The Seljuqs have wrested Syria, Palestine and …

Years: 1094 - 1094

The Seljuqs have wrested Syria, Palestine and the Hejaz from the Fatimids, who, having lost both Crete and Cyprus to Constantinople in the 960s, now hold only Egypt.

While the Fatimids had been tolerant of Christian pilgrimage, the Seljuqs are not.

The Eastern Romans, driven from all but the coastal regions of Asia Minor, and with Nicaea in Turkish hands by 1092, face a resurgent Islam perilously close to the capital.

With stability at last achieved in the Empire’s western holding, Alexios now has a chance to begin solving his severe economic difficulties and the disintegration of the empire's traditional defenses.

In order to reestablish the army, Alexios has begin to build a new force on the basis of feudal grants (próniai) and prepares to advance against the Seljuqs, who have conquered Asia Minor and are now established at Nicaea.

Despite his improvements, Alexios has insufficient manpower to recover the lost territories in Asia Minor.

Having been impressed by the abilities of the Norman cavalry at Dyrrhachium, he sends ambassadors west to ask for reinforcements from Europe.

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