Military First_Bulgarian_Empire

a replica of bulgarian sabre found near town of varbitsa

after formation of bulgarian state ruling elite harboured deep distrust towards byzantines against perfidy , sudden attacks had maintain constant vigilance. byzantine empire never relinquished claim on lands south of danube , made several attempts enforce claim. throughout existence of first empire bulgaria expect byzantine onslaughts aimed @ destruction. steppes north-east home numerous peoples unpredictable pillaging raids of concern. therefore, military preparedness top priority. borders of country under vigilance. guards stood on alert , if flee during watch, responsible guards killed without hesitation. before battle, faithful , prudent man sent inspect arms, horses, , materiel , being ill-prepared or readied in useless fashion punishable death. capital punishment prescribed riding war horses in peace time.

the bulgarian army armed various types of weapons, used being sabres, swords, battle axes, spears, pikes, daggers, arkans, bows , arrows. soldiers trained use both spears , bows. bulgarians wore helms, mails , shields defence. helms cone-shaped, shields round , light. mails 2 types – wedge riveted mails consisting of small metal rings linked together, , scale armour consisting of small armour plates attached each other. belts important bulgarians , decorated golden, silver, bronze or copper buckles manifested illustrious origin of holder.

the important part of army heavy cavalry. in 9th century bulgarian khan muster 30,000 riders covered in iron armoured iron helms , chain-mails. horses covered armour. capital pliska situated in open plain cavalry essential protection. fortification system of inner regions of country reinforced several fortified trenches covering huge spaces , supporting manoeuvrability of cavalry.

a battle scene of byzantine–bulgarian war of 894–896, madrid skylitzes

the army versed in use of stratagems. strong cavalry unit held in reserve , attack enemy @ opportune moment. free horses concentrated behind battle formation avoid surprise attacks rear. bulgarian army used ambushes , feigned retreats, during cavalrymen rode backs horse, firing clouds of arrows on enemy. if enemy pursued disorganized, turn , fiercely attack them. bulgarians able fight @ night – in 917 defeated byzantine in battle of katasyrtai after nocturnal combat. army employed ruse de guerre. in 918 bulgarians took capital of byzantine theme hellas thebes without bloodshed after sending city 5 men axes eliminated guards, broke hinges of gates, , opened them main forces.

the bulgarian army equipped siege engines. bulgarians employed services of byzantine , arab captives , fugitives produce siege equipment, such engineer eumathius, sought refuge khan krum after capture of serdica in 809. 9th century anonymous byzantine chronicler known scrptor incertus lists contemporary machinery produced , used bulgarians. these included catapults; scorpions; multi-storey siege towers battering ram on bottom floor; testudos – battering rams metal plating on top; τρίβόλοι – iron tridents placed hidden amidst battlefield hinder enemy cavalry; ladders, etc. iron-plated wagons used transportation. known khan krum prepared 5,000 such wagons intended siege of constantinople in 814. wooden pontoon bridges constructed crossing rivers.