Jaguar Warriors : Heavy Infantry of Aztec Empire

Jaguar warriors were the heavy infantry of Aztec Empire. They were the most fierce warriors of the empire along with the Eagle warriors. They wore jaguar skulls and skins because they believed that way the strength of that animal will be transferred to them. They were mainly shock troops and like jaguars, the apex predator of South America.

Jaguar Warrior

Origin : The Aztecs first started flourished around 1300 AD. They were warlike people and always needed slaves for sacrifice to their gods. So, soon they conquered most of the middle and southern mexico and formed an empire. The jaguar warriors were one of their main infantry unit and were specialized in capturing than killing (I will discuss about this unique feature later in the article). So, from the start of their expansion these warriors played a crucial role.

Training : The Aztecs had a specialized schooling system for children. There were two types of schools in Aztec system, Telpochacalli and Calmecac. Teclpochacalli was the school of common people and Calmecac was for nobles. The commoners school was military school. Here Aztec boys were taught about military discipline, drills, leadership etc. These schools made the soldiers for empire. Jaguar warriors were the product of these schools. But not everybody could get that status. They had to capture twelve enemies in two battles to get the status of Jaguar warrior. These warriors were respected in the society and treated as nobles. So, any common boy could get that high status through this process of selection. 

Macuahuitl

Equipment : Jaguar warriors were melee soldiers and used wooden clubs edged with obsidian blades called "Macuahuitl". They didn't have the access to iron so obsidian were their main material for slashing. These clubs could easily decapitate enemies. They also carried wooden shields decorated with their insignia. For armors they used cotton cloths and also the jaguar skins and skulls as costume.

Uniqueness : The jaguar warriors were unique because of their skill in capturing the enemy rather than killing them. This had a religious purpose. They needed humans for sacrifice to their gods. So, they believed capturing enemy was better way to honor gods than killing them. The warrior, who killed enemy, was considered as unskilled. 

Jaguar Warrior

The Fall : After the encounter with Spanish conquistadors many unfortunate events happened to the Aztecs. They totally misunderstood the conquistadors as god at first. When they understood the true intention of the Spanish, it was too late. Their emperor was dead and capital was taken by Hernan Cortes, the leader of the conquistadors. Though they managed to retake their city and drove the Spanish away but weakened by plague which the Spanish brought with them in new world. Hernan Cortes returned and besieged Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. They fought bravely but ultimately fall on August 13, 1521. 

Jaguar Warrior

Conclusion : The Jaguar warriors were considered as one of the deadliest infantry of Mesoamerican culture. They lost the war because of their misunderstanding and technologically superior weapons used by the Spanish. They are still remembered as the elite warriors of Aztec empire.     

              

Hasdrubal : True Brother of Hannibal

Hasdrubal was the second son of Hamilcar Barca and brother of Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian general. Hannibal was much more famous and a legend of ancient history but Hasdrubal was also a great general and leader. He didn't get the fame as his brother did. Maybe Hannibal's fame overshadowed him. In this article I will try to discuss Hasdrubal's tragic but heroic end.

Hasdrubal Barca

Early life : Hasdrubal got his command in young age like Hannibal. He with their younger brother Mago accompanied Hannibal in his campaign against the Romans. The hatred for Rome was in his blood just like his brothers. Because of his capabilities Hannibal gave the command of Spain to him and went to his Italian campaign against Rome.

Pre-Italian Campaign : After departure of Hannibal, Hasdrubal protected Spain from Rome and their allies. Spain was the source of manpower and wealth which funded Hannibal's Italian campaign. He won victory against Romans in "Battle of The Upper Baetis"in 211 BC and secured the Iberia. After Hannibal won some famous victories against Romans and reached southern Italy, he called Hasdrubal to join him. Hannibal's plan was to attack Rome from both sides. From North Hasdrubal and from South Hannibal himself. After getting the message Hasdrubal marched from Spain towards Italy.

