Saeculorium #3
Influential Figures #1

Basil II, the Bulgar Slayer

Basil II Porphyrogenitus (958 – 1025), nicknamed Bulgar Slayer, or Boulgaroktόnos, ruled the Byzantine Empire from 976 to 1025. His reign of almost 50 years was the longest of any Roman Emperor, and in that time, he would rapidly expand the empire and cement its power in the region.

After some civil war early in his imperial career, Basil II, nicknamed the Purpleborn, would lead many military excursions into foreign lands. This is what he would, more or less, be popularly known for. He would earn his epithet of Bulgar Slayer when he brought the Bulgarian Empire under heel, stabilizing the Eastern frontier. A campaign against the Fatimids would be led, but it would simply end in a truce without much change. Basil II would also introduce “Roman diplomacy” (steel and fire) to the Khazar Khaganate and the Kingdom of Georgia, which were largely successful.

Despite his track record of military activity, Basil II would not sit idly in his homeland and proved himself time and time over again, mastering administrative duties. He would also form the military unit, the Varangian Guard, who would loyally guard the throne of the Byzantines for decades, despite not being Roman – I’ll cover the Varangians soon.

Nowadays, he’s seen as a Greek hero, but, of course, is quite hated among Bulgarians, unfortunately. You can’t REALLY blame them, though, can you?

Links & Information:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Basil-II
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_II

Related Music:
Song about Basil II by Farya Faraji: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9iMaaqZQDc

Imaged Featured:
1. Modern rendition art of Basil II
2. Art of Basil II’s campaign in Georgia
3. The Byzantine Empire by the time of his death