Alp-Arslan

Alp-Arslan, a Persian sultan, the second of the Seljuk dynasty, born in Turkestan in 1029. In 1059 he ascended the throne of Khorassan, and in 1063, on the death of his uncle, became monarch of all Persia. He embraced Islamism, taking the name of Mohammed; and by his bravery obtained the surname of Alp-Arslan, 'Brave Lion.' In 1067 and 1068 he took and plundered the city of Cæsarea, in Cappadocia. In 1064 he invaded Armenia and Georgia, at that time Christian kingdoms, and added them to his dominions. In 1068 he marched against the Greeks of the Eastern empire, who, under the Emperor Romanns Diogenes, had thrice driven back the Turks beyond the Euphrates. In 1071 a bloody battle was fought, the Seljuks gaining a decisive victory. The Greek emperor was taken prisoner, and only obtained his liberty by an enormous ransom and a large annual tribute. Marching to the conquest of Turkestan in 1072, the sultan perished by the dagger of a captive enemy.