my pub themes and similar

[Ale]

wiki:

Henry threatened to invade the Byzantine Empire after 1194 and succeeded in extracting a ransom, the Alamanikon, from Emperor Alexios III Angelos in return for cancelling the invasion.

he succeeded nothing as he died before Alexios III Angelos-Komnenos sent the gold, just as Alex robbed graves of all previous emperors (except Constantine)) to reach needed sum.... so it is "wiki glory hunt" which is not true, we are btw talking about Barbarella's son, Hainry..... cute as many in Byzantine history, tragi-comic but i'm more laughing hard than crying when remembering all those episodes, though we were very good pals and regularly punched Bulgars together ....Alexios is btw father of our Angelina Evdokia and man who more-less caused crusaders to land at Constant and make initial attack against, joined by his nephew as he deposed (and later blinded)) his father and so on, but wasn't part of last stage of fall when blind Isac took over joined by "fem" son before one Dukas killed them all and then - Baldovin so, to stay on topic who needs some fun

On 17 July, Alexios III finally took action and led 17 divisions from the Gate of St. Romanus, vastly outnumbering the crusaders. His courage failed, however, and the Byzantine army returned to the city without a fight. His courtiers demanded action, and Alexios III promised to fight. Instead, that night (17/18 July), Alexios III hid in the palace, and finally, with one of his daughters, Irene, and as much treasure (1,000 pounds of gold) as he could collect, got into a boat and escaped to Develtos in Thrace, leaving his wife and his other daughters behind.

funniest of all, Byzantines had city army greater than crusader numbers after all, if unknown, but paragraph is pearl and very comic.... and Nikephoras Greghoras (or Kanta) even mocked us after HIS death and "great chaos".... compared to them even in feudal anarchy we were still super organized and powerful state no joke able to strike a punch but fell to uncontrolable Turkish numbers etc etc. dif subject altogether

concerning us, what makes me very suspicious as i expressed few times, in situation while we did not launch any attack (uncharacteristic) for years on Byzant not wanting to probably take part in agony directly, no doubt that we and Enrico (more Raniero in base even) were in contact for years, even decades... but strangely, whole 3-4 years before events our still not king hastly divorced and even banished Alexios daughter from country, she left in haste by legend, so again it seems (like in case of deals with Charles Valois and many other examples) our agentures and counter-intelligence worked superbly seemingly knowing "something is in the air" not to say more.... btw, Angelina remarried happily in Greece, but few years later Alexios III blinded and castrated her husband as well

for end of what is historical bit more fun, lighter-tone post some multimedia and photo, silver coin of Alexios III "Angelos", representing him and Constantine "the great"... you guess who is who, but to me both look seriously as couple of "mad heretics" or pair of some court fools in Rascia ) and really is incredible how "thousand years empire" got itself driven and crossed over by small country of "sons of Belial"........ lovely, always join on some more serious subjects... (could have also posted funny XIX ilustration from Nemania page where he, young and vital, meets Barbarella in suspicious salute.... Barbarella is old, Nemanja young and full of strength BUT there is one trick... our ruler was around 75 during meeting, incredible looks)) but some other time or look yourself - all for forum life when there is none

[Ale]

also for fun, as is known that i like those romantic (not to say sexual)) subjects as well as intermezzo between very serious subjects and as just btw ones, when inspired.....

so recently Angelina was in focus, despite short marriage (guessing even shorter than years say, so maybe 5 years in effect) she gave 4 kids including 2 kings nobody heard of even here that were sided fastly by aggressive nobility until "the right one" had taken the throne, starting Dandolian branch or line of unseen glory but, my long sentences aside back to Evdokia-Angelina, must have been cute as our Nemanjic kings did not have much kids with foreign women, esp. not in such short period ; Tragic figure as well to big extent right out of Greek fairytale/tragedy, running barefoot through "montenegrian mountains" totally scared by Enrico and Stefan "around" her everywhere, nice sentence for teatre play and as she never seen own (and only) kids in short life post banishment etc......something else, somehow to me as (it is question for maybe psuchology and cultural sciences) Serb man talking "nicely" about Greek girls or seducing them with big words and similar (you get idea) is not so challenging nor big nor unusual, for example in contrast when i imagine or talk about Anna or Helen or Jaquinta etc you get idea, which is interesting and probably characteristic of various region in different way, not because they are easy not to be misinterpreted But she was probably cute and gracious, if we imagine and consider what I said, four fast kids etc ; and how her protective father blinded (and castrated)) everyone around and in touch with her - except one dude to who he did not give him by himself, it was Isaacs decision but it was the dude Alexios probably wished to castrate the most of all lovely, put a lot in this and really thought about her looks, but no such effect as with Anna, Hellen, Jaquinta or similar, as explained.... maybe because similar cultures are not compatible in my head ;

anywayz to finish - could be said in that sense when you stop and think about it that our first rascian king was very lucky and very special man in historical sense without little paralels in any continental rulers, because of specificness of event in own time (today nobody cares))..... so he slept (and impregnated) with both daughter of Alexios III and with grandaughter of Enrico Dandolo, hats off Cool story and cool fact, man for respect and something only we can do due to natural, continentally famous charm of "sons of Belial mixed with Behemot" bravo Stefane, bravo for that fact which evaded my attention for centuries but is cute one ; ....about miladies enough hopefully as well, but join if something to add and what is your take on it my principessa or despina-kastratina )) seriously.

