Ah, Medieval Total War (MTW). The game brings back many fond memories for me. Although I discovered the Byzantine Empire in Age of Empires 2, it was MTW that solidified my love for them. Developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Activision, MTW is a turn-based strategy game with real-time tactics.

The Creative Assembly is a British video game developer established by Tim Ansell in 1987. But in March 2005, it became a European subsidiary of Sega. Some of their other products include Shogun: Total War, Rome: Total War, Medieval II: Total War, Empire: Total War and the latest Napoleon: Total War. All the earlier games have won many industry awards.

Personally, I enjoy moving the chess like pieces across the map and watching my empire grow bit by bit in MTW. Yet, the game is not perfect. There are a few historical inaccuracies here and there. But the other features make up for this minor flaw.

Byzantine Empire by The Vizier

The main campaign

The historical campaign allows you to play out historical battles as Richard the Lionheart or Saladin. You may even test your battle tactics as the Mongols through key battles in their conquests. But it is the main campaign where I can shape history that interests me.

The main campaign map covers medieval Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. This is the turn-based strategy aspect of the game where the fun lies. Here you get to manage the economical, diplomatic, military and strategic planning for your empire. Deciding the direction your empire building and expansion will take happens here.

The main campaign has 3 scenarios. The Early Middle Ages begins in 1087. The main feature of this period is the beginning of the crusades. The High Middle Ages is next and begins in 1205. In this period, the Mongol Horde appears from the east to destroy all who stand in their way. And finally, the Late Middle Ages begins in 1321. Gunpowder and the rise of the Ottomans occur in this period.

Duke of Nicaea with Byzantine Infantry by The Vizier

The importance of developing your provinces

The goal of the game involves total domination or strategic conquests. Sooner or later, you will find yourself involved in costly wars. Therefore developing your financial muscle is necessary to build your armies for defence and attack. To simulate the feel of the Middle Ages, MTW allows you to tax your provinces. Part of your taxes involves income from trade with other countries. By developing your provinces, you will gain more income and better quality troops from them.

The power of diplomacy

Sometimes, diplomacy, tributes and bribery are preferable compared to costly wars. As such the diplomatic aspect of MTW is a welcomed part of the game. This option allows you to resort to bribery to buy off enemy troops or to buy provinces instead of wasting your troops in battle. Diplomats also serve an important function in arranging alliances and royal marriages. Having allies allows you to focus most of your strength against the enemy. Personally I enjoy using diplomacy to make gains instead of engaging in messy wars.

Covert operations

When diplomacy fails, eliminating your enemy may require more aggressive measures. Again during the middle ages, espionage and assassinations were pretty common. In MTW, spies gather valuable information about enemy plans and more importantly, they can cause revolts in enemy provinces by fermenting unrest. There have been numerous times when I have swept in to take advantage of the chaos caused by spies.

Assassination is also a good way of getting rid of the enemy. Once I assassinated a rival after assassinating all his heirs. With no proper claimant to the throne, the remaining territories split up and became independent of each other. All I had to do was to slowly bribe or conquer them at my leisure. The use of spies and assassins adds to the means you can use to achieve your goals. In this way you can replay the game endlessly to mix and match your methods as you see fit.

The impact of religion on MTW

Religion was a dominant force in the middle ages, and so it is fitting that it is a powerful force in MTW. There are 3 major religious groups; Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims. Each religious group has its own unique features. For example, both the Catholics and the Muslims can declare crusades and jihads respectively. Orthodox Christians, who did not believe in the concept of holy war, lack this ability. It is important to note that conversion of conquered provinces to the one true faith is important for preventing unrest and revolts. This is where religious agents like imams, bishops and priest come in to do God’s work.

Because I usually play as the Byzantines, one heart-stopping moment is when the Catholics launch their crusades against the east. As the Byzantium Empire lies along the road to the east, the crusaders will pass through Byzantine territory. Along the way, they might pillage the lands. From this, I can easily imagine the dangers the unruly crusaders posed to the Byzantine emperors and their land.

Favourite son commanding cataphracts by The Vizier

Character growth and development

One of my favourite parts of the game involves the characters and their development. Characters have given attributes of piety, dread, command and acumen. For example, inquisitors, who were rampant in the middle ages, can burn characters of the Catholic faith with low piety at the stake. On the other hand, characters with high acumen make good governors. The provinces under their care are happier, more stable and produce more money.

As the characters develop, they may pick up some habits along the way. These habits translate into vices and virtues which generally affect the character’s attributes. For example, if the character has weak principles, he will be more open to bribery. For the right price, he will deliver his troops or province into the hands of his new master. The attributes, vices and virtues add greater depth and dimension to the game by reflecting human nature and the realities of the middle ages.

Battle by The Vizier

Total war

Each faction has their own unique troop types which add to their distinctiveness. For example, the Byzantines have the Varangian Guards while the Mamluks have their Mamluk cavalry. All of this training and preparation finally culminates in total war. The battle which takes place in real-time can be a massive scene of chaos. MTW rewards battle tactics and strategy. Flanking the enemy, attacking from the rear, and deploying reserves to critical areas are tactics that increase the possibility of a victory. Additionally, the terrain, climate and weather affect the effectiveness of your troops. Armoured knights tire quickly under the hot sun in the desert, leaving them vulnerable to counter attacks. Morale is another important consideration that can affect the outcome of the battle.

Admittedly, the graphics and battle system of MTW is pretty much outdated today compared to the later Total War games. But since MTW came out in 2002, this is understandable. I concede that I am not a fan of the MTW battle system. Instead I prefer the battle systems in the later Total War series. This is the reason why I usually choose to auto-resolve my battles.

Reflections of the Vizier

I always enjoyed the turn-based strategy aspect of the game, preferring to leave the fighting to my generals. Only when my generals prove too incompetent to win a crucial battle will I command the armies personally. Developing my provinces, appointing capable governors and generals and deciding who to attack next has always been more interesting to me. In fact, just writing this review makes me want to replay MTW as the Byzantines. It’ll be fun to once again pit their outdated troops and weapons against their technologically advanced enemies. Where brute force fails, I can always resort to other means to turn the tide in my favour. I am sure the Byzantines would appreciate my way of thinking.

