by Si Sheppard.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 80 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: Manzikert to Myriokephalon 1071-1176
Byzantium as empire declined as far-flung provinces fell under the attack by a variety of peoples along the periphery, especially the Seljuks in modern-day Turkey.
Per usual, detailed examination of arms, armor, tactics, and command funnel into three battles. In this volume: Manzikert (Aug. 26, 1071, Philomelion (sometime in 1116), and Myriokephalon (Sep. 17, 1176). The first was a Byzantine disaster, made worse by internal quarrels by commanders with the emperor. The second was a hollow square success for Byzantium. The last, also known as Tzibritze Pass, was a prepared ambush in the defile that cut up the Byzantines enough to turn around and fight their way back through the pass.
The battles are all summarized nicely and include a map and general OOB — tabletop scenarios at the ready. You might need a bit more research, but the basics are there.
One typo: “withdrawing to hilltops after expanding their arrows” (p53) should be “expending.”
The booklet contains three black and white photos, 60 color photos (about half of painted illustrations and half of museum pieces), five color maps, two color illustrations of a Byzantine heavy infantryman, two color illustrations of a Seljuk horse archer on foot, and three color two-page action illustration.
It’s another fine volume in the series.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
