ABSTRACT
The revival of the Bulgarian state after the rebellion occurred in western Macedonia in 976 led after one decade to the partial recovery of the former tsarate, with the exception of Thrace, but with Dioclea and a part of Epirus added to the new state ruled by Samuel. This was seen by the against the emperor, because its territory was considered a part of the empire. Troubled by long civil wars, the Byzantine Empire was able to take again the strategic initiative only in 997, after the victory of Spercheios άποστασία against the Bulgarian army. The new situation created by the conquest of the remaining part of Bulgaria is well described by Yahya of Antioch: The Bulgarian chiefs wrote to the emperor Basil to surrender to him, explaining their wish that he take possession of the fortresses and lands they held and asking him for permission to present themselves before him and take his orders.
