Skopje, Battle of

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

In 1003, Basil II had 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 marches southwards through the valley of the Morava, destroying the Bulgarian castles on his way.

Eventually, Basil II reaches the vicinity of Skopje and learns that the camp of the Bulgarian army is situated very close on the other side of the Vardar river.Samuil of Bulgaria relies on the high waters of the river and does not take any serious precautions to secure the camp.

Strangely, the circumstances are the same as at the battle of Spercheios seven years earlier, and the scenario of the fight is similar.

The Byzantines manage to find a ford, cross the river and attack the heedless Bulgarians at night.

Unable to resist effectively the Bulgarians soon retreat, leaving the camp and Samuil's tent in the hands of the Byzantine Greeks.The Byzantines cannot take any serious advantage of their victory.

They plunder the area, then march eastward and besiege Pernik, defended by Krakra.

The siege is a disaster and Basil II is eventually forced to go back to Byzantium.

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