Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
Judith Herrin
Basil II the Bulgar-Slayer, Byzantium's military zenith before the eleventh-century crisis.
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1022
Cnut the Great
England
1016–1025
Eric the Victorious
Sweden
976–995
Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1014–1024
Æthelred the Unready
England
978–1013
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1025
Otto II
Holy Roman Empire
976–983
Otto III
Holy Roman Empire
996–1002
Robert II of France
France
996–1025
Emperor Zhenzong of Song
China
997–1022
Anund Jacob
Sweden
1022–1025
Emperor Taizong of Song
China
976–997
Emperor Ichijō
Japan
986–1011
Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1025
Kenneth II of Scotland
Scotland
976–995
Hugh Capet of France
France
987–996
Pope Benedict VIII
Papacy
1012–1024
Emperor Go-Ichijō
Japan
1016–1025
Pope John XV
Papacy
985–996
Kenneth III of Scotland
Scotland
997–1005
Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1025
Emperor En'yū
Japan
976–984
Pope Benedict VII
Papacy
976–983
Emperor Jingzong of Liao
China
976–982
Emperor Sanjō
Japan
1011–1016
Pope John XVIII
Papacy
1003–1009
Pope Sylvester II
Papacy
999–1003
Pope Gregory V
Papacy
996–999
Pope Sergius IV
Papacy
1009–1012
Liu Jiyuan
China
976–979
Ring of Sweden
Sweden
993–1000
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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Further Reading
Well-regarded biographies and histories to go deeper on Basil II's life and times.
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