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BATTLE // September 17, 1176

Battle of Myriokephalon

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Overview

The Battle of Myriokephalon was a battle between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks in the mountains west of Iconium (Konya) in west-central Anatolia on 17 September 1176. The battle was a strategic reverse for the Byzantine forces, who were ambushed when moving through a mountain pass.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Battle of Myriokephalon was a strategic reverse for the Byzantine Empire in its long contest with the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Fought in the mountains west of Iconium in west-central Anatolia, the engagement ended in defeat for the Byzantine forces under Manuel I Komnenos when they were ambushed while moving through a mountain pass. Within the broader arc of the Byzantine–Seljuq Wars, the battle marked a significant check on Byzantine power in Anatolia, curtailing the empire's capacity to project force into the interior of the peninsula against the Sultanate of Rum under Kilij Arslan II.

Tactics

The Byzantine force was while moving through a mountain pass in the mountains west of Iconium. Beyond this, the supplied source does not describe the tactical dispositions or maneuvers of either side.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Byzantine Empire25,000–40,000
    medium

Commanders (10)

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1 sibling battles · 0 factions

Last verified July 2026
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