Battle of Manzikert (Historical AAR

[Prince Cobra]

Very good. Actually, in the literature I read there is not much statistic about the size of the armies. But I left with the true implication the Turks were larger. And probably they were.

There are several variations of what happened in the battle of Manzikert and after that and this one is quite interesting (and probably the true one).

It seemed Alp Arslan also had serious problems with his army many of which also deserted. I have some doubts his original army numbered the size of the Byzantines. So probably the army he had in the beginning of the battle did number 15 000( if not more: "half the Romanus' army"). Here I say thank you since i did not know Arslan also have problems with his army.

Romanus. It seemed he had only 10 000-15 000 loyal troops left against Arlsan. 20 000 lead by Tarchaneiotes deserted, other 5 000 lead by Andronicus Doukas also deserted, 500 mercenaries under the Balliol command also deserted, 1 000 Uz some Armenian troops also.

Total: more than 15 000 vs less than 15 000

So I do not think the reason was in the descending quality of the Byzantine troops. I think they were as good as the Turkish one. However, the problem was in the army itself esp. in the loyalty of the commanders.

Anyway, thank you for the info. Now these numbers seem to me more likely, though, you know, nobody at that time counted the exact number of his troops.

I think the Junior Members can not edit their posts. I wish you soon to get a full membership!

Btw, do you have any idea what will your next AAR be? If you want to make another one of course...