Can one achieve something significant in two years?
While many tales could be exchanged, few individuals have accomplished as much as Prince Constantine of Morea. His bold decisiveness and youthful vigor led to direct oversight of reforms in Morea, resulting in numerous triumphs, both major and minor.
Among his notable achievements were the establishment of local councils and administrative reorganization.
Prince Constantine confirmed the effectiveness of the councils—set up in key cities such as Mistra, Leontari, and Nauplion—through the loyalty of local leaders. He implemented a new system where cities with councils contributed financially to the development of underdeveloped regions in exchange for tax benefits, achieving some level of success.
The expenses incurred were partially offset by funds from Venice. However, this was only a temporary measure. A fundamental solution required reforming Morea’s agriculture-dependent economy, limited by its mountainous terrain.
The need for a road network emerged as essential for expansion into central Greece and intercity connectivity.
Nevertheless, such an ambitious plan required immense time. A quicker, more efficient route would be maritime trade, but Morea’s economic reform faced a formidable obstacle.
Venice.
Venice dominated not just Morea but the entire eastern Mediterranean’s maritime trade, posing a significant challenge to the prince. Without a navy, it was a foolish dream for Morea and the Empire to drive Venice away, especially since Venice was a crucial ally against their arch-enemy, the Ottomans.
As always, the prince could only bide his time for the future.
In the meantime, clearing remnants of the Crusaders proceeded smoothly.
Under the protection of mercenary leader Ivania, Judge Demicleos’ proclamation of a new order was widely accepted across cities with little resistance. In Achaea, starting from Corinth, many Latins faced a choice: acknowledge the supremacy of Imperial law or have their properties confiscated and be exiled.
A significant number of Latins were expelled by Demicleos and the enraged public.
However, more Latins chose to comply with Imperial law to preserve their properties and inheritance rights. Greeks and the Orthodox Church regained their dominance in Morea, pledging allegiance to their new ruler and integrating into the central government.
With Demicleos handling these matters, Prince Constantine focused on administrative reorganization and military development.
Military experts facilitated by Venice introduced diverse war knowledge, a great boon for Morea, which had yet to form a proper army. Learning about the Western situation, relatively neglected due to the focus on the Ottoman threat, was particularly beneficial.
These experts shared insights on various matters: the Hundred Years’ War between France and England, ongoing chaos within the Holy Roman Empire, and the Hussite movements in Hungary. The prince began with fundamental questions.
“Why is the French army repeatedly defeated? They have outstanding knights, don’t they?”
“Like leaves needed for flowers to bloom, repeated defeats have shaken the infantry, crucial on the battlefield, leading to their downfall before their opponents.”
The military experts, famed for their North Italian mercenary origins, offered substantial advice for the prince preparing for imminent war.
“Everyone knows how crucial swift-moving knights are on the battlefield. However, there are ways to counter knights. A disciplined infantry formation can stand firm against a knight’s charge and withstand the lance, forcing the knight to retreat.”
This brought to the prince’s mind the most notorious and feared forces in Greece.
“The Janissaries.”
“I’ve heard vague rumors about the most formidable Saracens. Though I haven’t encountered them directly, they seem formidable adversaries. If they’re hard to defeat with knights, they’ll be just as tough for infantry. But soldier expertise isn’t the sole determinant.”
“Do you know something?”
“I mentioned the Hussite movement in Hungary.”
The Hussites, deemed heretics for opposing Catholic doctrines under Pope’s authority, led by priest Jan Hus, fought for their beliefs. Despite Jan Hus’s death, which seemed to crush their hope, Jan Žižka emerged, overturning everything.
“What did he overturn?”
“He leads untrained peasants to repeatedly defeat Hungarian knights, finding new methods beyond conventional tactics.”
The prince’s heart raced. A method to counter knights with peasant soldiers was essential for quickly building an army to confront the powerful Ottomans. The prince bit his lip, eager to meet Žižka.
“Can we meet him?”
“Your Highness, he’s a heretic. To seek his help, you’d have to forsake Western support.”
Jan Žižka or Western aid.
Soon, the scale tipped decisively. Driving out the Ottomans required Crusader participation. If both were possible, he wouldn’t hesitate, but if only one choice was available…
Reluctantly, the prince began to build his army with the experts’ help.
It took two years for the innocent youth, chasing dreams, to transform into fierce warriors, with their lances sharpened. Though insufficient to resolve Morea’s numerous issues, it was enough to solidify Prince Constantine’s influence.
The remaining Latins in Achaea swore loyalty, local leaders in cities compromised, and the modest army grew to 3,000 strong.
Facing such unparalleled achievements, Morea’s people pledged loyalty to Prince Constantine. The Peloponnesian Peninsula, long divided since the Crusader domination, united under one name for the first time in centuries.
Time passed impartially for all.
The prince grew taller, and the once-youthful boy now strode confidently through the court, embodying strength.
Prince Constantine had reached sixteen.
However, Morea wasn’t the only thing that changed in two years.
An uneasy peace between foes was unravelling, teetering on the brink of collapse.
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