That's odd.

I'm also doing an Early Byz campaign (normal diff.) but I haven't experienced any A.I. backlash and I'm about as far along in terms of expansion and ship distribution, etc. as you seem to be.

The difference? I rushed at the begining of the campaign. It's 1120 and I'm very much in your position in terms of faction elimination, territory ownership, and naval power.

I'm not telling you this to rub it in or anything but to say that as the Byz., rushing can give you an opportunity to set up a trade empire and tech up without such stiff competition (i.e. the French don't have any ships in the Med. Sea yet, only the Italians and me and we're allies). That way when the Horde does come, you'll be that much richer and can handle them with even greater ease. It's easy to rush as the Byz in Early; read the guide section on the forums to find out how.

Besides the Turks and Egyptians put out crap units in the begining of the Early era - mostly peasants and desert archers and a few camels - nothing you can't handle

I realize that this won't help you solve your current problem but it may be helpful in future Byz. campaigns.

For now, I would concentrate on the French. The Horde isn't that big a deal on Easy. Plus, all you have to do is kill Khan and he won't have any heirs and his armies will go rebel It sounds like a tall order but it really isn't. The Khan himself will most likely lead early Horde attacks. Use some Varangians like Katank said and get some Xbows or arbs if possible and he can be killed quite quickly.

As far as the French go, have you tried proposing a ceasefire? Or marrying off a duaghter to them? Either might earn you a respite from that war allowing you to concentrate on the Horde preparations. After the Horde is dealt with, turn around and nail those suckers

Best of luck

Hope this n00b to n00b advice is helpful in some way

Thanks,

Micah