Part V
The Roman Emperor Who Lost His Nose
A timeline of Justinian II - The Magnificent Rhinotmetos
Part V: Building the Future
"If you are building something, you are keeping people busy, with food in their stomachs accompanied by coin in their pouches and are thus less prone to grumbling. Of course, with a fair tax to assuage such grumbles, you have a happier citizenry in addition to a secure Treasury and other benefits to the Empire as well. As for the nobles, well, they are never happy, as they would prefer no taxes at all, yet still desire all the benefits they pay for. Tax them but tread with a measure of care, for with them grumblings can lead to plots.", Theothylactus, Sakellarios of the Roman Empire
707 In the early part of the year, the Emperor continues to tour his eastern border. He notes that some areas of the countryside have been ruined by war, and gazes upon formerly proud cities that have been reduced to rubble by the fighting with first the Persians, and then the Arabs over the centuries. Justinian is not pleased with what he sees: his ever-efficient mind seeing lost opportunities, revenues and wasted resources that could benefit the Empire and keep Christendom strong. He decides that revitalisation of the areas that are safely within his borders should be a priority and makes plans to re-settle the area - both by placing conquered peoples there, and by encouraging migration from areas that have more dense populations with incentives from the government to attract them. He also notes with interest and concern the large estates of the landed aristocracy and analyses what the situation concerning these for the future stability of the empire and his throne imply. It would seem more thoughts and planning regarding how to handle this matter are required.
On the border itself, he plans a new chain of fortresses to defend it. Building gets underway, with large forts containing mobile forces in main garrisons roughly every 20 miles, and with smaller outposts and contingents between them. The fortresses take advantage of natural defences as they cross the land. Behind the borders, more fortresses are put up in strategic positions, providing a network of in-depth strength. The important thing for Justinian is that they can reinforce each other, and better be able to hold the area. He is more concerned with being able to withstand an attack here and protect his lands as far as possible, rather than launching an offensive. His idea is that whilst he makes moves on the other side of the Empire, this area should be able to take care of itself with better use of existing resources.
Myakes provides useful advice about troop matters that are incorporated into the Emperor’s plans. Amongst his suggestions are improvements to distributing supplies under wartime pressures to garrisons by making sure there are well stocked areas in strategic places behind the borders synchronised with the new fortress network. Before, the system had not been as well organised, and suffered from exposed lines of transit. An escort system is put in place where the landed soldiers are required to turn up in their area to protect the supply wagons as they pass through. This provides extra protection. This also has a side effect in benefiting the local economy as periodic stop off areas grow up into small towns servicing the routes.
Work begins on clearing the ruins of cities and rebuilding. This costs money, but with the movement of prisoners from the west as a result of the skirmishes going on in the Theme of Hellas, and the taxes they now pay in the new areas, things are being balanced out well. Agricultural output increases as well as more soldiers are given lots of lands in return for hereditary military service. The thematic system is becoming more efficient and stronger, although there are some problems with bandits along the new trade and supply routes as the system of escorts is still building up.
The situation in Armenia has settled down somewhat, with both the Arabs and Romans occupying territory there. Justinian meets with the Prince of Armenia, Smbat II Bagratuni, and discusses trade issues with him. Justinian agrees to provide help for dealing with bandits who have sprung up in areas affected by the ravages of war there in return for trade privileges. In three-way discussions with the Arab ambassador there, the Emperor also agrees to reduce troop levels in the Roman occupied areas providing the Caliph does the same. The Caliph, being eager to divert resources elsewhere in his east now that he has a quieter border, agrees. Justinian knows he is taking a risk that the Umayyad leader may transfer troops west to bolster the campaign through North Africa, but reliable information has reached him that the Caliph has concerns about the situation towards Central Asia, and has planned new dispositions there. As for Justinian, the reduction to commitments in Armenia means that he has more troops to assign for his fortress projects, and the extra manpower indeed proves useful.
Around the end of April, Justinian heads back to the capital, satisfied that developments are going well in the east. On the way, he stops in the Opsikon theme to check up on how his friend Barisbakourios is doing. He finds that he has a gift of good administrative and competent although not outstanding military skills, and the theme is prospering well enough.
Once back in the capital, the Emperor summons Theophylactus who has been taking care of the palace whilst he has been gone. Impressed with his efficiency, loyalty, attention to details and honesty, he appoints him as
sakellarios with instructions to improve the tax collection system and provide detailed accounts for his study. He however impresses upon his new treasurer to make sure such taxes are collected fairly, and that any errors on the part of the state are redressed as rapidly as possible. With this in mind, Theophylactus starts reorganising the treasury and promotes officials who he sees as being in line with the new methods of thinking, whilst keeping an eye on those whose methods are more questionable.
