Seljuks were Central Asian Turkish tribe who entered Persia in 1037. Defeated Ghaznavids at Dandanakan in 1040. Captured Baghdad in 1055 and defeated Byzantines at Manzikert in 1071. Established capital at Konya around 1150
Turkic peoples are about 40 ethnic groups in Central and Western Asia. Kök Turks were original home of Turks in Central Asia and Western China. First "Turk" term appeared in 552 AD for Kök-Turkish Empire. Original settlement area was southern Siberia
Byzantine Empire lasted about a thousand years, becoming the largest in recorded history. Seljuk Turks emerged from Central Asia and annexed key Byzantine provinces. Romanos Diogenes initiated military reforms after his nephew Manuel Comnensus's capture
Seljuk Sultanate ruled Anatolia from 1077 to 1307. Capital moved from Iznik to Konya, then to Denizli. Sultanate stretched from Mediterranean to Black Sea coast
First beyliks founded in late 11th century after Seljuk victory at Manzikert. Oghuz Turkic clans settled in Anatolia under Seljuk vassals. Mongol invasions weakened Seljuk power, leading to beys declaring sovereignty. Beys joined forces with atabegs and Ghazi warriors against Byzantines
Byzantine-Seljuk battle occurred on August 26, 1071 near Manzikert, Iberia. Byzantine army numbered about 40,000 men, with 200,000 according to sources. Battle resulted in Byzantine defeat and emperor Romanos IV's capture. Byzantine losses were relatively low, with most commanders surviving