Ascum

Ascum (Greek Ασκούμ ) was a general of the Eastern Roman Empire, who served in the time of Justinian I ( reign 527-565 ). He was the Prefect of the Prätorianerpräfektur of Illyricum. His name is narrated by John Malalas. Both Theophanes and Georgios Kedrenos give his name as " Ακούμ " ( Acum ) again.

Biography

Ascum was Hunnish origin and a godchild of Justinian. Modern historians believe it is possible that the described in the sources " Huns " were in fact Bulgarians. Patrick Amory holds the name Ascum for Germanic. Ascum 528 first appears in the rank of Stratelates of Illyricum (Greek ὁ τοῦ ' Ιλλυρικοῦ στρατηλάτης ). The Latin equivalent of the title would be Master of the Soldiers per Illyricum.

In the year 528 Ascum joined his troops with Constantiolus and Godilas by an invading army of Bulgarians trap. After crossing the provinces of Moesia and Scythia Minor Secunda the invaders plundered Thrace at this time. The East Roman army defeated a portion of these invaders.

Shortly after their victory, the East Romans were attacked and dispersed by a second group of invaders. Ascum and Constantiolus were captured in this battle. While Constantiolus was released for ransom, Ascum was " dragged into captivity ." He is not mentioned again in the sources and his fate remains uncertain.