In 1341 the Roman city of Trebizond in Anatolia, capital of the independent Empire of Trebizond, was raided by the Ak Koyunlu Turks:

In 1341 the Roman city of Trebizond in Anatolia, capital of the independent Empire of Trebizond, was raided by the Ak Koyunlu Turks:

Michael Panaretos, a 14th century contemporary, described it: The “Turks came here & the Romans were routed without even putting up a fight & many Christians were killed. All of Trebizond was set on fire, both inside and outside the walls, and a great number of people were burned too, including women and children. After this disaster, there was suddenly a deadly epidemic caused by the stench of burned animals and people.”

Medieval life was tough, cruel, and dangerous…

Source: Two Works on Trebizond (Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library), translated by Scott Kennedy