Rise from the Ashes

One of the game's great long hauls. The Restore the Roman Empire decision requires holding the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, or an Empire of Italia formed via Unify Italy - then a very large amount of reconquest. 867 is the best runway: play Byzantium directly, or the sneakier route of starting as Bulgaria, swearing fealty to Byzantium and working your way onto the throne from inside. Build a military-first dynasty and expect this to span generations. Pairs naturally with Wily as the Fox or Miklagarðaríki depending on which route you take.