Disclaimer: All the images in this article are screenshots taken from Medieval Total War. They are copyrighted by The Creative Assembly and are not of my making.

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1. Mount and Blade Review

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Mount and Blade is by far the best medieval role playing game I have ever played. Not only do you get to wield huge battle axes, you also get to own your very own castle and army. There is nothing like returning to your own castle after a hard day’s work of slaughter in an epic battle. To the victor go the spoils. You can follow up your slaughter by imprisoning your captives in your dark dungeon and selling your loot from the battle.

Although Paradox Interactive published Mount and Blade, the game is actually the brainchild of TaleWorlds Entertainment, a Turkish company who developed it. TaleWorlds knows a good thing when they see one. Following up on their success, TaleWorlds is releasing the expansion Mount and Blade: Warband on 30 March 2010. The good part about Mount and Blade is the very active forum which provides much support and modification of the game.

It is true that there are many medieval themed role playing games out there. But 2 things make mount and Blade stand out. Firstly, there is no fixed story line to follow. So what you choose to do is entirely up to you. Secondly, the game perfectly simulates the carnage and chaos of battles in the medieval age.

Surviving the Middle Ages through opportunism

After you have created your character, you find yourself thrust into the harsh world of Calradia. Although there is no fixed storyline for you to follow, your first task is survival. To survive, you will need money to buy better equipment to deal with the numerous brigands that roam the land. Initially you only have the power to attack small brigand groups to loot their dead bodies for equipment and money. If you manage to knock some brigands unconscious, you can take them prisoner to sell as slaves. This gives you another source of income. As the quality of your equipment increases, you can defeat more powerful brigands to get better equipment and more cash.

Other less satisfying ways of earning money, in my opinion, include trading and carrying out repetitive quests. You may also attack villagers and loot villages if you wish. But this will cause the lords of these holdings to hunt you down in retaliation.

Winning medieval tournaments

You can also earn money through betting and participating in tournaments which take place in a gladiator arena. So if you win, you will win a large sum of money as well. But to win, you will have to go through 6 challenging rounds. The lower rounds begin with many participants who are grouped together to form teams. As the tournament proceeds, fewer contestants remain until the final round pits the 2 remaining contenders. Due to the huge number of participants initially and your lack of choice over weapons, surviving tournaments can be tricky. Sometimes you may begin with a weapon you are not good at. You may then find yourself scavenging the bodies of fallen friends or foes for better weapons to survive. This adds a certain desperation and realism which takes away the perceived glamour of gladiator combat.

The benefits of vassalage

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As your fame increases from your various exploits, you will find yourself receiving offers of vassalage from various kingdoms. Vassals are lords who raise troops for their king in return for land grants. A vassal has many benefits. First and foremost, a king may grant his vassal the rights to a village, town or castle. This means that you will have a base to operate out of while receiving a steady stream of income. Secondly, vassals can become commander-in-chief of the kingdom’s armies. The added manpower will make you almost unstoppable when it comes to capturing more territories from enemy kingdoms. This will increase your renown and your own territorial possessions in the process.

An incomparable medieval experience

Mount and Blade simulates the medieval world perfectly. The taverns allow you to mingle with the characters to recruit troops or companions for your army. You can also walk around the villages, castles and towns to speak with the citizens you meet. While the dialogue may be repetitive, chatting with the people is a good way to get an idea of the hardships they face. There are even ways to improve the lives of the peasants, if you wish.

Image Credit: The Vizier

You may also inspect the guards of your domains. Checking in with the guards of your castle from time to time makes you feel as if you are a real lord. Then there is the dungeon where you can keep your prisoners. It is extremely satisfying to mock the arrogant lords you capture in battle, leaving them to languish in your prison for their audacity. Keeping these lords in captivity serves 2 purposes. Firstly, they will be unable to participate in battles, thus diminishing the power of their respective kingdoms. Secondly, they fetch a nice ransom, especially the kings. The only drawback about these lords is that they, like you, cannot die in the standard game.

Building your army

While you can journey about Calradia alone, you can accomplish more with an army at your command. Your army consists of three troop types; cavalry, infantry and archers. You can recruit them from villages, from taverns as mercenaries or freed prisoners in battle.

Additionally, you can also recruit companions. Companions, unlike ordinary soldiers, have distinct personalities and backgrounds. You can interact with them, give them the best equipment and train them. Companions bring special skills to your party. For example, a companion who is good at tracking will add to your group tracking skills, allowing you to pick up enemy tracks more easily. However, not all companions get along with each other. So as a leader, you have to decide which companions to keep as part of your inner circle and which to separate from. It is such attention to detail that makes the game fun.

For the love of battle

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Battles are the heart and soul of Mount and Blade. They are bloody and chaotic, especially when there are huge numbers of combatants involved. If you are not careful, a few well placed blows will knock you out. This adds a chilling realism because even a stray arrow you don’t see can take you out.

The chaos of fighting on foot is very realistic. Due to the confusion in the heat of battle, there is little room for finesse. Usually, you will find yourself striking at any part of the enemy to kill him. Then before you have a chance to rest, you will find yourself facing your next opponent. If you find yourself surrounded, the panic increases because it is only a matter of time before you are overwhelmed.

Horseback fighting in Mount and Blade is also fantastic. You can almost feel the horse you are riding respond to your commands in battle. Bringing your horse close to the enemy at full speed to cut him down is an amazing experience. But if your horse should come to a halt, you will find yourself at the mercy of your enemies. Historically, this is how many knights perished in battle. Large open plains are critical for horseback fighting because you need lots of room to manoeuvre.

But not all fighting has to be done up close. If you have a ranged weapon like a crossbow, you can take out enemies from a distance on foot or on horseback. Shooting on foot is easier than shooting on horseback. Before you can hit your target, you have to consider the effects of gravity, the angle of the shot and the movement of the target. The movement of the horse is also a consideration if you are shooting from horseback.

Finally, as a commander, you also have to issue orders to your troops. Without orders, the enemy may overwhelmed your disorganized troops and slaughter them. Terrain is an important consideration in battle. Whether you position your troops favourably or not will affect the outcome of the battle. At the end of the day, it is impossible for you to win a large fight by yourself, so strategy and teamwork is critical. Mount and Blade does an excellent job of paying attention to detail in combat. Medieval combat doesn’t get any more realistic than this.

