Sack of Thessalonica (904): What Happened
In July 904 AD, an Arab fleet led by Leo of Tripoli captured and plundered Thessaloniki, the second city of the Byzantine Empire. Leo was a Greek from Attaleia in Asia Minor who had converted to Islam and become one of the most feared naval raiders of the Mediterranean. His fleet of about 54 ships had first sailed toward Constantinople before turning to Thessaloniki, which was unprepared for an attack from the sea. The city's sea walls were in poor repair, and its defenders were confused and badly led. After a short siege lasting only a few days, the attackers broke in by bringing their ships close to the walls and fighting from platforms built on the ships' masts. For about a week, they looted the city and killed many of its inhabitants. When they left, they carried off a huge amount of treasure and around 22,000 captives, many of them young people, who were later sold as slaves or exchanged. The priest John Kameniates, who was himself captured, wrote an eyewitness account of the sack that survives today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Thessaloniki in 904?
In July 904 AD, an Arab fleet led by Leo of Tripoli captured and plundered Thessaloniki, the second city of the Byzantine Empire, after a short siege.
Who was Leo of Tripoli?
Leo of Tripoli was a Greek from Attaleia in Asia Minor who converted to Islam and became one of the most feared naval raiders of the Mediterranean.
How did the attackers capture Thessaloniki?
The city's sea walls were in poor repair. The attackers brought their ships close to the walls and fought from platforms built on the ships' masts.
How many people were taken from Thessaloniki?
According to accounts, the raiders carried off around 22,000 captives, many of them young people, who were later sold as slaves or exchanged.
Who wrote about the sack of Thessaloniki?
The priest John Kameniates, who was captured during the attack, wrote an eyewitness account of the sack that survives today.
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