Battle of Myriokephalon

Timeline

1. 1176Interior of Asia Minor · AnatoliaManuel I assembled a large army from Constantinople and advanced overland deep into Seljuk territory, intending to recover the interior fortresses of Anatolia in one stroke; the army is estimated to have numbered tens of thousands.
2. 1176Myriokephalon pass · AnatoliaKilij Arsen II set an ambush at the narrow Myriokephalon pass, and Seljuk light cavalry attacked the Byzantine column from the high ground on both sides. The Byzantine heavy troops could not deploy in the unfavorable terrain, and baggage and siege equipment were largely lost; Manuel himself was for a time in danger.
3. 1176Myriokephalon · AnatoliaAfter paying a heavy price, the Byzantine army was forced to withdraw, failing to achieve its strategic objective of recovering Anatolia. Manuel subsequently turned to diplomacy and made peace with the Seljuk sultan.