The Turks in the tenth century through the works of Leo VI, Nicholas I (Patriarch of Constantinople), Leo the Deacon

The works we studied to extract the information about the Turks in the tenth century are The Taktika of Leo VI which was translated into English by George Dennis, Letters and Miscellaneous Writings by Nicholas I Patriarch of Constantinople translated by R.J.H. Jenkins and L.G. Westerink into English and The History of Leo the Deacon (Byzantine Military Expansion in the Tenth Century) translated by Alice-Mary Talbot and Denis Sullivan with the assistance of George T. Dennis and Stamatina McGrath from their Greek manuscripts. The Taktika which is known as a military handbook written in 905 by Emperor Leo VI (886-912) is the earliest among the tenth century Byzantium military works. The Taktika itself consists of twenty "constitutions," or chapters between a prologue and epilogue. The Letters and Miscellaneous Writings written by Patriarch Nicholas who had two stormy tenures as archbishop of the imperial capital of the East (901-907, 912-925), are the preserved writings of Nicholas. He was involved in a famous conflict with Emperor Leo VI on his fourth marriage, deposed, then reinstated, became temporarily the regent of a Byzantine government which was in war with Bulgaria, diplomat, canonist, hymnographer, and politician. The History of Leo the Deacon includes the period 959-976, that is the time of Emperor Romanos II, Nikephoros II Phokas with a detailed description and John I Tzimiskes. He also gives eyewitness accounts of the early part of the reign of Basil II. Key words: Turk, Byzantine, military tactic, patriarch, Leo VI, Nicholas I, Leo the Deacon