Battles & Campaigns · 1122
Battle of Beroia
Stara Zagora (ancient Beroia), Bulgaria
What happened
Pechenegs from the steppes crossed the Danube and the Balkan Mountains and camped near Beroia. John first offered gifts and a treaty, then attacked their wagon fort by surprise. The defence held until John led his Varangian Guard against the wagons and broke through.
Why it matters
It kept much of the Balkans under Byzantine rule, letting John turn to Asia Minor. Surviving Pechenegs were taken into the Byzantine army.
What came next
The Pechenegs stopped existing as an independent people and gradually merged with neighbours such as Bulgarians and Hungarians.
Did you know?
The Varangian Guard, armed with Danish axes, cut through the wagon fort.
Timeline
- 1122Battle of Beroia.
- 1128Hungarians attack the Byzantine outpost of Braničevo.
- 8 Jul 1167Battle of Sirmium.