[Ale]

for end and turn on this interesting moment - must say how always surprised (and mentioned few times) by sometimes slightly, sometimes drastically incorrect maps on various Wiki pages that are not about our subjects and only touching them, but almost always not really true, but give it to nature of wikipedia and 9-10 neighbors we have, which is usual pure example and no matrix nor rule i give one in some Romanic language (Occitan google says - they btw dislike us because we locked too much with French and for wrestling some towns from famous "company" when nobody dared)) on Eng page dealing with Byzantine successor states after first fall, so not about us but almost always some mystake, not crucial.... so in example, red outline present Dushan's state "at greatest expansion" as minor theme but not only it doesn't include Belgrade and goes to Danube, part of other countries - but more "importantly" and known by all cuts Serres and Drama (other cities as well) which both Dushan took, even few times ....minor thing, more surprised by some more drastic maps in circulation etc, but not for care..... makes me wonder if we also controlled Constant and Jerusalem, but was ereased from history in moments when we couldn't write and defend ourselves at court (something i takled makes me suspicious at least regarding Jerusalem))..... particular map is important and should be precise as we and Greeks are preparing action against Bulgars and Turks and in subesequent hard negotiations after successful action we must consider all maps and details and to who of two will Serres, Servia or Pella belong ........Greeks can have all the Drama for themselves, it is mutual concord in advance

in lighter tone, but semi serious to say...... back in times we were heroes and knights after all, when you look at some moments in time. Started first huge actions (talking Rascia) against Byzant in times of strong Alexios I and even greater during last strong "Roman emperor" Manuel, almost sucidal but at moments we were successful.... then we gave them pause while others battled them etc. During Michael VIII restoration, we gave them whole 20+ years to stabilize back even in Constant and then launched campaign that killed him, when he was still strong and able to reach to Sicily with influence ; (but he continued activity as vampire, famously))...... people often say Dushan, HIM, launched actions when "Byzantines were in chaos", but people often (always) forget that Dushan had much more formidable enemy through whole rule, strong Louis of Hungary with whome he changed militarily some regions and cities 5-6 times and in that sense Dushan battled heroically "on two fronts" even fearing possible Valois intervention, if France wasn't pushed by our allies in short moment..... Dushan, by me, was involved in conquest of Greece maybe in fear of all situation and tried to secure or strengthen southern flank in case of all out war with Louis, and was advised probably/surely by Ludwig Bavarian to do so.... so, in short repeat - he didn't only attack weak Greece but had much stronger rival/enemy whole life ....purely for precise terms, situation and history lovers.... against Greeks think we held knightly mostly, launching actions mostly when they were relatively strong.... and took their princeses by their free will, knightly ...i'm saying not much as praise to us, but just people to get complete picture of any given situation, so very much one Dushan incredibly bravely faced in his times ; as people (or just lovers) should learn correct history, my appeal, or use own brain amap ;..... generally on semi-historical forum hope all my stories are appreciated and there is lots to learn who likes

[Ale]

glad i remembered this, girl is more than perfect example of genuine, ancient Greek cutie....too unimportant to search (and honestly don't remember) but 90% sure that Eleni has similar facial traits, in different way but yet similar, for example - but this one is perfect example. it is not your usual "western democratic (haha) beauty" or something maybe fitting all tastes, but is perfect for what i want to point Not becuase i'm specially horny or anything, but moves and body as well, be sure not to miss last seconds where she dominates ; and from me on scale from 1-10, girl is some 9 in way to what i wanted to say and how i see "ancient Greek model".... of course like in many continental countries there is not one type anymore, nor was back in meds but for "ancient example" again perfect, some Cleopatra or similar.... no, i'm not saying that Evdokia looked like that, some claim how her uncle was even "greek barbarella" just for some reason wanted to give this example, unrelated to subject - and surprised why directors are not taking such cuties for roles, but Dannish actresses beleiving maybe some horny and blind (haha, it worked even back then... mad heretics)) Homers and similar and his ideas of some blondes, just like tourists in this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=474UjAuu0mc

always say - class and style, that's what made us special and why it was our king in mentioned situation ) ....Greek records, when they offered some obviously young girl (actually daughter of our Evdokia-Angelina sister) to some unimportant "Bulgaro-Vlach" noble during their pressure, some "Ivanko" (if he was our would be Jovanko)) and his unclassy and redblooded (our was blue etc) reply was:

"Why give me a little lamb, when I seek a full-grown goat?"

imagine, Vulgar man (V and B are used equally so nothing strange there) and his answer..... "the goat!".... total lack of class and why we were special, and why whole Vinegia celebrated marriage for days, and whole Europe mourned us for centuries after death (for example).... no goats, those were miladies

....on serious side to add that despite my characterization (and i also talked it) obviously passions run very high between Dushan and Kanta and Paleologs to extent - so it wasn't just securing the front though i take my explain 100% close to truth, so famous examples of hostage taking of citizens (Serb or Greek) and quasi Dushan's line (by John Kanta) that he "will ruin Thessaloniki" if John doesn't submit (but this is just his words, HIM did not severely punish any Greeks city etc) and other passionate examples, fair to say while maybe not true (but good to know that some cities deep into Greek interior had Serb citizens so historically worthy claims)....... some even say that there is a lot of mist around Maritsa events (and is year of death of last Nemanjic) because Vukashin action was maybe directed at Greeks at Turks together and some say (Greeks even, so fair) that Byzantines intentionally allowed Turks to relocate capital to Hadrianople in approax times just because of us and to put them between us and Constant etc etc.... generally we all know that Genova had big role and say and that we and Venice were arch-enemy just in times, so it is misty and i'm afraid will remain so forever to what really happened...... but stay by my words that we and Greeks had some respect, knightly reation and lack of utter brutality even when they were brutal to others.... who likes likes, for others just fun facts i hope and no offense to anyone (Vulgars esp)) but true history is true history..... guess our wouldn;t be so cool if it wasn't about Greeks and Italians and us, so cool

[Ale]

this more and goodbye ....simply, to repeat now as i strongly believe it when it comes to era - to get it right, to get some true history, you have to look behind the "sources" i.e. various writen lines (even those never writen, like in our case) it is pure game of detection etc. And it is always not some special requirement to be smart nor expert on every field...

