«ЗРОБИЛИ СКЛАВИНІВ ПОЖИВОЮ ДЛЯ МЕЧІВ»: ПОХІД МАГІСТРА ПРІСКА 589 р.

Abstract

A feature of the military affairs of the Eastern Roman Empire in the second half of the sixth century was the regular change of heads of military and administrative structures. Despite the need to restore the fortifications on the Danube-Mesia limes, to provide military formations in the Danube possessions of Rome, the successor emperors of Justinian I (527–565) often ignored this factor in favour of strengthening the defence capability of the border with Sassanian Persia. This policy of Justin II (565–578), Tiberius II (578–582) and Maurice (582–602) in the Balkans led to the activation of the nomadic Avars community. In the late 90s of the 6th century, the latter claimed to be the hegemon in Central and Eastern Europe. Until that time, the Nomads had received annual payments from the Empire to maintain peace in the region. With the accession of Mauritius to the throne in Constantinople in 582, the nomadic tribal nobility continued to expand towards the Empire’s Balkan possessions. By the end of the autocrat’s reign, the conflict with the Avars was permanent. In view of this, the emperor attempted to restore the Roman military formations previously deployed in the Balkans. Changes also occurred in the structure of command of the units. Thus, during 588–597, the position of presentational master of Thrace was held by the commander Priscus. In this position, the commander managed to conduct successful campaigns against nomadic troops and the Sclavians. The techniques used by the commander during clashes with barbarians would become a textbook for the military affairs of the Empire in a few decades. Nevertheless, Priscus proved to be an overly independent commander. The military master’s negotiations with the Avar Khagan Bayan I (562–602) led to the commander’s resignation and replacement by brother of Maurice, Peter.