Hasdrubal Barca

Italian Campaign : Hasdrubal took the same route which his brother took earlier and crossed the Alps with elephants and reached Italy with his army in 207 BC. He recruited many Gallic tribes. So, his army was getting bigger day by day. We can see here he was a genius in this field and more successful than Hannibal. Hannibal couldn't recruit that much people which Hasdrubal recruited on his way. He sent message to Hannibal about his arrival but unfortunately the messenger was captured and Romans now got the whole picture of Hannibal's plan. They understood that they were in grave danger. If they allowed those two brothers to meet Rome would fall. They also knew the reputation of Hasdrubal. They already sent an army under Marcus Livius to stop Hasdrubal but after getting the message it was clear that Hasdrubal must be defeated otherwise there would be no Rome. So, they assembled an army quickly and marched towards Hasdrubal without any delay. Hasdrubal was waiting for Hannibal's response and his army was in a stand off with the roman army came to stop him. He had no idea about another roman army was coming in his way under Consul Claudius Nero. The Roman army reached at night and reinforced the previous army. Now they were ready.

Battle of The Metaurus : In the morning when Hasdrubal saw the roman army he understood he was fighting two Roman armies now. So, he tried to retreat to Gaul in the cover of night and establish communication with Hannibal for further planning. The guide he had betrayed him and left him near the river Metaurus. In the morning he saw his Gallic mercenaries were all drunk and the roman armies approaching.  The army was in total disarray and not ready for battle. The Romans routed the Carthaginian army. Many were captured or killed. Hasdrubal saw his army was lost so he did what a hero would do. He took his sword and ran to the roman army. He was killed and beheaded by the Romans. He didn't run from battlefield. He faced the enemy like a true son of Hamilcar Barca.

Battle of The Metaurus 

Aftermath : Romans delivered Hasdrubal's head to Hannibals's camp. With Hasdrubal's death Hannibal's plan of gaining total victory over Rome was shattered. He knew he lost the chance to win the war.  His army became demoralized and Romans started regaining their ground again. The tide had turned in the favor of Rome. 

Hasdrubal Barca

Conclusion : If Romans failed to defeat Hasdrubal that day, the history of Italy and Europe would be different. The Roman Empire which expanded throughout Europe, Asia and Africa may not be existed. Hasdrubal's death became the turning point of Second Punic War and changed the destiny of Rome and Carthage both.       

Roman Legion : The Best Infantry of Ancient Era

Roman Legion was the best of their time and the time span was not short. Roman Empire was expanded through out Europe, Asia and Africa. It was undoubtedly the strongest and long lasted empire of history and that happened because of the strength of its legions. They were the backbone of roman war machine.

Roman Legion

Origin : The roman legion first formed after Marian Reform (107 BC). Before that roman army was consisted of four types of infantry units. Velites (The poorest citizens who couldn't afford shield or sword. So, relied on javelin. Mainly skirmisher unit), Hastati (Normal and poor class with little armor or weapon and shield), Principe (Upper class citizens with modest armor and weapons and shield) and Triarii (These men were elite roman infantry and veteran of war. Mainly from aristocratic families. They had the best equipment available). During the 2nd Punic War (2018-201 BC) this system suffered heavy losses by famous Carthaginian general Hannibal. Romans won that war but it was an wake up call for them. Finally, in 107 BC Gaius Marius, a statesman and general reformed the army. He formed the legions.

Legion

Structure : 100 men formed a century. 6 centuries formed 1 cohort and 10 cohorts formed 1 legion. One legion numbered 6000 men. Here 20% of those men were non combatants. So, one legion had 4800 soldiers and 1200 non combatants. Every century moved, drilled or camped like one unit.  The numbers in legion varied from republican era to imperial era

Equipment : Roman legion was heavy infantry. Their main weapon was famous Gladius Sword, Pilum (Specially designed throwing spear) and Pugio or dagger. They also carried their rectangular signature shield Scatum. They used chainmail, plate armor and scale armor with the helmet Galea which can protect not only head but also neck and some portion of face.

