Talk:Komnenian army

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An entry from Komnenian army appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page in the Did you know? column on 8 June 2006.

The title looks like an original research to me. Is the term used in scholarly literature? Was the 12th-century Byzantine army so much different from that existing before or since? --Ghirla ^-трёп- 10:48, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

Yes, the term is used in J. Birkenmeier's book "the development of the Komnenian army, 1081-1180". Certainly the 12th century Byzantine army was very different from that existing before and since. For example, Byzantine historian John Haldon says in his "Byzantine Wars" that the Komnenian army was "a very different type of army from that which had won the great victories of the later tenth and early eleventh centuries, and different yet again from the thematic forces which had defended the empire from the seventh century". I hope that answers your question, but if you have any other questions about the term or its use in the article, I'd be glad to answer them. Bigdaddy1204 11:10, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for your answers. --Ghirla ^-трёп- 11:25, 6 June 2006 (UTC)

Birkenmeier?!? Ha, I've had that guy for two classes -- he teaches at UMBC. The Birkenmeister is aweseome! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 141.157.74.8 (talk • contribs) 18:41, 3 December 2006 (UTC).

Contents 1 Komnenian 2 1097 = 70,000 troops? 3 Additions? 4 New Section

[edit] Komnenian

Could someone explain me why does this article (and I just noticed that other articles changed since my last visits) use the form "Komnenian" instead of the usual and recognizable "Comnenian"? GhePeU 12:19, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

There was a lengthy discussion about this on Talk:Constantine XI. Basically, it was decided to change the spellings of Byzantine related names to the ODB standard, which is to use common english forms of first names (e.g. John), but to use a form of the surname which is closer to the original Greek (e.g. Komnenos instead of the Latin Comnenus). I hope that answers your question. Bigdaddy1204 12:21, 30 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] 1097 = 70,000 troops?

This seems quite impressive. As a Byzantine empire fan, I would wish it to be true, but - seriously - 70,000 troops? 1097? The restoration had not truly begun yet in 1097, though Nicaea was in Byzantine hands. With 70,000 troops, I can't see how Alexius could not even take back the whole of Asia minor. Tourskin

I'm not sure where the 70,000 number comes from. Without a citation, you are right not to trust it. I am the author of this article, but if I remember correctly the 70,000 figure was not part of my original text. I will look into Byzantine army sizes, and see if I can find a reliable estimate of imperial strength at the time. I do have a suspicion that the 70,000 figure may have come from the Men-at-arms book on 'Byzantine armies, 1118-1400s', but I'm not certain of this. Bigdaddy1204 14:20, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Additions?

Under John and Manuel a system of permanent army camps was organised (the names Lopadion and Rhyndacus spring to mind) one in Bythinia the other in Thrace. The army was concentrated at one or other of the camps, depending on the projected area of operations, and these seem to have been used to prepare the field army for campaign. This appears to have been an innovation and may have played a part in the increase in efficiency seen in the Byzantine army in the period.

The Vardariots were an important cavalry unit in the period, raised from Christian Turks settled in the Vardar valley in the Balkans.

The Archontupouloi was a guard regiment raised by Alexius from the sons of dead Byzantine officers.

It might be mentioned that Manuel allegedly Westernised his heavy cavalry, presumably introducing the couched-lance technique and close order charge. (from Kinnamos/Cinnamus - I think).

Urselius 13:37, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

Those are some very good points. If you feel able, I encourage you to add them to the article as soon as possible - the more detail, the better. This article being rated as start class at the moment, I would be very happy for you to add the points you mentioned. :) Bigdaddy1204 14:13, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

Happy to oblige. I also mentioned the semi-feudal pronoia system which was just beginning to become important at the end of the Komnenian period.

Urselius 21:37, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] New Section

I have added a section on the structure of the army and some footnotes.Urselius 08:03, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

I have added a section on arms and armour. Urselius (talk) 11:57, 13 April 2008 (UTC)