1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 280 Gallipoli Artillery School
The north wind is howling, and it's winter again.

In recent days, the weather has become increasingly cold, with varying degrees of snowfall throughout Thrace. The Bulgarian region further north and the high-altitude Macedonian mountains are even more snowy.

The streams and lakes in the north began to freeze, the roads in the mountains were buried by snow and wind, and the strong winds on the sea caused huge waves, and the number of business travelers and pedestrians decreased significantly.

The coal project that the Eastern Roman Empire had started a few years ago finally came in handy. The miners carried pieces of black ore out of the mines and transported them to coal workshops by horse-drawn carriages. Under the guidance of technicians, the workers poured the ore into blast furnaces, burned it into coke, and sent it to the market and to thousands of households.

At this time, coal had no other uses, and there was no question of it being exhausted. There was a lot of it and the price was cheap, so many citizens who could not afford charcoal would use coke to survive the winter.

In order to avoid the unpleasant smell of raw coke, craftsmen also ingeniously designed a new charcoal stove to direct the smoke into the chimney and toward the sky as much as possible.

Constantinople, Thessalonica, Adrianople, Sofia, Skopje... In each northern city, black smoke billows up, contrasting with the white snow.

On the dry yellow grass, an army was marching towards the east. They were wearing fur coats, cloaks wrapped around their bodies, and simple chain mail under the cloaks.

They carried different flags, the most conspicuous of which was a double-headed eagle flag with a yellow background. The eagle wore a crown on its head and the cross β emblem of Palaiologos was painted on its abdomen.

Behind the big banner, flags of various colors fluttered in the wind, each of which represented a famous family in the Balkans, Dragaš, Brankovic…

It was obvious that this army came from the Grand Duchy of Serbia. The young grand duke had already pacified southern Serbia and was leading his army to respond to the emperor's call to defend the empire's territory.

In the army, Manuel Palaiologos rode an Andalusian noble horse, wore a crown symbolizing Serbian power, and had a sharp sword at his waist.

Manuel looked around, gazing at the farmlands in the distance.

This place is located on the Gallipoli Peninsula and also experienced snowfall not long ago, but because the latitude is not too high and it is close to the warm Sea of ​​Marmara, the snow did not accumulate very deeply.

The occasional remnant of snow did not extinguish the farmers' enthusiasm for work. They drove livestock, carried baskets, collected vegetables, and plowed the fields.

"It looks like they are doing pretty well."

Beside Manuel, Royston, the Minister of Mines of the Grand Duchy of Serbia, looked at the farmers who were talking and laughing, and talked to himself.

"Since last autumn, the Empire's armies and fleets have arrived at major assembly points along the coast, and dense military camps have spread across the land."

Manuel said slowly.

"They need flour, they need vegetables, they need milk and eggs."

"Just think about it, this is such a huge market and such a great business opportunity."

Thinking of this, Manuel smiled slightly.

"I heard that some merchants would follow the army and provide them with food and entertainment, and buy human and animal feces as fertilizer."

"My brother disciplined the soldiers and bought food and military supplies at a slightly higher price. A lot of money flowed from the treasury into the army, and then into the countryside and cities."

“Gold hidden in a warehouse is meaningless. Only by letting it flow and circulate continuously can we achieve national prosperity and people’s strength.”

Royston nodded silently, feeling a little emotional.

"Your Majesty is really rich."

“So many sources of precious metals, so many overseas routes, so many workshops and estates.”

"He could probably earn half a year's worth of our taxes from just one East India trade."

"Serbia is also a good place. Once we fully develop its mineral resources, it will be no worse than any other region in the empire."

Manuel shook his head.

"After the war, we still have to continue the investment policy and invite merchants from the empire to open mines in Serbia."

"As for coal, I will also invite the Imperial Exploration Team to Serbia for an investigation. Our population is small to begin with, and we cannot let them freeze to death in the cold wind, nor can we let them starve to death in famine."

Manuel looked at his father-in-law Constantine, who had been silent all the time.

"You all have to change your mindset. Things from the old era are outdated. We can't get rich by simply exploiting the people. The richer they are, the more children they have, the more taxes we can collect, and the stronger our army will be."

"That's what His Highness said."

Constantine lowered his head.

Manuel glanced at him.

"I know you don't want to go to the east to fight, but I am a vassal of my brother. As long as he calls me, I must come."

"The nobles in the north are no longer a force to be reckoned with. The garrisons we have left at the border fortresses are more than enough to handle them."

