Isaac II Angelos
Lardea was conquered by the re-established Bulgarian Empire in the late 12th century. In 1186, the Bulgarian and Cuman forces of the brothers Asen and Peter engaged the troops of Byzantine emperor Isaac II Angelos, who were retreating to the fortress of Lardea amidst an anti-Bulgarian campaign. The Bulgarian army employed its cavalry to weaken the Byzantine force before organizing a successful all-out attack. Forced to retreat, Isaac II Angelos abandoned his campaign and fled to Adrianople.