Battle of Peritheorion

After the defeat at Peritorion, one of the Roman military units, having learned of the loss, defected from their side. This retreat was followed by a brutal reaction – the defecting unit was slaughtered on the spot by the remaining Roman troops, who showed no mercy for the betrayal. This act of internal violence underscores how seriously loyalty was regarded in the Roman army and how severe the consequences of desertion were.

At the same time, from the fortress walls of the Roman fortifications, all those who failed to escape after the defeat were thrown down. This merciless measure shows that the Romans tried to prevent the capture of soldiers and civilians by the Bulgarians, preferring death over captivity. This act of despair and cruelty spread to the other fortresses around the Hemus mountain, which also met the same fate and threw from their walls all who failed to save themselves.

Byzantine authors of the time used the name Hemus to designate the Strandzha mountain, which is important for understanding the geographical context of the events. Some modern researchers believe that when "all fortresses around Hemus" are mentioned, they actually mean the coastal fortresses at the foot of Strandzha. These fortresses include Skafida, located near the present-day village of Dimchevo, Sozopol, Urdoviza (located near the village of Kiten), and Agatopol, known today as Ahtopol. These fortifications were strategically important for controlling the Black Sea coast and played a key role in regional security.

After these events, Emperor Andronikos III gladly accepted the new proposal for peace negotiations sent by the Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Alexander. This gesture of willingness for dialogue on the part of the Byzantine ruler shows that the defeat and the subsequent upheavals had made him seek stability through diplomatic means. As a result of the negotiations, a peace treaty was concluded between the two sides, which provided for the return of the region between Yambol and the Black Sea to the borders of the Bulgarian state. This territorial compromise is of great significance, as the restoration of these lands strengthened the Bulgarian position in the region.

In addition to the territorial arrangements, the peace treaty also stipulated a political connection through marriage – the engagement of Michael-Asen, son of Ivan Alexander, to Maria, the daughter of Andronikos III. This dynastic link was sealed by marriage in 1339, which further solidified the peaceful relations between Bulgaria and Byzantium. This wedding not only symbolized reconciliation but also served as a guarantee for long-term cooperation and stability between the two states.

Despite this peace, in 1342 a strong anti-feudal movement broke out in Byzantine Thrace and Macedonia, supported by the rural masses and the urban poor. This popular uprising managed to seize power in Thessaloniki and took measures against the feudal aristocracy, which shows the deep social tension in Byzantium after the death of Andronikos III.

After the emperor's death, civil strife began among the ruling class in Byzantium. One of the factions was led by the Constantinopolitan aristocrat Alexios Apokaukos and Anna of Savoy, the widow of the deceased emperor. This group was joined by the rebelling peasants and urban poor, indicating an alliance between part of the aristocracy and the popular masses against the other faction.

The other faction was headed by the large landowner John Kantakouzenos, around whom the large landed aristocracy and wealthy citizens united. This conflict between the two factions and social strata highlights the complex political and social situation in Byzantium after the Battle of Peritorion and the subsequent events.

During the period of civil war in Byzantium, Turkish mercenaries played a key role, with both warring factions turning to them for military support. In 1346, a mercenary detachment of 6,000 Seljuk Turks joined Anna of Savoy, and this detachment carried out significant devastation both in Byzantine Thrace and in Bulgarian lands. These actions not only increased the military pressure on opposing forces but also contributed to the expansion of chaos and destruction in the region.

At the same time, the Byzantine aristocrat John Kantakouzenos established an alliance with Emir Umur of Smyrna, who between 1341 and 1347 sent several mercenary detachments in support of Kantakouzenos. These mercenaries, also Turks, were active in ravaging Byzantine Thrace and Macedonia, even penetrating into the borders of the Bulgarian state. Their activity further complicated the military-political situation in the region and underscored the importance of Turkish mercenaries as a factor in the civil war.

In this context, an autonomous domain arose in the Rhodope region, governed by the voivode Momchil. He was Bulgarian, as indicated by the phrase “до род бе мизиец” (“by birth he was a Mizyian”), but his exact origin remains unknown. According to the chronicle of Grigora, even in his youth Momchil opposed authority, roaming the mountains of Bulgaria with a band of his peers. This activity testifies to his independence and military ambition even before he reached the age of 30.

