The Battle of Manzikert took place on August 26, 1071, between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks. The battle was significant as it marked a major defeat for the Byzantines, leading to the loss of much of their territory in Anatolia. The Byzantine army, led by Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, faced a well-coordinated Seljuk force commanded by Alp Arslan. The defeat at Manzikert weakened the Byzantine Empire and opened the door for Turkish settlement in Anatolia. This battle is often seen as a turning point that contributed to the decline of Byzantine power and the rise of the Seljuk Empire in the region.