Alexander

Alexander was a Byzantine military officer, active in the reign of Maurice. He is styled a taxiarch in the accounts of Theophylact Simocatta. He is known for his part in campaigns against the Sclaveni.

Biography

Alexander is styled a taxiarch in the accounts of Theophylact Simocatta. This might be an attempt to translate a Latin title. He is unlikely to have served as a magister militum, always mentioned serving under other commanders. He might have been a comes rei militaris or a dux. In either case, Alexander was stationed in Thrace.

Alexander returned to Priscus' camp with the captives and valuable information. In said plan, Alexander was assigned to lead an advance force.

In 594, Alexander served under the curopalates Peter.

The Byzantine cavalrymen could not approach their enemies without exposing their horses to danger, so Alexander ordered them to dismount and fight as infantry. The battle was decided when an unnamed Byzantine soldier managed to capture one of the wagons. The defense of the Slavs collapsed, though they took the time to kill the rest of their captives first. They were then killed by the charging Byzantines. Following this victory, there is no further mention of Alexander.