"It's not enough to just keep suppressing bandits. If the Serbian knights want to regain their former glory, they must go through trials of blood and fire!"

"Your Highness, that's not what I meant."

Constantine smiled wryly and shook his head.

"I mean, your wife is about to give birth. She is my only daughter, and I don't want her to be without her father and husband when she gives birth."

"So that's it."

Manuel's expression softened a little.

"It's okay. My brother has sent a well-trained doctor. Anna is healthy and the child is also healthy."

"When the war is over, I will go back to see them immediately."

"It's all up to you."

Constantine sighed, looked up at the gray sky in the west, and made the sign of the cross on his chest.

The army passed along the dirt road in the country and saw a sentry post in front of them where a garrison was stationed.

The enemy discovered them and a small group of cavalry came galloping over.

"I am Manuel Palaiologos, blessed by God, Grand Duke of Serbia, Lord of Saint Helena."

"I have been summoned by the emperor and ordered to report here!"

Manuel rode forward and nodded to the captain.

"Greetings, Archduke Manuel, we are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of the Gallipoli District, and we are honored to guide you."

The tall and handsome captain of the mounted police bowed.

"Gallipoli is one of the rally points, and your majesty is currently here."

As everyone passed the sentry post, the captain of the cavalry ran forward and explained the situation to the shooting corps stationed there.

"Black person?"

Royston raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"It is estimated that the manors from North Africa will recruit these serfs during the temporary expansion of the shooting army during the war."

Manuel said briefly.

"Roman lives are too precious. It's better to leave the task of death to these serfs."

"There are relatively few black slaves, and most of them are white Berber slaves."

"Not a bad idea. Colonial trade is really a good thing."

Royston was somewhat envious.

"It would be nice if we also had a port. Maybe we could also get a share of the exploration and development."

Manuel thought for a moment and looked at Royston and Constantine.

"If we have made meritorious service on the battlefield, we don't need much reward. If possible, please rent us a port and grant us a colony. What do you think?"

"How do we solve the problem of sailors and ships?"

Royston asked.

"That's easy. There are a lot of them in Italy. We can go to Carthage to buy ships and then go to Italy to recruit sailors."

Manuel thought.

"The empire has many colonies, but most of them have not been developed, and the commercial market is still blank."

"I am the emperor's only brother. He may be able to give us a good place."

"In my opinion, we might as well mine minerals, arm the army, and even better, conquer Bosnia."

The older generation Constantine is obviously not very interested in the unknown distance.

"If we can take Bosnia, we will have access to the sea and a population."

"Sarajevo is a great place. The hot springs there are amazing."

Constantine smiled.

"We'll talk about it later. First, follow me to see the emperor."

Manuel shook his head and looked at the nearby military camp.

Outside the city of Gallipoli, tents were densely packed with more than 10,000 people. The roars of soldiers and the neighing of livestock rose one after another, stew pots were bubbling, and bonfires were crackling.

It was almost noon and the soldiers were still training in the open space. The infantrymen kept changing their formations under the orders of their commander, and the cavalrymen rode on their horses, swinging their sabers at the scarecrows in front of them.

"Your Majesty is on a stand not far away. Please go over there. The troops you brought will be assigned their own campsites."

The captain of the mounted police saluted Manuel and rode away with his squad.

Manuel nodded, dismounted, and took Royston and Constantine around the training area, through the bustling military camp, and to the stands on the hillside.

"Brother Emperor, I'm here."

Manuel bowed to Isaac.

"I have mobilized all the troops that can be mobilized. Do you want to go and take a look?"

"No, I trust you."

Isaac smiled and patted his younger brother on the shoulder.

"When you grow up, if your father sees you now, he will probably be very pleased."

"Brother, are you training your troops?"

Manuel smiled.

"Yes, with the war approaching, we must be fully prepared."

Isaac stopped smiling.

"There have been no battles for a few years. The soldiers are a bit lax and need to be trained up."

"My army has been established for many years, and generally there are no problems, but corruption and stealing are inevitable, so we have to train them."

"I have already beheaded several officers, and exiled the entire families of more than a dozen others." Isaac pointed to the heads hanging on the wooden poles.

"After a while, I will go to several other gathering points. If you are not busy, you can follow me."

"Okay, I also want to see how my brother usually manages his army."

Manuel nodded in agreement.

"It's nothing, actually. We just need to ensure military supplies, wages, equipment, and authority."

