Table of Contents
How did Basil become emperor?
On Emperor Michael’s orders, Basil divorced his wife Maria and married Eudokia Ingerina, Michael’s favourite mistress, in around 865. Basil then became the leading personality at court and was invested in the now vacant dignity of kaisar (Caesar), before being crowned co-emperor on 26 May 866.
Why was emperor Basil II important?
Basil II (aka Basilius II) was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 976 to 1025 CE. He became known as the Bulgar-Slayer (Bulgaroktonos) for his exploits in conquering ancient Bulgaria, sweet revenge for his infamous defeat at Trajan’s Gate.
Who was longest ruler of Byzantine Empire?
Basil II
Basil II was arguably one of the Byzantine Empire’s ‘greatest’ emperors. His reign was the longest of any emperor, and during his 65 years on the throne, his achievements were numerous.
Who was the best Byzantine emperor?
General Evaluation
| 1. | Constantine I the Great | 306-337 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Basil II Bulgaroktonos | 976-1025 |
| 3. | Nikephoros II Phokas | 963-969 |
| 4. | Heraklios | 610-641 |
| 5. | John I Tzimiskes | 969-976 |
Did Justinian get the plague?
The Plague of Justinian or Justinianic Plague (541–549 AD) was the first major outbreak of the first plague pandemic, the first Old World pandemic of plague, the contagious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis….
| Plague of Justinian | |
|---|---|
| Date | 541–549 AD |
| Deaths | Not known |
Which battle Basil II defeated the Bulgarians?
The ensuing battle
The ensuing battle was a major defeat for the Bulgarians. Bulgarian soldiers were captured and reputedly blinded by order of Basil II, who would subsequently be known as the “Bulgar-Slayer”….Battle of Kleidion.
| Date | July 29, 1014 |
|---|---|
| Result | Byzantine victory |
What was the worst Byzantine dynasty?
Byzantine Empire under the Angelos dynasty
| Preceded by | Succeeded by |
|---|---|
| Byzantine Empire under the Komnenos dynasty | Latin Empire Empire of Nicaea Empire of Trebizond Despotate of Epirus Kingdom of Thessalonica Second Bulgarian Empire Grand Principality of Serbia Sultanate of Rum |
What was the reign of Emperor Basil II?
For Byzantine and modern historians alike the reign of Basil II marks the apogee of the Middle Byzantine Empire. Between 976 and 1025 Byzantine territorial and cultural frontiers expanded considerably. Bulgaria was annexed in 1018. In the east Basil also absorbed the Georgian princedom of Tao and the Armenian state of Vaspurakan.
Why did Basil II blind so many Bulgars?
Blinding was applied to Byzantines who had revolted against the emperor, so perhaps Basil chose it because Samuel and his men were considered rebels and traitors rather than foreigners — Bulgaria had been annexed by John I Tzimiskes, Basil’s predecessor, and had long been part of the old Roman Empire.
How did Basil II incorporate Bulgaria into the Byzantine Empire?
It was then that he blinded the whole Bulgarian army, leaving one eye to each 100th man, so that the soldiers might be led back to their tsar (who died of shock shortly after seeing this terrible spectacle). Thus the revived Bulgarian kingdom was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire.
What kind of character did Basil II have?
According to the 19th century historian George Finlay, Basil saw himself as “prudent, just, and devout; others considered him severe, rapacious, cruel, and bigoted. For Greek learning he cared little, and he was a type of the higher Byzantine moral character, which retained far more of its Roman than its Greek origin”.