regarding Ludwig IV, as i talked (what to do as i talked all)) simply line "Palman and his troop brokenhearted goes to holy land..... and then finish with not king but prince Dushan" is obvious (just when he prepares action)) First, thanks to chronicler (German for change)) for calling Serbia of time "holy land" haha but when i combined it with fact that Dushan later used him for diplomacy (more than important marriage as well with one of already powerful clans Habsies) imagine why would any king use "captain of mercs" for it ....plus, final proof for me was Ludwig siding with Francesco Dandolo in dispute with ghibelline Italians, it was "bang!" or eureka moment... Francesco rised young Andrea (youngest ever procurator) and ruled during Dushan taking of throne...... always though "western historians hate us" (to some effect even if hate is strong word) for never talking about obvious things, but it is "lack of sources" excuse etc, but i guess many who delat with us came to similar conclusions.... and never forget Petrarca in formula, his eaten letters to HIM constantly urged action he loved Greece but believed Dushan would rule it better ....and was most aggressive member of alliance )

second to me obvious example (also talked 100 times but sum) about Savellis and later Colonnas, obvious pact with Rascian elite. When Miluten was "pro French" they were as well, when Ludwig grabed it, we all supported him etc... Stefan our ruler of already "broken" (or demoted as we lost king title in west) first on Sigismund list of personal allies and awarded and supported by armies (it is eaten but there were clashes with Turks then) just because Colonna cardinals dominated or similar..... but in that went far - it is Savelli moment that is crucial.... simply in times of his giving of title (or coronation, unimportant ultimately) there was no iminent nor close threat that Rascia would get close with Byzant and previous pope obviously supported Emeric of Hungary claim "king of Servia", plus Nemanja oldest son was maybe married to then papal family, Conti. I see Stefan (younger brother and future king) activity or pact with Savelli, just because his brother was maybe close to that line he found cardinal and senator allies in Rome (if ties are not of much longer date) to counter brother, and succeeded.... as said, in any other way, if it wasn't alliance - there is no logical way that Savelli pope give crown as there was no Byzant, and Hungary was "better choice" for all of them than Serbia with own crown and church ;.... so that's how i read for start, later activity and Friedrich II (Constantine and hige puppet)) stand against Luca (also talked) and our fast alliance with Stefan "Anjou" (Capet) as well as their to big extent is further proof that it worked ;

as said million times, just helping all lovers to get it right, to use detection and similar, sometimes is very easy.... of course, some dialogue always welcome in sense of things you see but are not in sources and things you doubt.... must say that almost noone doubt big part of things i talked, just maybe approach them differently, but simply books can't be writen as they must follow at least some "source"... think our fall, Marica/Evros is in the same category it was against Constant (to extent but do not exaggerate with conclusions) ....talked how Genova killed us, launched "black rascia" to great extent and how many Italian people from that region (except Napoleon)) in XIX century were "pro-Serb" in some remorse almost....... but it is dif subject, my fun and extension without much thinking so take it lighter - and want to limit to some things about meds, hoping you have some love and ideas, and what should we all doubt

[Ale]

should mention now, who follows and likes, interesting is also - to fit it a bit better in puzzle or theroetically possible things - that marriage of Stefan L. with Genoese (Byzantine) family and girl, post all events that sealed our fate and 1402... it is mentioned only by his biographer (Konsta "the philosopher") and not confirmed as fact by any evidence, so his words should be, as any, doubted as i doubt many of his writings, like all. But it is interesting that it happened or was arranged post 1402 in Constant, guessing that Greeks would gladly marry "son of a hero" and someone they awarded with title to one of their own, so some Byzantine princess for example - but they all choose one from influential Genoese family, Gattilusio ; ....if true, true, if not true again interesting to what i talked as it seems that many in region and further (continent) seen need to "reconcile Serbia with Genoese-Byzantines" more than with Byzantine-Greeks themselves ...and in that sense fits into view or theory that Serbia and Genova were in lowest point ever and open like war. True or not again, interesting detail that fits....... and in theoretical way George B. (imagination) story how he ruined all traces of Elena Gattilusio, even on wall pics (maybe other sources of her life) in times when he was again very close with Venetians and Colonnas found themselves under renewed papal attack (and salt donation)) is also theoretically possible, but whatever the case sole mentioning of marriage of Genose-Byzantine girl and new ruler of Serbia shows maybe some continental "climate" and need to calm their relations after possible great role of exactly Genova in fall of "powerful state" and so on, hope you get it....

generally our history is cool not because of some bloody battles conquest or similar, but becuase those enigmatic but visible details and fast rise from part of other state to empire in almost 100 years, and all those conspiratory like details and ties with various western players, and maybe not humble to say is one of more rare of all, almost incredible and indeed "mythical" for all those grey areas in it...

[Ale]

also to the theme, which is deep and almost never able to be concluded, to add this "i found" during some lookings and connections, could be helpful and further strengthening of points:

....Pope Eugene IV was elected, and Prospero joined the rest of the Colonna family in rebellion against the new pontiff, who proceeded to deprive the cardinal of all of his benefices. Colonna, with the aid of his baronial relatives carried off much of the papal treasure, and was excommunicated by Eugene IV prior to his disgorgement. Henry Chichele used the unrest in Rome as an excuse to deprive Colonna of the archdeaconry of Canterbury.

As the forces of the Colonna, joined by those of the Savelli family and the Kingdom of Naples, massed outside Rome, Colonna slipped quietly out of the city at night to join the forces of rebellion. On 22 May in Paliano, Colonna received command of the garrison of the Duke of Calabria, Louis III of Naples, who was commanding the Neapolitan troops outside the walls of Rome. The forces entered the city on 30 May but were driven back by the efforts of the Orsini family and Girolamo Riario.

so after death of Oddo Colonna aka pope Martian V (was a bit of intruder so appropriate pontifical name)) and election of new (who was by chance Vinegian man but far from some official policies of serenissima, which in truth had own factions)) Colonnas and cardinal (live long and...) Prospero instantly led some rebellion against new pope and establishment as seen again backed by Orsini etc. struggle we faced, struggle Stefan Anjou faced and many others etc etc.... English bishop just BTW mentioned is one who in last years had own struggle against Colonnas, and (while i'm not expert for fully religious themes) could be said accelerated indie of church of England and all known, AND is interesting to moderate extent to us - well, despite my initial mistake (that's what indie research is all about) it seems that in final judgement i was right and that George Brankovic meeting with Burgundians had opposite effect than my initial remark and it seems that our ruler (in close time to events) gave support to recognition of French crown and some end to "100 years war" similar to Burgundians (ruled by branch of Valois-Capets after all but allied with England for times) in favor of French, to say so. So could be said one of (for us late) effects of meeting was our change in stand and "recognition of French" so my initial joke and mistake that meeting was "anti-french" was not true, even in theory... obviosly we (George), Colonnas and similar (Vinegian factions), displeased with situation gave some renewed support to French, in quiet..... but generally for us was too late as we faced 80 millions of (even drunk) Turks so deeply in vain but interesting for historical correctness and lovers as whole subjects and deepening and widening them..... further texts confirm that later mainly French cardinals gave support to Prospero Colonna for papal election but he wasn't elected, generally few years before George's demise etc etc. and just year before final fall, old Prospero tried something again but was allegedly even carried out of hall of conclave etc....

other interesting thing is very rare late meds mention of Savellis in some action and that they amassed forces together with Colonnas outside of Rome, so it is 100% in line and fits all i talked (and many i guess like me) and confirmation of that tie in crucial moments (for us) and that part of Nemanjic allies in Rome even, while subject is other but i strongly believe it more than directly reflected on George activity and inactivity from times to times and is some realistic history but again any ideas were too late.... so Italy, tell what you want, even in fragments and as it was "quaked" many events for us. generally lovely stories for lovers of fans, really hope i helped a lot with some additions and clarifications, was goal on forum visited mainly by lovely bots but always pleasure to give some guidelines miladies ; give some sign or story....

