Battle of Horreum Margi

In the late fifth and early sixth centuries, the Bulgars penetrated the Balkan Peninsula, carrying out devastating invasions of Byzantine territory. Their intensifying attacks on the peninsula's interior caused serious concern for the security of the imperial capital, Constantinople, and its surroundings.

In 504, the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great appointed his celebrated commander Pitzias to lead a campaign against Sirmium Fortress. His army defeated the forces of the Gepid king Thrasaric and their allies, including the Bulgars.

Meanwhile, the Byzantine federate Mundo succeeded in establishing an independent domain in the Morava region with Ostrogothic assistance. In 505, the Byzantine commander of the diocese of Illyricum attempted to eliminate this domain with an army of 10,000 men, including Bulgars. Pitzias, however, arrived to support Mundo with 2,000 cavalrymen and 500 infantrymen. The battle took place near Horreum Margi, now Ćuprija village on the Morava River in Serbia.

The Bulgars and Byzantines were routed. After these events, the Ostrogoths consolidated and expanded their control over the northwestern Balkans.