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^^At the turn of the millenium, the maritime city-states of Amalfi and Pisa 
monopolize trade with the Far East. Their superiority however is being 
declined due to the increasing competition of two new extremely aggressive 
rivals: Venice and Genoa. Yet still naval domination of the Sea Republics 
is unquestioned and each one of them tries to monopolize the East Route. 
The gate to the East is Byzantium. 
^^The Byzantine Empire is past its prime time but still is the richest and most 
sophisticated power in the world. But its army is undermanned, legions and 
legions have been lost in the endless war against the Turkish expansion. 
The Turks themselves are trying to unify under a leading tribe and dream of 
conquering Byzantium one day. 
^^The Normans in Sicily have their own claim to the East crown and are taking 
over all Byzantine possessions in Southern Italy. They have finally managed to 
capture Durazzo, across the Adriatic, after a long siege.
The road to Byzantium lays open. 
^^Meanwhile, the Pope has called for Crusades to free Jerusalem from the 
Saracens, and Byzantium is a welcome prey for both of them: Crusaders and 
naval powers. Venice has agreed to help Crusaders take over Byzantium, 
Genoa has come to help Byzantium in exchange for trade monopoly... 
^^In the west French Kingdom and Holy Roman Empire fight their way to play 
the key role in all political affairs at Mediterranean Theatre.
^
^^RECOMMENDED: Venetians, Turks or Byzantines 
^^INTERESTING: Genoans, Normans or Pisans
^^A BIT TOO EASY: French Kingdom/Holy Roman Empire

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