[Ale]

on religious field, while i touched one side and we can all conclude that issues were hardly religious in nature and theological - must say i did not get completely, and doubt that anyone has ; to root and all specific things on the other side i.e. Byzantine church and factions and is honestly even more complicated matter and unable to be cocnluded with precision, as said

but somehow, even on surface, it seems that contemporary divisions within "Greek churches" maybe played some role, while not crucial and our ties and stand is often "unreadable"... what i see as possibility is that then still king Dushan had maybe some fast split with Kantakouzenos (who first invited him to Greece conquest, formally though plan might be older etc) maybe even on some (slight) religious grounds, while subject is again complex... while our church of time was to say "technical" in nature and controlled by Dushan and led by ex-logothete and his friend he eleveated, at least on surface it looks like they (or he) had some issues with "Palamites" (followers of Palamas) and that, even though Dushan by then controlled big part of today Greece, there was still mild response to it by emperor John (should we call them Iannis) V Paleolog and Dushan (and whole nation)) was anathemised and x-commed only after by Constant patriarchs who were followers of "palamitism" and similar, during Kanta usurpation etc. As said might be just on surface, because in any way "party" led by Kanatakouzenos and big aristorats felt more threatened by taking of lands and giving them to our nobles etc... but some slight religious differences are not 100% excluded, who follows.... maybe in that sense further Dushan's "provocations" against Mt Athos and desire to bring even main prior in court for heresy and similar.... and John V Paleolog, despite all the situation called Dushan into help several times, later visited even Louis and allegedly even converted in Italy, without any effect... but as said too complex and untracable subject (like many Byzantine ones) plus Kantakouzenos was after all forced into short alliance with Venice and Aragon against (then) more Turk using Paleologs and bloody Genova, while Kantas were famed for great use of Turks ...and so on, just short mention who likes, as things developed. Hard to completely get to it, for example as we don't know what exactly (for small example) Dushan and Louis talked during face-to-face and what was eachone stand in territories they took form eachother few times (was line "latin heresy" if original at all directed at Louis etc) and similar, so what was position in detail and how much of any preserved lines are true...

but generally could be said that our position in 150 years was always "anti-clerical" on both sides, against establishments, preservation of own branch of church which was at peak as said more technical in nature, following some ideas of for example Philip IV, some ghibellines before, or Dandolo factions in Venice (when they disregarded papal wishes)) which tried to put it under own policy or interest... so church and religious issues were rather tool than main or important factor in decision making and BTW many people and historians give it more importance in times generally on continent than it really had maybe... so in paradox our king Miluten who was maybe one in history who cooped the most with French led papacy, supported it financially in Italy and demanded (and maybe gained) papal troops, did it more for some "pro-french" policy he led than for any religious issues, and for hope that it will make him most powerful regional ruler etc etc.... so in some sense like and often repeat short but effective lines by Peter/Pierre Thomas (also some man from southern regions of today Frankia) how he "evaluated carefully Dushan's intent for union, while later he asked John V to submit instantly" or how he concluded that "Dushan doesn't care about anything and just want to conquer Byzantium" ...but in given situation and pressure from north, esp. after Ludwig suspicious death, was uneasy situation and maybe even "good call" and try to give some life with help of various modernising factors in the west ;.... Byzantines themselves were too chaotic and complex subject and maybe one line is best description - "mad heretics" .....but it stays as fact that we enabled Michael VIII Paloeolog long and fruitful vampire career and helped even by troops John V few times, both catholic Byzantine emperors

[Ale]

......so maybe our troops did not capture Constantinople generally for our crown and domain, but there is great possibility that they did capture it at least once, during "second Byzie civil war" nearing Dushan's death (so he succeeded)) for John V and his side - as is known that he relied and used Serb sent troops a lot against Kantakouzenoi (family), in some instances Dushan's contigents formed majority of his force etc. so why not during his entry to Constant ....so it was done and historical maps should be corrected acordingly ....but jokes aside, really true to great extent

like John V story (aka Johnny Five, our ally like Martian and sharp eared ones)) and is lovely, like always with strong addition of famed Greek tragedy to it ;..... he grew as little boy still, idolizing as many boys (mainly our nobility but many Greeks as well) our king "the mighty" and never, as well as his mother and all, said bad word against him, probably wanting to be "like him" when he grows up..... when he did grow into man later, his childhood dream finally was realized and he was (shy but resolute) able to do it - to call his idol into help, and he did it (catching his last years)..... but very soon, he was still in his early 20s, his idol and hero dies and he is lost, broken.... he aimlessly wanders around (going even to anti-hero and nemesis of his true hero, Louis) and finishes - that where tragedy part comes into play - in Rome, oh the humiliation, kissing old pope into feet (!) and - worst of all! - into mouth, just for dinner in his honour! ...........

like the story, really and to extent shows that Dushan was after all man able to help little boys in tears and similar.... like Miluten, he suffered a lot, in historical approach and truth of ideas. to "attack from both sides" diagnosis and syndrome and very much possible "implanted lines" that blurred and masked truth or intentionally diverted from it..... talking about Thessaloniki interesting detail from Greek sources (as most) is that first organized voice (maybe minority but was there) in city that called for "opening the gates to Dushan and being taken into his protection" comes in times when John Kantakouzenos entered Constant and even shortly reconciled with Paleologos (and still teen) John V ....so how to read it, but it did not materialize as palamites and some officials stepped up preparation for Kantakouzenos return etc etc. But interesting episode and interesting time, looks like some episodes during Norman spread in south Italy, Bari and similar ; but just few years later young John V realized who his real hero is and call it ..... generally as said we can't reach to all the details of the time, was chaotic and intentionally blurred,for what they matter today, but are great hobby and investigative material, source for lovers and great activity for minds to "who was who in the zoo" really and in fact John V decision that first and above all call our king into help (before any western ruler) after all is small detail but tells a lot...... as said, subjects are more for true lovers and not any political-religious zealotism and fanaticism ; and in that sense would like to hear (not gonna happen)what intrigues you from older history maybe...

