The Second Battle of Thessaloniki

The battle for Thessaloniki in 1004 was one of Samuel's repeated attacks on this Byzantine city. On this occasion, John Chaldos commanded the Byzantine troops. Despite his defeat at Skopje, Samuel exploited the Byzantine emperor's withdrawal to move into Byzantine territory.

Samuel's forces ambushed the local governor, Doux John Chaldos, and captured him alive. Afterwards, they continued their numerous attacks on Byzantine territory with the aim of liberating the conquered Bulgarian lands.