Sieges

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Sieges are more difficult than battles. This is because the tactical advantage lies with the defenders. Storming the walls of a castle itself is a risky and costly affair as you and your troops are wide open to arrow fire. Compounding the problem, the enemy can mass at choke points, like the top of the siege ladder, to hold off superior numbers at very little costs to themselves. Also the defenders have a higher chance of surrounding and overwhelming you in the narrow spaces of a castle. Still it is possible to take the castle if you are careful and use your surroundings to your advantage. The only drawback of sieges in Mount and Blade is its simplicity. There is a lack of siege engines and boiling oil.

Endless possibilities with mods

Mount and Blade allows its users to create their own worlds through the modification of the game itself. These mods are available online for download at the forums for free. Thus if you were to get tired of the plain vanilla game, you can easily pick another mod to your liking. From space to fantasy to various historical periods, the possibilities are endless. This makes Mount and Blade a game that is worth every penny.

Reflections of the Vizier

Mount and Blade has provided me with countless hours of enjoyment. Wading into the thick of a battle to hack and slash your enemies until their blood covers you from head to toe is a great way to relieve stress. With Mount and Blade, history comes to life in the best way imaginable. You learn about medieval life after participating in the battles from a safe environment. Admittedly, the dialogue and graphics are not great. But if you ignore that, you will have endless fun in battles and the experience of owning your very own castle or town.

Disclaimer: All the images in this article are screenshots taken from Mount and Blade. They are copyrighted by TaleWorlds Entertainment and are not of my making.

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Of all the Byzantine emperors, John Cantacuzene stands out. Famed for his many talents and illustrious career, he was the only emperor to leave his memoirs to posterity. But his legacy came not from his role as emperor. Instead it came from his work as a monk and theologian. In “The Reluctant Emperor,” Donald Nicol gives an interesting account of this controversial individual.

Nicol has made lasting contributions to Byzantine studies throughout his career as a historian. One of his career highlights includes serving as the vice-principal of King’s College. Another is being the founder-editor of the scholarly journal Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. His written works include, “The Last Centuries of Byzantium, 1261-1453” and “The Immortal Emperor: The Life and Legend of Constantine Palaiologos, Last Emperor of the Romans.”

In “The Reluctant Emperor,” Nicol manages to achieve the following aims. He successfully provides a comprehensive biography of John while addressing the various misconceptions surrounding him. He also shows how John’s lasting legacy came about as a monk and theologian. Finally, Nicol fills in the gaps in history about John by providing a thoughtful critique on his character, achievements and failures.

The rise of John Cantacuzene

The devastation inflicted on the Byzantine Empire by the 4th Crusade reduced it to a regional power surrounded on all sides by formidable enemies. This was the world that John Cantacuzene was born into. John had a privileged birth which gave him access to the elite social circles in the Byzantine Empire. There, he met and befriended the future emperor Andronicus III who trusted him with his life. By helping Andronicus III to organize the overthrow of the reigning emperor Andronicus II, John became the true power behind the throne. The strengths of John and Andronicus III complemented each other. John’s prudence and administrative ability guided the vigorous leadership of Andronicus III. This beneficial change in government did much to strengthen the power and prestige of the Byzantine Empire.

The succession issue of Andronicus III

Unfortunately, Andronicus died early without leaving a clearly defined successor. Although Andronicus had a son, John V Palaeologus, he had never officially nominated him as his successor and co-emperor. Complicating matters, Andronicus had offered the position of co-emperor to his trusted friend John years ago before John V was born. John however declined the position. This succession issue soon led to civil war which weakened the Byzantine Empire. Ultimately, John prevailed after much difficulty and became senior emperor. But his refusal to dispose of John V, whom he made his son-in-law, would cause him problems later on.

The troubled reign of Emperor John VI Cantacuzene

As an emperor, John faced problems on multiple fronts. He had to deal with the fallout of the civil war, the black plague, foreign invasions, an empty treasury and the management of dwindling imperial territory. His financial reforms and introduction of new taxes caused him to lose much popular support. John’s overreliance on and friendliness with the Turks also gave his enemies another reason to oppose him. Worsening matters, he failed to settle the family dispute between his son Matthew and the junior emperor John V. This led to yet another series of hostilities. After a rule of seven troubled years, John had enough. He abdicated in favour of John V.

John Cantacuzene as the monk Joasaph

Many emperors who became monks faded into obscurity. But John was an exception. He actually enjoyed greater popularity and moral authority as a monk for the next thirty years of his life. Even the emperor John V Palaeologus sought his advice on affairs of the state. Freed from the burden of rule, John spent the rest of his time dealing with religious matters which would become his enduring legacy.

How Donald Nicol cleared the name of John Cantacuzene

John was a controversial figure in Byzantine history and he knew it. Naturally his contemporaries viewed his actions with suspicion which was part of the reason for the civil war. Here, Nicol patiently explains and corrects each misunderstanding through evidence and analysis. For example, John’s enemies accused him of supporting hesychasm, a religious doctrine, during his reign for political purposes. But Nicol refutes this by pointing out that John continued to defend hesychasm long after his abdication. Ironically, John’s defence of hesychasm became his lasting legacy to the world today.

Analysis of the life of John Cantacuzene

Finally, Nicol analyzes the character, achievements and failures of John. For me, this was the most enjoyable part of the book; gaining a more intimate understanding of the man. Firstly, Nicol shows how multi-faceted John’s character was from the account of his friends. John’s firm friendship with the Turks was highly unusual for his time. Secondly, Nicol also provides insight into the way John perceived the Byzantine Empire and the world around him. This worldview shaped John’s actions and policies. Lastly, Nicol reveals the reasons behind John’s actions as he struggled to cope with the problems he faced.

Throughout the book, Nicol makes skilful use of his sources to shed light on John Catacuzene. For example he explains how John reclaimed Northern Greece for the Byzantine Empire through his eloquence. So persuasive was John that the three rebel commanders surrendered their cities after listening to him. All these revelations provide a deeper understanding of this complex individual.

