Krakra of Pernik
Krakra of Pernik (Bulgarian: Кракра Пернишки, Krakra Pernishki), also known as Krakra Voevoda or simply Krakra, was an 11th-century Bulgarian feudal lord in the First Bulgarian Empire whose domain encompassed 36 fortresses in what is today southwestern Bulgaria, with his capital at Pernik. He is known for heroically resisting Byzantine sieges on multiple occasions as the Byzantines overran the Bulgarian Empire.
Krakra was a "man remarkable in military affairs" and a high-ranking
In 1016, another campaign by Basil II was stopped by Krakra at Pernik after an unsuccessful 88-day Byzantine siege. As the Byzantine-Bulgarian conflict continued, Krakra and Ivan Vladislav looked for Pecheneg support for a large-scale Bulgarian campaign against the Byzantines and initially persuaded the Pechenegs to collaborate in the winter of 1016–1017. However, the Byzantine governor of Dorystolon learned about the plan and notified Basil II. Upon hearing this, the Pechenegs declined to take part, effectively ruining the Bulgarian plans.
Following the death of Ivan Vladislav at
Honour
Krakra Bluff on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Krakra.
References
- Делев, Петър; Валери Кацунов; Пламен Митев; Евгения Калинова; Искра Баева; Боян Добрев (2006). "12. Залезът на Първото българско царство". История и цивилизация за 11. клас (in Bulgarian). Просвета.
- Павлов, Пламен (2002). Цар Самуил и "Българската епопея" (in Bulgarian). София, Велико Търново: ВМРО Русе. Archived from the original on 2009-05-25.