[Ale]

also to say, to help Greek readers maybe knowing some history just on surface without details - what years of some own looking (with many mistakes, ups and downs) into it led me to believe is also that Kantakouzenos (short) "triumph" i.e. maybe unexpected entry to Constant wasn't so much due to some military success (though he had some, for example taking some villages while Dushan was in the north pushing Louis etc)) or not that much due to it, or his sudden great support, but really maybe also to approax times our king declaration of empire and hence presence of another Greek - or de jure and it was written while English texts often intentionally avoid it - "emperor of Romans" (and Serbs, same thing)) which for short and tense times brought Greeks together (but good boy Johnny never accepted having just one hero)).... trying to be serious, so no jokes and it was moment that brought Greek factions temporarily together and maybe those in Constant allowed Kanta to enter it and reconcile in presence of another emperor i.e. our king... so it happened shortly after, really depends what was (and every should be doubted as it seems) year of Dushan's declaration, but let's say few months before Crecy battle and not long before Kantakouzenos was allowed to enter Constant etc. so was true factor, but as said "Greek unity" didn't last long and soon young John V was pushed and other things as talked....

when it comes to west, i talked it before but again repeat in this moment who likes - Dushan's timing was so elegant and right, and well informed so to say, as he chosen not only time around Crecy and "on horizon" fall of Luxemburgs (good guess by him and Ludwig) but also (and that's where i see that Ludwig had given "green light" as he liked that other title be contested as well in that moment like his) so but also as in time of happenings Dushan knew that in the west also there was no legitimate "Roman emperor" as Ludwig wasn't ever regocnized by much of Europe and was never crowned by pope but St Sciarrilo and so on.... western historians often call time from some 1250-1312 "great interregnum" but in fact (minus one unimportant year by previous Luxemburg whose b*tt Dante kissed, old fox)) it could be said that interregnum was also all up to 1355 in the west as Ludwig wasn't "real" and so on you get it.... in honesty, title already lost some huge prestige and importance, but nonetheless Dushan's timing was right and "legitimate" to what it matters,just repeat on legal field.... and again he was first emperor who had proper German guard since Kesar and Augustanus, as German ones could never had it ....lovely, hope all appreciate details and some true history, while forums again awfully works and wasn't pleasure to use it - guess they attack it because of me and things said ......but encouraged by great number of new members weekly we get who knows maybe some good lover will come .....generally interesting themes for continental history, should be liked by all and way i represent them, so can only add to knowledge as i consider that both western and eastern historians didn't get all details right etc.

[Ale]

to change subject a bit for those of you who only care about some WE history of period to add to it how much Crecy was in fact one trans-continental battle and in no way purely local and just on surface episode in Anglo-Frank wars - beside mentioned Luxemburgs on French side, there was (along famed Genoese in particular i'll tell why i'm laughing....)) also ruler of Savoy, Amadues who was late for battle and survived it and since times there is saying "late Amadus on Crecy arrived..." ;.... why is interesting for my part of story and "continental" importance of it in time, as he was closely related to John V and his mother who was his aunt, and she was important in as John as mentioned many times, was still kid looking for idols around etc. So even without my help, you can i think put some puzzle parts together and make connections and why i say that both Ludwig and our Dushan looked carefully at Crecy with high expectations and received "good news" with satisfaction and why English victory was victory for both and big boost.... so really one battle with pan-continental importance in given time and not necessarilly some "western-centrism" at all in example of that battle by mentioning it often and considering its echoes much wider as again at least two mentioned rulers (so our and Ludwig) had big relief after it.... and so on, really hope i explained this tie enough, that it is not even controversial nor big secret anymore....

Antonio Doria was one of the leaders of Ghibellines and Genoa, whilst Charles of Monaco was in the Guelph party. During 1338, Philip VI of Valois had contracted for 20 galleys armed by the Ghibellines of Genoa and 20 other armed by the Guelphs of Monaco to serve in the French fleet.

Antonio Doria was in command of the 40 galleys. He is known as Aithon Doria in the General history of the Maison de France of father Anselme.

Antonio Doria was created Admiral of France in 1339.

He died at the Battle of Crécy on 26 August 1346........ killed by French troops under Charles Alencon, while fighting for French.

(of course i added last one)..... sorry to French, our old ally since we were both Gauls ), good ally during Savellis, great ally during Stefan Capet-Anjou and Charles-Stefan Valois (and Stefan de Gaul)) before Valois freaked out and killed Philip of course!! etc. and probably my laughs hurt their pride ) esp. when i touch subject of painfully falling "oriflamme", but really is one epic, funny clash in many respects and when i only think that Alencon could have been our "son in law" and how it developed in decades is funny.... until of course George decided to recognize French and peace returned to continent ....so no hard feeling hopefully, but i always say openly that i'm amazed how that country managed and became great power.... but Crecy really cries for some satire and hopefully you understand why i laugh at it, and it has so many comical details and one about heroic Alencon fight against Genoese is one of them ......anyway, in light of some my recent posts, touching Paleologs and John V so much and when we consider what i said long before about Kantakouzenos and his rivalry - whole story makes me from this angle again suspicious about previous judgement and makes me look at Vinegia with desire to strangle it ......kiss, kiss..... so was it Venice or Genova who let the Turks against us? think about it and sort your western fake sources, damn it ....lovely and enigmatic, but calculate Dushan would not sent regular reports to Venice from front, buy their galleys, have Andrea on the phone and all, and offer Galata and all Genoese posessions to Venice - if Venice worked against us? (or did he offer it...)) Bah!

