A tragic episode of medieval history
Today, seven centuries ago, an event that marked a before and after in the history of the region took place in the ancient city of Adrianopolis, now Edirne, in Turkey. The murder of Roger de Flor, a prominent leader of the Catalan company of the East, triggered a violent reaction that would resonate over time.
The context of betrayal
Roger de Flor and his almogàvers had been called by the Byzantine emperor Miquel Paleologist in order to defend the Empire from Ottoman attacks. However, their growing influence and military success led to a concern among the Byzantines, who decided to act treacherously with the help of the Alans, mercenaries joining the cause.
The reaction of the almogàvers
After learning about the news of Roger’s tragic murder and the Catalan merchant massacre, the Almogàvers, under the new command of Berenguer d’Entença, launched an unprecedented revenge campaign. The brutality of his actions spread across the Gallipoli Peninsula, where they devastated towns and cities, leaving behind a trace of destruction.
A legacy of revenge and fear
The ferocity of that campaign has left a deep imprint on the collective memory of the affected regions. The term ‘Catalan’ has been associated with wild and vindictive behavior, giving rise to the figure of the ‘Almogàver Monster’ that still endures in the popular culture of the Balkan lands.
Influence on popular culture
Expressions such as ‘that the revenge of the Catalans fall on you’ and ‘son of Catalan’ have become part of local jargon in places like Thrace and Bulgaria, reflecting the fear and respect that the almogàvers inspired. In Athens, even a children’s song is sung that mentions the figure of ‘Catalan’ as a fearful beast.
The voice of the chroniclers
The writings of the time, like those of Francesc de Montcada, Marquis of Aitona, have immortalized this episode, with Berenguer d’Entença calling revenge with a forceful ‘Matar them. To all. ‘ This phrase has become a symbol of the feeling of revenge that dominated that time.
Reflections on the past
The memory of that fateful day invites us to reflect on the consequences of betrayal and violence, as well as the way in which history can be reinterpreted over the centuries. The figure of the Almogàvers, with his heroic exploits and his fame of Venjatius, is still a topic of debate and fascination in today’s society.