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Basil II

Type Figure Region Europe Time 958–1025 Also known as Bulgar-Slayer

Basil II (958–1025) was a Byzantine emperor of the Macedonian dynasty, reigning from 976 to 1025, renowned for prolonged military expansion and fisca…

Timeline

  1. 958–976Constantinople · ConstantinopleBorn in Constantinople, son of Romanos II and Theophano, he and his brother Constantine VIII were made co-emperors in childhood, growing up under their mother's regency and amid court intrigues.
  2. 985–1014Balkan Peninsula · Byzantine EmpireAround 985 he took personal rule, suppressing the revolts of military nobles such as Bardas Skleros and Bardas Phokas, and personally campaigned for years against Bulgaria, dealing a heavy blow to Samuel at the Battle of Kleidion in 1014.
  3. 1018–1025Constantinople · ConstantinopleIn 1018 Bulgaria's last resistance collapsed and the empire regained control of most of the Balkans; in his later years he pursued anti-landowner policies and filled the treasury, leaving no heirs and passing the throne to his brother Constantine VIII.

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