Battle of Manzikert: was fought between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuk Turk forces near Manzikert in Asia Minor on August 26, 1071 AD.

The Byzantines were decisively defeated by the Turks. In fact, the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV was captured during the battle. For the next 30 years Byzantium grew weaker and weaker. The Bzyantine Empire (and army) grew somewhat stronger under the reign of Alexis I.