Siege of Manzikert (1054)

The siege of Manzikert in 1054 was a successful defense of the city of Manzikert by Byzantine forces under Basil Apokapes against the Seljuk Turks led by Toğrül.

Siege of Manzikert (1054)
Part of the Byzantine–Seljuq wars
View of the city of Malazgirt and Mount Süphan from the north, 1901
Date 1054 Location Manzikert Anatolia, Theme of Iberia 39°08′41″N 42°32′21″E Result Byzantine victory
Belligerents
Byzantine Empire	Seljuk Empire
Commanders and leaders
Basil Apokapes	Tughril
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

Siege

Toğrül besieged Manzikert for thirty days using all sorts of siege machines but the city held.^[1] A historical account cited the successful defense against the Seljuks use of light type of tortoises, the mobile shelters that protected men and siege weapons from missile fire. Basil is said to have stored sharpened large beams, which were thrown at the advancing tortoises, overturning them in the process.^[2] The city itself was able to withstand the onslaught due to its triple wall and access to spring water.^[1]

Seventeen years later, the Turks would experience greater success against Romanus Diogenes under Alp Arslan at the same place, with the city falling alongside the famous Byzantine defeat in 1071.^[3]