Basil II

Basil II was Byzantine emperor from 976 to 1025. He expanded imperial territory, strengthened central rule, and conquered the First Bulgarian Empire.

Battle of Kleidion: A 1014 Byzantine victory over Bulgarian forces during Basil II’s campaign to conquer Bulgaria. The battle became the best-known episode in Basil’s long war against Bulgaria.
Byzantine army: The military forces maintained by the Byzantine Empire, combining regional troops, imperial units, and hired soldiers. Basil relied on its field forces to campaign across the Balkans and eastern frontier.
Basil Lekapenos: A Byzantine eunuch and court official who served as parakoimomenos under several emperors. He dominated court politics during Basil II’s youth and early rule.
First Bulgarian Empire: A medieval Bulgarian state that existed from the late seventh century until its conquest by Byzantium in 1018. Its destruction was the most consequential result of Basil’s Balkan campaigns.
Romanos II: Byzantine emperor from 959 to 963 and father of Basil II. Basil inherited the throne as a child after Romanos’s death.
Byzantine conquest of Bulgaria: The Byzantine campaign that ended the First Bulgarian Empire in 1018. Basil’s campaigns culminated in Bulgaria’s annexation to the empire.
Tagmata: The professional, centrally controlled regiments that formed the core of the Byzantine field army. These troops gave emperors a force less dependent on provincial commanders.
Bardas Skleros: A Byzantine general who rebelled against imperial rule in the 970s and 980s. His revolt forced Basil to seek outside military aid.
Byzantine Empire: The medieval state centered on Constantinople that continued the eastern Roman Empire. Basil’s expansion strengthened this empire at the height of its medieval power.
Constantine VIII: Byzantine emperor from 1025 to 1028 and Basil II’s younger brother. He succeeded Basil, whose long reign had kept Constantine from governing alone.

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