Siege of Sofia (Premysloides Dynasty)

Background
Few weeks after Ambush of Skopia, Manuel Angelos Army moved toward Sofia, capital city of Bulgarian subprovinces of Thrakian Imperial Province. In that time, Sofia was large city that was enlarged by peasants population of local villages and reached population of 10,000 citizens. However, city had only little fortification, as it was "open city" and deep in imperial territory, far from raiders and most threats. Now, during Manuel Angelos Campaign, "openess of city" became fatal weakness.

Manuel Angelos chose first to attack and conquer Sofia to destroy imperial forces in north-east Thrakia and prevent them from support Adrianople and Thessaloniky, Manuel last targets on his campaign to Constantinople.

Siege
When first rumors about Manuel movement toward city arrived, governor Gavriannus and military commander Acerbo started with very provisional and weak fortification works and arming and training locals, as they knew they are not able to repel Manuel siege. Gavriannus evacuated all children and old people and gave order to train and arm all adult citizen, even women, while Acerbo reorganized defense system and torn down many buildings to collect fortification material, like bricks and stones.

When Manuel Army arrived, siege weapons without any real problems broke through fragile foritification and killed supralegatus Acerbo, while Gavriannus ran away. Command over city took local popular merchant Ivalo who gathered remaining and determined defenders in city magistrate and for four days repeled Manuel attacks, as Manuel was not able to use siege weapons, because local streets were too thin to allow weapons transport.

Ivalo used this time to collect ingredients to produce "Greek Fire". He could not use Greek Fire to repel Manuel Army, but misused narowness of streets and ignited fire in other buildings. Soon, city became inferno and Manuel Angelos ordered retreat to prevent death of his soldiers in flame, but many units were cut off from roads and connections with Manuel Army.

Aftermath
All defenders died, as well as many attackers who were burned and city burn down. Manuel Army could not collect any supplies, food or gold and silver, as everything was reduced to ashes. Gavriannus committed suicide, while Acerbo and Ivalo were granted medals for heroism and self-sacrifice. However, as imperial forces in Bulgaria were destroyed or forced to retreate, battle is classified as decisive victory for Manuel Army, especially because Manuel was able to draw off his army before flame could kill too many soldiers and officers.

Fall of Sofia had important consequence, as it started Bulgarian Civil War between Bulgarian Crown Prince Michael, enemy of Roman Empire and Constantine Tikh, who remained loyal to Alliance with Roman Empire, but was already old and weak. Civil War ended with fall of Asen dynasty and chaotic, widespread violence without real winner and ended existence of Second Bulgarian Empire, with their territory later captured by Roman Empire.