Battle of Manzikert
1071 · Eastern Anatolia · World · Medieval
The Byzantine line collapsed due to mercenary desertions and envelopment, and Emperor Romanos was captured.
Belligerents
Seljuk Empire
- Commanders
- Alp Arslan
- Strength
- About 20,000-40,000 Turkish horse archers
Byzantine Empire
- Commanders
- Romanos IV
- Strength
- Motley army of about 20,000-40,000
Background
Seeking to recover the Armenian frontier, Romanos led a personal campaign against the eastward-expanding Seljuk army.
Course of the battle
- Eastern CampaignRomanos led his army across the eastern frontier to Manzikert.
- Luring the enemySeljuk horse archers harassed the Byzantines without engaging head-on, wearing them down.
- CollapseAs the Byzantine army withdrew at dusk it was enveloped; desertion on the flank caused the whole line to fall apart, and the emperor was captured.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1071 |
|---|---|
| Place | Eastern Anatolia |
| Result | The Byzantine line collapsed due to mercenary desertions and envelopment, and Emperor Romanos was captured. |
| Winner | Seljuk Empire |
| Casualties | Most of the Byzantine army scattered, and the emperor was captured and later released. |
| Territorial change | Byzantium lost control of the Anatolian heartland, and the Turks poured in. |
Impact
It opened Asia Minor to Turkish settlement and indirectly gave rise to the Crusades.
See the world in 1071 on the map →