11th-12th Century Byzantine army questions

[Orb]

How good overall was it?

How reliant was it on mercenaries?

How well was it equipped?

How good were the archery/infantry/cavalry?

I'm slightly ignorant on the specific military aspects, but I've heard some people saying the Byzantines were a professional army, and some that they were useless and relied on Europeans for their backbone... I've got the impression that they were outdated, but maybe I was wrong?

?

[rotorgun]

As I have to be up rather early tommorow, I don't have alot of time to spend on this intruiging topic. Here is an interesting link to wet your appetite for more discussion about the Byzantine Army. I'd say that they were a pretty professional force considering the doctrine they developed over time, and the numbers of different enemies they defeated throughout the 11-12th centuries.

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/...trategikon.htm

Cordially,

[Orb]

Cheers!

[edyzmedieval]

In the 11th century, the Byzantine army was very powerful, and it relied only on its proper forces. After the 12th century, it became mostly mercenary troops.

11th century: 101%
12th century: 70%
13th century: 50%

And so on. After Manyikert, the quality of the Byzantine army rapidly decreased.

[Kagemusha]

As I have to be up rather early tommorow, I don't have alot of time to spend on this intruiging topic. Here is an interesting link to wet your appetite for more discussion about the Byzantine Army. I'd say that they were a pretty professional force considering the doctrine they developed over time, and the numbers of different enemies they defeated throughout the 11-12th centuries.

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/...trategikon.htm

Cordially,

Exellent link rotorgun!