Byzantine Castle of Moglen #1365

Description

Moglena was one of the settlements established and fortified in Western Macedonia during the early Byzantine period, likely before the 6th century. Over time, it grew into a city-fortress.

At the end of the 10th century, the city was captured by the Bulgarians, but it was reclaimed by the Byzantines in 1015 under the command of Emperor Basil II, also known as the "Bulgar-slayer."

In 1082, the city fell to the Norman prince Bohemond, who later became one of the leaders of the First Crusade and eventually Bohemond I of Antioch. He repaired the fortifications, but the city was soon recaptured by the Byzantines, who then destroyed the walls.

The ruins of the walls visible today date from the late 10th to 12th century. By the end of the 12th century, Moglena came under the control of the Second Bulgarian Empire and remained so until the Ottoman conquest around 1396. During this time, the city gradually declined and was eventually abandoned.