@SCENARIO
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At the turn of the millenium, the maritime city-states of Amalfi and
Pisa monopolize trade with the Far East. But their superiority
is being treatened by the increasing competition of two new
extremely aggressive rivals, Venice and Genoa. The naval domination
of the four Sea Republics is total, but each one of them schemes to
monopolize the East Route. The gate to the East is Byzantium.
The Byzantine Empire is past its prime but still the richest
and more sophisticate 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, but Byzantium is a welcome prey for many 
Crusaders of more heartly disposition. Naval assistance by the Sea 
Republics is much in demand, Venice has agreed to help Crusaders take 
over Byzantium, Genoa has come to Byzantium help in exchange for trade
monopoly... 

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