Justinian decides to turn his attention to reform of the Imperial Military, especially the
Scholae and the
Excubitores. The
Scholae were the original Imperial Guard, but have largely become ceremonial. Too ceremonial he figures as they did little in his mind when he was overthrown to actually perform any guarding of the Imperial Person. Myakes, who had done what he could, and had proper military training before he had joined the
Excubitores who at least were less ceremonial being more of an effective unit with power and prestige plus had stayed completely loyal, even insisting upon following him into exile. Thus it is they are once more made into actual units who can fight. Myakes is already
Komes excubitorum (Count of the Excubitores) overall commander of the unit and is now also created as a
Patrikios (Patrician), a reward for his steadfast support of the Emperor. These are charged with the security of the Imperial Family and Court in the palaces and capital. The
Scholae are also reformed into a more professional force rather than the ceremonial force they have slipped into and are now intended as an elite battlefield unit of Imperial Guards to accompany the Emperor on campaigns. This does not mean, however, members of the
Excubitores will not be present on such campaigns as close security for the Augustus. This means Myakes will find himself at his master's side rather constantly, but this suits both of them very well indeed given the close bonds and deep friendship they have formed in the most adverse of experiences and adventures. Also, Justinian mulls over the reform of the main army. It is all very well having thematic troops with soldiers having an hereditary parcel of land and farming until they are called up to serve, but a more organised standing army is required he feels. Thus, a proto
tagmata is organised, a professional force of standing soldiers who can be called upon at any time in case of rapid or urgent need in battle. Along with other reforms in the rest of the Army and in the Navy too, a real start is being made to improve the armed forces of the Empire. Although it will take a while, they are seen as a necessary matter to attend to.
(Historical note: rather than in OTL when Justinian appears to have been consumed by meting out revenge and occupied by other thoughts of a less savoury nature, here it is possible he has had time to contemplate the reasons for his overthrow and rather than being dismissive about it, has a clearer mind and is able to see areas where improvements can be made.)
Patriarch Cyrus has been busy organising repairs to various parts of the walls in the Emperor’s absence as well as plugging the disused aqueduct that Justinian had so ingeniously used to retake the city. Justinian is very pleased with his efforts, however, during an idle moment as he relaxes and watches activity in the Straits, he spies a sailor up a mast and notes if the fellow was closer, he would actually be above the walls. Thus having recently mulled over his own entry into the city and other points of access which may be useful to possible troublemakers seeking to emulate his own example, he feels the sea walls as they are could be a potential weakness in a seaborne assault as they do not have the triple fortifications of the land walls. He therefore orders a new high inner sea wall to be built that will encircle the three sides of the city that already have sea walls, whilst having the outer one heightened to be significantly higher than any mast that a ship could carry. Not content with this, and mindful of how easy it was for him to retake the city with no physical obstacle to bar his way once he got inside, he also orders the old Walls of Constantine to be restored with stone: they having been neglected for some time, as it was not seen as necessary to maintain them with the Theodosian walls in place. Towers are added to the walls. Of course, this requires the clearing of a fair number of buildings, an action that does not go down so well with some, but arrangements are made to compensate and rehouse those affected, and by and large, the citizens of the city appreciate the efforts being made to enhance their protection.
(Historical note: One third of the city's annual land tax went toward maintenance of the walls and further monies were raised as necessary, all with little grumbling on the part of the populace. Indeed, they tended to be quite enthusiastic about it, as they saw it in their interests as it offered them more security. The Green and Blue chariot-racing factions would often supply large amounts of labour to maintain, repair and improve the walls of their own accord for example.)
In the early summer, Slavic and Bulgar tribes continue to make attacks in the Theme of Hellas. Justinian receives word of this, and decides to plan a campaign with Tervel to deal with the issue. He sends his
parakoimōmenos Stephen with a retinue of military advisers to the Bulgar Khan’s court to discuss the details. As the tribes are also causing Tervel trouble, he agrees to plans that will deal with them, and over the next few months, troop dispositions are made, and supplies laid in for a co-ordinated campaign.
Back in Constantinople, Apsimarus and Heraclius who have settled into their new palace quarters, advise Justinian on the details for the campaign. Both now hold the post of
stratēgos, although they are still under probation. Characteristically, Heraclius plans a lightning strike with two concentrated forces to assail the tribes from both sides in Thessaly, cutting them off in the northern part. One would head in from the direction of Thessalonica in the east, and the other from Dyrrachium in the west, trapping them in Thessaly, whilst a third force heads north acting as a hammer smashing the tribes against the anvil made by the combined armies in the north. It is an audacious plan that has the potential to secure the entire Greek peninsula. Whilst this is happening, a smaller force will head north-west from Thrace and join up with a Bulgar army that will head west from their territory to drive the tribes further away from Bulgar domains. Both forces are intended to link up, securing a new chunk of territory that will be divided between the Bulgars and the Romans.
Relations with the King of the Lombards, Aripert II, are reasonably cordial at this time; however, it is known there are elements in his court that do not approve of his peaceful policy towards the Papacy and the Roman Empire. Justinian asks Leo through his agents to keep his eye on the situation there, and inform him of any developments that may open up an opportunity for the Empire to benefit in this region.
