The effects of Manzikert and Myriokephalon on the fall of the Byzantine Empire

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Most historians are now leaning towards alternative arguments regarding Byzantium's alleged military downfall in the eleventh century - particularly John Haldon - and the general consensus now indeed is that Manzikert was not a disastrous defeat in military terms. That the situation was not recovered had more to do with the ineffective Byzantine administration at that point. Attaleiates talks of the thematic troops going to the dogs, and its clear the army in general was in a rather shabby state, not helped at all by largely unable leadership, particularly from the top. Byzantium's 'Golden Age' from 959-1025 was largely attributable to it being ruled by superb commanders - Phokas, Tzimiskes and Basil II - who effectively ran a military state. With the spate of 'civilian emperors' that followed, who blew most of Basil's treasury and dismantled the Iberian themata, the long-term effect was always going to be disastrous. True the professionalization of the army began under Phokas - more mercenaries and a progressive doing away with thematic soldiers - but this would have worked as long as a militarily capable, strong emperor was in charge. George Maniakes and Isaac Komnenos probably presented the best chance for the Empire to return to former glories, but it was not to be. I think Romanos IV was very brave and was royally shafted by the Doukai.

Stephen Asen it is never said that Basil II hated women. Like Nikephoros Phokas it seems he was rather bookish and had little time for such distractions, instead preferring government and war, but to blame him as the chief perpertrator of the misfortunes of the 11th century, for not having an heir, is, I feel, rather harsh. Angold also blamed Basil and there are not many who subscribe to his theory.

And with the loss of Anatolia, we should not forget that Byzantium lost much of its best manpower, should they have even tried to rejuvenate the theme system.

Just try not to believe most of what Psellos says, since he was strongly aligned with the Doukai.

As far as sources go, Attaleiates is the best on Manzikert, but he's not available in English translation (I do however have the Manzikert passages translated). Psellos and Skylitzes Continuatus are also of some use. I know a recent book came out - Turkish Myth and Muslim Symbol: The Battle of Manzikert - which may be useful to you.

[Prince Cobra]

Stephen Asen it is never said that Basil II hated women. Like Nikephoros Phokas it seems he was rather bookish and had little time for such distractions, instead preferring government and war, but to blame him as the chief perpertrator of the misfortunes of the 11th century, for not having an heir, is, I feel, rather harsh. Angold also blamed Basil and there are not many who subscribe to his theory.

1) He could have married at least. Yet, with a mother like Theophano...

2) He could have forced his neices to marry on time. Both Theodora and Zoe (the heiresses to the throne) were left unmarried. A capable husband might have secured the future of the dynasty. A strong dynasty with a capable leader was essential for the surviving of the Empire (with few exceptions). Instead sterile and old rulers, both men and women, followed one after another.

Basil II was indeed very capable as general and a politician but I think he underestimated the importance of strong bloodline.
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Isaac Comnenus was indeed a good choice. As far as I can remember, he had problems with the dynatoi (strong centralism policy) and the capital administration. Yet, his bad health contributed a lot to his failure.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

I think we shouldn't overlook Basil's obvious disdain for the old aristocracy. Families like the Phokades, Maleinoi and Mellissenoi saw their power broken during his reign, and clearly he'd been threatened enough time by the major aristocratic clans to not wish to strongly align with them. Aside from Nikephoros Ouranos, there clearly weren't many military figures he readily trusted (prior to 1000 many of his choices to command his armies in various arenas - Bardas Phokas, Michael Bourtzes, - were largely made out of necessity). Therefore, I couldn't see him marrying his neices to any internal figure worth their salt. Why he didn't marry is another issue - indeed, whole articles have been written on his celibacy. But I still can't blame him. I just think there were enough chances to redeem the situation.

[edyzmedieval]

As far as sources go, Attaleiates is the best on Manzikert, but he's not available in English translation (I do however have the Manzikert passages translated). Psellos and Skylitzes Continuatus are also of some use. I know a recent book came out - Turkish Myth and Muslim Symbol: The Battle of Manzikert - which may be useful to you.

I am using all of the primary sources for my essay, especially Psellos, Attaleiates and Choniates. I found out that it is indeed how you said it, there is no English translation for Attaleiates.

BKB, if you can post the English translation, it would be of immense help.
And thank you for the suggestion, I shall look at it.


@the Basil II topic

Basil was a strong man enough to keep pesky Theophano at bay, but for some reason he abandoned his "youth policies", when he used to go after women 24/7 and didn't care at all about the Empire.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

I get the impression from Psellos that he abandoned his reckless youth due to him being thrust into a situation where he either fought tough and nail or allow his imperial birthright to be snatched from his grasp.

I will have a look for my English translation though its been a long while since I had it, if I find it I will try to scan it.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Ed I found out today that the English translation of the Manzikert part of Attaleiates is included in the preface to that Turkish Myth and Muslim Symbol book.

[edyzmedieval]

Perfect! The librarian of our school ordered it for me so it will be of help for my Extended Essay.

[edyzmedieval]

BKB, you saved me. The Turkish Myth and Symbol book is absolutely amazing, and I'm taking it a step further and I will contact the author so she can clear some things up for me. Brilliant book, I'm recommending it to anyone interested in the subject.

[anweRU]

Turkish tribes were already infiltrating Anatolia prior to Malazgirt (its Turkish name). However, from the Turkish side, it was important in that it lead to a flood of Turkish immigration into the region. Eventually, the Byzantine order collapsed.

With regards to the tax rates: the Turks did indeed have a lower tax rate than the Byzantines. But a more important reason for gaining the allegiance of the newly-conquered territories was the religious tolerance. The Selchuks didn't care what particular Christian sect their subjects belonged to - a Christian was a Christian. So a number of different sects that suffered under Byzantine Orthodox persecution could live in peace.