Byzantine EmpireThe Byzantines have ruled over the remnants of the Roman empire for centuries. When Rome fell to darkness, it was Constantinople that stood firm and kept the spirit of Rome alive. But for the first time in centuries a challenger to that title exists: The Carolingian Empire. The year is 780 AD. Queen Irene rules until her eldest son Constantine comes of age, but rumblings within the empire lead many to wonder whether she will be so willing to relinquish the throne. Religious strife and cultural upheaval abound in the Byzantine with inner conflict over iconoclasm and the Islamic caliphate threatening on the Eastern frontier. The empire may face unprecedented inner turmoil, but it isn't ready to relinquish the crown of Holy Rome just yet. An uneasy alliance exists among years of conflict with the Carolingian empire and Charlamagne, but both empires acknowledge the unspoken truth: Charlamagne desires the crown of all of old Rome for himself. But if the upstart to the west wants it, he’ll have to come and take it. The glorious Byzantine empire, the Eastern Pillar of Rome herself, has more strength than Charlamagne knows…..
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Carolingian EmpireAs the sun sets on the once great Byzantine empire, the Crown of the Holy Roman empire awaits a suitable ruler. And who better to take the throne of Rome than The Great Charlemagne? There is no truer heir than the conqueror of the Saxons and Lombards and ruler of the mighty and glorious Carolingian Empire. A tentative peace exists between the empires, and Charlamagne has used this peace to expand his empire and implement structural and social change throughout the lands he rules. Under his hand the empire has achieved strength, wealth, religious unity, and the favor of the pope himself. Although the empires are at peace, neither forgets the recent wars, and neither is foolish enough to believe it will last forever. In the end, the strong prevail and the weak fall; this has always been the way of Rome. And none are stronger than Charlamagne. The once-proud Byzantine, the Eastern pillar of Rome, is crumbling, and when it falls only the Carolingian empire, the mighty pillar of the West, will stand among the rubble.
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