Could Romanos Diogenes have continued the resurgence of the Byzantine Empire?

Suppose that’s Romanos had led his men to victory on the plains outside Lake Van against the Seljuk Turk, could he have continued the advancements of the Macedonian Renaissance and the growth of the Empire?
 
Yes,but that depends on the magnitude of his victory over the Turks. What he really needed was a massive victory in order to shore up his position against the Doukas.
 
Yes,but that depends on the magnitude of his victory over the Turks. What he really needed was a massive victory in order to shore up his position against the Doukas.

If he had smashed the Turks at Manzikert, would this negate the unpopularity he already had prior to the battle with the nobility and commoners through reforms and reduction of expenditures?

It’s possible that any loot gained on campaign could be spent on a triumph and games to placate the mob and cash bribes for the nobility to at least suppress discontent until he can further his conquests. Maybe he can get further funds from future campaigns in Sicily and southern Italy, since he had just lost Bari to the Normans prior to Manzikert.
 
It’s possible that any loot gained on campaign could be spent on a triumph and games to placate the mob and cash bribes for the nobility to at least suppress discontent until he can further his conquests. Maybe he can get further funds from future campaigns in Sicily and southern Italy, since he had just lost Bari to the Normans prior to Manzikert.
There's not much loot in a defensive campaign though, or is there?
 

Deleted member 67076

Yes but the next decade or so wont be one of expansion, but reaction. Stemming the civil war that led to Turkish settlement in Anatolia doesnt solve the issues of the Normans, Pechenegs, and potentially the Bulgarians.

But it does give more breathing room. The army's probably still going to have to be rebuilt; the tagmata were much smaller than before and there are too many mercenary troops that are way too expensive.

But after a decade or so of fighting off new invaders the ERE should be in a position to continue its hegemony.
 
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