Zirid campaign in Illyria

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Zirid campaign in Illyria
Part of the Zirid-Byzantine conflict
Date Between 1026 and 1035 Location Illyria, Greece, and Thrace Result Raids along the coasts of Illyria, Greece, and Thrace
Belligerents
Zirid Empire Kalbids of Sicily	Byzantine Empire
Commanders and leaders
Al-Muizz ibn Badis Al-Akhal	Romanos III Argyros
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

Following a series of Muslim raids and attacks on Italy, the Byzantine emperor Basil II prepared for a military expedition against the Kalbid emirs in Sicily. The Kalbid ruler, al-Akhal, fearing the impending attack, sought help from the Zirid ruler in Ifriqiya, Al-Muizz ibn Badis, to confront the threat. The Zirid fleet sent to Sicily in 1026 was destroyed by a storm, but after the death of Basil II and the hesitation of the Byzantine general Orestes, the Byzantine expedition against Sicily stalled and was defeated, giving the Muslims a free hand in the region.

As a result, the Zirids and Kalbids launched raids between 1026 and 1035 along the coasts of Illyria, Greece, and Thrace, as well as against some Greek islands. This prompted a counterattack in 1034 by a fleet from Pisa, likely aided by Genoa, which raided and captured Annaba.

References

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