Thomas the Slav

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Thomas the Slav was originally a Byzantine military commander entrusted with a high command during the reign of Emperor Leo V the Armenian. However, upon the death of Leo and the ascension of the New Emperor Michael who was a rival General of Thomas, he started to stir up rebellion. In the eastern part of the empire he claimed to be the blinded Emperor Constantine VI who somehow escaped blinding, and in the west he took a fiercely Iconofile stance. Thomas was so convincing a coronation ceremony was held for him in Muslim controlled Antioch. Everywhere however he took up a stand as champion to the poor. With support from the caliph Mamun, Thomas invaded the Empire in the spring of 821 AD and within a matter of months only 2 themes in Asia Minor remained loyal to Michael. In December 821 he besieged Constantinople. Thomas however was not able to breach the walls of the great city and had to retreat due to weather and a Bulgar army attacking Thomas. Thomas was powerless to resist when the Emperor rode out to his last stronghold of Adrianople and defeated Thomas once and for all.

[edit] Sources

  • "A short History of Byzantium" John Julius Norwich
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