After the death of John Zimisces who had reunited Bulgaria to the Byzantine Empire, the Bulgarians were roused to a struggle for the recovery of their independence, under the lead of four brothers of a noble family, all of whom soon perished save one, named Samuel. Samuel proved to be so vigorous and able a soldier and had so much success that he assumed presently the title of king. His authority was established over the greater part of Bulgaria, and extended into Macedonia, Epirus and Illyria. He established his capital at Achrida (modern Ochrida, in Albania), which gave its name to his kingdom. The suppression of this new Bulgarian monarchy occupied the Byzantine Emperor, Basil II., in wars from 981 until 1018, when its last strongholds, including the city of Achrida, were surrendered to him. _G. Finlay, History of the Byzantine Empire from 716 to 1057, book 2, chapter 2, section 2._ {7} ACKERMAN, Convention of (1826). See TURKS: A. D. 1826-1829. ACOLAHUS, The. See MEXICO, ANCIENT: THE TOLTEC EMPIRE. ACOLYTH, The. See VARANGIAN or WARING GUARD. ACRABA, Battle of, A. D. 633. After the death of Mahomet, his successor, Abu Bekr, had to deal with several serious revolts, the most threatening of which was raised by one Moseilama, who had pretended, even in the life-time of the Prophet, to a rival mission of religion. The decisive battle between the followers of Moseilama and those of Mahomet was fought at Acraba, near Yemama. The pretender was slain and few of his army escaped. _Sir W. Muir, Annals of the Early Caliphate, chapter 7._ ACRABATTENE, Battle of. A sanguinary defeat of the Idumeans or Edomites by the Jews under Judas Maccabæus, B. C. 164. _Josephus, Antiquity of the Jews, book 12, chapter 8._ ACRAGAS. See AGRIGENTUM. ACRE (St. Jean d'Acre, or Ptolemais): A. D. 1104. Conquest, Pillage and Massacre by the Crusaders and Genoese. See CRUSADES: A. D. 1104-1111. ACRE: A. D.1187. Taken from the Christians by Saladin. See JERUSALEM: A. D. 1149-1187. ACRE: A. D. 1189-1191. The great siege and reconquest by the Crusaders. See CRUSADES: A. D. 1188-1192. ACRE: A. D. 1256-1257. Quarrels and battles between the Genoese and Venetians. See VENICE: A. D. 1256-1257. ACRE: A. D. 1291. The Final triumph of the Moslems. See JERUSALEM: A. D. 1291. ACRE: 18th Century. Restored to Importance by Sheik Daher.