26 August 1071 AD Battle of Malzagarat. On this day, the historic battle between the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan and the Emperor of Constantinople, Roman Diogenes, took place and the world was surprised. An army of millions was defeated by a few thousand. Sultan Alp Arslan was present in the battle wearing a shrouded dress. 26 August 1071 A.D. Battle of Malzagarat. On this day, the historic battle between the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan and the Emperor of Constantinople, Roman Diogenes, took place and the world was surprised. An army of millions was defeated by a few thousand. Sultan Alp Arslan was present in the battle wearing a shrouded dress.