On July 986 the Byzantine army under the command of Emperor Basil II retreated from the Sofia Valley towards Ihtiman where it stopped for the night. The rumours that the Bulgarians had barred the nearby mountain routes stirred commotion among the soldiers and on the following day the retreat continued in growing disorder. When the Bulgarians under Samuil and probably Roman saw that they rushed to the enemy camp and the retreat turned to flight. The Byzantine advanced guard managed to squeeze through the slopes which were not yet taken by the attackers. The rest of the army was surrounded by the Bulgarians. Only the elite Varangian Guard managed to break out with heavy casualties saving the Emperor the exact last moment before Bulgars reach him and lead him to safety through secondary routes. The Imperial army of 30.000 was annihilated and the Imperial Regalia were lost...
WI Basil II had died on this day??? How is his death altering History? Any thoughts?
WI Basil II had died on this day??? How is his death altering History? Any thoughts?
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