The Catalan Company in Byzantium

The Catalan Company was a disciplined and formidable mercenary force, composed mainly of Almogavars, hardened warriors from the Crown of Aragon. Their reputation for guerrilla tactics and ruthless efficiency made them highly sought after by European rulers.

Origins and Journey to Byzantium

After the War of the Sicilian Vespers (1282–1302), many experienced warriors found themselves without employment. The Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos sought their aid against the Turks in Anatolia. He hired the Catalan Company, and in 1303, about 6,500 men arrived in Constantinople under Roger de Flor.

Catalans in Constantinople.

Catalans in Asia Minor

The Catalans quickly proved their worth, defeating Turkish forces in several battles:

Battle of Cyzicus (1303) – The Catalans crushed the Turks, securing parts of Anatolia.
Battle of Philadelphia (1304) – They relieved the besieged city of Philadelphia from Turkish attacks.

Almogavars, the elite warriors of the Catalan Company. (Public Domain)

Conflict with Byzantium and the Catalan Vengeance (1305-1307)

In 1305, Roger de Flor was assassinated in Adrianople, likely on orders from the emperor's son, Michael IX Palaiologos. In retaliation, the Catalans unleashed the Catalan Vengeance, a brutal campaign across Thrace and Macedonia.

Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos. (Public Domain)

Conquest of Athens (1311)

After leaving Byzantine lands, the Catalan Company moved into Thessaly and then Greece. In 1311, at the Battle of Halmyros, they defeated and killed Walter of Brienne, Duke of Athens. Instead of installing a new ruler, they seized control of the Duchy of Athens, ruling it for over 70 years (1311–1388).

Map from the Catalan Atlas (1375), showing parts of Greece under Catalan rule. (Public Domain)

Legacy

The Catalan Company left a lasting mark on Byzantium and Greece:

Their contract became a cautionary tale about hiring mercenaries.
They weakened Byzantine power in Anatolia and the Balkans.
They ruled Athens, blending Iberian and Greek cultures.
Their brutality became legendary in medieval chronicles.

Map showing the path of the Catalan Vengeance across Byzantium.