Joseph Tarchaneiotes
Encyclopedia
Joseph Tarchaneiotes was a Byzantine
general, primarily known for his lack of participation in the decisive Battle of Manzikert
(1071).
An experienced general, Joseph was second in command of the Byzantine operation against Manzikert, with some 30-40,000 soldiers under his command. Tarchaneiotes' segment of the army was detached to take nearby Khliat
before the main battle took place. It is not clear what happened then, though in any case Khliat was not taken by the Byzantines. Tarchaneiotes' lack of participation in the campaign, whether due to treachery, dissatisfaction, or a defeat in battle, seriously undermined Romanos IV
s ability to fight at Manzikert. Even though his detachment was either defeated (according to Seljuk sources) or eliminated by causes unknown (Byzantine sources do not mention it at all), Tarchaneiotes survived.
He died in 1074, whilst serving as the doux
of Antioch
, and was succeeded by his son Katakalon Tarchaneiotes.
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
general, primarily known for his lack of participation in the decisive Battle of Manzikert
Battle of Manzikert
The Battle of Manzikert , was fought between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuq Turks led by Alp Arslan on August 26, 1071 near Manzikert...
(1071).
An experienced general, Joseph was second in command of the Byzantine operation against Manzikert, with some 30-40,000 soldiers under his command. Tarchaneiotes' segment of the army was detached to take nearby Khliat
Ahlat
Ahlat is a historic town and a district in Turkey's Bitlis Province in Eastern Anatolia Region. The center town of Ahlat is situated on the northwestern coast of the Lake Van. She was the district in Van Province between 1929-1936...
before the main battle took place. It is not clear what happened then, though in any case Khliat was not taken by the Byzantines. Tarchaneiotes' lack of participation in the campaign, whether due to treachery, dissatisfaction, or a defeat in battle, seriously undermined Romanos IV
Romanos IV
Romanos IV Diogenes was a member of the Byzantine military aristocracy who, after his marriage to the widowed empress Eudokia Makrembolitissa was crowned Byzantine emperor and reigned from 1068 to 1071...
s ability to fight at Manzikert. Even though his detachment was either defeated (according to Seljuk sources) or eliminated by causes unknown (Byzantine sources do not mention it at all), Tarchaneiotes survived.
He died in 1074, whilst serving as the doux
Dux
Dux is Latin for leader and later for Duke and its variant forms ....
of Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
, and was succeeded by his son Katakalon Tarchaneiotes.