BATTLE OF THE GATES OF TRAJAN

The 'battle of the Gates of Trajan ' (, Bulgarian: Битка при Траянови Врата) was a battle between Byzantine and Bulgarian forces in the year 986. It took place in the pass of the same name, modern Trayanovi Vrata, at Sofia Province, Bulgaria.

Contents

Origins of the conflict

The battle

Aftermath

Footnotes

Origins of the conflict

In 986 the new and energetic Byzantine emperor Basil II besieged the strong Bulgarian fortress of Sredets (Sofia). The siege continued for 20 days when the Bulgarians broke out of the city killing many enemy soldiers and burned all of the siege equipment. Basil II was forced to retreat and on the way to Constantinople his army was ambushed by Samuil of Bulgaria.

The battle

While passing through a densely forested valley the Byzantines were attacked by the Bulgarian forces. They were surprised, panicked and were completely defeated. Basil II was among the very few who survived and was saved only due to his fast horse. His personal treasure and his tent were captured.

Aftermath

The Byzantine Empire descended into a 10-year civil war. During that time Samuil of Bulgaria managed to significantly extend Bulgarian territory in northern Thessaly and Thrace as well as conquer Serbia and strengthen the Bulgarian rule in the western and northwestern parts of the Balkans.

Footnotes

1. http://www.standartnews.com/archive/2004/08/23/history/index.htm