Battles & Campaigns · 917
Battle of Achelous
Achelous River, near Pomorie, Bulgaria
What happened
The Byzantines attacked near the Achelous River, north of Anchialus. The Bulgarian centre gave way at first. Then Simeon sent his heavy cavalry from behind the hills against the Byzantine left, and the Byzantine army broke and fled.
Why it matters
It confirmed Simeon's gains and made him ruler of most of the Balkans except Constantinople and the Peloponnese. It also helped win recognition of the Bulgarian ruler's imperial title.
What came next
Phokas was beaten again days later, and Simeon was crowned 'Tsar of all Bulgarians and Romans'; his successor Peter I later made about 40 years of peace.
Did you know?
It is remembered in Bulgaria as one of Tsar Simeon the Great's greatest achievements.
Timeline
- 811Battle of Pliska.
- 22 Jun 813Battle of Versinikia.
- 20 Aug 917Battle of Achelous.
- Aug 918Romanos Lekapenos seizes power in Constantinople.