Thomas the Slav

Lore & Background

Thomas the Slav was a Byzantine military commander of Slavic origin from the Pontus region. He quickly secured support from most themes in Asia Minor, defeated Michael's initial counter-attack, and allied with the Abbasid Caliphate. After winning over the maritime themes and their ships, he crossed to Europe and besieged Constantinople.

Reader's Guide

Thomas's rebellion was one of the largest in Byzantine history, but its precise circumstances are unclear due to competing historical narratives, which include claims fabricated by Michael II to blacken his opponent's name. Various motives have been attributed: reaction against Iconoclasm, social revolution, revolt by non-Greek ethnic groups, Thomas's personal ambitions, and his desire to avenge Leo V. The revolt's effects on the Empire's military position, especially against the Arabs, are also disputed. Thomas's siege of Constantinople failed after the imperial capital withstood his attacks and Michael II called for help from the Bulgarian Khan Omurtag. The Bulgarians inflicted heavy casualties on Thomas's army, and when Michael took the field months later, Thomas's men broke and fled.

Did You Know?

• Thomas was of Slavic origin, from the Pontus region (now north-eastern Turkey).
• He served as a spatharios under general Bardanes Tourkos alongside future emperors Leo V and Michael II.
• Thomas concluded an alliance with the Abbasid Caliphate during his revolt.
• His rebellion was one of the largest in Byzantine history, but its causes are disputed.