Scatum & Gladius 

Tactics : Their standard tactics was cavalry on the sides and two rows of five cohorts in front. After that light auxiliary forces and reserve units. They generally maintained three rows but could be switched to Tustudo or turtle formation to save themselves from arrows. In battle they first threw their pilums to disorganize their enemies. After that engaged the enemy in close combat. They used the rotation system in their rows so every soldier could fight and the effectiveness of the army increased.

Famous battles : The legions fought in many famous battles. Some of those are like the Caesar's campaign in Gaul (58-51 BC), Roman wars against Macedonia, Seleucid Empire, Pontus, Thrace etc. And most of the time the roman empire emerged victorious because of the strength and discipline of its legions. Though they also suffered defeats sometimes. Most notable of those was Battle of Teutoburg Forest (9 AD), where entire legion under Varus annihilated by the German tribes under Arminius.

Tustudo Formation

Conclusion : Roman legions were one of the key factors of the expansion and longevity of roman empire. After 3rd century AD the effectiveness of the legions started decreasing. That was one of the main reason of the collapsing of western roman empire in 476 AD. They are gone but their permanent effect in history last forever.

          

War Elephants : Ancient Battle Tanks

The elephants were used as weapon from ancient times. They were a patent weapon for Indian civilizations. Other ancient civilizations like Carthaginian and Seleucid used them because of their power and the fear they generate on the enemy line by their presence in battlefield. Hannibal's crossing of Alps with his 37 war elephants is famous in history (Though only one survived to Italy). They were the tanks and siege engines of ancient warfare. 

War Elephants

Origin : The Indian kingdoms used war elephants from the time of starting of their civilization. We could see the rapid use of war elephants in the battles of Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. That was because of the availability of elephants in Indian sub-continent. The western world was unknown to the use of this weapon until the Alexander's invasion of India in 326 BC. The Macedonian army was in complete disarray after seeing these beasts on the enemy line and Alexander almost lost the battle against Purus. But a quick thinking and strategy saved the day for Alexander. The successor kingdoms of Alexander's empire used elephants in their army from that time until the Roman era. The Carthaginians used them in battle and they had trade with India. So, they had the supply of elephants for their army. Here is one point to be noted. The war elephants used in battles were mostly Indian or Asiatic elephants. Their African counter part was difficult to ride and control so wasn't use as weapons. The elephants were used in India until the Medieval era but invention of firearms made them obsolete for battle.
 

Elephant Charge

Equipment : The war elephants were equipped with various things varied for their role in battle. The shock troops were equipped with heavy metal armor from body to the trunk to save the beast. The tusks were some times attached with metal spikes to make heavy losses on enemy side. The archers can sit on their back in a specific structure attached to it called "Hawda", more like a room. From there they can shoot arrows and protect themselves. Moreover a rider called "Mahaut" sit on their back to control the beast. They were equipped with their own spear and a metal weapon to kill the elephant if it got panicked. With these attachments the war elephants were nearly invincible in battle and hard to kill with spear or arrows.

Training : There was a difference and effectiveness of highly trained and untrained elephants. The trained elephants were hard to panic in battle and used a steady course towards enemy line. An untrained beast could panic and run towards its own line and damaged their own side. So, the war elephants were given training to overcome the fear and crush the enemy not friends.

Elephant Battle

Famous Battles : War elephants played a key role in the "Wars of the Diadochi" or the war between the successor kingdoms of Alexander's Empire. Most famous of them was the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC where Seleucus's 500 war elephants (Which he got from Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya in exchange of his eastern provinces) crushed the Antigonus I's line and won the victory for him and his allies. Another famous elephant charge was in Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BC where Purus's elephants charged against Alexander's Macedonian army and nearly crushed them.

War Elephants in battle

Conclusion : Elephants are gentle giants and being used for many years in armies. After invention of firearms and canons their effectiveness highly reduced and later obsolete for battles. But they turned the tide of many battles in their days and always were the most feared weapon of ancient era.             

