Battles in Thrace

In 493, Bulgars invaded Byzantine territory south of the Danube. A major fire had recently occurred in Constantinople. The Byzantine troops were also occupied at the time. The Bulgars were led by the ruler Rean, who coordinated the invasion with several separate tribal formations. The devastation included the destruction of agricultural infrastructure, the killing of local inhabitants and widespread plundering. 

The Bulgars devastated the lands through which they passed. According to historical texts, they "cruelly devastated all of Thrace". 
Byzantine chroniclers described the campaign as a "barbarian invasion" that undermined the region's economic stability. The Bulgar incursions during this period formed part of broader movements of nomadic peoples towards the Balkan provinces.

After 493, Byzantium strengthened the fortifications of the Thracian cities of Philippopolis and Hadrianopolis in an attempt to limit future attacks.