Daily reminder that the Byzantines could've literally just accepted the peace offer before Manzikert walking away with a win and circumventing the entire collapse of their civilization
>>18652314Unlikely, the Romans required a competent administration and legal framework to survive the intrigues and civil wars brought by its own rulers.
>>18652314This is why Gemistos Plethon wanted to restore Hellenic paganism. Byzantium was a dumpster fire and he wanted to dissociate with it as much as possible.
>>18652314Yeah but the emperor campaign probably would have gotten killed if he returned with nothing more that total victory. That's why that famous quote about the Turkish leader letting him go was the most damaging thing he could do rang true.
>>18652368The Greek Diadochi preceding Roman Conquest makes the Byzantines look stable in comparison.