for end, just to touch some subject of prestige as i mentioned Kesar and Augustanus and things we had..... our king-emperor also in time had other prestigeous places (despite some Bulgarian maps that always show it controlled half or Europe, year by year)) and not only in relation to Constant and Licinius - but possibly (town Drama is close) also many places where 2 mentioned Roman emperors (Kesar almost) walked and battled, so Philippi as well and so on.... it also gave him some prestige in times and made him interesting destination even if not recognized by mainstream rulers (except Ludwig and English) and any major church, but many western knights joined him and so on.... plus, to repeat and not to forget, in moment we had working monastery 100-200 meters from Sepultura, other sites in holy land and quite possible controlled Jerusalem at least since few decades earlier but papa-Jacques eat it ....so it all added to Dushan's prestige and untouchable status in the west, but not important generally, just for fans to understand all my points and words... later centuries and marginalization, modern historiography also crippled all those things, as ending conclusion but not important, what is important is that people like me can talk it and there is some survived evidence for strong points and at least partial reconstruction of our history... the end, your turn

[Ale]

many are interesting themes, and while our history is maybe one of more unique and enigmatic and while i do not submerge that much in really chaotic VIII-X c which is full of mysteries and totally incomplete or straight wrong details and about which, us considered, few is known esp. through some original, own source - glad that english texts and internet sources have some lines i can just copy here, saving me from any need of translation ; etc..... so just shortly to previous subject i touched regarding more better known XI and XII c and how trully organized state was in relation to Byzant, even better in that sense is this line in English and touching even earlier periods i.e. famous and unseen ctushing of Bulgarian rulers Presian and Boris

The defeat of the Bulgarians, who had become one of the greater powers in the 9th century, shows that Serbia was an organized entity, fully capable of defending its borders, and possessing military and administrative organization. It is not known whether Serbia at the time of Vlastimir had a fortification system or developed military structures in which the župan had clearly defined roles.

so sapienti sat, as we say ; ....it deosn't mention cataphracts but what later Byzantines faced looks like it ...it also mentiones (enlgish text) how "popes called Serb archonts Blastemero and Montemero (how they were cutely called in some Italian sources of time) to return to them" (less important) but also "how Serbs, unlike Bulgars, knew to fight on elevations" and in the end famous line about falconry and dog breeding (unlike Bulgarian goat breeding... just joking but nice one)) etc etc..... so why is generally line about "knowledge about fighting on elevated terrain which Bulgars lacked" interesting to extent - well you can hardly have it in 100 years since alleged migration from generally more flat lands of "banks of Vistula" and similar, but we all agree Poland robbed our banks and is criminal matter and still to be solved ;.... but seriously, you can have such knowledge in some wider Greece, Macedon and similar, from where some real Serd.v/bs maybe migrated, interestingly said....

and so on, many are possibilities, plus text mention one tribe (not necesserily Serb and maybe Slavic) that migrated from today Serbia asking son of Stefanmagne, Louis, for help against Bulgarians etc and that (true or not) whole caountry was almost depopulated in X century, so it remains open question... for end also to note that i find English texts cautious and balanced on the matterstating also that what caused wars among Serbs and Bulgars could be: "The Serbs most likely consolidated due to alarm at the advance of Bulgaria towards their borders—a rapid conquest of neighbouring Slavs—or in self-defence, or possibly sought to cut off the Bulgarian expansion to the south (Macedonia)." so it gives 3 options in fact, not giving definitve answers..... question is not soooo much about origin and number of blondes but is important or better said interesting to our further acting and ties, often more western, and to give some motives to our nobility and rulers acts and behaviour etc..... but again here generally wanted to add to lovers, maybe even some digital creators, some further clues on how much then really small Serb archonties were organized, does it look like migratory tribe or some with fixed/older organization etc etc. so it seems that even in english texts there is notion that both against Byzant and Bulgars it smells as organization, even advanced arms sometimes - but small territory and numbers..... fame for being good against arrows and protecting even horses (as it translates without archeological/material evidence) followed us until XV century and "black knights" - so no doubt that western fighters could learn and emulate a lot from Serbs and Byzantines parheps in contact, not the vice versa etc. and why Normans or Vinegia even could see valuable ally for them in us, but again no doubt it was small or very pushed tribe..... (even usable for games as said)

[Ale]

...interesting is also that many towns with some Ser- prefix, in both Greece and Italy and even today Bulgaria (despite renaming)) - while i don't know whole italian geography and quite possible that many exists with prefix even much southern all i know there are some in Latium and something "servian" in Rome - anyway, many in both are in some regions that could or were populated or shortly controlled by Celts ....so there is Sere(a)-valle in Veneto region, often contested by many and often under "jurisdiction" of Aquileia etc etc..... as well as some toponyms with Ras in region, close but not immediate, so Istria etc... region was later contested by Venice, various bishops (Venice esp. developed Seravalle in contrast to some others) and "holy roman emps" etc, maybe known.... some say, based on some docs and gospels from region that Serbs had some ties with Aquileia as some our rulers were mentioned in gospels/docs from there predating events, so chance exists, but generally not so crucial nor so much into spiritual themes - i'm more intrested in (peaceful and diplomatic) return of our ex-communes in Italy and Greece to us ....Sofia what?

also is interesting detail i did not know but found, that army led by Pippo Spano (aka of Ozora, or Scolari or Buondelmonti so family originating from not always friendly Florence)) specifically targeted during attack archives of some communes (then Venetian ruled) and episcopal ones, that could have had some inetersting details but were lost ).... generally just small detail i liked to story, i thought how come exactly him so close ally of Sigismund ; and maybe nothing conspirational inthere, but nice one.... however, knowing Sigismund ties here and who was in front of Pippo in his list, it is cute in times when many is unknown.... generally for some theory that Lazarevic family played some conspirational role and was "anti-Nemanjic" many details have to fit, so just cute theory... Lazar few times cooperated well with last Nemanjic but some "known" fact remains that in one battle he "pulled out" while smaller, exepnsive imperial force of Urosh and Altomanovic family was subsequently defeated by Vukashin, or so is speculated or known as such, that he allied sometimes with bloody Louis "Anjou-Capet" of Hungary (but he maintained Venetian church/chapel and colony in his capital) - but generally we can't say for sure that Lazarevic family was directly against main Nemanjic line etc. plus Lazar is hero and is un-PC to talk it ...it is his son Stefan who had much greater ties with Sigismund, maybe as young pushed to abandon some ideas by main Nemanjic line of Macedon empire and look again more north, move centers to Danube etc etc. and listen other kings (while pope was Colonna as said) ....who likes likes, who doesn't should learn mathematics and similar and to do something about sending me to Uranus ...as said trully million interesting details and stories, while i want to finish, why not adding for some roundings, and content for people visiting many people quasi like med subjects sometimes, but know little...

