Byzantine Empire 1071 AD

Byzantine Empire 1071 AD

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Byzantine Empire 1071 AD

The Battle of Manzikert took place on the 26^th of august 1071 AD between the Seljuk Turks and the Byzantine Empire, leading to the defeat of the latter and capture of Romanus IV. It was a year that marked the beginning of the fall of the Byzantine Empire after the march to fight the Seljuk Turks Romanus was overthrown by one of his strongmen that had accompanied him to the battlefront (Morgan, 2007). The empire also lost a variety of territories despite the fact that the march was meant to consolidate new territories for the empire.

The death of Romanus after a torture by his own subjects led by Dacus who had accompanied him to battle marked the decline of the Byzantine Empire. The decline in fortunes and economic collapse of the empire has been largely attributed to the Battle of Manzikert. In addition, this battle has been termed as the primary reason for the preceding crusades by the Turks forces and the Byzantines (Lieu, & Montserrat, 1996).

The fall of the empire enabled the Normans to establish themselves in Sicily and the southern parts of Italy given that there were no forces to oppose their rule and reign. The Byzantine Empire had provided security and refuge to Christianity and was largely associated with providing protection and aid to the Catholic Church (Lieu, & Montserrat, 1996). The west saw the fall of Byzantine as a sing of possible intrusion and capture of the Vatican and Italy at large. Hence, they sought help and support from all possible avenues such as Normans.

The Battle of Manzikert provided Muslims with an avenue to gain control of Anatolia and other parts of the Byzantine Empire. Despite the peace pledged by the Seljuk emperor, Romanus was betrayed, deposed, tortured and killed by his subjects whom he had entrusted his life upon (Lieu, & Montserrat, 1996).

Reference

Morgan, G. (2007). Byzantium. Edison, N.J: Chartwell Books.

Lieu, S. N. C., & Montserrat, D. (1996). From Constantine to Julian: Pagan and Byzantine views: a source history. London: Routledge.