Imperial Outer Space Expansion (Premysloides Dynasty)

Background
Imperial Restoration is historical label for era between 1247 to 1252. Five years of activities, battles, fighting and conspiracy came to the restoration of Roman Empire and Romanos V. Angelos-Premysloides as new Emperor Augustus. In 1204, Fourth Crusade destroyed Constantinople, killed dozens of thousands people, ruined the city, raped and murdered most of the population and established false and corrupted "Latin Empire" under Venetian rule and support. Horrible cruelties were committed by Frankish crusaders and Venetian forces, dozens churches were burned down, streets were flooded by blood and there was even witness of boiling babies in kettles (later investigation confirmed this horrible rumors).

Some remnants of Roman Empire decided to act and constituted themselves as rump states - most important of which was Nicean Empire, which soon defeated a number of Latin forces throughout Balkan and Greece region.

Nicean Coup
Probably first action to reconstitute Roman Empire was so-called "Nicean Coup".

Group of pro-Latin traitors and agents called general Severus Septimius Flavius, to help them with appoint their own candidate on imperial throne which was left vacant after short, but very blood war between Theodor Laskaris and Michael Palaiologos. Latin traitors, however, did not want to appoint strong and talented candidate. They decided to call Premysl Ottokar, lord of Moravia, dynastic heir of Bohemian throne, who was great-grandson of corrupted and tyrannical Isaac II. Angelos. Latins underestimated loyalism of general Flavius, who pretend to be on their side. They sent expedition to Czech lands, to invite Premysl Ottokar on Imperial Throne.

Their intention was to corrupt young boy, persuade him to be same cruel and corrupted like his ancestor and to rule Nicean Empire in worst way, to destroy Empire and open way for Latins to captured Nicea and imperial remnants. When expedition arrived, they were surprised to find Premysl Ottokar in prison for leading aristocratic rebellion against his father. Latin group liberated Premysl Ottokar and explained him their goals to destroy remaining Orthodox empire in favor of Catholic empire. Severus Septimius Flavius approached Premysl when they had alone moment and gave him second option, to take Imperial Throne and rule like real, wise, just and ambitious Emperor, greatest Emperor since Augustus Era.

Premysl Ottokar, in that time a 14-year-old boy, agreed with general Flavius and during return trip, he left the group and met with pro-Imperial resistance on Latin territory, started to study science, policy, trade, law and rights, war, tactic and strategy, to become a great ruler. Latins took some peasant boys on their way back, because they "lost" Premysl. They persuaded a peasant boy, later called "false-Alexios", or "Alexios Obésus", to join them and became corrupted and cruel ruler of Nicean Empire. "Alexios" rule led to massive court spending, corruption, weakening Imperial Army and large discontent among peasants, citizens, Imperial Senate and Imperial Army.

Nicean Coup happend during June 1249, when Alexios Obésus called court and many foreign emissaries to large celebration, include Latins representatives. During celebration, imperial loyalists under command of Alexios Strategopulos and on Severus Septimius Flavius order, captured all strategic places in Nicea and captured hundreds pro-Latin traitors, secured the governor's palace where celebrations occurred and waited for other orders. At start of celebration, Immortals went to feasting hall and Premysl Ottokar claimed to be real throne pretender and real imperial ruler. Flavius troops arrested all pro-Latin traitors, even fat and by his terrible way of life disfigured Alexios Obésus. Premysl Ottokar promptly proved he is active and decisive ruler, he established new Imperial Council and start rule with help of most talented and most important loyalists, include his new fiancé and his mistress Radana Argyros.

Latin League attack
Already before "Nicean Coup", large segment of local Catholic feudals and aristocrats united in so-called "Latin League". This league was formed to defeat pro-Imperial "Most Serene Republic of Marmaria". While in first months war was very balanced and even in some moments Marmarian army was able to encircle large Latin League army in city Bitola, later, Venetia sent Venetian Expeditionary Corps of 12,000 elite troops and mercenaries hired from whole Italy and Dalmatia. These troops destroyed Marmarian Army, recaptured Bitola and later led twelve successful and victorious sieges and battles against Marmaria and local resistance. Latin League formed alliance with Latin Empire and altogether, they conquered Achtopol, southern Bulgaria and invaded eastern Thracia with goal to capture Thessaloniky, most prosperous and largest city of Nicean Empire.

