The Battle of Manzikert

Alp Arslan sent a treaty of peace to Romanus and the Byzantines, for he did not want yet another enemy. Romanus declined the offer and instead, attacked.

Romanus was not told of the loss of Tarchaniotes and so he moved on and he easily captured Manzikert. But Arslan sent his full army out to attack. Romanus did not know that it was Arslan’s full army, so he sent out part of his army. Arslan sent his archers to attack the Byzantines.

Romanus’ army held off and eventually captured Arslan’s camp. Arslan’s army ran away when they noticed they were challenged; hit and run.

Eventually Romanus was captured by Arslan’s army and was brought before Arslan.

Arslan: “What would you do if I was brought before you as a prisoner?”

Romanus: “Perhaps I’d kill you or exhibit you in the streets of Constantinople.”

Arslan: “My punishment is much heavier. I forgive you, and set you free.”

Later, Romanos was blinded and eventually killed.

By; Dylan K.