Basil II

Basil II "Bulgaroktonus" (in Greek Basilios Bulgaroktonos, written Βασίλειος Βουλγαροκτόνος, (en) "The Bulgar-Slayer" (958 – December 15, 1025)) Byzantine emperor (January 10, 976 – December 15, 1025) led the Byzantine Empire to its greatest heights in nearly five centuries. However, he left no worthy heir and most of his achievements were undone by a long line of weak successors.

Later years

Basil returned in triumph to Constantinople, then promptly went east and attacked the Persians over control of Armenia, which had become a Byzantine tributary when its king died in 1000. More victories followed, and Armenia rejoined the Byzantine empire for the first time in two centuries. In the meantime, other Byzantine forces restored much of southern Italy, lost to the Normans over the previous 150 years, to the empire's control. When Basil finally died on December 15, 1025, he was planning a military expedition to recover the island of Sicily. By his last request, he was buried not among the other emperors of his family, but instead next to the cavalry's training field. Contemporary sources state this was in order for him to forever hear his troops training to combat for his empire. During the pillage of 1204, Basil's grave was ravaged by the invading Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade.

Related Topics:
Constantinople - Persians - Armenia - 1000 - Italy - Normans - December 15 - 1025 - Sicily - 1204 - Fourth Crusade

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