The Battle of Azaz was a pivotal confrontation between the Byzantine Empire and the Mirdasid dynasty, which marked the challenges faced by the Byzantines in the early 11th century. As the Byzantine Empire sought to extend its influence in the region, the Mirdasid rulers of Aleppo emerged as significant challengers. On the battlefield near Azaz, Romanos III Argyros led a military campaign to assert Byzantine authority. However, the battle quickly turned against the Byzantines as the coordinated tactics of the Mirdasid forces overwhelmed Romanos's troops.

As combat ensued, the Byzantine forces found themselves in disarray, leading to a panicked retreat. Romanos III, struggling to maintain control over his demoralized soldiers, witnessed the collapse of his command as the Mirdasids seized the opportunity to press their advantage. The retreat devolved into a rout, showcasing not only the military incompetence under Romanos's command but also the declining power of the Byzantine Empire in the face of regional threats.

Despite the severity of the defeat, Romanos managed to escape capture, an event that underscored the chaos of the battlefield. The aftermath of the battle had significant repercussions for the Byzantine Empire, as it revealed vulnerabilities that local sovereigns were eager to exploit. The loss at Azaz contributed to a broader narrative of Byzantine decline, marked by internal strife and the rise of formidable opponents in the Near East.