Joseph Tarchaneiotes

Joseph Tarchaneiotes was a Byzantine general, primarily known for his lack of participation in the decisive Battle of Manzikert.

An experienced general, Joseph was second in command of the Byzantine operation against Manzikert, with some 30-40,000 soldiers under his command. [cite book|last=Norwich|first=John Julius|title=A Short History of Byzantium|location=New York|publisher= Vintage Books|year=1997|pages=p. 238] 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 Romanus' ability to fight at Manzikert. Even though his detachment was either defeated (according to Seljuq sources) or eliminated by causes unknown (Byzantine sources do not mention it at all), Tarchaneiotes survived.

ee also

*Byzantine Empire

Notes