After reaching this age, Momchil entered the army of the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III, and later served the Serbian King Stefan Dušan. In 1343, he joined John Kantakouzenos, who entrusted him with the governance of the region of Meropa. This region stretches along the course of the Arda River and is strategically important for controlling the Rhodopes and the surrounding territories.

The fortress of Podvis, also known as Povisdos, is associated with the name of Momchil and rises upon Gradishte Peak, which is difficult to access. It is located near the present-day village of Podvis in the Smolyan area and, according to John Kantakouzenos, is one of the two larger fortified settlements in the region of Meropa. The fortress has strategic significance as it controls the roads along the valleys of the Cherna and Byala rivers, with the Cherna being a tributary of the Arda. These roads lead to the Eastern Rhodopes, the Aegean coast, and the Maritsa lowland, making Podvis an important center for control and defense.

Moreover, the fortress of Podvis offers a wide field of vision, allowing early warning of approaching enemy forces. From the northeast, it is practically impregnable, and from the other directions it is protected by a massive wall, the remains of which have been preserved to this day. This fortification system emphasizes the military power and significance of Momchil’s domain in the Rhodopes, which was a key factor in the complex political and military situation in the Balkans in the mid-14th century.

These facts outline the image of Momchil as an ambitious and military leader who used the civil war and chaos in the region to expand his power and oppose external enemies, while simultaneously maneuvering between different political forces in his quest to create his own state. His army, although composed of poor people, was significant in number and diverse, and the support of the local population gave him additional strength in the struggle against the Asian newcomers and Byzantine forces.

During this period, John Kantakouzenos was located in Didymoteichon, where he had mercenary detachments sent to him by Umur, which provided him with significant military support. At that moment, a messenger arrived with important news about the actions of Momchil, who distinguished himself with decisiveness and bravery in combat operations.

Momchil, who commanded a strong and battle-ready army, undertook a bold action in which he burned all the ships used by the enemy and killed the guards protecting them. The guard of the ships was weak, which allowed Momchil to deliver a heavy blow, with none of the guards managing to escape. This move significantly limited the enemy's possibilities for rapid movement and reinforcement.

After this success, the Turks decided to immediately march against Momchil, but John Kantakouzenos, who was preparing for a campaign towards Heraclea (modern Ergene), had other plans. He was preparing a campaign against the forces of the Constantinopolitan government and tried to persuade the Turks to oppose Momchil after the completion of the campaign. Nevertheless, the Turks refused to join the fight against Momchil after the campaign, which forced Kantakouzenos to send Roman troops together with the Turks against Momchil’s domains.

Momchil, who was not inferior in courage and valor to any of the contemporary commanders, gathered his men in the towns and fortresses and prepared for battle. He carefully monitored the enemy’s actions and saw that the Persian (Turkish) and Roman forces were stronger. Therefore, he decided to hold back and let the enemy plunder, planning to attack them on their return and inflict damage if possible.

Momchil’s predictions proved correct – the Turks and Romans plundered the region, which gave him the opportunity to prepare an ambush. Meanwhile, John Kantakouzenos arrived in Koumoutzitsa (modern Komotini), from where he controlled the return of his troops. Leading a small detachment, he reached the ruins of the old city of Mesene, located northwest of Komotini.

At that moment, scouts of John Kantakouzenos reported that an army was approaching, but they could not determine exactly which one. Initially, Kantakouzenos and his men thought it was their own troops returning from plundering. To clarify the situation, he ordered the commander Michael Tarkhaniotes to conduct reconnaissance.

The reconnaissance revealed that the advancing army was indeed that of Momchil, composed of thousands of selected soldiers. This information was crucial for the forthcoming actions and clashes between the two sides.

Around the end of June or the beginning of July 1344, when the military actions in Thrace had reached their peak, John Kantakouzenos arranged his troops in battle formation, preparing for a clash with Momchil's army. After organizing his ranks, he undertook a strategic retreat towards the town of Koumoutzina, likely with the intention of avoiding serious losses and taking up a more advantageous position for battle. This move was noticed by Momchil, who, however, did not attack immediately, as he feared that the Byzantine forces had prepared an ambush in the ruins of Messina—a place that could serve for a surprise strike against his soldiers.

