Chapter 17: Gloria Exercitus!
[John VIII's Military Academy, Constantinople.]
Not far from Blachernae Palace, an ancient and esteemed school proudly stood, its legacy firmly rooted in imparting the knowledge of warfare and leadership to the new generations of Rome.
For centuries, this venerable institution had stood the test of time, its foundations laid to nurture future leaders, generals, and the renowned elite Imperial Guards of old, known as the Scholae Palatinae.
Once, these illustrious guards had replaced the corrupt and rebellious Praetorian Guard, serving as an emblem of the empire's reform and unwavering commitment to ensuring its survival against all adversity.
Throughout history, the school had gained renowned recognition for nurturing exceptional figures, and among them stood the revered Emperor Justinian I.
Under his visionary leadership, the once-mighty Roman Empire experienced a renaissance in the Eastern half, striving to restore the lost glory that had succumbed to Germanic barbarians in the Western half.
Beside him, in unwavering loyalty, stood the illustrious general known as 'the Last of the Romans,' Belisarius, a name that reverberated through the annals of history as an epitome of courage and strategic brilliance.
However, as the passage of time continued its relentless march, this once-hallowed institution fell into ruin in the centuries that followed. It wasn't until a new era dawned with the arrival of John VIII Palaiologos into the world, that its walls finally revived. With a shared vision, he and Gavriel banded together to resurrect this place from the ashes of neglect and decay.
Under their devoted hands, its once-crumbling pillars and decaying training grounds underwent a magnificent transformation.
Previously, when John introduced the new training manual, drawing inspiration from the US Marine Corps, Gavriel Mavripoulos, the Megas Domestikos, dedicated himself tirelessly to ensuring the successful implementation of the military reform, and he exceeded all expectations.
John was gratified that he had entrusted the Megas Domestikos with executing the reform that he had painstakingly crafted since his youth.
With a profound focus on nurturing the mentality and physicality of the Roman recruits, the results were nothing short of extraordinary.
In just under 5 years, they had forged battle-hardened soldiers who exuded fearlessness and strength, despite their lack of experience in actual combat. The prevailing peace allowed them time to further refine their skills, but their eagerness to prove themselves on the battlefield was palpable.
If not for the current state of relative peace, they would have eagerly rushed into battle, eager to vanquish their enemies.
Armed with nothing more than rudimentary tools such as sticks and stones, the reformed soldiers possessed unshakable confidence in their abilities.
They firmly believed they could overcome any enemy that dared to challenge them, drawing strength from their intensive training and the unbreakable bond that had formed among their ranks.
John's ingenious adaptation of the Marine Corps training manual proved to be a game-changer, effectively applying its principles in an era where cold weapons still held significant importance.
As the soldiers trained, their skills sharpened, and their unity solidified, creating a formidable Roman army ready to face any threat that might arise.
They embraced John's vision and demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the empire, making it clear that they were more than just soldiers; they were guardians of a brighter future.
Besides implementing new training manuals, John achieved another significant milestone by introducing his revolutionary military doctrine to the empire's army. The cornerstone of this strategy was the seamless integration of the army and the navy, giving rise to a formidable hybrid force known as the Imperial Marine Corps.
This groundbreaking unit was tasked with safeguarding both the land and the sea surrounding the empire, offering a versatile defense and a potent initial invasion force for territories accessible only by sea.
Given that the Roman Empire was primarily bordered by sea, the integration between the army and the navy became paramount.
By improving communication and coordination between both branches, they could not only reduce the time required to formulate effective war and counter-attack strategies but also address the long-standing issue of confusion in the command structure.
An infamous instance that highlighted the significance of this integration was the devastating defeat suffered at the hands of the Rashidun Caliphate in the 7th century. The loss of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria to the Muslim Caliphate was a harsh reminder of the consequences of ineffective communication between provincial commands.
These leaders, known as 'dux' or strategates, headed their own legions of troops, operating separately from the central chain of command in the capital. Unfortunately, the navy failed to reinforce the land forces during this critical period.
Although Justinian's system of provincial commands proved relatively effective when individual military leaders could communicate within their provinces, it lacked foresight in the face of sudden military incursions and major wars.
This deficiency left the Roman forces vulnerable and unable to respond effectively to multiple threats simultaneously.
Following the calamitous war with the Caliphate, Heraclius introduced a subsequent system known as the Themata. While it did address certain aspects, such as exceptions to army conscription, it failed to comprehensively resolve the underlying issues in the command structure.
The fundamental problem of inadequate communication and coordination between the army and navy remained unaddressed, and its implications continued to pose challenges for the empire's defense.
To tackle this challenge, John astutely acknowledged the empire's evolution over the centuries, with its territorial expanse reduced. Nevertheless, his dedication to fostering integration between the land forces and the navy remained unwavering.
To achieve this objective, John introduced a novel approach that did not disrupt the existing chain of command within each branch. Instead, he ingeniously implemented a separate yet collaborative chain of command, harmoniously uniting both main branches.
