The Battle of Manzikert: The Beginning of the End for the Byzantine Empire

The transcript details the stabilization and decline of the Eastern Roman Empire, focusing on Romanus IV's reign and his military campaigns against the Seljuk Turks. Despite initial successes, Romanus's forces were ultimately defeated at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. This defeat marked a significant turning point, leading to the loss of Anatolia and contributing to the Byzantine Empire's decline. The battle's outcome also influenced the onset of the First Crusade, as it demonstrated the Byzantines' weakened state.

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