The Battle of Marcellae

The forces of the Byzantine emperor Constantine VI reached Marcellae Fortress during their campaign against Bulgaria.

The Byzantine troops were defeated. The Bulgarians attacked separate Byzantine detachments to disrupt their formation. When the Byzantines pursued the retreating Bulgarians, additional troops blocked their path, while the fleeing Bulgarians turned to attack. Although humiliated, the emperor successfully withdrew towards Constantinople. As a result, Byzantium halted its attempts to conquer Bulgaria for the time being and was obliged to pay tribute.