Battle of Skopje

The Battle of Skopje occurred in the vicinity of the city of Skopje in 1004.

Origins of the conflict

In 1003, Basil II launched a campaign against the First Bulgarian Empire and after eight months of siege conquered 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 Skopje and learned that the camp of the Bulgarian army was situated very close on the other side of the Vardar river.

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 seven years earlier, and the scenario of the fight was similar. The Byzantines managed to find a ford, crossed the river and attacked the heedless Bulgarians at night. Unable to resist effectively the Bulgarians soon retreated, leaving the camp and Samuil's tent in the hands of the Byzantine Greeks.

Aftermath

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

References

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