Assuming command of the new hybrid units was Demetrius, who initially hesitated to accept the role of Commander of the Marine Corps. He believed he wasn't adequately prepared for such a position, voicing his concerns to John.
However, John's unwavering trust in Demetrius led him to recommend him for the role, citing a lack of senior officers suitable for the task.
Recognizing Demetrius's exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering loyalty, John saw in him the perfect candidate to lead the new combined forces. Despite his doubts, Demetrius ultimately embraced the responsibility, knowing that John's confidence in him was a vote of trust and faith in his abilities.
Over the course of six transformative years, the Byzantine Empire has undergone a remarkable revival, culminating in the formation of a formidable army comprising 45,000 brave men. Among them, 5,000 gallant soldiers stand under the esteemed command of Demetrius, a testament to his prowess as a leader.
The remaining 40,000 troops, forming the current standing army, are strategically positioned across the empire, ready to defend its borders and ensure its readiness. Notably, a substantial force of 20,000 men remains under the watchful eye of the Megas Domestikos in Constantinople, safeguarding the heart of the empire.
In addition, 10,000 valiant soldiers were stationed in both the Despotate of Thessaloniki and the Despotate of Morea, securing key regions critical to the empire's defense.
In the event of a full-scale war, the empire can now muster an impressive force of 80,000 men, including reserves. This marks a significant improvement compared to the pre-reform era when the empire could only assemble a meager force of 15,000 men, including reserves.
The reforms have undeniably bolstered the empire's military prowess, positioning it as a force to be reckoned with in the current period.
Credit for these extraordinary achievements goes to Nikos and his visionary economic leadership, coupled with John's innovative administration. Thanks to their efforts, the empire's coffers have overflowed with wealth, pouring into the capital and Port Nikos in Morea, in recent years.
This abundance of resources has made possible the implementation of various reforms, including the strengthening of the military and the navy that the previous pre-reformed empire severely lacked.
Thessaloniki now proudly serves as the home of the Byzantine maritime fleet, a formidable force boasting around 35 ships and 15,000 skilled sailors. Each vessel is armed with the infamous Greek fire, a fearsome weapon that strikes terror into any adversary foolish enough to challenge the Byzantine naval forces or illegally enter its territorial waters.
The maritime fleet stands ready to protect the empire's maritime interests and assert its dominance at sea.
Right after bidding farewell to Anna and her entourage back at the Golden Horn port, John, escorted by Demetrius, went straight to the military school to prepare for his own demonstration scheduled for the afternoon. John had a specific plan in mind and needed Gavriel's assistance to make it happen.
Upon arriving at the military school, John sought out Gavriel, who was at his quarters, diligently finishing up his paperwork for the day.
"Gavriel," John called out, "I need your help with something important for the afternoon demonstration. Please ready a round ball for me, the one the recruits use for their recreation. I have a special demonstration in mind, and I believe this ball will be a crucial part of it."
Gavriel looked up from his paperwork, taken aback by John's sudden and unexpected request. His brows furrowed, and a hint of confusion flashed across his face as he tried to make sense of the situation. But he keep the question inside his mind, trust that the co-emperor would explain it in due time.
"Is there anything else you require, Your Highness, apart from the ball?" Gavriel asked respectfully, ready to attend to John's needs.
"Just the ball for now, thank you," John said with a nod of appreciation. "I've got the rest under control. Meet me at the demonstration area when you're ready."
Before he leave, John added one more instruction, "Oh, and Gavriel, I need you to carefully choose 50 of your best recruits and 10 of your most promising junior officers. They will stand ready during the demonstration."
"Consider it done, Your Highness," Gavriel replied with a determined expression. He knew that selecting the best from the ranks was no easy task, but he also understood the significance of John's request.
With the additional task in mind, Gavriel set about selecting the elite group of recruits and junior officers who would proudly stand ready during John's momentous demonstration in the afternoon, and John's sternly remind him of the importance of the event.
"Gavriel," John continued, his voice carrying a sense of urgency,
"there will be a very important guest joining us during the demonstration. I cannot reveal their identity just yet, but I need you to ensure that everything is meticulously organized and that the discipline of the chosen recruits and junior officers is at the highest level. This demonstration is not only a showcase of our military training but also a representation of the Roman army's excellence. We must not tarnish the reputation and legacy of the Empire."
Gavriel nodded, fully understanding the gravity of the situation. "You have my word, Your Highness," he replied, his sense of responsibility amplified by the significance of the occasion. "I will personally oversee their attitude and discipline during the assembly, ."
"Thank you, Gavriel," John said appreciatively. "Your dedication to the empire and your exceptional leadership are commendable. I have complete trust in your ability to handle this task with utmost professionalism."
As the sun slowly ascended in the sky, casting its warm glow over the glorious city of Constantinople, it marked the arrival of a new afternoon. At the entrance of the esteemed military school, vigilant guards stood watch, their eyes sharp and senses alert, ensuring no unsolicited individuals could breach the complex and force entry.
The security measures were stringent, leaving no room for unauthorized intruders to disrupt the sanctity of the institution.
