Travlos's Revolt

Between the seventh and tenth centuries, Byzantium resettled Paulicians from Armenia and Syria in the Bulgarian territories, particularly northern Thrace and Plovdiv, in several waves. This policy aimed to weaken the position of the local Bulgarian population. The Paulician Travlos was a personal armour-bearer and close associate of the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos. In 1081, the emperor began a war against the Normans advancing into Albania and Macedonia. A detachment of 2,800 Paulicians from Plovdiv took part in these operations. In 1082, their wages were not paid, prompting them to abandon the fighting. Emperor Alexios I decided to punish the deserters through repression, persecution and killings among the Paulician population and its leaders. Travlos then decided to leave the Byzantine emperor's service and lead a powerful militia against Byzantine injustice. He was joined by Tatush of Drastar, Sacha of Vicina and other Pecheneg and Bulgarian leaders. By 1084, Travlos and his supporters had gained control of the lands between Sredna Gora and Plovdiv. In 1086, the two armies faced each other north of Plovdiv, but neither launched a decisive attack. After the Pecheneg detachments withdrew, Travlos was forced to retreat north of the Balkan Mountains and settle in Securisca near Belene. The Byzantine army did not pursue them.

The uprising ended in failure. Nevertheless, the Paulicians around Plovdiv received special benefits, including land and privileges. In 1185, they also received a new town, Alexiopolis.