Byzantine–Seljuk wars

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The Byzantine–Seljuk wars were a series of conflicts in the Middle Ages between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Empire. They shifted the balance of power in Asia Minor, Armenia and Syria, sparking multiple wars for control over these regions, including the Crusades. These conflicts lasted until the collapse of the Sultanate of Rum in 1308. The Battle of Manzikert of 1071 is widely regarded as the turning point of the wars. The battle opened up Anatolia for further Turkoman raids, migrations and settlements. The Byzantine military had declined in manpower and equipment prior to 1071, with constant Turkoman incursions overrunning the failing Thematic System. After Manzikert, Byzantine rule over Asia Minor did not end immediately, nor were any heavy concessions levied by the Seljuks on their opponents. It took another two decades before the Seljuks, Turkomans, Danishmendids and Chaka were in control of most of the Anatolian peninsula, before they were repulsed from the coastlines. During...

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