Battle of Thasos

Battle of Thasos
Part of the Arab–Byzantine Wars

Map of the Arab–Byzantine naval conflict in the Mediterranean, 7th–11th centuries
DateOctober 829
Location
off Thasos
Result Saracen victory
Belligerents
Byzantine Empire Emirate of Crete

The Battle of Thasos was fought on October 829 between the fleets of the Byzantine Empire and the newly founded Emirate of Crete. The Cretan Arabs scored a major victory: Theophanes Continuatus records that almost the entire imperial fleet was lost. This success opened up the Aegean to the Saracens' raids. The Cyclades and other islands were pillaged, and Mount Athos was so devastated that it was deserted for a long time.