Leo Passianos facts for kids

Leo Passianos was a brave Byzantine general who lived a long time ago. He was a military leader for the Byzantine Empire, which was a powerful empire in the eastern part of Europe. Passianos is remembered for fighting against a rebel leader named Melus of Bari in the year 1017.

Passianos was sent by the Catapan of Italy, Leo Tornikios Kontoleon. A "Catapan" was like a governor or a top military commander in charge of a region. Passianos's job was to stop Melus of Bari, who was a Lombard rebel. The Lombards were a group of people who lived in Italy.

Fighting the Rebel Melus

Leo Passianos first met Melus of Bari and his rebel forces near a river called the Fortore, at a place called Arenula. Some historical records say this battle didn't have a clear winner. Other records say Melus and his rebels won this first fight.

After this first battle, Leo Tornikios Kontoleon, Passianos's commander, decided to take charge himself. He led the Byzantine army into a second battle against Melus. This fight happened near a town called Civita.

The Final Battle

The second battle near Civita was very important. Most historical accounts say that Melus of Bari's rebel forces won this battle. It was a tough fight for the Byzantine army. Sadly, during this battle, Leo Passianos was killed on June 22, 1017. He died fighting for the Byzantine Empire.