Immortals : Guards of Emperors

"Immortals" was the name given by famous Greek historian Herodotus. They were the bodyguards of Persian emperors of Achaemenid Empire (550 to 330 BC). They were the best of Persian army and picked up on the basis of their service record. Their number was always 10000. If anyone died or retired other person filled up the gap to make it 10000 again. These men were feared by the enemies for their fighting ability and served the empire until its destruction by Alexander the great of Macedon.

Origin : The immortals were formed during the time Persian empire started expanding and became a true empire in Asia. As the territories expanded so did the prestige of the emperor. So, to show his subjects and vassal kingdoms the might of the empire they were formed as an elite group of soldiers. They had dual roles as bodyguards of emperor and also a standing army under his command. After the fall of the empire they faded away in history.

Persian Immortals

Weapons & Armors : The sources we have are all Greek historians who wrote about Persian empire. The descriptions varied person to person. Generally they used shields, short spears, bows and short swords or daggers as their weapons. They were bronze breastplate and scale armor. For headdress they use Persian tiara (Some said cloth or felt cap). Some sources said their horses were also covered in armor for protection of the beast and the legs of the riders. 

Immortals

Uniforms : The uniforms of immortals varied sources to sources. Most common of them were the colorful robes with gold jewelries. But those might be for ceremonial purpose. Their battle uniforms were different. 

Came to Fame : The immortals were used greatly during the war against the Egyptians and Northern Indian Kingdoms but they were famous for their contribution during the Persian invasions of Greece in 5th century BC. They were the elite of the occupying forces and used in critical moments to turn the tide in favor of the Persians. Their greatest failure was in Thermopylae (480 BC) against the Spartan army under Leonidas. They failed to clear the pass and defeat the Spartans. Treachery on the Greek side saved the day. They remained in Greece until the end of Persian occupation.

Immortal against Greek Hoplite 

Legacy : The immortals influenced many later civilizations to keep a standing army of veterans. That word "Immortals" used by many other empires and civilizations like Sassanids (Another Persian empire of later stage), Byzantines, even the Imperial guards of Napoleon were called immortals sometimes. They were the first demonstration of usage and necessity of well equipped standing army.          

Swiss Guards : Pope's Army

The Swiss guards also known as Pontifical Swiss Guards are famous in the history. They can be seen in Vatican city mainly in modern times. They are Pope's personal bodyguards and work for safety of the Pope and the city. They are doing this job for last 500 years and doing it efficiently.

Swiss Guards

Origin : The Swiss Guards were mercenaries and fought many wars in fifteenth century for European powers. During that time they first came to the service of Pope Julius II in 1505. The Pope Julius II asked the Swiss Confederacy to provide him 200 Swiss guards for his stand up force. Which they had provided. The German merchants from Augsburg, Bavaria and few others financed the process. The first contingent of 150 soldiers reached Rome in 1506. Their use in war without Pope's permission is prohibited though with Pope's permission they were used in some battles (Battle of Lepanto in 1571, twelve Swiss Guards of Pope Pius V served under Admiral Marcantonio Colonna against the Ottoman Empire).

Pope Francis with his guards

Structure : The Swiss guards are very small in numbers but they maintain their own chain of commands. The non commissioned officers in the army are Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and Sergeant Major. The commissioned officers are Captains, Major, Vice commandant and Commandant. The smallest rank is Guardsmen (Basically the foot soldiers). The uniforms are little different from one another.

Uniform

Uniforms : The uniform of the Swiss guards are really unique. No modern army use those uniforms these days. In modern era those uniforms are mainly ceremonial. They use tri-colored stripped uniform with different Helmets or Berets. The officers uniforms are slightly different according to their ranks. Yellow, blue and red colors mainly used for the uniform. These guards are also famous for these colorful uniforms. Though in modern days they wear modern cloth when they accompany Pope to his tours.

