Basil II

Reign: 976 – 1025
Life: 958–1025

He and his brother Constantine VIII were crowned before their father Romanos II died in 963, but they were too young to rule. The throne thus went to two generals, Nikephoros Phokas (r. Basil then oversaw the stabilization and expansion of the eastern frontier of the Byzantine Empire and the complete subjugation of the First Bulgarian Empire, its foremost European foe, after a long struggle. Despite near-constant warfare, Basil distinguished himself as a capable ruler, reducing the power of the great land-owning families who dominated the administration and military, filling its treasury, and leaving the Empire at its greatest territorial extent in four centuries.

During Basil II's reign, Olof Skötkonung ruled Sweden, Emperor Shengzong of Liao ruled China, and Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor ruled Holy Roman Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire by Judith Herrin

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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.

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Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire

Judith Herrin

Basil II the Bulgar-Slayer, Byzantium's military zenith before the eleventh-century crisis.

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