Mar 25, 2009

Manzikert 1071

2Samual 3:34
"Your hands were not bound;

your feet were not fettered;
as one falls before the wicked
you have fallen.”

Manzikert August 25, 1071

The Byzantine Christian Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire) was crumbling apart.

The luxurious baggage train dragged and slowed the 200,000 Byzantine soldiers down.They continued the heavy march towards Manzikert. Seljuk Steppe warriors knowing their territory used classic hit and run tactics that continued to weaken the Byzantines. The Seljuks seized the opportunity to attack the Christian Soldiers as they grew more and more confused. Finally they seized the king Romanos IV.

This would be the beginning of the end for the Eastern Roman Empire.
___________________________________

When the Seljuk Sultan seized Romanos it is chronicled that the following discussion occurred:

Alp Arslan: What would you do if I were brought to you as a prisoner.

Romanos: Perhaps I'd kill you, or exhibit you in the streets of Constantinople.

Alp Arslan: My punishment is far heavier. I forgive you and set you free.



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