Weapons : Historically the main weapon of these guards are halberds. This long polearm became their trademark weapon along with steel breastplate and metal Morion helmet with feathers they were. Though in modern times they use small firearms like SIG P220 pistol and SIG SG 550 rifles when they function as bodyguard. They use many other small firearms and rifles in modern times for this role.

Halberd bearer

Famous Last Stand : The Swiss Guards are famous in history for their heroic last stand against the mercenaries of Holy Roman Empire to cover the escape of Pope Clement VII in 1527. The pope was opposing the Holy Roman Empire during that time. So, the mercenaries of Holy Roman Empire under Duc De Bourbon attacked Rome for potential loot. They ransacked the city and tried to capture Pope himself but the Swiss Guards under Commander Kasper Roist made their last stand in the Teutonic Cemetery within the Vatican to cover the escape of the Pope. They fought valiantly against the overwhelming number of enemy forces. 147 of 189 guards with Commander Roist was killed in this battle. The remaining guards accompanied Pope to safety.

Conclusion : In modern days these guards still doing their duties as the bodyguards of Pope. Though their traditional uniforms and weapons are mostly ceremonial in these days. They evolved themselves as modern army unit for the function of bodyguards. They are unique because of their long 500 years old tradition. No modern army is older than Swiss Guards.

       

Rajputs : Legendary Warriors of India

The word Rajput derived from the Sanskrit word Rajputra or prince in English. In middle ages these warriors established a feared and respected reputation for themselves. The word Rajput became the synonym of bravery, honor and chivalry. They were the Indian version of European knights and followed a strict code of honor.

Rajput Warrior

Origin : The Rajputs were the natives of Rajasthan, an Indian state in north western India. They came to fame during Muslim invasions of India in 10th century. Because of their stiff resistance Muslim Sultans of Delhi Sultanate struggled to subdue Rajasthan. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji they made a notable progress in expansion but never were really able to subdue the Rajputs. During the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, Rajasthan became a Mughal province (Though a resistance by the king of Mewar was still in effect but the majority of the Rajput kingdoms were under Mughal rule). 

Golden Era : The Rajputs became famous for their heroism and valor in battle. After Delhi Sultanate being established, the rulers tried to expand their territory to North western India. Rajasthan was divided in small Hindu kingdoms. They had their own feud with each other and in constant fighting. Because of that the Sultans of Delhi thought they were easy prey and could be conquered without much of a resistance. But what they overlooked or miscalculated was the nature of the terrain and the forts Rajputs had for their defense. Most of the cities in Rajasthan were fortified and because of their constant fight with each other most of those were well defended. The Rajputs were war like people and because of the harsh terrain they were hardy fighters. Those reasons held the expansion of Delhi Sultanate to Rajasthan almost a century. During the time of Alauddin Khilji Delhi sultanate conquered many Rajput kingdoms with a large force and the tactics required to conquer those lands. Alauddin Khilji himself was a brilliant general which also helped him in that matter. After Babur defeated the last Sultan of Delhi sultanate in battle of Panipat in 1526, the unified Rajput force under the leadership of king of Mewar Rana Sangram Singh tried to capture Delhi but defeated. Mughals first introduced firearms and canons in India. Those weapons saved the day for the Mughals. During the reign of third Mughal emperor Akbar Mughals tried a different approach. They tried to win them by honoring and establishing friendship with them. Like Akbar himself married Rajput Princess Jodha Bai. Man Singh another Rajput king became the main general of Mughal army. King Todor Mal became the finance minister of Mughal Empire. This way Akbar succeeded to subdue many Rajput kingdoms and got their friendship. Though Mewar still continued the hostility and never submitted to Mughal rule. Eventually Akbar conquered Mewar after the battle of Haldighati in 1576 but Rana Pratap Singh never submitted and continued fighting and regained some territories from the Mughals but he never saw his capital Chittor again. He is still remembered in India with respect and as a symbol of independence.

