Byzantine Weapons and Warfare

[hoplite14gr]

From Alexiad we know that some "native" Byzantine units existed in Greek main land and Italy.

G. Maniakes tactless behavior had forced the Lombard gastaldi serving in Italy to desert.

A unit named "Latinikon" composed from Western knights came to prominence from 1050 A.D.
Initially Germans are mentioned and then Normans and Franks.

The best moments of Latinikon was the battle of Menadros where the Nicean Byzantines beat the Seljucks and Pelagonia where again the Niceans beat the Achean Franks. Sources the Morean chronicle and Pachymeris

Heavy cavalry units formed by the Nicean Emperors were destroyed when the army of G, Acropolitis failed to subdue the Despotate of Ipiros and Paleologi never reconstituted them probably for political reasons.

Paleologi also hired the dreaded Karida (Catlan Company) that had asmall complement of Aragonese knights.

Hope ti helps

Kind regards