Battle of Thessaloniky
When Latin Army besieged Thessaloniky, situation of Nicean Empire was desperate. 25,000 troops, mercenaries, cavalrymen and archers besieged Thessaloniky, city without walls and any real fortification and defended only by 4000 cataphracts and local troops. Thessaloniky bay was captured without fight by Venetian fleet and Venetian army bombarded Thessaloniky by catapults.

At first, General Flavius placed number of ballista and catapults on edges of city as provisional fortification with numerous archer support. Flavius goal was to halt enemy progress until allies arrive. Two week before battle, Emperor Romanos V. sent emissaries to Bulgarian pretender Konstantin Tikh, to Varangians and to his great-granduncle Frederick II. Hohenstaufen, Holy Roman Emperor. He offered Konstantin Tikh his cousin Anna Theodora who initiated civil war for Bulgarian throne in exchange for Bulgarian army and open way for Varangians. Emperor called Varangians to return to their imperial defense duty and they went on march to Thessaloniky. And Frederick II. stopped siege of Urbino when he heard about troubles of his beloved great-grandnephew and went with his cavalry army to help Emperor Romanos.

Battle of Thessaloniky is titled as "battle" because of siege phase, but it became total massacre of Latin Army and their allies. When battle peaked, Bulgarians, Holy Roman Empire army and Varangians deployed their forces to hilltops nearly Thessaloniky and waited for signal. Romanos V. took horse and stand up to leading cataphracts, then he signaled by trumpets and pipes to allied forces. Bulgarians and Varangians attacked from east, while Frederick Army moved from north and Romanos Army strike went on western flank of Latin Army. Catapults and ballistas attacked Latin fortified siege camps and decisive cavalry attack annihilated half of Latin Empire army, all Latin League soldiers, all soldiers of Venetian Expeditionary Corps and even killed Emperor Baldwin II. of Latin Empire.

Nicean Empire and her allies lost only 200 troops. Shortly after battle, Venetian fleet ran away, but was stopped by unexpected Genoese fleet, which was able to capture all Venetian ships and granted them as gift to Emperor Romanos. Genoa then joined war as Nicean ally.

Imperial raid on Dalmatia
It took three weeks to board newly formed Allied army on Genoese ships and went to siege Venice. Emperor Romanos, meanwhile, decided to propose his to distantly related cousin, Constancia of Hohenstaufen, very young and beautiful widow of killed Nicean emperor Theodor Laskaris, for marriage. This act concealed unity with Hohenstaufen and emperor Frederick II.

Constancia herself joined war effort with small, but elite trained and equipped unit of personal guards and then new Imperial Fleet went to invade Venice. However, before invasion itself, they decided to attack all strongholds and important trade posts and vassal areas on Venetian Republic on Dalmatian coastline.

Durrazo, Ragusa, Spalato and six other towns were razed and plundered. Pola was captured, but most of people welcomed Imperial Army as liberators. During Imperial Raid on Dalmatia, Imperial Fleet and Army captured 7000 civilians and sold them to slavery, gained nearly 800 pounds of gold and 3000 pounds of silver and tonnes of food supplies. Most of money and gold went to Genoese to repay large debts hold by Nicean Empire. Imperial Raid was also the signal for everyone, that the Venetian Republic is no more able to defend her territories and vassals and all her forces were fortified in Venice for final and decisive battle.

Siege of Venice
This siege became climax of whole war and Imperial Restoration and also marked end of Venetian Republic and also Genoese Republic. For both sides, it was crucial battle. If Venice wins, they could reverse war, regain their power and cripple the weakened Roman Empire. If Roman Empire win, they will raze their most important rival, capture large sum of gold and silver, imperial regalias in Venice and solidify their position in Adriatic Sea and start final charge to Liberation of Constantinople.

First Phase (Imperial Attack)

First phase of Siege of Venice started with massive navy assault against Pellegrine and Venetian coastal territories. Empire had technological superiority with use of gunpowder, especially artillery and also Greek Fire. Navy break through weak blockade without any Venetian resistance, as Venetian rulers accepted they can not repel attack on Pellegrine and retreated most of their forces to central islands. Imperial forces cleared eastern parts of Venetian Lagoon, conquered Isola della Certosa, Le Vignole and northern and southern di Castello, where they formed a beachhead. Imperial assault on Venice was halted, because attackers found out most of streets defended by archers or mined with fragment bombs.