How you will benefit from reading “The Reluctant Emperor”

The Reluctant Emperor has given me a deeper understanding of John Cantacuzene and the final years of the Byzantine Empire before its irreversible decline. At the end of the book, I find myself agreeing with Nicol assessment of John. Had John been more determined and ruthless, he may have been able to restore the Byzantine Empire. Nevertheless, the following are just some of the benefits you will derive from reading this entertaining book.

Firstly, you will have a thorough account of John’s life. Beginning with his background, Nicol covers his rise and ascension, his troubled reign and finally his life as a monk and theologian. Secondly, Nicol provides many anecdotes which are crucial to understanding the character of John Cantacuzene. In the process you also learn about the Byzantine Empire in the 14th century. Thirdly, Nicol corrects the various misunderstandings of John with proper evidence so that his true character shines forth. Lastly, Nicol gives a thorough analysis of John’s life and actions. By the end of the book, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this uniquely Byzantine individual.

If you are interested in learning more about John Cantacuzene, click on the link below to purchase the book.

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Mistra, in its prime, was a centre of influence in the Peloponnese. At the height of its eminence, it became the second most important city in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople. But the influence of Mistra during its short lived glory went beyond the Peloponnese. Kingdoms from all over the Mediterranean sought to control Mistra to further their ambitions. Now, Steven Runciman provides a gripping account of Mistra’s rise and fall in “The Lost Capital of Byzantium.”

During his lifetime, the esteemed medievalist historian Steven Runciman travelled widely in the Mediterranean. Upon discovering the ruins of ancient Mistra, he developed an endearing fascination with it. Over the course of time, Runciman returned repeatedly to visit the ancient ruins. The hospitality he received during each visit from the people of modern day Mistra had a profound impact on him. It was to repay their kindness that Runciman dedicated “The Lost Capital of Byzantium,” to them. Runciman has written many books throughout his career. His most famous work is “A History of the Crusades.”

In “The Lost Capital of Byzantium,” Runciman gives a comprehensive history of Mistra from beginning to end. He argues that many factors influenced the history of Mistra. But the most significant of these factors was the Peloponnese where Mistra was located. Due to its unique circumstances, it is difficult to appreciate Mistra in a vacuum. By the end of the book, Runciman shows how an understanding of the history and motivations of those who sought to control the Peloponnese is important in appreciating Mistra.

How Mistra was born

Runciman opens with a sweeping history of the Peloponnese and the civilizations that lived there throughout the ages. Even in those early times, external influences shaped the Peloponnese and its inhabitants. Many invaders sought to dominate the Peloponnese and fought bloody battles over it. The narrative soon centres on the Fourth Crusade and the rise of the Villehardouin, who were the masters of the Peloponnese by 1213. Runciman’s focus here is amply justified. By relating these events, Runciman shows how they led to the birth of Mistra in 1249.

How Mistra rose to prominence and flourished

But Mistra did not become important overnight. A series of events over which it had no control shaped its destiny. In 1262, the Battle of Pelagonia in Macedonia ended with the Byzantine Empire gaining control of Mistra. It was under the Byzantines that Mistra slowly became prominent. By the 1280s, Mistra received a boost in status by becoming the capital of the Byzantine territories in the Peloponnese. Mistra, with its centralized position and natural defences, was an ideal base for the Byzantines in their ongoing struggle for control of the Peloponnese. But this alone did not make Mistra important. The period from the 1300s-1400s was one of great unrest. Yet Mistra flourished and became a centre for learning and the arts. This was only possible due to Mistra’s luck in having enlightened governors to shape its development.

How the actions of the enlightened Despots shaped Mistra

Enlightened Despots like Manuel Cantacuzenus and Theodore II Palaeologus helped to make Mistra important. Their statesmanship allowed Mistra to thrive amidst great difficulties. Under their rule, Mistra continued to attract scholars and artists from far and wide as the Greek peninsula fell to the Ottomans. Its most famous resident in the early fifteenth century was George Gemistus Plethon. His mere presence alone enhanced the prestige of Mistra and contributed to its glory.

The fate of Mistra under Ottoman rule

Sadly, the Ottoman conquest of Mistra changed everything. The resulting brain drain stripped Mistra of its former vitality as many scholars fled west to avoid Ottoman rule. Despite being a cultural centre in its prime, Mistra was just another provincial capital in the mighty Ottoman Empire. It too was subject to the Sultan’s dictates from Constantinople. Although Ottoman rule bought relative peace and prosperity to Mistra, their rule caused much resentment amongst the Greeks.

As the years passed, the Ottomans declined in might, becoming powerless to defend the Peloponnese. Runciman describes how control of the Peloponnese changed hands many times with damaging effects for Mistra. Mistra finally met its end during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s. In birth, life and death, Mistra had little control over its fate. The new Kingdom of Greece decided to leave ancient Mistra in ruins. All that remains today is the modern day town of Mistra that grew out of the suburbs of the ancient city.

What the city and atmosphere of Byzantine Mistra was like

To complete his tale, Runciman provides a description of Byzantine Mistra. He describes the way the houses and streets are laid out. At other points he muses about important buildings and who their inhabitants might have been. Not only does he give a guided tour of the ancient city, he also explains the philosophical and cultural atmosphere during its prime. This allows the reader to experience Mistra through the eyes of a man who loved and knew the city well. It also provides for a better appreciation of ancient Mistra and its charms.

How you will benefit from reading “The Lost Capital of Byzantium”

I came away from the book with the haunting beauty of Mistra etched firmly in my mind. Part of Mistra’s appeal is how such an important city during its prime is nothing but ruins today. At least for that fleeting moment in time, Mistra had its glory.

The following are just some of the benefits which I hope you will derive from reading the book. Firstly, you will learn about the history of Mistra and the Peloponnese in greater detail. Secondly, you will know about the important people who shaped the development of Mistra. Runciman even provides juicy details where possible. Lastly, the guided tour provided by Runciman through ancient Mistra allows you to experience the ancient city from the comfort of your chair.

You can also experience ancient Mistra for yourself by clicking on the link below to purchase this book.

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Lately I have been addicted to Crusader Kings. It is a grand strategy game set in Medieval Europe by Paradox Interactive. As the head of a dynasty, your aim is to gain prestige by conquering new lands to expand your realm. At the same time you must also gain piety through church work. At the end of the game, the dynasty with the best score wins.

