What was the significance of the Battle of Manzikert?

The Battle of Manzikert was fought in 1071 between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Empire. The Seljuks were a Turkic tribe that had been migrating into the Middle East and Asia Minor over the previous century. The Byzantine Emperor, Romanos IV, led an army to confront the Seljuks, but was defeated in a decisive battle.

The significance of the Battle of Manzikert lies in its aftermath. The defeat of the Byzantine Empire opened up Asia Minor to the Seljuks, who quickly began to conquer and settle the region. This marked a turning point in the history of the Byzantine Empire, which had previously been the dominant power in the region. The loss of Asia Minor weakened the Byzantines and made them more vulnerable to attacks from other powers, such as the Crusaders.

The Battle of Manzikert also had a significant impact on the Seljuk Empire. The victory at Manzikert allowed them to expand their territory and establish themselves as a major power in the region. They continued to conquer territory in Anatolia and eventually founded the Sultanate of Rum, which would rule much of modern-day Turkey for over a century.