According to the chronicler Nicetas Choniates, the battle at Peritorion takes place near the town of Mosynopolis, where the commander John Kantakouzenos stations part of his army. This position appears strategically important but soon proves vulnerable to sudden actions. At this critical moment, Momchil, commander of a heavily armed force, launches a decisive attack against the imperial camp around midday. This move is unexpected and disrupts the plans of the emperor and his allies, who are unprepared for such a sudden strike.

The emperor and his army find themselves at a disadvantage—they are few in number and unprepared for battle. Fate seems to condemn them to complete hopelessness, as there is no possibility of refuge or escape. The emperor’s horses are scattered across the grazing fields, which further hampers the mobility and organization of the troops. Part of the imperial army even patrols the market of the town of Komotini to procure necessary provisions, while another part moves calmly and slowly, unaware of the looming danger and without attempting to return to the emperor.

In this chaos, the emperor, realizing the dire situation, raises his hands to God and, together with the few who remain with him, arms himself as best he can. Without waiting for a signal from a battle trumpet or an order, everyone mounts their horses and begins fighting. The attacks alternate quickly and without prior planning, and in the disorder, soldiers clash with various opponents, which further complicates the situation. The emperor is surrounded on all sides by many enemies and showered with arrows, with many of his soldiers perishing in the battle.

John Kantakouzenos manages to escape only by chance, which speaks to the severity of the defeat and the chaos that has engulfed the imperial forces. Momchil displays great martial skill, managing to surprise the troops of Kantakouzenos at a moment when they are scattered and unable to offer organized resistance. This surprise attack contributes to the complete disintegration of the imperial army and to the final hopelessness in which the emperor and his allies find themselves.

In the summer of 1345, a large army led by Kantakouzenos and Umur set out towards the domains of Momchil, who was a significant military commander in the region. According to Kantakouzenos himself, Umur commanded an impressive force of about 20,000 horsemen, while Momchil had around 5,000 horsemen, clearly demonstrating the considerable numerical superiority of the attackers. This disparity in numbers placed Momchil in a difficult position and necessitated strategic thinking to defend his territories.

Momchil decided to head for the fortress of Burutgrad, also known as Burli or Peritor, located near the present-day village of Burukale. This fortress is situated at the northern end of Lake Bistonis, which is connected by a strait to the Aegean bay of Portolongo. The geographical position of the fortress made it a key point for controlling the area and provided a strategic stronghold against the advancing forces of Kantakouzenos and Umur.

Historical accounts from the traveler Evliya Çelebi, who visited the fortress in 1667, describe it as an elegant, sturdy, and strong stone structure, built about 20 arshins, or approximately 14 meters, above the ground. The circumference of the fortress is about 400 paces, and its shape is quadrangular, suggesting a well-thought-out architecture designed for defensive purposes. The fortress had two gates – one facing the seashore and the other located on the western side, towards the Mesta River, also known as Karasu.

On the northern side of the fortress stretched a wall reaching almost to the mountains and about an hour’s walk in length. This wall represented a strong and insurmountable barrier through which neither man nor caravan could pass, making it an extremely important element of the fortress’s defense and the surrounding area.

Momchil intended to use the fortress as a stronghold in the struggle against the powerful and numerous enemy. However, the inhabitants of the fortress refused to let him inside, fearing retribution from Kantakouzenos and Umur should they succeed in defeating Momchil’s forces. To protect themselves from Momchil’s wrath in case of his success, the inhabitants allowed his cousin, Raiko, along with 50 soldiers, into the fortress, thus attempting to balance between the two sides and maintain peace within the fortress.

Momchil deployed his troops in front of the wall north of the fortress, taking a position from which he expected the enemy’s advance. This position allowed him to use the natural and artificial fortifications of the fortress as part of his defensive strategy. At this moment, a strong vanguard Turkish detachment launched an attack, marking the beginning of the fierce battle, the course of which will be described in the following parts of the narrative.