Isaac said.

"As for peacetime training and wartime command, I'm actually not very good at it. Just leave it to a general you trust."

"My brother, you are too modest. Everyone in Europe knows that you are the most legendary conqueror and your military tactics are unmatched."

Manuel chuckled.

Hearing this, Isaac just smiled bitterly and shook his head.

In fact, Isaac's talent in leading troops in battle was really average. In the past 26 years, he had only personally commanded a handful of battles.

His advantage lies in his outstanding strategic vision that is ahead of his time. He knows what can be fought and what is easy to fight.

As for tactical command, professional matters should be left to professionals.

"Let's not talk about that. Come and see my newly formed artillery regiment. This is the first time that the empire has used artillery in field battles instead of sieges."

Isaac pointed down at the stands.

The stand was located on a small hill, facing the test field below. Various types of artillery were piled up on the field, and the artillerymen were loading and filling the guns under the command of the instructors.

"I invited these instructors from Burgundy, and I got the artillery drawings from Duke Charles."

Isaac introduced to Manuel.

"I am going to sign a military agreement with him. We have an advantage in muskets, and he has an advantage in artillery. The two complement each other and may be able to play a greater role."

Manuel looked toward the testing ground, where various artillery pieces were spewing out bursts of flames and smoke, firing lead bullets into the distance.

"Kurto cannon, snake cannon, mortar, Kupat cannon."

Manuel identified them one by one.

"It is indeed the French artillery."

"Your Highness, this is Burgundian artillery, not French artillery."

The Burgundian gunner standing next to Isaac was immediately unhappy and looked at Manuel with an unhappy face.

"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant. I didn't say you were French."

Manuel smiled at him kindly.

"I've seen reports of the Battle of Castillon, and the French army used these as well."

"Yes, Burgundy is Burgundy, and our Duke is much stronger than that Spider King."

The gunner said with a proud look on his face.

"Excuse me, the Eastern Empire's artillery is a bit behind. You are indeed ahead in the musket phalanx, but most of your artillery is too heavy and can only be used for siege."

"When it comes to field artillery, the Hussites decades ago were superior to you."

"But this is not your fault. All Eastern cannons are like this. They all use the same method as the Turks. Excessive pursuit of power is not a good thing."

Isaac was already accustomed to the old artillery commander's pride and just smiled casually.

In this era, artillery is no longer a new thing. It has been used by European countries for more than a hundred years and has undergone a lot of development.

The first people to use artillery in field battles were of course the inventors of gunpowder, the hardworking and intelligent Oriental people. They had profound attainments in artillery and were still ahead of European countries in some areas.

After gunpowder was introduced to Europe, it was soon used in wars, and early cannons of various sizes gradually appeared on the battlefield.

The Hundred Years' War between England and France was a testing ground for new weapons, with siege artillery and field artillery appearing repeatedly in the devastated land of Gaul.

Artillery was used in decisive battles such as Crecy, Poitiers, Agincourt and Castillon, and continues to improve to this day.

However, the only monarch who trained field artillery as a standing and regular army was Charles the Bold of Burgundy, the great military reformer.

At this time, Burgundy had the largest and most advanced artillery force in Europe, including a wide variety of field guns and siege guns, with a complete system and considerable power.

Burgundy's field artillery was smaller and could be towed by horses. It was not as difficult to turn and reposition in battle as siege artillery and fired small and medium-sized lead bullets.

In terms of field combat capabilities alone, the powerful Burgundian army under Charles the Bold was unique in the whole of Europe. He was able to persist under Louis XI for so many years and even held the upper hand until now. Naturally, he had his unique deterrent power.

Of course, he was far behind Louis XI in terms of diplomatic skills, was fooled by the Spider King everywhere, and was exhausted in the last few years of his life.

At this time, the field artillery is not very powerful, and artillery positions need to be set up in advance. It mainly plays a deterrent role, which can greatly undermine the enemy's morale and boost our confidence.

If the enemy has artillery and we do not, our army is likely to panic under the continuous artillery fire, and morale will continue to decline.

The lethality might be secondary, but the feeling of being suppressed is really not pleasant.

In the upcoming Great Turkish Campaign, Isaac's opponent, the Ottoman Empire, possesses the most complete artillery system in the Islamic world, including both small field artillery and large siege artillery.

The financially strapped Mehmed II did not have the time to continue developing the artillery force, but his good father left behind a complete artillery system, including gunner training, artillery casting, and artillery tactics...