Paradox Interactive is a Swedish video game developer and publisher. They are famous for their wide selection of historical strategy games. Some titles include Europa Universalis and Victoria. Apart from Crusader Kings, I also love their other title, Mount and Blade. TaleWorlds Entertainment, a Turkish company, developed the game while Paradox Interactive published it.

Crusader Kings is different from the many traditional empire-building games out there. But it is different in a way that adds depth and provides countless hours of entertainment. It requires strategic planning, diplomacy, covert tactics and patience to win this game. You can play Crusader Kings repeatedly without finding it boring due to its endless possibilities.

Image Credit: The Vizier

Choosing your dynasty

There are 3 scenarios in Crusader Kings; Hastings 1066, The Third Crusade 1187 and the Hundred Years War 1337. I like the 3rd scenario best. This was the period where the Byzantines had their last chance at revival. Also the 3rd scenario is the most developed in terms of technological advances for the provinces.

After choosing the scenario, you have to decide which dynasty to play as. I prefer to play as the emperor/king because they have the most power and wealth, with dukes and counts next in line. The theme of Crusader Kings is medieval feudalism and chivalry. So you can only play as the Catholic or Orthodox Christians. Regrettably, the Islamic Caliphates, the Mongols, the Papacy and the merchant republics are not playable.

Managing your dynasty

Each dynasty has its own court with its own courtiers. This is one of the coolest aspects of the game. As a ruler you can appoint your courtiers to various positions. The marshal manages your army. The chancellor handles your foreign relations and negotiations. The steward manages economic matters. The spy master handles internal security, intelligence gathering and assassinations. And, the diocese bishop manages ecclesiastic affairs. Your bishop may also become the Pope if you play as a Catholic dynasty. As the papal controller, your ruler gains additional powers. Each of these positions is vital to the development of your dynasty.

Crusader Kings also simulates the feel of managing your realm by allowing the following adjustments. It allows you to adjust your taxes to maximise income. You may also adjust your laws to regulate your government type, religion and inheritance. Finally, you can adjust your technological advances to suit your goals.

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Expanding your dynasty

How you play Crusader Kings is entirely up to you. This is the beauty of the game. Unless you are attacking a religious enemy, you need a claim to a province before you can invade another dynasty. One way is to lay claim to a province through diplomacy and marriage. The other is to sacrifice prestige to usurp or fabricate a claim on a province to declare war. But do be careful with your reputation. A treacherous and unsavoury reputation makes you unpopular internally and externally. Soon, you may find yourself assailed on all sides by enemies.

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A large part of the game involves patiently conserving your strength in readiness for an opportunistic strike. Battles are automatically resolved based on morale, power, equipment and tactics. Crusader Kings allows you to tilt the battle in your favour by assassinating skilled military figures in the enemy camp before the clash. In battle, enemy forces require time to amass, allowing you the possibility of destroying their armies piecemeal. After defeating the defenders, your army captures a province through a siege. All these factors add realism to Crusader Kings by mirroring the tactics of the Medieval Ages.

I am happy to see that Crusader Kings has female monarchs and courtiers. However, the drawback of female rulers is that they cannot lead their armies to battle personally. They have to rely on their marshals to expand their realm. But unless the ruler conquers each province personally, it goes to the marshal or the vassal who did so. Once a marshal claims the province for himself, he is relieved of his marshal duties when his army disbands. The next marshal may be less able. If you command a vassal to return a province, he may do so out of loyalty. But other vassals will be less loyal to you because they fear the loss of their own lands.

Managing your existing and newly acquired provinces

Each province consists of 4 classes of people; the peasants, the burghers, the clergy and the nobles. Imperial decree or events can affect the political power of each class in the province. This in turn affects the composition of your army and the taxes you receive.

Much of the fun lies in developing your province. You could develop roads, build castles and shipyards. A developed province is able to provide more income and troops which is vital to the expansion of your dynasty. I take pride knowing that my provinces are flourishing under my rule.

The importance of vassals

However, you can only have so many provinces under your direct control before inefficiency sets in. To avoid this problem, you have to ennoble some of your courtiers by making them counts or dukes of your provinces. But due to military incompetence, your vassals have an annoying tendency to lose their entire army in battle. Without armies to defend their territories, they lose their provinces as well. Only you can decide whether to practice nepotism or meritocracy.

The impact of random events

The strength of the game however lies in its ingenious development of characters. Each character has a set of attributes or skills. They are military, diplomatic, intrigue and stewardship. These attributes have a value that may change over time depending on various events in the game. Events are an integral part of the game that happens due to circumstances or chance. Events may or may not require you to make a choice. All of these factors combine to add great depth and richness to Crusader Kings.

For example, at the age of 5, you can decide if your children should have a military, courtly or ecclesiastical education. This will affect their attributes and development. Paying close attention to the education of your heir is vital to the survival of your dynasty. To prevent weak heirs from inheriting your dynasty, you can either change the inheritance laws or engineer unfortunate accidents. Many rulers in the Medieval Ages were not adverse to practicing favouritism when it came to the succession issue. Of course the surviving family members had to clean up the mess.

Provinces can also experience random events. In the 3rd scenario, the Black Plague swept across the Mediterranean during the 1300s. When the plague happens, it reduces your provincial income and manpower substantially. The only thing to do, which is what happened in reality, is to wait for the plague to subside before you expand again. It is such attention to detail that brings history to life.

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Reflections of the Vizier

Crusader Kings allows you to immerse yourself in the chaos of the Medieval Ages. There are endless considerations as you deal with the weight of rule. You may choose to govern as a wise and just ruler. Or you may resort to all sorts of unscrupulous tactics to expand your realm. Apart from endless enemies, you also have to face random events which could make or break your dynasty at crucial points.

For me, I relish the opportunity of reshaping the Mediterranean with the Byzantines. After I tire of playing as the Byzantine emperor, I might try out a different perspective as an all powerful Byzantine duke or count. I may even follow those Byzantine landholders who usurped the throne. Or I could try out other dynasties in Europe. Whatever it is, I will be playing Crusader Kings for a long time to come.

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Disclaimer: All the images in this article are screenshots taken from Crusader Kings. They are copyrighted by Paradox Interactive and are not of my making.

