Roussel’s decisive victory against the byzantines at the Sangarios river (1074)

The battle at the river of Sangarios, near bridge Zompe, is generally treated in framework internal uprisings and rebellions that marred empire eleventh century. However, it was more decisive than Mantzikert (1071) sense victory Frankish chieftain Roussel drastically diminished numbers imperial armies, leaving easternmost provinces open to constant raiding unrestrained plundering by Seljuk Turks. In this paper, I reconstruct deadly through texts Greek historians Attaleiates Bryennios try throw light on reason for defeat. There are data suggest possibility Nikephoros Botaneiates – future emperor betrayed his fellow commander, caesar John Doukas.