Bardas Skleros

Quick Facts: Who was Bardas Skleros?

Subject:

Bardas Skleros

Known for:

A powerful Byzantine general who led a major rebellion against Emperor Basil II.

Born:

1000

Died:

991-03-06

Century / Era:

1000s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Bardas Skleros (Greek: Βάρδας Σκληρός) or Sclerus was a Byzantine general who led a wide-scale Asian rebellion against Emperor Basil II during the years 976 to 979. Bardas' father Niketas Skleros belonged to the great family of the Skleroi, which owned enormous estates at the eastern outskirts of Asia Minor. His mother Gregoria was daughter of Basil and granddaughter of Basil I's brother Bardas. The greatest coup of his early career was a brilliant defense of Constantinople against the army of Svyatoslav I of Kiev in 970. During the Battle of Arcadiopolis, he reportedly managed to inflict as many as 20,000 casualties on the Rus, while the campaign claimed the lives of merely 25 Byzantine soldiers.

Career & Major Achievements

After he had shown himself equal to dealing with the fiercest enemies of Byzantium, Bardas became a trusted advisor to John I Tzimiskes, who was his brother-in-law and a fellow Armenian. Upon John's death, Skleros aspired to replace him as an acting emperor. The eunuch Basil Lekapenos, who actually led the imperial government, entertained other plans, however, deposing Bardas from his key post of general in the East in 976. According to Michael Psellos, Skleros was "a man who was not only a competent planner, but extremely clever in carrying out his schemes, possessed of vast wealth (no mean asset in one who aimed at a throne), with the prestige of royal blood and of success in great wars, with all the military caste at his side to help on his enterprise." Upon hearing the news of his deposition, Skleros came to an agreement with local Armenian, Georgian and even Muslim rulers who all vowed to support his claims to the imperial crown. He successfully stirred up rebellion among his relatives and adherents in the Asian provinces, rapidly making himself master of Caesarea, Antioch, and most of Asia Minor.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After several navy commanders defected to Skleros's side, he dashed to Constantinople, threatening to blockade the Dardanelles. The rebel navy under Michael Kourtikios raided the Aegean and attempted to blockade the Hellespont, but were defeated by the Imperial Fleet under the command of Theodoros Karantenos. Having lost supremacy at sea, Skleros at once laid siege to the town of Nicaea, which was considered a key to the capital. The town was fortified by Manuel Erotikos Komnenos, father of the future emperor Isaac Komnenos and progenitor of the Komnenoi dynasty. Meanwhile, Basil recalled from exile Bardas Phokas the Younger, a general who had revolted in the previous reign and been interned in a monastery for seven years.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 991 (0991-03-06): Passing & Historical Legacy — Bardas Skleros passed away on 0991-03-06, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
2. 1000: Birth of Bardas Skleros — A powerful Byzantine general who led a major rebellion against Emperor Basil II.

Notable Quotes by Bardas Skleros

“The truth was, the men who had enrolled in Skleros's army were no longer divided in their loyalties: every one of them was a declared rebel. Their leader inspired them with his own resolute determination and bound them into one coherent body.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Bardas Skleros

True or False: “Bardas Skleros's initial military success against the Rus at Arcadiopolis involved inflicting casualties far exceeding those sustained by the Byzantines.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text states he reportedly inflicted as many as 20,000 casualties on the Rus while only losing merely 25 Byzantine soldiers.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bardas Skleros