Battle of Ongal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ongal
Part of the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars
The foundation of the First Bulgarian Empire. The army of Asparukh is in red. The army of Constantine IV is in blue.
Date Summer, 680 Location The Ongal area probably in Danube delta (present-day Tulcea County, Romania) Result Bulgar victory Formation of Danube Bulgaria
Belligerents
Bulgars Seven Slavic tribes	Byzantine Empire
Commanders and leaders
Asparukh	Constantine IV
Strength
around 10-12,000	"all the themata" from 15 - 25,000
Casualties and losses
Light	Heavy

The Battle of Ongal was a very important fight that happened in the summer of 680. It took place in a swampy area called Ongal, near the Danube delta in what is now Romania. This battle was between the Bulgars and the powerful Byzantine Empire. The Bulgars won, and this victory led to the creation of the First Bulgarian Empire.

How the Conflict Started

A long time ago, around 632, a leader named Khan Kubrat united the Bulgars. He created a state called Old Great Bulgaria near the Black Sea. After he died in the 660s, his sons divided his kingdom.

One of his sons, Asparuh, decided to move his people westward. They settled in the Ongal area, which was a good place near the Danube River. The Byzantines were busy fighting the Arabs at the time. The Arabs had even tried to attack their capital city, Constantinople.

But in 680, the Byzantines defeated the Arabs. This meant their emperor, Constantine IV, was free to deal with Asparuh and the Bulgars. Asparuh knew the Byzantines were strong. So, he made an alliance with the Seven Slavic tribes. They agreed to protect each other from the Byzantines.

The Battle of Ongal

The Bulgars were smart. They built strong wooden walls in the swampy Ongal area. This made it hard for the Byzantines to attack. The marshy ground forced the Byzantine soldiers to attack in small groups. This made their attacks much weaker.

The Byzantine emperor, Constantine IV, was not feeling well. He had a painful leg condition and had to leave the battlefield to get treatment. When his soldiers saw him leave, they thought he was running away. This made them lose hope and start fleeing too.

The Bulgars quickly realized what was happening. They saw the Byzantine army breaking apart. So, they attacked the discouraged Byzantine soldiers. The Bulgar cavalry chased them and defeated them badly. Many Byzantine soldiers were killed or wounded.

What Happened Next

After their big victory, the Bulgars moved south. They took control of lands north of the Stara Planina mountains. In 681, they attacked Thrace and defeated the Byzantines again.

Emperor Constantine IV realized he couldn't win. He asked for peace. This led to a peace treaty that officially recognized the new Bulgarian state.

Why This Battle Was Important

The Battle of Ongal was a huge moment in European history. It led to the creation of a powerful new state: the First Bulgarian Empire. This empire grew to be a very strong power in Europe during the 9th and 10th centuries. It stood alongside the Byzantine and Frankish Empires.

Bulgaria also became a very important center for culture and religion. It helped shape the history of Slavic people in Europe for many centuries.

Honour

A place called Ongal Peak is named after this historical area. It is located in the Tangra Mountains on Livingston Island in Antarctica.