chrysocheir

Updated: May 19, 2025

The emperor Basil, the Macedonian, was reduced to sue for peace, to offer a ransom for the captives, and to request, in the language of moderation and charity, that Chrysocheir would spare his fellow-Christians, and content himself with a royal donative of gold and silver and silk garments.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 5

With Chrysocheir, the glory of the Paulicians faded and withered: on the second expedition of the emperor, the impregnable Tephrice, was deserted by the heretics, who sued for mercy or escaped to the borders.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 5

Beyond his expectations, the wish was accomplished: after a successful inroad, Chrysocheir was surprised and slain in his retreat; and the rebel's head was triumphantly presented at the foot of the throne.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 5

The Saracens fought under the same banners, but the victory was ascribed to Carbeas; and the captive generals, with more than a hundred tribunes, were either released by his avarice, or tortured by his fanaticism. The valor and ambition of Chrysocheir, his successor, embraced a wider circle of rapine and revenge.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 5