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Byzantine campaign against Bulgaria

Type Event Region Balkans Time 1041

In 1041 CE, Byzantine Emperor Michael IV organized an elite expeditionary force of about 40,000, marching south from Thessalonica deep into the Bulga…

Timeline

  1. 1041Thessalonica · GreeceMichael IV assembled some 40,000 elite troops, assigned experienced generals, and maintained a battle-march formation. The army included about 500 Varangians commanded by the future Norwegian king Harald Hardrada, advancing from Thessalonica into the Bulgarian heartland.
  2. 1041Bulgarian theme heartland · BulgariaThe Byzantine army advanced inland from Thessalonica, capturing rebel strongholds one by one. Although the rebels at one point controlled vast western territories, they were steadily driven back under pressure from the regular imperial army, while internal command was thrown into confusion by Alakaseus's defection.
  3. 1041Lake Ostrovo · GreeceThe expeditionary force fought a decisive battle against the Bulgarian remnants near Lake Ostrovo and won a great victory, capturing Peter Deljan. The empire then mopped up remaining resistance in Prilep, Sofia, and elsewhere; the emperor entered Bulgaria and the theme returned to imperial rule.

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