Mental Preparations in the Two Camps Before the Battle of Mantzikert

The outcome of the battle of Mantzikert that was fought between the Seljuk sultan Alp Arslan and the Byzantine emperor Romanos Diogenes paved the way for the expansion of the Turks into Asia Minor that resulted in the establishment of the sultanate of Rum. It is believed that this defeat was the sequel to the internal machinations of the Doukai against their political enemy Diogenes, since he was proclaimed emperor. In reality, the outcome was decided even before the imperial troops proceeded to battle. The paper discusses the war preparations in the two camps as described in Muslim and Christian historical sources. Alp Arslan’s prudent acts gave his warriors the confidence and determination to fight bravely for their religion and their leader. Diogenes’ haughtiness and severity in manner had very negative effects on his already dispirited soldiers who lost not only their fighting spirit, but also the trust in their commander. For this reason, the rumours of the Byzantine defeat were the perfect excuse they were looking for to avoid battle and retreat, ignoring Diogenes’ order to return to their lines.