Battle of Manzikert

The Battle of Manzikert occurred on August 26, 1071, between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks in present-day Turkey. The Byzantines, led by Emperor Romanos IV, faced a decisive defeat against the Turkish forces commanded by Alp Arslan. This battle marked a significant turning point, leading to the decline of Byzantine control in the region and facilitating the expansion of Turkish influence in Anatolia. The loss weakened the Byzantine Empire and contributed to its vulnerability, ultimately influencing the course of medieval history and paving the way for the rise of the Ottoman Empire.