Battle of Apros facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Apros |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Byzantine Empire |
Catalan Company | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Michael IX |
Unknown | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 6,000 | 2,500 | ||||||
The Battle of Apros was an important fight that happened in July 1305. It was fought near a place called Apros in Thrace. The battle was between the army of the Byzantine Empire, led by their co-emperor Michael IX Palaiologos, and a group of skilled soldiers known as the Catalan Company.
Why the Battle Happened
The Catalan Company was a group of soldiers for hire, also known as mercenaries. The Byzantine Empire had hired them to help fight against the Turks. The Catalans were very good fighters and won many battles against the Turks.
However, even though they were allies, the Byzantines and the Catalans did not trust each other. The Catalans also asked for a lot of money for their services. This caused a lot of tension between them.
Eventually, the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos and his son, Michael IX, decided to act. In April 1305, the leader of the Catalan Company, Roger de Flor, was killed along with his companions. This event made the Catalans very angry and led to the battle.
The Battle at Apros
In July 1305, the Byzantine army gathered near Apros. This army included many soldiers from a group called the Alans and another group called the Turcopoles. The Byzantines had more soldiers than the Catalans. The Catalans were also joined by some of their own Turkish allies.
When the battle began, the Alans in the Byzantine army attacked first. But then, they suddenly pulled back from the fight. After this, the Turcopoles completely switched sides and joined the Catalans.
Prince Michael IX, the Byzantine co-emperor, was hurt during the battle and had to leave the field. With their leader injured and some of their soldiers leaving, the Byzantine army lost the battle. The Catalans won the day.
What Happened Next
After their victory, the Catalan Company spent the next two years causing trouble in the region of Thrace. They then moved west and south.
In 1311, they went on to win another major battle, the battle of the Cephissus. This victory allowed them to take control of the Latin Duchy of Athens.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Apros para niños
