[ WP ] Rome never collapsed and is still a major power .

People tend to forget the Roman Empire never faded away or collapsed. What did happend however, was the Western Roman Empire fell in on itself. The Eastern empire however, also know as the Byzantine Empire, was alive and well. Had it not been for Alexios the Reclaimer though, the glory of Roman rule might have been lost forever. 
 
 Few will dispute the cunning of Alexios. His shrewd battle tactics and intimate understanding of logistics kept his armies well fed and supplied as they battled the heathens in Asia Minor and Africa. His descion to modernize the Byzanine navy kept his armies mobile and able to quell rebellion in the vast swaths of land he returned to the Empire. 
 
 His lawful occupation of Venice lead to a domination of trade in the both Europe and Africa that filled the empires coffers; and fueled a resurgence in Greek artwork and architecture that lasted for a century and a half. The money also helped fund an advanced army and navy that none could compete with. 
 
 There were flaws and failures mind you. Alexios married his way into every noble family in Byzantium. This led to an outbreak of Nepotisim that lead to many problems in our European holdings and the breakaway of the duchy of Alexandria. Of course, the intermarrying also strengthened Byzantium leaders and limited infighting and pretender kings for centuries more. Each policy had advantages and drawbacks. 
 
 Alexios has earned many names after his death. Father of the World. Restorer of Roman Glory. And many others that are well deserved. Though the Great Schisim between Orthadox and the errant Catholcs would n't be mended until the 14th century. And a united Roman Empire would n't reform again until the late 15th century. Neither of these glories would be possible without Alexios and his glorous rule. 
 

