Siege of Gallipoli

In 540, a large Bulgar force advanced on a broad front into the Balkan Peninsula, from the Adriatic Sea to Constantinople. In Illyricum, the Bulgars captured thirty-two fortresses. Their actions against fortified settlements and their sieges demonstrated advanced military skills and expertise in siege techniques. During this campaign, the Bulgars carried about 120,000 captives back to their homelands, although this figure is probably greatly exaggerated.

After the devastating invasion, Emperor Justinian I the Great attempted to win over the Antes as foederati by granting them the fortress of Turris on the middle Danube. The Bulgars nevertheless continued their incursions. During one of these attacks, they besieged Gallipoli Fortress.

The fortress was successfully besieged. Afterwards, the Bulgar troops continued their advance and reached the Long Wall.