclian city also began to riot,

Still, the siege dragged on, however, the roman navy loyal to the usurper was overstretched as the Italians were pro Heraclians this distraction weakened the naval hold and part of their forces went for sea battles, this caused the Berbers to take back the city after some fighting with the Romans loyal to the usurpers, retreated to the islands of Corsica and Sicily by early 697.

Due to this a group of officers who feared Emperor Leontios' wrath for failing to recapture Carthage killed John and declared Apsimar, who took the name Tiberius III, as emperor.

Tiberius gathered a fleet and allied himself with the Green faction, before sailing for Constantinople, which was enduring the bubonic plague, After several months of siege, in early 698, the gates to Constantinople were opened for Tiberius' forces by members of the Green faction, allowing Tiberius to seize the city and depose Leontios. Tiberius had Leontios' nose slit and sent him to live in a Monastery.

 

[Silver01]

698

Heraclius son of Constans II, brother of Constantine IV was alive. He had not rebelled, still, he had no love for the usurper; in fact, he wanted to join Tiberius, But then rumors circulated that Justinian was alive, Heraclius time as Exchart of Mesopotamia made him politically intelligent, as he had to deal with the heretics and the Arabs who raided.

Therefore to survive he had to become politically savvy, to keep everything in check, He applied this against both usurpers, what he hoped for is to find Justinian so that he might use Mesopotamia to attack, and avenge his brother, Tiberius III wanted to attack the Berbers but The Arabs attacked the ghassanid kingdom along with the Byzantine province of Mesopotamia

699

The Berbers took Hadrumetum then, Thapus fell and soon after Thysdrus all-pro Heraclian cities With that secured The Berbers moved back and took the cities they avoided at first with their success more Berbers joined Aksel, But Icosium, refused to surrender, once the Berber army arrived, the city agreed to terms, sending their envoys to negotiate the surrender, but due to an accident the Berber envoys were attacked and killed a man, Aksel was furious

He gave orders to punish the city and would and despite his son telling him that it was not the wisest move, however, he convinced him that art and especially the books were not to be burned, or harmed as the prince was a lover of these, the Berbers, the siege continued with many assaults, but barely any success, During the 21st night of the siege.

The prince led, some troops and killed some guards, and opened the gate, The Berber army entered and a massacre of the inhabitants began, also the city of Icosium was burned, As the royal family saw this. A soldier found some books and breaking the command of his king, he planned to burn the books.
The prince noticed this and tried to stop him, having no other option, the prince slew him as a reminded him the punishment for burning books, would be beheading, Aksel looked sad, as he saw the destruction of the city, but it was the price of treason, Some roman ships could see it from the night as Icosium was burned People in the ships knew that this was the end of an era.

 

[Silver01]

699 AD

Things had changed in the Arabian Peninsula, as more migrations occurred, the kingdom of Axum had problems as nomad tribes attacked their possessions in the Arabian peninsula, as another migration was occurring in Africa because the coast was getting drier only merchants and others stayed behind as many farmers moved south, this climate change from the sources got worse since 650, but Constans Trade route, gave them enough funds to crush rebellions, but as Axum got richer, so too did their Arab subjects.

As climate change made the Axumite coast inhabitable, it created a rebellion by 698, The Arabs took this golden chance and rebelled, and The Arab leader began to rally many Arabs against the Ethiopians attacking some towns and recruiting even more men.

700 AD

The Axumites crushed the rebellion and moved against the Arabs, The Arab leader had a loose army of 12 000, 9 000 people loyal to him, and 3 000 Bedouin mercenaries, so the Axumites sent a force of 15 000, The Axumites put their forces in one line with infantry in the center cavalry in the wings, the Arabs had a similar composition but the Arab leader put the Bedouin light cavalry in extreme wings, the battle began with an all-out charge on part of the Ethiopians, The Axumite cavalry, charged against an Arab shield wall and they began to give ground, seeing this The Bedouin cavalry moved in a deep flanking maneuver And killed The Axumite General.

Soon the Ethiopian line was attacked and surrounded they tried to fight and held the line, but soon the forces began to lose cohesion. Seeing this Heavy cavalry of the Arabs charged, they surrounded the right flank, and the force was surrounded and the massacre began., Records say only 500 out of the 15000, Axumites survived the battle, but it is most likely an exaggeration as other sources only mention 3000 Axumite casualties, still, The battle was a total victory for the Arabs, and a crushing defeat for the Ethiopians, as the Axumites had to deal with another civil war, they still left a small force to defend their territory.

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After a year, the victorious Arabs put Sana’a under siege, and after 4 months the Axumites surrendered due to a lack of food. After this, the Axumites were expulsed from the peninsula, after the Axumites were kicked out, the Arab leader's popularity rose even more. Due to this, he declared himself King of Yemen, with his capital in the city of Sanaʽa, After nearly a century, a new Arab kingdom was born, the new king wasted no time, and began expelling the tribes that helped the Axumites. Some resisted which lead to conflicts in 702, But their forces won, This leads these tribes to attack other tribes leading to a mass exodus to the north.