Described as the best and brightest of Tzimiskes' generals, fiercely loyal to John but expecting to be made emperor after his death. When the popular uprising failed to materialize, he had his troops proclaim him emperor, captured the southern fleet, conquered all of Asia Minor, and besieged Constantinople from Nicaea — only to be defeated when Bardas Phokas was released from exile to fight him in a single combat duel. Exiled to Baghdad, he returned to rebel again with Caliph funding, was arrested and imprisoned by Phokas, and finally came to terms with Basil after Phokas' death — nearly blind and too old to continue.
Also known as: Bardus Sclarus · Bardas Sclerus
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Episode 13 (2 mentions)
Described as the best and brightest of Tzimiskes' generals, fiercely loyal to John but expecting to be made emperor after his death. When the popular uprising failed to materialize, he had his troops proclaim him emperor, captured the southern fleet, conquered all of Asia Minor, and besieged Constantinople from Nicaea — only to be defeated when Bardas Phokas was released from exile to fight him in a single combat duel. Exiled to Baghdad, he returned to rebel again with Caliph funding, was arrested and imprisoned by Phokas, and finally came to terms with Basil after Phokas' death — nearly blind and too old to continue.
“The other two were generals, Bardus Focus and Bardus Sclarus.”
“Bardus Sclarus, the best and brightest of Smiskys generals, had by contrast always”
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