Second Phase (Lagoon and Betrayal)

To secure encirclement and siege of Venice, supreme admiral Philantropenos decided to decisive strike against Venetian fleet gathered between Venetian islands and eastern Italian coasts. This area was used by Venetian defenders to supply besieged forces and it was last, but most important supply line. Philantropenos chose "Hammer and Anvil" tactic to destroy Venetian navy.

Imperial Fleet was sent to northern lagoon, while the Genoese fleet was sent to the southwest area of lagoon. Imperial Fleet moved to attack Venetians from north, but at first, they stopped near island Murano, where they saw large enemy forces, include heavy weapons like catapults and ballista, placed to attack fleet rear. They seen it only because of latest discover of binoculars. Muranos island forests were bombed by fire shells from catapults and most of enemy troops died, while some escaped, but were killed by Varangian archers on Imperial Fleet. On western side of Murano, Imperial Fleet found 20 hidden Venetian ships.

One of the artillery galleys was placed to this position to secure and capture this small fleet. Imperial Fleet continued to their target, Venetian Fleet, but when they sail around Murano, they seen joint Venetian-Genoese fleet moving toward their position. 330 ships against 90 imperial ships. Emperor Romanos call off Philantropenos order to retreat and ordered direct strike on enemy center. Romanos did not knew it was a trap! His fleet clashed in lagoon with Venetian-Genoese fleet, however, battle ended unexpectedly. Enemy trap did not work.

Part of Genoese and Venetian sailors were landed on Murano, to take hidden ships, overwhelm Imperials and attack to rear of Imperial Fleet. This never happened and no-one ever found why trap did not work. Later was only found destroyed fleet, include Imperial ship securing fleet and all sailors and soldiers of both sides were killed. Navy battle climaxed when Emperor Flagship Constantin the Great charged Venetian Flagship.

Varangians boarded Venetian Flagship, fought on ship, even with Emperor himself and killed Venetian grand admiral and many top officers. Right-flank of Imperial Fleet was very successful in destroying enemy joint fleet and lost only six ships in contrast to 78 destroyed or captured enemy ships. Left-flank had more problems. Imperial Fleet lost on left-flank 27 ships and destroyed only 58. Reinforced by right-flank and center group, battle ended with glorious defeat of joint Venetian-Genoese navy.

300 ships on all sides were destroyed, 63 were captured by Imperial Navy and reinforced fleet, 4000 sailors were killed or wounded and Venetian supply route cut off.

After battle, Genoese admiral Uberto Orzia was arrested by Imperial troops and questioned by Emperor Romanos. Emperor found out about secret plans of Genoa Republic to destroy Empire and conquer Venice.

This Phase (Long Siege)

After destroying Venetian and Genoese fleet, Emperor decided for three steps: First, he sent emissaries to coastal cities and villages to secure supplies for his army and navy and he sent his great-granduncle Emperor Frederick as emissary. Second, he choose long and slow siege, in combination with bombardment by artillery, to final conquer of Venice and third, he chose to use biochemical weapons. In Siege of Venice, according most historians, it was first time of systematic and well-planned use of biochemical weapons.

Emperor used captured enemies in inhumane experiments and infected them with many diseases on remote islands in lagoon. When they died, he choose group of volunteers with body protection to slice to pieces bodies of infected and then use catapults and even artillery (however, it was ineffective as body parts were torn apart by gunpowder explosions) to biological attack on Venice.

He sent infiltrators to city with gunpowder and Greek Fire charges and placed them with primitive time detonators to different places (Venetian Arsenal, granaries, barracks, bridges, etc.). By this slow, but steady progress, Emperor captured large parts of Venice and soon even Doge Palace (however, Doge was already retreated to inner parts of city and most Doge Palace was cleared out).

Giudecca and Dorsudaro fall during November 1249.

San Marco was captured on turn of November and December. But these areas were evacuated by Venetians when diseases and epidemic spread across streets and squares.

Only typhoid fever killed 19,000 Venetians, while dysentery killed 16,000 peoples and depleted large volume of water supplies.

Fourth Phase (Final Assault and Fall of Venice)

At end of December, Emperor Romanos changed strategy and started large assaults on all non-vital areas. This strategy was odd at first, as most Imperial Commanders suggested to attack remaining granaries and barracks. However, the Emperor used architecture and style of Venetian streets and with capturing non-vital areas, he was able to interrupt connection between Dandolo Palace, barracks, granaries and fortification on different places, he reinforced forces in this non-vital streets and squares and repel all enemy counter-attacks.