Today's afternoon was special, as they will be graced by the presence of the renowned co-emperor, accompanied by his loyal companions, and joined by none other than the emperor himself and the empress.
As the appointed hour approached, Gavriel and his esteemed team of domestikos stood in perfect formation on the training ground, ready to welcome the distinguished entourage. Neatly lined up, they exuded an air of discipline and respect, eager to showcase the results of their relentless training and unwavering dedication.
Behind them stood rows of fresh recruits and junior officers, overseeing the ranks of eager new soldiers. Anticipation and excitement filled the air, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the esteemed guests.
The tension in the air grew palpable as a contingent of carriages made its way into the training compound one after another. The first carriage finally came to a halt, and its occupants stepped out.
At the forefront of the group stood John, the co-emperor, flanked by his trusted advisor, Pavlos, and the Eparch Nikos, along with the esteemed commander of the Imperial Marine Corps, Demetrius.
Following closely behind was a majestic carriage, adorned with the symbol of the Palaiologan dynasty—a golden double-headed eagle that radiated the empire's grandeur. Within this carriage sat the Emperor and his empress, arriving to witness the momentous demonstration that was about to unfold.
As the Emperor and his empress gracefully disembarked from the carriage, a sense of reverence and awe filled the training ground. Every soldier and officer, including Gavriel and his group of domestikos, stood with unwavering straightness, their disciplined posture a testament to their commitment and loyalty towards the emperor.
They saluted promptly as the Emperor approached, impressing him with their exceptional discipline and unwavering fortitude.
Then, with unwavering loyalty and respect, Gavriel stepped forward to report to his co-emperor, John VIII, their esteemed patron and commander-in-chief.
"Your Highness, I am Gavriel Mavripoulos, Megas Domestikos of the Roman Empire," he declared firmly, his voice resonating with authority and dedication. "Together with five domestikos, ten junior officers, and fifty soldiers, we stand ready and await your orders!"
John smiled with approval at Gavriel's perfect form. The meticulous attention to detail in the soldiers' training, including proper etiquette when reporting to their superiors, was one of the crucial aspects emphasized in John's manual.
The inclusion of such protocols aimed to foster a strong command structure and instill a sense of respect and discipline among the ranks.
"This afternoon, I shall reveal to you something that has the potential to elevate our empire to new heights of glory. For too long, the world has overlooked our enduring legacy—the knowledge we shared to enlighten their savage minds, our culture that brought civilization to their barbaric ways, our faith that offered salvation from the depths of Hades through the grace of our Lord, our dedication to protecting their people with our swords and shields, and even our sports, providing a respite from savagery and bloodshed."
John's powerful speech resonated powerfully across the training ground, captivating the audience with his eloquence and charismatic presence. The atmosphere brimmed with anticipation, and even the Emperor Manuel II himself couldn't help but be moved by John's words.
"Now, I will introduce another respite for our ungrateful neighbors—a sport I name 'Graeco-Roman Football.' Through this sport, I aim to showcase the very essence of our people, our culture, and the indomitable spirit that defines our glory and legacy. It is a game that embodies our strength, our fearlessness in the face of adversity, and the unyielding spirit that runs through every Roman's veins. I envision the day when this sport will be etched in the annals of history, and our proud Eagle standard will once again grace the world's stage! Do you hear me, fellow Romans?"
John's impassioned speech ignited a fervent enthusiasm among the new recruits, who responded with a resounding, "Gloria Exercitus!" Their faces were stoic and resolute, exuding an aura that far surpassed the expectations of an ordinary recruits.
With just a speech to introduce this new sport, the morale of the young recruits soared to incredible heights. If they were sent to battle now, they would face the Ottoman army with unwavering confidence, and their determination alone could conquer their foes with ease, even if it was only with 60 men.
John nodded as he observed the high spirits within the training ground. A sense of pride swelled within him, and he couldn't help but be impressed by the impact of his impromptu speech. His ability to deliver such a compelling address seemingly on the spot left him feeling a mix of astonishment and wonder.
Was this gift of oration a result of his modern knowledge influencing the past, or was it something more akin to a supernatural talent? He couldn't quite fathom the answer, but he knew that his newfound ability to inspire and motivate was undeniably powerful, even for himself.
What he did know, however, was that the moment John demonstrated this sport game to them, the impact would be tremendous. The memory of this event would reverberate throughout the ages, etching the name of John VIII Palaiologos in the annals of history for generations to come.
The day of the much-awaited spectacle had arrived, and with it came the fabled American Football, now reborn in the heart of the Roman Empire with a new name, 'Graeco-Roman Football.'
John was determined to make this sport an indelible part of their history, a symbol of their own greatness rather than a borrowed legacy from the United States.
Though some might question the audacity of claiming a sport born in a distant land, it hardly mattered in this context, for the civilization of the United States had yet to emerge in this time period. This was a celebration of Roman ingenuity and innovation, a testament to their unwavering spirit and ability to embrace new ideas.
Viva Romanum!
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