3. Romanos IV Diogenes
The Byzantine Empire, led by Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, took part in the decisive Battle of Manzikert in 1071, a defining moment for the ongoing conflict between the Byzantines and the Seljuk Turks, led by the legendary Alp Arslan.
Although the Byzantines army was strong, due to several betrayals, it lost the battle and in the end Romanos found himself surrounded by the enemy. Nonetheless, he fought valiantly until he was finally captured.
Romanos was brought to the Sultan, being all covered in dust, sweat and blood. Alp Arslan put his foot on his prisoner’s neck and forced him to kiss the floor, as a sign of total humiliation and submission. However, after this, he treated his prisoner decently and following a short negotiation he let him go.
Yet, Romanos’ anguish would not end just here. Returned home, he found himself deposed and forced into a brief civil war. Once defeated, he was promised a peaceful exile, only to be cheated on, as his adversaries had him tortured and blinded. Finally he was sent into exile on an island, where he died shortly afterwards due to his infected wounds from his blinding. A sad end for a man who could have restored the glory of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Discussion about this post