Largest and bloodiest counterattack occurred on 17th December. Venetians lost 7,500 troops, while Imperial Army and their allies lost 2,000 troops, but Empire was able to maintain disruption.

21st December surrendered Eastern Barracks and most of troops fled from Venice.

222nd December, in exchange for food, Imperial Army allowed granary garrison to left Venice without harm.

23rd December, Imperial Artillery Forces reached fire-distance to bombard Dandolo Palace.

At early morning 24th December, Imperial troops conquered Morossini Palace in north-eastern Venice and secured regalias of Emperor Iustinian the Great and Theodora for Emperor Romanos and his wife.

25th December started rebellion among defenders. Most of slaves rose up or left Venice and starving militia troops rioted against well-fed garrison troops.

27th December, remnants of Venetian Army left Dandolo Palace and fortified on San Leonardo Square and local church. At night, most of defenders of San Leonardo surrendered to Imperial Forces.

30th December, Giberto Dandolo ignited fire in Dandolo Palace to prevent Imperial Forces reaching family treasure. This fire however ignited also infighting among defenders. Giberto Dandolo was killed by remaining garrison commander Enrico Corza, but most of Dandolo Palace and Cannaregio burned down before arrive of Imperial Forces. Most of defenders perished in fire.

31st December, last pocket of Venetian troops in Church of San Fosca, was destroyed and all troops killed.

Aftermath

After battle, Emperor ordered to collect all gold and silver deposits in Venice, all cultural heritage, treasures and riches. He also gave order to kill all captured adult male and sold all women and children to slavery. With securing and transferring rich of Venice, Emperor gave order to place Greek Fire charges in whole city and burn down city. Despite strong snowfall, it took only 36 hours to burning down whole city. Then, Imperial Navy emptied two thousand tonnes of oil and tar in to Venetian Lagoon. To ensure pollution of Venetian Lagoon, Emperor ordered navy to block Pellestrine and Sottomarina channels. Later, Emperor order two more times to pour oil in to Venetian Lagoon. He was inspired by fate of Carthago after Punic Wars, when Roman Republic salted Carthago soil.

Except of riches and gold, Imperial troops also took many future plans of Venetians to rebuild Arsenal and develop much more strong and numerious Republic Fleet. This plans were implemented in Constantinople Arsenal opened in 1255.  Siege of Genoa This very short siege occurred during Siege of Venice. After defeat of joint Venetian-Genoese fleet, Emperor Romanos realize that most of Genoese fleet was destroyed or captured, which left Genoa probably only with small garrison. He took 45 artillery galleys and under his personal leadership, he went to Genoa, while remaining army and navy continued in Siege of Venice.

Siege of Genoa is marked as shortest siege in whole world history. Emperor Fleet arrived to Genoese coasts, anchored and then take aim at Doge Palace and whole city. Doge sent emissaries. Emperor later returned with all remaining Genoese warships (15 galleys), hostages from all Genoese patrician families, including Doge daughter and daughter-in-law, tribute of 5000 pounds of gold and 10,000 pounds of silver with yearly tribute of 1000 gold pounds and 2000 silver pounds for next ten years, right to dislocate military garrison in Genoa, allowing Orthodox Christianity to be worshiped in Genoa, plus with control over Genoese colonies on Crimea, west Sardinia and west Africa. Genoa became de facto vassal of Roman Empire and never retained independence.  Siege of Constantinople Historians using term "Battle of Constantinople" as label for first Siege and then Liberation of Constantinople, as it was two different events. First one was invasion of Seljuk army under led of deserter and traitor Yahya al-Jabal (formerly John Gabales), second one was collapse of Latin Empire and Liberation of Constantinople by Imperial Forces.

Siege of Constantinople started with massive mutiny of Muslim troops of Mongol Empire in Anatolia. 15,000 troops overthrew Mongolian officers and rulers in Anatolia and proclaimed former Orthodox Christian, now Sunni Muslim Yahya al-Jabal as new Seljuk Emperor. As he was very familiar with Constantinople and he was former military commander, he went to conquer Constantinople and started siege.

At first, he was convinced that battle will be short and people of Constantinople will celebrate him as liberator from Latin rule, however local Orthodox Patriarchs called Constantinople citizen to defend city and while remnants of Latin Army had only 5000 troops, now they gathered 10,000 volunteers, on other hand, in most case poorly equipped and poorly trained fighters, but with good morale. With Theodosian Walls, they resisted against besiegers for long time. Siege started at end of October and relief Imperial Army arrived in middle of December and walls were still not breached, despite numerous casualties among defenders and starving city.