[Ale]

my job enables me some free time (while payment suffers.... but doesn't matter i'm proud to work for Swedes)) - which as seen i use in profitable way ....anyway, looked at google maps of Italy, found some Sere-s way south all up to tip of the boot towards Sicily, and in Umbria, around Bari, Campania (so not even in Italy)) etc etc, but generally more numerous in the north.... but it doesn't matter it just supports my argument that instead of particular communes we should (peacefully and diplomatically) demand annexation of whole Italy as it is obviously one big "Sere-land" .......looked further and Ser- toponyms are present almost exclusively (pardon) in southern France, haven't found much if any in northern, Frankish ; (but there are places like Condom, Pornic etc) Seriously, just shows somehow undoubted fact that "frankization" was much stronger in the north and maybe some Gaulish related word was lost there etc, to say so.... btw, it doesn't mean "mountain" or similar in Italian ; (many without knowledge presume it so i say) and is another open question they tried to put under the carpet ;

something else, but remembered about Rome so looked what will english texts say so found this

Other "Albania" Related Locations in Rome: (beside "hotel" Skanderbeg to add in their text i chopped)

Piazza Albania: Located on the Aventine Hill, this square was named in 1940 to commemorate the annexation of Albania to the Kingdom of Italy and features a monument to Skanderbeg.
Palazzo Albani del Drago: A separate historic palace near the Quattro Fontane, which was owned by the Albani family and later associated with Spanish royalty.

Note: There is also a famous Palace Albanija located in Belgrade, Serbia, which is not in Rome.

nice mention "it is not in Rome" not to wander around .....while "pijaca Albania" was renamed during Benny's times to commemorate annexation of country to Italy, our palace (much bigger but it was powerful empire)) was bulit during Dushan (after he took city from Louis again)) to comemorate annexation of Albania (just joking, after ww1) ..... Benito, btw, probably ruined what remained of "Murus Servii" to enlarge the pijaca, hehe and other interesting detail for world history is that "Albanian national hero" (somehow strange for nation dominantely cooping nice with Turks but doesn't matter everyone needs a hero)) was freed by George Brankovic (and Hunyadi) after some battle, rarely mentioned one .......so man and ruler with so many things that could be credited to european history - recognition of France and liberation of such continental hero ) to name just few - has no monument anywhere, shame ....so not surprised by man being so offended back in his time and stop fighting until almost last year of life, who wouldn't be ) ...plus he was protesting slating of Palestrina lovely, what is your take principessa or some own suspicion?

[Ale]

also - to conclude somehow - on subject i suddenly find very interesting just because of that mentioned geographical disposition and all (so can be Roman of very course but what troubles many minds is again that gaulish tribe - often drunk - Serds and similar) i find French diversity of Ser- combos much greater than one in Italy (so even more interesting) as you probably want look yourself at many so beside Serre, there are Servian commune, Serignans and similar i already forgot but very diverse and more attention attracting than usually same Serra-etc in Italy, but of course historically who likes and as talked Italics had much greater diversity of it through toponyms, personal and family names etc. (beside Tullius there is tomb/grave of another Servius near Colosseum etc) ...but current geography considered it is south "France" (hehe) of much more interest in that way of "what was that" not to repeat, diversity of names....

charming countries, architecturally (is it touch of Stefan Anjou genius?)) and sometimes naturally, but both different in own way and with different kind of charm, to me not similar at all.... but only on pics! my taste both, sometimes France in front even due to more pictoresque "chateaus" but Italy again something else, i'm now in danger to offend one of two so to cut it short maybe it is because of charm of our ancestors etc. when it comes to people, generally it is something separate from countries. Remembered phenomenal line from west-europe about French for example "at first they look somehow unfriendly, but when you get to know them better you realize that they are REALLY unfriendly!" About Italics we know more and there is not one line to describe them, so i won't even try so do not mix countries and people.... seriously, think about all said, think about credits and propaganda, think about theories, think about chances and percents for them, nothing is total BS and fantasy unlike sources and papa-Jacques tales ....when i think about it (told before that some archeological finds during our peak here suits western meditarranean style which is strange) maybe figures like various clerics from Avignon era that talked and acted to us, often from more southern regions (there are Sere around Avignon) maybe acted in friendly way, advising us knowing that we went once from Gaul "to conquer world" etc most seriously think about things.............. for end, no offense to either Campania nor Italy when i said it, it wasn't in Maladonna way or similar - i was aiming that Campania won't be Italy (bad choice of words) once Campi Flegrei go up .....just joking, dark humor, it wont happen in next 24 hours always join with something and correct me, what i missed and all, tell what you think and were we screwed a bit, should we place some our figure (for example last true roman emperor HIM) on Palatino and any of million subject or your own. naturally always more interested in principessa voices... the end.

[Ale]

missed to say yesterday, some things go by themselves if you can connect and can't talk all, but exactly that Pornic (pardon) and many similar smaller places in Bretagne (parlevu) especially that have endings on -ic, is of course also interesting for us. who knows, it is not even closely "pan-slavic" way of ending last names - even in Russians is more due to them copying a lot from region, but as seen on Belarus and Ukraine example not original etc etc. we are always forced to talk about them - but not even one of Macedon Slavs, Bulgars, Poles etc etc who knows. It is dominant only among Serbs, Croats as historical tribes (and Slovenes to extent).... while for Croats might be influence of "pushed Serbs they recieved well" (to say) and as they have other theories and more sources then us - so another Celtic connection for "Serbs" in sense that it follows some pattern present among celtic/gulash ; territories as seen... of course we have little records (maybe they have some, ah Pornic?) about Gaulish pronunciations which might be different but mind that it ultimately doesn't matter, what matters is that "on paper" as many words later distorted in vernacular, both here and there, not known enough did Celts use "ch" so much and our in example is "on border" so softer version, not pure "ch"..... so not to be to scientific and maybe uninteresting, another interesting thing and connection with Gaulish lands, to me it makes strong and possible theory, at least when it comes to our tribe, as seen present among Celts... if unknown, despite some negations it is obvious that some toponyms close to where once was "Serb heartland" are 99% similar to some Celtic ones etc etc. so theory is strong, even some tribal psychology to extent and similar

