Battle of Manzikert

The Battle of Manzikert (Turkish Malazgirt Sava??) occurred on August 26, 1071 between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuk Turkish forces led by Alp Arslan, resulting in the defeat of the Byzantine Empire and the capture of Emperor Romanus IV Diogenes.

Preparations

Accompanying Romanus was Andronicus Ducas, an odd choice as Ducas was an old enemy of the emperor. Romanus left his best general, Nicephorus Botaniates, at home, suspecting his loyalties — although he was certainly more loyal than Ducas. The army consisted of Byzantine troops from the western provinces, and probably about the same number from the eastern provinces; French mercenaries under Roussel de Bailleul; some Turkish, Bulgarian, and Pecheneg mercenaries; infantry under the duke of Antioch; a contingent of Armenian troops; and some (but not all) of the Varangian Guard. Also, from Balkans and around the empire, Russians, Khazars, Alans, Uzes (Oghuz Turks), Cumans (Kypchak Turks), Georgians, Franks, Crimean Goths, Bulgars, and Patzinaks. In addition, the elite Tagmata Cavalry units accompanied Emperor Romanus.The total number was about 100.000 men.

Related Topics:
Nicephorus Botaniates - French - Bulgaria - Pecheneg - Antioch - Varangian Guard - Russians - Khazars - Alans - Uzes - Cumans - Georgians - Franks - Crimean Goths - Bulgars - Patzinaks - Tagmata Cavalry

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The march across Asia Minor was long and difficult, and Romanus did not endear himself to his troops by bringing a luxurious baggage train along with him; the Byzantine population also suffered some plundering by Romanus' German mercenaries, whom he was forced to dismiss. The expedition first rested at Sebasteia on the Halys, and reached Theodosopolis in June of 1071. There, some of his generals suggested continuing the march into Seljuk territory and catching Arslan before he was ready. Some of the other generals, including Nicephorus Bryennius, suggested they wait there and fortify their position. Eventually it was decided to continue the march.

Related Topics:
German - Mercenaries - Sebasteia - Halys - Nicephorus Bryennius

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Thinking that Arslan was either further away or not coming at all, Romanus marched towards Lake Van expecting to retake Manzikert rather quickly, as well as the nearby fortress of Khliat if possible. However, Arslan was actually in Armenia, with 30 000 cavalry from Aleppo, Mosul, and his other allies. Arslan's spies knew exactly where Romanus was, while Romanus was completely unaware of his opponent's movements.

Related Topics:
Lake Van - Aleppo - Mosul

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Romanus ordered his general John Tarchaneiotes to take some of the Byzantine troops and Varangians and accompany the Pechenegs and French to Khliat, while Romanus and the rest of the army marched to Manzikert. Although it is unknown precisely what happened to Tarchaneiotes and his army after this, they apparently caught sight of the Seljuks and fled, as they later appeared at Melitene and did not take part in the battle.

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