Battle of Myriokephalon

The Battle of Myriokephalon (also known as the Battle of Myriocephalum, Greek: Μάχη του Μυριοκέφαλου, Turkish: Miryokefalon Savaşı or Düzbel Muharebesi) was a battle between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks in the mountains west of Iconium (Konya) in southwestern Turkey on 17 September 1176. The battle was a strategic reverse for the Byzantine forces, who were ambushed when moving through a mountain pass.

Battle of Myriokephalon
Part of the Byzantine–Seljuq Wars

This image by Gustave Doré shows the Turkish ambush at the pass of Myriokephalon.
Date17 September 1176
Location
Pass of Tzivritze, near the fortress of Myriokephalon (not presently identified), west of Konya, Anatolia
Result

Seljuk victory

  • Military balance maintained
Belligerents
Byzantine Empire
Hungary
Principality of Antioch
Principality of Serbia
Sultanate of Rum
Commanders and leaders

Manuel I Komnenos

Kilij Arslan II
Strength
25,000–40,000 Unknown (likely smaller)
Casualties and losses
Approx. 14 of the army or half of those troops who were directly attacked (left and right wings only),
possibly heavy
Unknown
Location within Turkey

It was to be the final, unsuccessful effort by the Byzantines to recover the interior of Anatolia from the Seljuk Turks.

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