Battle of the Rishki Pass

The Battle of the Rishki Pass (Bulgarian: Битката при Ришкия проход) or Battle of Veregava took place in the pass of the same name, in Stara Planina, Bulgaria in 759. It was fought between the Bulgarian Empire and the Byzantine Empire. The result was a Bulgarian victory.

This battle was an important moment in the history of the Bulgarian Empire. It showed the strength and skill of the Bulgarian warriors as they defended their land against a powerful enemy. The pass where the battle happened is high in the mountains, making it a challenging place to fight. Even today, the story of this battle helps us understand how the Bulgarian people built their nation long ago.

Origins of the conflict

Between the years 755 and 775, the Byzantine emperor Constantine V started nine big fights against the Bulgarians. Even though he won some battles against the Bulgarians, he could not fully defeat them.

Battle

In 759, a big fight happened in a mountain pass in Bulgaria called the Rishki Pass. The Bulgarian army, led by their leader Vinekh, was ready and had blocked the paths. When the Byzantine army arrived, they were surprised and lost the battle. Many soldiers from the Byzantine side were defeated, including an important leader named Leo.

Aftermath

Khan Vinekh chose not to continue fighting after the battle and instead asked for peace. This decision was not liked by many nobles, and unfortunately, Khan Vinekh was killed in 761.