Maharana Pratap Singh

Weapons & armor : The main weapon of Rajput warriors were swords and shields. They used Khanda (A double edged straight sword) and shields. Bows were secondary weapons. Another famous weapon in their arsenal was Katar (A version of push dagger). The Rajputs mainly wore chain mail armor with metal helmet in battle. 

Katar

Downfall : Rajputs became the main pillar of Mughal military might. The tradition Akbar set by marriage and honoring the Rajputs, helped Mughal Empire to expand in rest of India. Akabar's son Jahangir and grandson Shah Jahan followed his footstep but the problem started in Akbar's great grandson Aurangzeb's rule. He was intolerant to other religions and imposed Jijia Tax again which Akbar abolished. It was the tax for non Muslims for pilgrimage. That ignited the rebellion in Rajasthan and weakened Mughal Empire drastically. Though during Aurangzeb's reign Mughal Empire reached its peak and covered almost entire India but his policies undermined it totally. After his death Rajputs fought and became independent again. Though it also took its toll on later stages. Constant fighting with Mughal Empire weakened them too and because they were divided in smaller kingdoms failed to resist the rise of Maratha empire and Sikh empire. After British conquered most of India they conquered Rajasthan too and Rajputs became the shadow of their glorious past.

Conclusion : Though the glory days of Rajputs were gone but they still maintained and being respected for their honor, chivalry and fighting ability. Indian Army has Rajput Regiment and Rajputana Rifles. Those Rajput warriors are still guarding India from outside threat.

Janissaries : Elite infantry of Ottoman Empire

Janissaries were the elite infantry of Ottoman empire. They were the best of the best of the empire and Sultan's personal household troops. Actually they were slaves. Though they were slaves, they held a respected and prestigious status in the society.  They had a feared reputation in battle. Those unique elite guards existed until the early half of 19th century. Later disbanded by the Sultan. They maybe gone but their legacy remains.

Ottoman Janissaries

Origin : The Janissaries were first introduced by ottoman sultan Murad I during his reign (1362-1389). The captured or kidnapped Christian boys (Mostly from 10-14 years of age) were sent to the Sultan. Most of them were captured or taken from Armenia, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece. The ottomans also took one boy from every christian families in their territory as tax. These boys  sent to Sultan in the capital. There they were trained in Ottoman and Islamic ways. They were slaves and in Islam keeping Muslim slaves was restricted so they were not being converted to Islam. Their loyalty was only to Sultan himself. Best of them were promoted to Sultan's personal bodyguard. They also accompanied Sultan and sometimes the general as an elite brigade. They were slaves but treated well. They got wages for their service and pension after retirement.

Janissary

Weapon : Janissaries were famous for their ability in using firearms. Though before introduction of firearms they used axes, Turkish swords, daggers and bows as their weapon. The palace guards used halberd as their main weapon but after firearms being introduced it became their main weapon. They mainly used muskets as their main weapon along with swords and daggers. 

Janissaries in battle

Role : Janissaries' main role in battle was to protect sultan from any harm but they were also used as sappers, marksmen, engineers, technicians. Because of their elite status, they were highly respected by other troops and their presence worked as a moral booster for the army. They were the last resort and were used cautiously. Their defeat could be catastrophic for the moral of the army (We saw that in the Siege of Vienna in 1683). They were also used as palace guards.

Ottoman Siege

Disbandment : Janissaries became more powerful and influential in time. They started playing the role of king maker by supporting their favorite candidate for the throne. They revolted many time to secure their positions to increase their wages or getting some rights. They became greedy in time and sometimes took sultan captive or forced him to accept their demand. They started interfering with sultan's decisions. They stopped the idea of modernizing the ottoman army in European model in the fear of loosing their importance. Many sultans tried to disband or reduce their power but failed. They became the threat to the Ottoman empire like the praetorian guards became to the Western Roman empire. Finally during the reign of sultan Mahmud II Janissaries mutinied again in 1826. This time sultan was ready for them. He defeated and disbanded them. Captured Janissaires were either killed or exiled. It was the end of Janissaries.

