Road to Manzikert: Byzantine and Islamic Warfare, 527-1071

Road to Manzikert: Byzantine and Islamic Warfare, 527-1071

In August 1071, the Byzantine Emperor Romanus IV Diogenese led out a powerful army in an attempt to roll back Seljuk Turkish incursions into the Anatolian heartland of the Empire. Outmaneuvered by the Turkish sultan, Alp Arslan, Romanus was forced to give battle with only half his troops near Manzikert. By the end of that fateful day much of the Byzantine army was dead, the rest scattered in flight and the Emperor himself a captive. As a result, the Anatolian heart was torn out of the empire and it was critically weakened, while Turkish power expanded rapidly, eventually leading to Byzantine appeals for help from Western Europe, prompting the First Crusade.

This book sets the battle in the context of the military history of the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic World (Arab and Seljuk Turkish) up to the pivotal engagement at Manzikert in 1071, with special emphasis on the origins, course and outcome of this battle. The composition, weapons and tactics of the very different opposing armies are analyzed. The final chapter is dedicated to assessing the impact of Manzikert on the Byzantine Empire's strategic position in Anatolia and to the battle's role as a causus belli for the Crusades. Dozens of maps and battle diagrams support the clear text.
Country USA
Brand PEN AND SWORD MILITARY
Manufacturer Pen and Sword Military
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber 8pp b/w plates, 100 maps and battle diag
ReleaseDate 2012-03-26
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781848842151

Country	USA
Brand	PEN AND SWORD MILITARY
Manufacturer	Pen and Sword Military
Binding	Hardcover
ItemPartNumber	8pp b/w plates, 100 maps and battle diag
ReleaseDate	2012-03-26
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781848842151

Road to Manzikert: Byzantine and Islamic Warfare, 527-1071

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