This is how Basil II became known as the
‘Bulgar-Slayer’
(Basil II, painted by unknown artist c. 11th century [Public domain],
via Creative Commons)
Emperor Basil
II (976 – 1025 CE) of Constantinople is not remembered by most historians as a particularly cruel
or ruthless leader. Actually, he is generally well received. He was a very
successful emperor in many respects. After putting down a civil war with the
help of his Rus neighbors, Basil II expanded his imperial territory outward
from the Byzantine heartland in modern Greece and Turkey to push into Italy and
the Middle East. During his rule, the Empire of Constantinople (otherwise known as the Byzantine Empire) was stable and ordered.
