Rome-Bulgars Wars of 782-792 (aug 5, 782 – mar 12, 792)

Description:

With the Romans distracted elsewhere the Bulgars had once again attacked Moesia, and Berbers were assaulting Africa. Anastasius sent his sons to deal with both threats. His oldest son, Justinian, has sent north with the Tagmata to battle the Bulgars.

During the fight with Bulgars, the thematic soldiers of the area began adapting to the realities of war against the steppe tribe. Justinian scaled down the light infantry the Slavs deployed and focused instead on heavy infantry, with axes and large shields, and heavy armor.

These were not a maneuverable or quick force, but they would serve as a bulwark against which the Bulgars would break. Conversely, Justinian scaled down heavily on the heavy cavalry of the themes. His own tagmata were all the heavy horsemen needed, and what the thematic troops needed were fast, light horsemen who could strike quickly and then escape.

Upgrades were also made the phrourions to make them easier to defend, with several innovations coming from the Frankish West where what would there be called castles were in their infancy.

The fight with Bulgars end in 792, when the Bulgar Khan Kardam finally had enough and sent peace envoys to the Romans. After negotiations he withdrew north of the Danube with the promise of a tribute to be paid.

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