The conflict begins as Manuel I reacts to Sicily's growing African power. George sacks Athens, Thebes, and Corinth and captures Corfu, compelling Byzantium to rely on Venice and Conrad III. Although the Venetian fleet was larger than Sicily's, Venetian divisions and Byzantine commitments elsewhere limited the coalition's consistency. One interpretation is that diplomacy or a marriage alliance would have served Byzantium better than empowering allies with territorial ambitions of their own.
Chapter · 48:32-53:34
War with Byzantium, Corfu, and an overstretched coalition
George's capture of Corfu and raids in Greece force Byzantium to seek Venetian and German help, creating new strategic liabilities.