The Emperor, being concerned at the rapid progress of the Arabs through North Africa in the last few years, decides to strengthen the garrisons on Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands. However, at this time, he is not able to transfer a large army geared towards offensive operations to these places due to other commitments such as the planned campaign in Thessaly. He instead orders the troops there to improve and strengthen the defences to be better able to hold out in the event of potential sieges, and to improve harbour facilities in anticipation of catering for large invasion fleets. Military supplies and hardware are starting to be stockpiled for the planned operations. He considers these areas crucial in terms of his plans for advancing into North Africa.
Tangier has already been lost to the Arabs in 702, and with that, the Romans lost a very important toehold in North Africa leaving them with a smaller one in Septum nearby. Justinian considers sending an embassy to Wittiza, the King of the Visigoths in order to discuss possible operations against the Arabs, who are just across the water at the Southern Pillar of Hercules, and who pose a risk of invasion to the King as well. Justinian is thinking that Roman troops may be able to join with the Visigoths in an assault launched from the northern Pillar of Hercules which would see off the threat to them, as well as make a start at restoring Roman power there in the former Exarchate.
In late July, the plans for the operation against the Slavic and Bulgar tribes are finalised, and the attack is launched. General Heraclius personally leads troops from Thessalonica, whilst General Elias attacks from Dyrrachium. The attack goes very well and proceeds rapidly, with both generals meeting up above the region of Thessaly around the end of August. Their forces start to head south. Meanwhile, the
strategos of Hellas heads north from Corinth with an army, entering tribal lands and slowly driving the Slavs and Bulgars north towards the other two armies. A fourth army moves north-west from Adrianople under the command of the
strategos of the Thracian Theme. Tervel personally leads his army heading west. The Slavic and Bulgar tribes come under assault from several directions, and are thrown into disarray, however, they fight back bravely, and the progress of Tervel’s and Thracian armies are not as fast as expected.
By the beginning of October however, the three Roman armies in Greece have made excellent progress and the tribes have been mostly smashed in a lightning campaign due in no small part to Heraclius’ superb planning and generalship, however, there are significant pockets remaining who are taking advantage of the difficult terrain. Operations wind down as winter approaches, with attacks to clear the last hold-outs planned for when spring arrives. Heraclius takes most of his army north to assist with the campaign which has bogged down despite the efforts of the Bulgars and the Thracian army, who have faced fiercer resistance than expected. The general clears the way, forward elements of his forces meeting up with those of the Bulgars, and by early November, the tribes are encircled by the three armies in the region. Camps are made as winter arrives, with further operations slated for the following year.
In the middle of October, Pope John VII dies, and a conclave is held, however the deliberations result in no Pope being elected to replace him before the end of the year. This affects correspondence about the ongoing discussions regarding the
Quinisextum decrees by slowing things down.
Back in Constantinople, Justinian receives reports of the progress of his armies. He would have joined them in person; however he has matters to attend to in the capital as he wishes to oversee his reorganisation of bureaucracy, improvement of the cities defences as well as financial matters. A fair number of petitions are presented regarding errors made by the state under the previous rulers. In an effort to be seen as more approachable to his people, Justinian allows some of the petitioners audiences where he deals with the matters personally. He has in mind that some practical experience in this area could be beneficial in furthering and deepening his understanding of the system, whilst at the same time spreading good words about his concern for the people.
(Historical note: OTL he did this in his second reign, except it was to hear petitioners and then hand out punishments for daring to criticise him and his officials, presumably to see the looks of terror on their faces first hand!)
An added bonus of remaining in the capital is that he can spend time with his wife and son, from whom he feels he has already been separated long enough. He thoroughly enjoys seeing his son growing, and is pleased to see how well his mother is getting on with Theodora and Tiberius. Theodora’s Greek is improving rapidly, such that she is able to take part in Justinian’s palace business with a fair understanding of what is being said. The Emperor also feels that rather than being on campaign with his generals, his absence will increase Heraclius’ and Apsimarus’ trust in him without him breathing down Heraclius’ neck and letting him get on with the campaign by himself. Apsimarus is still in the capital working on further planning with Justinian. It appears that the Emperor’s generosity and mercy is paying off with these two, and the majority of their former supporters.
However, not everything is perfect, as there are still those who are not happy with Justinian’s return and his new outrageous ways of doing things. The very idea that he could return without a nose, marry a barbarian, and worse still, crown what they regard as a dirty heretical horse herder as
Caesar, rankles as an unthinkable scandal of biblical proportions with them. Leo, who has been promoted to
Prōtospatharios (first sword bearer: a title given to high level officials) is going to have his work cut out keeping an eye on these disgruntled individuals, most of them nobles, and he can’t be everywhere at once.
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Justinian is planning things carefully. With the help of advisors he purged in OTL, he is better able to carry out such schemes, and has knowledgeable and capable people to draw upon. It is a step-by-step process though.
Comments welcome.
Sargon