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John Julius Norwich completes his trilogy of the Byzantine Empire with “Byzantium: The Decline and Fall.” As usual, he spins a fascinating yarn. However this book is ultimately a tragic account of the empire’s inevitable decline. But even though the empire stumbled from disaster to disaster, it did not go without a good fight. During these long years, there were even a few moments of revival. At the final siege of Constantinople, Byzantium made its last stand against overwhelming odds before disappearing from the world forever.

Norwich is in his element when it comes to the Eastern Mediterranean. He lectures regularly and presents various historical documentaries on the region. Furthermore, he is also the author of “A History of Venice” and “Mount Athos.” As such, he has a wealth of experience about the region which he kindly shares with us in the last book of his trilogy.

In “Byzantium: The Decline and Fall,” Norwich covers a period of three hundred years. He begins with the ascension of Alexius and ends with the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. The abundance of material for this period allows Norwich to display his fine eye for detail and selection. The result is a memorable account of the empire’s final days. In this book, Norwich achieves his twin aims of detail and excitement.

How Alexius Comnenus struggled to save the Byzantine Empire

The story opens with the impact of Manzikert and the disastrous consequences that followed due to the weakness of the Byzantine emperors. The empire faced attacks on all sides. Worsening matters its army revolted as well. But in the midst of these difficulties, one shining beacon of light stood out; Alexius Comnenus. Norwich devotes considerable time and effort into giving a moving account of Alexius’s rise and rule. The reason is soon clear for this man struggled against overwhelming odds to defend and rebuild the empire, while undoing the damage wrought by Manzikert.

How the Crusades impacted the Byzantine Empire

The Crusades played a large part in shaping the Byzantine Empire and Norwich gives it due attention. He patiently covers the causes, the challenges and the aftermath of the Crusades on the empire. So vivid is his coverage of the Fourth Crusade that it is painful to read. The sack of Constantinople and the establishment of the Latin Empire caused grave damage to Byzantium’s morale, unity, economy and military might. Thankfully, Michael VIII Palaeologus recovered Constantinople during his reign. But despite his efforts the empire was never to recover its former strength and glory.

Factors that contributed to the decline of the Byzantine Empire

The last two hundred years of Byzantine history is the hardest to read. Disaster followed disaster. The Catalan mercenaries devastated Byzantine territories. Then, the Byzantines engaged in civil wars instead of staying united against their enemies. As a result there was no one to check the growing power of the Ottomans. Too weak to defend his empire, the Byzantine emperor became a vassal of the Ottoman Sultan. Furthering his humiliation, he was forced to travel abroad to seek help from the Western powers against the Ottoman threat.

The fall of Constantinople

During the final siege of Constantinople, the Byzantines had one last moment of glory. Under the leadership of Constantine XI, they put up a heroic last stand against the overwhelming Ottoman forces. They might have succeeded in repelling the Ottomans, but God abandoned them at the crucial moment. Although the empire fell, it fell with its pride and honour intact instead of surrendering ignobly.

Consequences of the fall of the Byzantine Empire

Norwich sums up the end of the Byzantine Empire and the consequences for Europe. With the empire finally destroyed, there was nothing to stop the Ottomans from expanding into Europe. The West would face their retribution for their short-sighted greed and pettiness. They would learn to appreciate the importance of the Byzantine Empire the hard way. I fully agree with Norwich’s closing arguments against the obscurity to which the West has consigned this magnificent empire to.
Insightful anecdotes reveal the struggles of the Byzantine Empire

As usual, the carefully chosen anecdotes give greater insight into the events that shaped the Byzantine Empire. In her fascinating account, Anna Comnena paints a formidable portrait of the Amazon Sichelgaita, wife of the adventurer Robert Guiscard. Anna relates how Sichelgaita rallied her fleeing men to win the battle for the Normans against the Byzantines.

Another anecdote involves the siege of Constantinople. The Ottoman Sultan Bayezid had just issued an ultimatum to emperor John VII. Despite his desperate circumstances, John VII replied defiantly and refused to surrender the city. Luckily for the Byzantines, Tamerlane’s victory over Bayezid saved them from temporary destruction.

How you will benefit from reading “Byzantium: The Decline and Fall”

This book is a fitting conclusion to Norwich’s trilogy on the Byzantine Empire. Firstly, you will experience important events like the Crusades and the Fall of Constantinople for yourself. Secondly, you will learn about the contributing factors of the Byzantine Empire’s decline. Lastly, the anecdotes provide deeper insights into this chaotic period which you will enjoy. I have reread this book thrice largely because I admired the Byzantines for their struggle against the odds.

Experience the last centuries and struggles of Byzantium for yourself. Click on the link below to purchase this book now.

Related posts:

1. Review of The Lost Capital of Byzantium
2. Why Byzantium: The Apogee is a worthy sequel

A picture paints a thousand words. And so it does with Emperors of Byzantium (EOB), a dramatized historical web comic set during the Byzantine era. I am thrilled to have discovered this website by chance on Reddit. Being a diehard fan of Byzantium, I am grateful for yet another medium by which I can enjoy the stories of my favourite empire.

The talented artist Haefen Hassinger and her dad maintain EOB. According to her dad, Sebastian, Haefen came up with the idea for EOB and roped him in “to help with lettering, setting up the website, and occasionally brainstorming dialogue and story.” According to her website, she engages in many different pursuits from horse riding to video games. Such varied interests will definitely help her ability to create the rich stories which I love.

The aim of EOB is to describe the events of the Byzantine Empire in a light-hearted and humorous manner. From the 52 pages that I have read and reread so far, I think that EOB has succeeded. Read on to find out why this is so.

Good storytelling and artwork

The strengths of EOB lie in its storytelling and artwork to help our imaginations along. Take chapter 4 for example. Constantine was famous for his murder of his son Crispus and his wife Fausta. But the reasons for their executions are uncertain. In pages 41, 42 and 43, EOB does an excellent job of looking at the incident from the people’s point of view. Given the secrecy surrounding the deaths and the stature of Constantine, there must have been lots of gossip involved. The secretive atmosphere that surrounded these ghastly events is captured nicely here.

