The Byzantine Empire, often celebrated for its cultural and administrative achievements, was also deeply entwined with the institution of slavery. Enslaved individuals-captured in wars, sold into bondage, or born into servitude-faced harsh conditions yet consistently resisted their oppression. This article explores documented acts of defiance, organized uprisings, and self-liberation efforts by enslaved communities, shedding light on their resilience and agency.

Defiance in Daily Life

Even in the absence of large-scale revolts, enslaved people in Byzantium resisted through everyday acts. Labor sabotage, deliberate slowdowns, and refusal to adhere to strict rules disrupted household and agricultural systems. Some preserved their cultural identities through clandestine rituals, music, and languages, undermining efforts to erase their heritage. Others formed secret networks to share resources and information, fostering a collective spirit of resistance.

Organized Uprisings and Revolts

The Gothic Revolt (378 CE)

One of the earliest recorded rebellions occurred during the reign of Emperor Valens, when Gothic slaves and prisoners of war rose against their captors. Though primarily a military uprising, enslaved Goths within Byzantine territories played a critical role, leveraging their knowledge of Roman tactics to destabilize the empire's frontier. The revolt culminated in the Battle of Adrianople, where the Gothic forces secured a decisive victory, highlighting the potential power of enslaved communities when united.

The Euboea Rebellion (798-802 CE)

During the reign of Empress Irene, enslaved agricultural workers in Euboea, a fertile region under aristocratic control, launched a coordinated rebellion against their oppressors. Led by a coalition of Slavic and Greek slaves, the uprising targeted the estates of Thessalonian landlords. Byzantine forces crushed the revolt, but its legacy persisted in regional folklore, symbolizing the audacious spirit of collective struggle.

The Theban Revolt and the Paulician Alliance (9th Century CE)

Enslaved individuals in Thebes aligned with the Paulicians, a Christian sect opposed to imperial authority, to form a resistance movement in the 9th century. A notable leader, Chrysocheir, a former slave turned military commander, established a quasi-independent state in the Taurus Mountains. This alliance disrupted Byzantine trade routes and military campaigns for decades, before eventual suppression in the late 9th century.

Self-Liberation and Legal Appeals

While armed revolts were risky and often crushed, many enslaved people pursued quieter paths to freedom. Some petitioned imperial courts, citing Byzantine law's vague protections for slaves, such as those outlined in the Corpus Juris Civilis. Others negotiated manumission in exchange for labor or service, while monastic institutions occasionally purchased slaves to free them, particularly women and children. These strategies underscored enslaved individuals' awareness of their legal and social landscape.

Conclusion

The history of Byzantine slavery is not only one of subjugation but also of resistance. From daily acts of sabotage to large-scale rebellions, enslaved communities challenged their status through diverse tactics. Their struggles reveal a persistent desire for autonomy and dignity, even within the confines of an empire built on hierarchy. By documenting these efforts, we honor the voices of those who resisted, rebelled, and reclaimed their humanity.