Thanks, all. So... after cogitating on this thread and some web surfing it looks like the Fireforge Byzantines would be more suitable for a slightly earlier period than I was originally thinking. Say, the reign of Basil II. That still gets me where I want to be, I think. Might be a bit early for a lot of Italian Byzantine/Norman scenarios but it's close enough for me. Sort of in that Viking-to-Norman transition period with the formation of the Varangian guards, etc. Certainly no lack of historic battles to play out.
--jeff