Another interesting point for me is the building of Constantinople. Constantine made the ancient town of Byzantium the new capital of the Roman Empire. From 324 onwards he began massive building projects to develop the city. Book 5 expertly conveys the haste and grandiose scale of Constantine’s building projects. Page 48 is a nice summary of the important buildings in the city.

Easy understanding of complex events

EOB depicts complex events, like the Crisis of the 3rd Century and Diocletian’s Tetrarchy, in a manner that is easy to understand. Take page 14 for example. In just one page, the reader immediately comprehends the situation after Diocletian’s voluntary abdication. A few panels are all it takes to make the major players and their private quarrels crystal clear

In EOB book 1, chapter 3 regarding Arius and Arianism is my favourite. The Byzantines were famous for their theological subtleties and disputes. This is why I like the condensed version of events regarding Arianism in this chapter. The whole religious controversy and Constantine’s part in it is simplified and easily understood. It was all because of an extra “I.”

Memorable characters

I am not a fan of the long drawn out theological disputes in the Byzantine Empire. Normally, I pay more attention to emperors and generals than I do to theologians and bishops. I am not sure how Haefen did it, but I actually revised my opinion of Arius thanks to her. It could be due to the comical way she depicts Arius. Now every time I think of Arianism, I remember Arius’s catchy tune, “Jesus was a dude.” Thanks Haefen!

Another memorable character is Constantine the Great. To be honest, he is not on my favourite list of Byzantine emperors. While I admire his ability to overcome obstacles to achieve his ambitions, I don’t approve of his character or some of his methods. Haefen’s portrayal of Constantine will not change my opinion of him. But at least she softens my dislike of him. Page 34 aptly yet comically shows his naiveté and instability.

Light-heartedness retelling of events

Light-heartedness is the enduring trademark of EOB. I have read of Diocletian and his farming pursuits during his retirement. The history books describe how Diocletian refused to return to power because he loved growing cabbages. But page 17 is a funny take on what may have seemed like madness to those around him.

I particularly enjoyed the panel on page 49 which cheekily addressed Constantine’s claim to be the 13th Apostle. Flanked by pictures of the Apostles behind him, Constantine shamelessly implied that he was one of them. This induced his bishops to develop coughing fits. Constantine’s innocent expression amused me because he believed that he was truly equal to Jesus. In reality, this may have been true given his megalomania which these few panels depicted in a humorous manner.

How Haefen’s comments enhances the appreciation of EOB

As a huge fan of comics, I have always been curious about the work that goes on behind each panel. By posting a little snippet under each page to explain the whys, EOB satisfies this craving of mine. This allows a glimpse into the effort and preparation that goes into each page. Haefen also encourages interaction with her friendly replies. On page 25, she kindly explains how she produces the comics. It is these little things that enhance the value of the end product.

For example, page 23 illustrates the Battle of Milvian Bridge. But there is also a discussion that goes a little deeper into how Maxentius’s defeat came about. Thanks to one reader, Pedant, we have an interesting account of how the collapse of the bridge may have happened. The end result is a longer lasting impression of this battle.

Image Credit: Haefen Hassinger

Reflections of the Vizier

Thus far, EOB has stopped at the death of Constantine the Great in 337. But the first book and its five chapters is a good indicator of what we may expect. I personally look forward to what EOB has to offer in the future.

For those of you who appreciate Haefen’s work, Book 1 is out now!

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“Byzantium: The Apogee” is the second part of John Julius Norwich’s trilogy about the Byzantine Empire. Aimed at the general reader, it gives a fascinating account of the Byzantine Empire’s history. As usual Norwich provides a general overview without going into excessive detail. The pace is fast and action packed due to the upheavals of this period. Many more characters appear to shape events in the Byzantine Empire.

As a popular author of history, Norwich is usually busy doing research for his books. Otherwise he devotes his time to hosting numerous documentaries from the “Knights of Malta” to the “Zulu War.” He is also a regular lecturer on Venice and other related subjects. Some of his other works include “Shakespeare’s Kings” and “A Short History of Byzantium.”

In “Byzantium: The Apogee,” Norwich covers a period of three hundred years. He begins with the coronation of Charlemagne and ends with the ascension of Alexius I. With a shorter time frame to work with, Norwich is able to provide a more detailed account of events during this period. His careful selection from the large amount of contemporary sources is evident. The end result is a vivid, lively and fascinating account of Byzantium during the middle ages.

How Byzantium struggled, rose and fell during the middle ages

The story opens with a recap of Charlemagne’s coronation and its consequences. Next, Norwich narrates the ascension of the Nicephorus I. This vigorous and dynamic emperor implemented financial reforms and far-sighted policies which strengthened the Byzantine Empire. Although he failed to end the Bulgar war, the empire survived. The Bulgar war would end with a peace treaty during the reign of Leo V.

After the Bulgar war followed a civil war and the usual struggle for power. But the Byzantine Empire endured. Under the rule of able emperors like Romanus I, Nicephorus II and John I, the empire flourished and triumphed. Although Basil II began his reign inauspiciously, he overcame his internal enemies and led the empire to the zenith of its power. Sadly, a whole succession of pathetic emperors undid Basil’s hard work, culminating in the Battle of Manzikert.

Learn about the Battle of Manzikert and its impact on the Byzantine Empire

Norwich’s detailed coverage of Manzikert depicts an empire that fell from the height of its power due to mismanagement. It is hard not to feel a sense of heaviness during this dark period. Although the Emperor Romanus IV had his faults, he did his best to remedy the ills he inherited with the throne. But in the end, the political intrigues of his enemies caused his death. This led to the loss of the vital Anatolian heartlands to the Turks. At this grave juncture, Byzantium faced the danger of extinction. Here, Norwich ends superbly with the appearance of future Emperor Alexius I who seemed best suited to restore the empire.

Interesting anecdotes provide a captivating portrait of the Byzantine Empire

Norwich’s carefully selected anecdotes provide a dazzling display of life in the Byzantine Empire. I marvelled at how skilfully the learned Patriarch Photius manipulated the papal commissioners to support his deposition of his predecessor Ignatius. Firstly, he loaded the commissioners with rich gifts. Then he impressed them with his charm and erudition. Finally he amazed them with endless ceremonies and entertainment. In the end, they supported the deposition of Ignatius much to the displeasure of the Pope.

