People and Events on September 17, 1176

No famous people were born on this date, but there may be notable events you would find interesting below.

Anatolia's Fateful Day: The Siege of Myriokephalon

September 17th, 1176, is etched in history as the day the Byzantine Empire's last stronghold in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, fell to the Seljuk Turks. This pivotal battle marked the beginning of the end of Byzantine dominance in the region, paving the way for the eventual rise of the Ottoman Empire.

The Battle of Myriokephalon

The Byzantine Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, had been trying to reclaim its lost territories in Anatolia from the Seljuk Turks. The two forces clashed near the town of Myriokephalon, in the vicinity of present-day Çivril. Despite being initially successful, the Byzantine army was ultimately defeated, and theSeljuk Turks emerged victorious. This crushing defeat severely weakened the Byzantine Empire's grip on the region, allowing the Turks to further expand their territories.

A Turning Point in History

The aftermath of the Battle of Myriokephalon saw the gradual decline of the Byzantine Empire's influence in Anatolia. The Turks continued to push forward, eventually capturing key cities like Iconium (modern-day Konya) and Nicaea. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power in the region, paving the way for the Ottoman Empire's eventual rise to dominance.

Birth of a Legend: Hildegard of Bingen

On this fateful day, a notable personality was born: Hildegard of Bingen, a German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, and philosopher. Born in 1098, Hildegard would go on to leave an indelible mark on history, becoming one of the most influential figures of the Middle Ages. Her extensive writings on theology, medicine, and natural history continue to inspire and fascinate scholars to this day.

A Date of Significance

September 17th, 1176, serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing tides of history. On this day, the Byzantine Empire's fortunes began to dwindle, while the stars of the Seljuk Turks and Hildegard of Bingen were on the rise. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, we are reminded of the complexities and intricacies that shape human history.

Today, we remember the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought on the battlefields of Myriokephalon, and honor the remarkable contributions of Hildegard of Bingen, a true luminary of her time.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
848 years ago
Byzantine Empire's last stand against Seljuk Turks in Anatolia (Myriokephalon, Phrygia, Ancient Byzantine Empire (Now in Turkey)) 1176
The Byzantine Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, launched a massive military campaign to reclaim central Anatolia from the Seljuk Turks. This ambitious endeavor, known as the Battle of Myriokephalon, would be the empire's final attempt to regain control over the region. Manuel's army, comprising of Byzantine troops, mercenaries, and allied forces, marched towards the Turks, only to be ambushed in a narrow mountain pass. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Turks employed clever tactics, such as setting fire to the surrounding hills and using their cavalry to devastating effect. The Byzantine forces were crushingly defeated, marking a catastrophic turning point in the empire's struggle against the Turkic invaders.