1300 years of saving Europe

Day 3,351, 18:52 • Published in USA Bulgaria • by Alcek

Good morning,
this is my first article in USA.
I will show you the story about Bulgarian Khan Tervel, who saved Europe from the Arab, 1300 years ago.

The Bulgarian cavalry pursued the Arabic at the Battle of Constantinople. Miniature from the Chronicle of John Skylitzes (XI c.).

Back in 717 A.C., the Byzantine Empire faces a terrible danger - a 100-thousand Arab army has besieged Constantinople by land and sea. The Byzantine Empire asks for help! And Khan Tervel responds. He sends against the Arabs 30-thousand elite cavalry corps. So the Arabs had to fight on two fronts - against the Byzantines and against the Bulgarians. "The Bulgarians attacked the Arabs and mutilated them; the latter feared the Bulgarians more than the Romans "- we read in the sources.
The battle between Bulgarians and Arabs in 718, in front of the walls of Constantinople is reflected in many medieval sources (the city is under siege one year – n.e.) and although they differ in some details, they all agree that the Arabs have suffered a hitherto unheard of defeat by the Bulgarians. According to Byzantine chronicles, 22 000 Arabs were killed and some European sources claim "The Bulgarians destroyed 30 000 Saracens."
This is one of those battles that turn the course of history. The Bulgarians halt the Arab invasion to the heart of the continent, and Tervel is called the "Savior of Europe" and was canonized a saint.


The Bulgarian cavalry drove the Arabs from Constantinople. Miniature of the Manasses Chronicle (XIV c.)

Here is the original article in Bulgarian https://www.erepublik.com/en/article/1300--2628708/1/20.

Video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY7dbnxVmIo

Peace!