Battle of Anchialus (708) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Anchialus
Part of the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars
Date 708 Location Pomorie, Bulgaria 42°33′N 27°39′E / 42.550°N 27.650°E / 42.550; 27.650 Result Bulgarian victory
Belligerents
Bulgarian Empire	Byzantine Empire
Commanders and leaders
Tervel	Justinian II
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Heavy

The Battle of Anchialus happened in the year 708. It took place near the modern-day town of Pomorie in Bulgaria. This battle was a big fight between the Bulgarian Empire and the Byzantine Empire. The Bulgarians, led by their ruler Tervel, won a major victory against the Byzantine Emperor Justinian II.

Why the Battle Happened

In 705, the Bulgarian ruler, Khan Tervel, helped a former Byzantine emperor named Justinian II. Justinian had been sent away from his empire for ten years. Tervel helped him get his throne back. To show his thanks, Justinian gave the Bulgarians many valuable gifts. These included a lot of gold, silver, and silk. He also gave them a special area of land called "Zagore." This land was located near the Black Sea.

Just three years later, Emperor Justinian II changed his mind. He felt strong enough to try and take back the land he had given to Bulgaria. He decided to invade Bulgaria and bring the "Zagore" area back under his control.

The Battle Begins

The Byzantine army marched to a fortress called Anchialus, which is now Pomorie. They set up their camp there. They did not know that the Bulgarian army was very close by.

While the Byzantine soldiers were busy gathering food, Khan Tervel and his cavalry (soldiers on horseback) suddenly attacked. They charged the Byzantine troops who were outside the camp. At the same time, the Bulgarian infantry (soldiers on foot) attacked the main camp.

The Byzantines were completely surprised and confused. Most of their soldiers were killed or captured during the battle. They also lost many horses and weapons. Emperor Justinian II was one of the very few who managed to escape. He reached the fortress and quickly got on a ship to sail back to Constantinople.

What Happened Next

The Bulgarians kept the new lands they had gained for many centuries. In 711, Emperor Justinian II faced another problem. There was a rebellion and an attempt to remove him from power. He asked Tervel for help again.

Tervel sent 3,000 soldiers to assist Justinian. After some small fights, the new emperor, who had taken over, allowed Tervel's soldiers to return safely to Bulgaria. The new emperor then had Justinian II executed.