Alp Arslan
The Seljuk warrior-king whose decisive victory at Manzikert flung open the gates of Anatolia, forever changing the map of the Middle East.
1029–1072 (age 43)·Sultan of the Seljuk Empire from 1063 to 1072·Birthday: January 20
Biography
Alp Arslan, whose name means 'Heroic Lion,' was a ruler who traded the comfort of his palace for the saddle of his warhorse. As the second sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire, he solidified his inheritance through relentless military campaigns, expanding his domain from Central Asia to the fringes of the Byzantine Empire. His moment of world-historic importance came in 1071 at the Battle of Manzikert. There, his mobile horse-archers outmaneuvered and captured the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes. This single catastrophe shattered Byzantine military power in Anatolia, paving the way for the gradual Turkification of the region and setting the stage for the later Crusades. He was a soldier to the end, killed not in a grand battle but by a prisoner during a petty dispute.
#1 When Alp Was Born
The biggest hits of 1029
Alp's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1029Born
1034Started school
1042Became a teenager
1045Could drive
1047Could vote
1050Turned 21
1059Turned 30
1069Turned 40
1072Died at 43
Key Achievements
- Secured a monumental victory over the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, leading to the Seljuk takeover of much of Anatolia.
- Greatly expanded the Seljuk Empire, consolidating power in Persia, Mesopotamia, and the Caucasus through successful military campaigns.
- Established a strong, centralized administration, often relying on the Persian vizier Nizam al-Mulk, fostering a period of cultural and intellectual growth.
Did You Know?
He was the nephew of the first Seljuk sultan, Tughril Beg, and succeeded his father's cousin, Suleiman, after a brief power struggle.
His capture of Emperor Romanos IV was notable for its chivalry; he initially treated the emperor with respect before demanding a ransom and treaty.
He was assassinated by a captured fortress commander, Yussuf al-Khwarezmi, who was allowed to approach the Sultan and then stabbed him.
“I have taken the Roman Emperor prisoner with my own hand.”
