The Defense of Bucharest, Part II, 1096


The large but undisciplined rebel force of Catholics, despite the loss of their leader and many of their archers, was now besieging Bucharest. The Basileus let them build their rams and then sallied at night when their guard was down.

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The infantry and archers were gathered at the gate facing the beseigers. They would be held there for now while the Skythikons and Aleksios's bodyguard sallied from the gates to either side.

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As the Roman cavalry approached the flanks of the rebels and the infantry sallied underneath the protection of the walls, the remaining rebel archers advanced to shoot.

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That was a mistake.

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The Skythikons fired into the flanks and rear of the rebels while Aleksios charged into straggling units. The rebels made half-hearted attempts to catch the cavalry, but without horsemen of their own it was mostly futile.

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This cycle continued for a time, wearing down the morale and numerical superiority of the rebels. Aleksios and his bodyguard had slashed in behind the rebel lines to kill their rebel commander and his contingent of militia. However, the Skythikons were now running out of arrows. The infantry and foot archers were summoned forward to help with the coup de grace.

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Without the direct leadership of Aleksios, however, the footmen advanced a bit to closely to the rebels and were charged. No doubt the Catholics were happy to have someone to fight on their own terms.

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But incessant missile fire and charges had taken their toll on their morale. Aleksios and the Skythikons rammed into the rebel rear as the infantry lines met. Despite some Roman losses, the rebels broke.

They were run down alomst to the man. Bucharest would remain in the Empire.

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