Battles of Kleidion Pass and Thessalonika, July 1014

Basil II’s war against the Bulgars lasted from 991-1018 and resulted in the total defeat of the First Bulgarian Empire and its annexation by the Eastern Roman Empire. The turning point in the war came in 1014, when in July Tsar Samuel’s armies at Thessalonika and Kleidion pass were decisively defeated and then 15,000 prisoners were blinded. This resulted in the death of Tsar Samuel. The war was fiercely fought for four more years until in 1018 Bulgaria surrendered. Professor Wren’s Channel: Email easternromanhistory@ Discord If you would like to support Eastern Roman History, I have a Patreon: Music Credits: ’The March Unto Death’, ’Attack’ and ’Warpath’ by Jeremy Soule from Total Annihilation by Cavedog Entertainment. ’Risk, Relief and Victory’ and ’Rhiza’s Of