Alp Arslan was the second sultan of the Seljuk Empire. Soon after he rose to power in 1064, he began his first campaign in the Caucasus. In 1065, he took Ani, the Armenian capital, and in 1068 he annexed several Georgian areas. In the same year, Romanos Diogenes – a soldier by profession – ascended the throne of Byzantine Empire and took steps against the Seljuks. His first two campaigns in 1068 and 1069 met some success. In 1071, he launched his third expedition, which culminated in the battle of Manzikert.
At that time, Alp Arslan was directing a military operation against Northern Syria, aiming to expand his sphere of influence. His foremost target was a plunder-rich offensive against the Fatimids of Egypt. On the news of the Byzantines’ advances, he abandoned his plans and changed route to march to Armenia.
Diogenes, meanwhile, arrived at Theodosioupolis (modern Erzurum). He sent the mercenaries and select forces to Akhlat, and assaulted Manzikert with the remainder of his army. After reducing the fortress and the city, he headed toward Akhlat to join the divisions already there. It was then that the foragers were harassed by the advanced body of the sultan's army. The emperor called on the troops at Akhlat for help, but he received no answer. Hence, he decided to proceed to battle with the forces at his disposal. On Friday, 26 August 1071, the two armies faced one another at Manzikert.
