Battle of Skopie

Infobox Military Conflict


caption=
conflict=Battle of Skopie
partof=the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars
date=1004
place=Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
result=Byzantine victory
combatant1=Bulgarian Empire
combatant2=Byzantine Empire
commander1=Samuil of Bulgaria
commander2=Basil II
strength1=Unknown
strength2=Unknown
casualties1=Unknown
casualties2=UnknownThe battle of Skopie ( _bg. битка при Скопие) occurred in the vicinity of Skopie, present-day Skopje in 1004.

Origins of the conflict

In 1003 Basil II launched a campaign against Bulgaria and after eight months of siege conquerred the important town of Vidin to the north-west. The Bulgarian counter strike in the opposite direction towards Odrin did not distract him from his aim and after seizing Vidin he marched southwards through the valley of the Morava destroying the Bulgarian castles on his way. Eventually Basil II reached the vicinity of Skopie and learned that the camp of the Bulgarian army was situted very close on the other side of the Vardar river.

The battle

Samuil of Bulgaria relied on the high waters of the river and did not take any serious precautions to secure the camp. Strangely the circumstances were the same as at the battle of Spercheios and the scenario of the fight was similar. The Byzantines managed to find a ford, crossed the river and attacked the Bulgarians. Caught in surprise they were unable to resist effectively and soon retreated, leaving the camp and Samuil's tent in the hands of the enemy.

Aftermath

The Byzantines could not take any serious advantage of their victory. They plunderred the area, then marched eastward and besieged Pernik. The siege was a disaster and Basil II was eventually forced to go back in Byzantium.

References

*Йордан Андреев, Милчо Лалков, Българските ханове и царе, Велико Търново, 1996.