There was also the unforgettable séance that Photius performed for the troubled Emperor Basil I. Basil was mourning the loss of his favourite son Christopher. To comfort the emperor, Photius’s ingenuity led Basil to believe that he actually met his son’s apparition. And so in more ways than one, Norwich succeeds admirably in his stated aim. He presents a captivating portrait of life in Byzantium during the early middle ages through his skilful use of contemporary sources.

Insightful and memorable character analysis of heroes and monsters

But the main strength of the book is Norwich’s interest in the characters that shaped the Byzantine Empire. His analysis and fine eye for detail bring his characters to life in a memorable fashion. This serves to enhance the richness of his tale.

One of the more unforgettable and complex characters that Norwich presents is the Emperor John Tzimisces. Contemporary sources were unstinting in their praises of him. He was able, charismatic, generous, heroic and a military genius. As an emperor and ruler, he was wise and just. But the brilliance of his reign could never obscure the fact that he assassinated his uncle and emperor in cold blood to obtain the throne.

How you will benefit from reading “Byzantium: The Apogee”

This book is worth reading for the following reasons. Firstly, you will learn about the struggle, rise and fall of Byzantium during these three hundred years. Secondly, the anecdotes provide lots of juicy details about the lives of the Byzantines. I thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of Byzantium from the safety of my home. Lastly, Norwich fleshes out his characters so completely that it is hard to feel indifferent to them. Well developed characters make a good story that is worth reading about.

Learn more about the Byzantine Empire in the middle ages. Click on the link below to purchase this book now.

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For the general reader, ignorance and vagueness surrounds the history of the Byzantine Empire. Attempts to cover its thousand year history in one volume are largely unsuccessful. They are either inadequate in detail, difficult to read due to overwhelming facts or just plain boring. But now, John Julius Norwich has written an informative yet enjoyable account of the empire’s history.

Norwich’s love for the Eastern Mediterranean plays a large part in his life. He divides his time between lectures on Venice and historical documentaries on the Mediterranean. Despite his busy schedule, he has also written “A History of Venice” and “The Normans in Sicily.” As such, he is suited to tell the story of the Byzantine Empire.

Norwich divides the thousand year history of Byzantium into three books. The first book, “Byzantium: The Early Centuries,” covers the first five hundred years. Here, Norwich chronicles events beginning with the rise of Constantine the Great to the coronation of Charlemagne in 800. Despite a lack of contemporary sources, Norwich succeeds on two fronts. Firstly, he provides entertaining coverage of the Byzantine Empire for the general reader. Secondly, his book acknowledges the empire’s contribution in defending Western Europe from Eastern threats.

How Constantine the Great laid the foundations for the Byzantine Empire

Norwich begins by devoting the first two chapters to the life of Constantine the Great. In view of Constantine’s monumental decisions, this is amply justified. By adopting Christianity as his religion and making Byzantium the new capital of his empire, Constantine forever changed the course of history. Firstly, Christianity gave the empire renewed cohesion, focus and purpose. Secondly, Byzantium’s strategic and defensive position allowed the Byzantine Empire to exist for another thousand years after the death of Constantine.

Learn about important emperors and events during the early centuries of the Byzantine Empire

Norwich focuses on important events like Heraclius’s campaigns and Leo III’s Iconoclasm. He carefully explains how these events impacted the Byzantine Empire. His coverage is comprehensive without going into overwhelming detail. He also pays careful attention to emperors, like Theodosius I and Justinian, whose reigns shaped the empire significantly.

Insightful anecdotes provide a clearer picture of the Byzantine Empire

Littered throughout the book are Norwich’s carefully chosen footnotes and anecdotes. Although some are interesting, others are gruesome. But they all serve to give a better glimpse of life in the Byzantine Empire.

For example, after Heraclius won the Persian war, the Byzantines intercepted and cunningly altered the Persian king’s missive to his general. In fear for his life, the Persian general rebelled. By causing internal dissent amongst the Persians, the Byzantines crippled the ability of the Persians to attack.

On the other hand, blinding with a red hot poker was common in the empire. But the insane Emperor Justinian II used an ingenious method on the archbishop Felix. He forced the unfortunate man to stare into a heated silver dish of vinegar until his sight was gone.

How the Byzantine Empire defended Western Europe from the Eastern forces

Norwich shines in his narration of Byzantium’s struggles against the Persians and the Muslims during the 7th and 8th centuries. In both cases, the empire came close to the brink of extinction. During the Persian invasion, Byzantium lost much of its territories, while the armies of the Avars, Slavs and Persians threatened Constantinople itself. Salvation arrived in the person of the Emperor Heraclius. Through his audacity, prudence and military strategy, he saved Byzantium by striking deep into Persian domains.

Unfortunately, the war with Persia weakened Byzantium in the face of the Arab onslaught. Over the following decades, the Arabs conquered Byzantium’s eastern provinces. Some of these provinces included Syria, Damascus and Egypt. The Arabs also managed to lay siege to Constantinople twice. But on both occasions, they failed to capture the city. Norwich’s stirring account of these events acknowledges the contributions of the Byzantine Empire to the modern world. By successfully repelling the Persians and the Arabs, Byzantium saved the West from falling to the East.

How the coronation of Charlemagne impacted the Byzantine Empire

The author’s decision to end with the coronation of Charlemagne is fitting and significant. During these five hundred years, the Byzantine Empire went through a multitude of changes involving huge losses of territory. Constantine the Great would scarcely have recognized what the empire had become.

The strength and confidence of the Byzantines came from their belief that the Roman Empire was indivisible with only one Roman emperor. In a world where might was right, Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor highlighted the fact that the old order had changed forever. From this point on, the Byzantines had to adapt to this new order or perish. Thankfully the Byzantines adapted.

How you will benefit from reading “Byzantium: the Early Centuries”

By reading this book, you will learn the following. Firstly, you will know how the Byzantine Empire came into being. Secondly, you will learn about the important events and emperors of this period. Lastly, Norwich’s colourful anecdotes and the memorable way he portrays his characters makes an enjoyable read.

You can also experience the early centuries of Byzantium for yourself. Click on the link below to purchase this book now.

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