lovely what to say, maybe from today France indeed..... does it change much, don't see much but nice one and worth respect... maybe we can just be more present in Pornic and similar, nothing else i see immediately benefitial .... it of course doesn't prevent us from having solid relations with French (....oppressors!!....) and ultimately when you think, people from there are not total idiots in historical perspective and may be (as i told before) some true reason for somethimes really good relations we had with them in meds (still can go about them even offering to divide Europe on Lys line)) as said lovely theory, even great chance for truth... majority of slavic population, Bulgarian conquest, church influence (though mixing with Croats previously as well) later imposed language and names to Serbs and rest is known to say so (as happened to many through history, so neither name nor language one speaks doen't determine some old origin etc).... any rate, impression, idea, your story

[Ale]

idk, too many are details to mention and finish is near but really many are interesting for some story, even if i'm not giving equal theoretical value to every of them and some are more important than other etc, so just mentioning, more as fun facts...

while as said not at all proposing Bretagna as possible source of some hypothetical migration and as also said there are more Sers in variants actually south so more region of doubt and chance for me, "Brittany" is just interesting for other details - one interesting mentioned.... As was known in our time as Ar(a)morica - and there is instant interesting detail as it included word "sea" and i'm only left to wonder which part was it maybe "more" as we say but it is more common word in us and Italians and others, but "more"... so that's one of unimportant details and maybe miss, but again (more important) confirms that Gauls, as we, used extensively -ica ending for geo. locations, so confirmation ;

of course i can point to link but really like to take some details i like and to do them own way, link is not enough.... so in continuation i noticed that Breton or Armorican or local Gulash lord that is considered "pater patrie" by some there was known as Nominoe but - lovely - in some local versions also Nemenoe and Nevenoe... also not crucial detail but lovely similarity to our Nemanio, and we even have, though female, name Nevena fun fact, something that is not important but is noticeable for us, very similar........... he was appointed by mentioned Louis Pious (son of Charlie i talked) whom i mentioned in context of some tribes living near then caved Serbs recognizing his overlordship and similar, even migrated frorm Bulgar advance etc. so some local connection while also minor detail... last one i liked from history of concern is that Bretons (in big part) fastly connected with Normans even as text says formed big part of William's army to conquer England, another relative similarity with us, interesting

as i said, to me in some theoretical way it is more souther Gallia due to mentioned things, but nothing is excluded in theory, it doesn't have to be any part exclusively.... maybe in the north of "France" (hehe) there are no toponyms as "all Ser-s" moved from there in one ancient point of time towards here and so on. Bretagna story has some nice details for our story worth telling as i looked, so share... when it comes to Veneti, also one of tribes in ex-Armorica, some negate connection with our Vinegians but that is not definitive at all, considering our ties here and maybe some old stories, to repeat that our and Venetian marriage (she was baba) was celebrated "by whole Venice for days" - almost like it was some old friends from Gallia some scientist negate this Veneti tie with them, but i say that lots of it is based on guessing, lots in dark and (not necessarily on Venetian example so i never submerged into it to find more connections...) that often some more realistic and probable things were rejected and some illogical BS often accepted by some theorist-scientists, some even pushed pure political agendas and were paid for it, just saying generally... so for example they did not consider things i often point and relied sometimes on some (often dubious) genetical data for example, some more dogmatic and rigid things as they imagined etc etc.... anyway not subject at all and many actually gave good ideas and propositions - long story short, more as fun fact - even Veneti lived there and we had some coop with them later, like in Pornic ...before they did what they did in XIV, eeehhh, but true that we started "licking too much with French" by then ; ...was time of treasons and dramatic twists.... so generally in this posts concentrate on 2-3 things i mentioned before as interesting, not Vinegians at all - how Gauls often finished names of locations (as we) Nemenoe or Nevena name ) and good coop with Normans.... i think that's aaaaaaaaall from me, hope you liked and is thepretically on "strong legs" and adds to forum, spread further what you like and think freely or be curious and again sometimes i'm just mentioning some things, not giving them huge value or joke a little, but seriously joke ) so maybe, for example of lighter theme - maybe Italian Veneti are not related and from region but Serbs, having some Gaulish heritage maybe in own legends and were from Gallia, mistook them for Armorican Veneti.... when we found out it was mistake and wrong identity it was already too late and we were flicked!

[Ale]

really secrets of some linguistical phenomenons can tell us a lot about history (not always and is slippery field as i repeat always) and sometimes is so cute that is too cute... so for example i used many times Italian "pijaca" which is in our in similar sense (just open market today) while majority of Croats do not use it despite being Italian, and that Albanians would use for open market that is probably of Slavic origin (or Romanians in few instances while we would use latin or italian version) and so on, think i talked it enough, how Serbs use more "ciao" than Croats, how you can form whole sentences almost in Serbo-Croat but especially sometimes Serbian from italianism and latinisms sapienti sat, no need to go through it anymore but is indeed phenomenon, but as said it is not and it actually hides history in it ; (Romanian i mention just for few examples, but no doubt Romanic language btw)

mentioning it, really is Albanian one strange language - looked on some phrases just to put on future HIS monument on Palatino - while not expert at all and do not speak, but we can all agree strange.... if we even remotely accept that Albans are of Illirian origin and theoretically Serbs of Gallic, for history of region it then might mean only that local Celts romainized much better than Illirians, no joke. But not sure about either, so that Serbs are of "true latin origin" is cute and why quasi long feud with Albans as Illirians but that is misconception, they are pals and will finance 40 m HIS monument in Rome .....without any politics behind, i was (just to say, why dislike to talk local themes and about others much) since kid practically always amazed by that "lack of pattern" in Albanian and that almost all other around - even Greek - in general sound and look more Latin in our case you have so many of them, more than Italians in fact generally mentioning it, for end, that while Gaulish theory is cute and super I'm still undecided on it or some "caved Roman legion" origin but generally both hopefully fun, interesting and fresh (if you never heard) things for our readers, say something principessa as i'm ended for now.....