Conclusion : The Janissaries became the main symbol of ottoman army in the western world because of their loyalty, bravery and attractive costume. They were slaves but became the king maker. They did many heroic deeds and atrocity for Ottoman empire and for their own interest. They became obsolete in time and finally became history.    

Battle of Manzikert : The beginning of an end

Battle of Manzikert (1071) was the first battle where the first time Byzantine power and prestige greatly lost. Seljuk Turks defeated Byzantine forces decisively. It was the turning point for both sides. After this battle Seljuk Turks became the most powerful faction in the region where as the influence of the Byzantine empire started decreasing rapidly.

Battle of Manzikert

Prelude : Before Manzikert the Byzantines and the Seljuk Turks met in few smaller battles. Where the Byzantine forces fought against small group of Seljuk raiders. After Romanos IV became the Byzantine emperor, he started gathering his forces to destroy the Seljuk threat forever. After getting the news about Seljuk Sultan Alp Arsalan's siege of Aleppo against the Fatimid rulers of Egypt, he marched towards Manzikert with his army of 100000 (Approx.) to take the city. He was planning further to take the Seljuk capital as well and destroy the Seljuk power in Anatolia. Alp Arsalan got the news of Byzantine movement towards Manzikert. So he lifted the siege and rushed towards it. He didn't take the direct route to Manzikert. He took a longer route around Lake Van where he was joined by 10000 more troops from Iran. His forces was around 30000 at that time. Romanos took Manzikert after a brief fighting. Then he divided his troop and sent 30000 men south to block a passage from where he thought the Seljuk attack would come. Alp Arsalan outsmarted him and reached the passage from north (Behind the Byzantine army) and surprised them. Then they spread the rumor about defeat of Byzantine forces in Manzikert so the 30000 troops returned to Constantinople without any fighting. After that Alp Arsalan turned his forces and went to meet Romanos.

Manzikert

The Battle : The battle started near Manzikert with numerical advantage to Romanov. He divided his forces in four groups. He deployed three with himself in center and one portion remained as reserve under Andronikos Doukas. After the battle began Byzantines advanced towards Seljuk line. Seljuk forces were cavalry heavy.  Most of their forces were nomadic horse archers. They harassed the advancing Byzantine forces by all means. Because of their speed the Byzantines failed to catch them. Because those three groups were separated vastly the communication broke. A portion of Seljuk force broke from the center and started encircling the Byzantine left flank. Andronikos Doukas, who was the in-charge of reserve force had a family feud with Romanos so he didn't reinforce the left flank and betrayed Romanos by leaving the battlefield with the reserve force. Romanos also were far away and failed to reinforce his left flank.  The Byzantine left totally destroyed. Reports said Romanos's banner fell in between and that started confusion in Byzantine line. His right flank started retreating after seeing that cause they thought emperor was dead. Romanos was now encircled from all sides. Though his bodyguards fought valiantly but by the evening they were crushed too. Romanos was captured and had to sign a humiliating treaty with Alp Arsalan. After that Alp Arsalan released him and he returned to Byzantine empire but that time Michael VII became the emperor. After a civil war Romanos was defeated and blinded. He soon died by that wound.

Manzikert (1071) 

Aftermath : Manzikert was the turning point for the Seljuk Turks. After that they became the main power in the region. Within a few decades they conquered most of Byzantine strongholds in Anatolia. Their rapid success alarmed the bell and Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos plead to Pope Urban II for help and the crusades began. For Byzantine side after this battle they lost the ability to stop the Seljuk expansion. Their power greatly diminished and they started losing territories rapidly. The Byzantine empire existed only by name but most of its territories were gone. The sacking of Constantinople by the crusading army in 1204 was the last nail in the coffin. Though it continued to exist until 1453 but it was only a shadow of its former glory. Ottoman Turks captured and end the Byzantine empire in 1453.