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

Brian Todd Carey,Joshua B. Allfree

Road to Manzikert: Byzantine and Islamic Warfare, 527-1071
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Pen & Sword Books Ltd
Country
United Kingdom
Published
1 March 2021
Pages
224
ISBN
9781526796646

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

Brian Todd Carey,Joshua B. Allfree

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. Outmanoeuvred 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, thus 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 analysed. 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. AUTHORS: Brian Todd Carey is an Assistant Professor of History and Military History at the American Military University and a history lecturer at Front Range Community College.
Joshua B Allfree (tactical map illustrator) is a US Army sergeant major with over thirty years military experience. He has a BA in world military history and an MA in applied information technology as well as various professional qualifications in project management, network engineering and IT service management.
John Cairs (regional map illustrator) is a professional software developer with a special emphasis on computer cartography. 100 b/w maps and battle diagrams

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.