Romanos IV Diogenes
Romanos IV Diogenes was a capable Cappadocian general chosen by the empress regent Eudokia as co-emperor in 1068, in a deliberate attempt to provide military competence to an empire endangered by Seljuk raids. He campaigned energetically against the Seljuks in his first years, recovering some lost ground. In 1071 he launched a major offensive into Armenia with a large but poorly coordinated army. The two armies met at Manzikert near Lake Van in August 1071. Through a combination of Seljuk tactical flexibility, Byzantine internal treachery - portions of the army under Andronikos Doukas deliberately withdrew at a critical moment - and Romanos's own isolation, the Byzantine force was routed and Romanos himself was captured by Alp Arslan. This was the first time a Byzantine emperor had been taken prisoner in battle since Valerian was captured by the Persians in 260. Alp Arslan treated him generously and released him for a ransom. But on his return to Byzantine territory Romanos found that a coup had replaced him with Michael VII Doukas. He attempted to regain power but failed, was captured and blinded with such brutality that he died of his wounds in 1072. The Battle of Manzikert opened Anatolia to permanent Seljuk settlement.
- Lived: 1032 CE – 1072 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state, military_leader, general