Imperial loyalists were able to gather volunteer army from Serbia, Bosnia and Hungary, with support of 2000 Cumans and arrived at Constantinople in middle of November. Loyalists contacted besieged Latin garrison and proposed cooperation in this siege. Latin´s agreed. Plan was simple - during midnight, Latin defenders of Constantinople and gathered volunteer army of Imperial loyalists will together attack Seljuk army from two sides, from north-west and from south-east, they will use moment of surprise, cut Seljuk army in to halves and destroy remaining forces. But Latins betrayed Imperials. While they started attack from Theodosian Walls and from gates, when Imperial loyalists arrived on battlefield, Latin garrison retreated to town and left Imperials for massacre by Seljuk forces.

What no one knew, even Imperials, Mongolian ruler Monkge Khan was informed about Seljuk mutiny and already sent large army to destroy rebels. 2000 Mongolian cavalry arrived on 7th December and massacred weakened Seljuk army. Yahya al-Jabal was killed. At first, Latins greeted Mongols as liberators. However, Mongke was a devoted Orthodox Christian and soon besieged Constantinople, but waited until the arrival of Imperial Forces from Venice.

=== Liberation of Constantinople === 19th January 1250, Imperial Fleet and Imperial Army arrived from Venice to join Mongolians in the Liberation of Constantinople. Mongolian participation was short. They only defended captured siege camp, gave it to Imperial Forces and Mongke Khan, who was personally present to strengthen his authority during suppression of mutiny, signed protocols and treaties with Emperor Romanos (treaties about trade, tariff free trade, permanent representatives of Mongol Empire in Constantinople and mutual defense pact). Then, Mongols left battlefield and Imperial Forces besieged Constantinople, blocked all navy supply lines and contacted local population dissatisfied with corrupted and cruel Latin rule.

Liberation of Constantinople took only few days. When news about total defeat and destruction of Venice and Genoa arrived to Constantinople, Regency Council ruling Latin Empire asked for negotiation with Emperor Romanos. Negotiations were problematic since start. Regency Council was split in two - Italian faction led by Venetian Leonardo Navigajoso and supported by Empress Maria of Brienne against Frankish faction led by marshal and knight Villain of Aulnay. Franks wanted to surrender under acceptable conditions, while Italians fiercely opposed surrender and negotiations. Venetians and Empress loyalists captured Imperial Palace of Constantinople, when found out Villain sent emissaries to Emperor Romanos camp.

Romanos negotiated with Franks acceptable agreement. Franks will be free to leave Constantinople and return home, in exchange for Empress Maria and her six-year-old son Philip. While Franks can't gave Latin imperial family into Roman Empire hands, they opened the gates of Constantinople and allowed the triumphal return of the Roman Empire to Constantinople. Romanos V. Angelos-Premysloides was celebrated as hero and new beloved emperor liberating city from Latin corruption.

24th January 1250, Frankish knights attacked Imperial Palace of Constantinople, with help of Varangian Guard and naval forces. Palace was bombed by navy catapults, but most of buildings survived intact. Defense of Palace soon collapsed and Venetians were captured and executed by Franks and Imperials. Empress Maria of Brienne and her son were found. Empress committed suicide and even tried to murder her son, but Philip survived poisoning. When in a coma, Emperor Romanos ordered castration of young boy. As boy was very young, inexperienced and for some time he was even sold by his own father to Venetians for repayment of some debts, Philip never took opposition against Emperor Romanos and even became court advisor and government minister of Roman Empire in late years.

=== Massacre of Latins === Massacre of Latins was revenge for Fourth Crusade. All arrested members of Regency Council, Latin Archbishop of Constantinople, all foreign (Latin) merchants and citizens of Constantinople, all Catholic priests and nuns and all who sympathized with Latin Empire, were killed. Massacre occurred for two days and ended with 4000 victims, many of them were later martyred by Catholic Church and most of them were killed by Constantinople people, only few hundreds were killed by Imperial Forces.

With "Massacre of Latins", Roman Imperial Restoration was completed and Romanos V. Angelos-Premysloides was declared as new Autokratos Imperator Augustus and supreme ruler of Roman Empire in Imperial Palace on 30th January re-instituted Roman Imperial Senate.