Alp-Arslan, quickly retracing his steps, hastens to Manzikert, where on August 26 he confronts the superior forces of the imperial army, which is powerful in numbers but weak in morale.

Romanus abandons Manzikert in an attempt to reunite his forces with the group besieging Akhlât.

Trapped in a valley on the Akhlât road, he neglects to send out scouts to assess the enemy's position, and the Turks fall upon him.

The Emperor fights valiantly, but his position has been weakened by treachery within his ranks; his Turkmen troops had gone over to the enemy the night before the battle.

One of Romanus' generals, Andronicus Ducas, perceiving that the cause is lost, flees with his men.

By evening, Romanus’ army is destroyed, and the emperor is taken prisoner.

For the first time in history, a Christian emperor has become the prisoner of a Muslim sovereign.

Alp-Arslan's goal is not to destroy the Empire: he is content with the rectification of boundaries, the promise of tribute, and an alliance.

Nevertheless, the Battle of Manzikert opens Asia Minor to Turkmen conquest.

With the frontier completely shattered, the Turkmens are able to range over most of Anatolia virtually at will.

Following their stunning victory at Manzikert, and subsequent raiding into Georgia, they overrun much of Anatolia, killing many people in the process.