If you treat the Ottomans as Berbers and fight them, you will definitely suffer a great loss.

Then there are the turrets and gun towers. According to Isaac's observation, in order to prevent landings, the Ottomans set up land-based artillery positions on many fortresses on the Aegean Wall, with the black muzzles aimed at the sea.

In front of these guns, naval vessels are at a disadvantage, and many pirates under Isaac have suffered.

Land-based artillery is not a rare thing and is used by many countries. The Tower of London in England was equipped with dozens of cannons a hundred years ago. The Ottomans also used this kind of thing in the Cutthroat Fort and the Anatolian Fortress.

The same was true for the Eastern Roman Empire, which not only continued to install artillery on the Cutthroat Fort, but also built gun towers on Channel fortresses such as Gallipoli and Gibraltar.

Later, Isaac also planned to follow the example of Stephen III and build turrets on both sides of the Danube to completely block the lower reaches of the Danube.

In the past, the Eastern Roman Empire did not spend much effort on field artillery, and a lot of money was used to develop and deploy new muskets. This time, the Great Turkish War coincided with an opportunity to upgrade the army's artillery system.

There are indeed some good things about Burgundy, so we should learn from them. These Burgundian instructors were rented by me at high salaries, and I hope they can bring some changes to the Eastern Roman artillery.

Of course, Isaac could not attach as much importance to field artillery as Charles the Bold did. There were too many restrictions and surprises. The more stable and efficient bayonet phalanx was still the mainstream of this era.

"Sir Lyle, let's not talk about artillery, what do you think of our muskets?"

Isaac looked at the Burgundian gunner.

"Very good. I thought Your Excellency the Duke attached great importance to muskets, but I didn't expect you to be the master of them all."

Lyle grew serious.

"There are also a large number of musketeers in the Duke's army, but they are still using old-fashioned matchlock guns, which are inferior to your Mushkote heavy matchlock guns."

"And your large square formation is absolutely perfect for fighting on the plains. I have already written to the Duke about this, and I believe he will be very interested."

"So my previous suggestion..."

Isaac looked at him.

"I think this is a good thing. Burgundy will help you set up an artillery academy and educate your gunners, and you will send us a phalanx instructor to help us set up the Burgundy phalanx."

Lyle said.

"And the wheellock you gave me last time is also worth learning."

"Okay, I will write to Duke Charles and try to establish the Artillery Academy as soon as possible."

Isaac nodded.

"There is no conflict of interest between our two countries. This is a win-win situation for both sides."

boom!
A cannon suddenly exploded, and the surrounding gunners screamed and rolled to the side.

"Nonsense! Your gunners really need some training. They're always operating these big siege guns and their minds are totally out of control!"

Lyle cursed angrily.

"I'll go down and take a look."

Lyle walked off on his own, and Isaac patted Manuel.

"I plan to set up the Gallipoli Artillery Academy to systematically train gunners and artillery officers. Although I can't see any results for the time being, future generations will definitely thank me."

“Once the academy is completed, you can also send some Serbian students to study here.”

"Thank you very much, my Royal Brother. I have also heard about the advancement of French artillery a long time ago."

Manuel laughed.

"We are indeed a little behind in this regard. Apart from us, the Ottoman Empire, Hungary, Poland and other Eastern countries are still not as good as the French in military innovation."

"Well, the enemies we faced before didn't use artillery very often. The French have been at war every year, and their artillery tactics were honed in war after war."

Isaac said.

"Once I have trained this group of gunners, you can come with me to inspect several other assembly points. The troops in North Africa are gathering towards the Peloponnese, and I have to go and take a look."

"I thought you were going to gather your troops together."

Manuel shrugged.

"We can't gather together. As for why, you will know later."

Isaac smiled but did not answer.

"So when are you going to attack the Ottomans?"

Manuel asked.

"Not yet. The army has not been reorganized, the food and military supplies have not been fully stockpiled, the weather is bad, and the sea is rough."

Isaac looked out to sea in the distance.

"It's only January now. We will probably have to wait until the turn of summer and autumn, which is a good time to send troops."

"I have to take this opportunity to train all the legions and let the Ottomans wait in fear for a few more months!"

"Then the gods will help us."

Isaac chuckled and looked around with a distant gaze.

The artillery continued to roar, the soldiers continued to shout and kill, and the sea breeze continued to blow, blowing across the fields and villages of the Balkans and Anatolia.

(End of this chapter)