When was Basil II born and who were his parents?
Basil II was born in 958 as a child of the purple to Romanos II. His father Romanos II died on the 15th of March 963 at just 24 years old.
Questions about Basil II
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Basil II suppress the rebellions of Bardas Skleros and Bardas Phokas?
Basil II suppressed both rebellions by 989 with the help of 12,000 Georgians led by Tornikios and David III Kuropalates of Tao. He took to the field himself to prove he was not merely a figurehead while real authority had previously lain elsewhere.
What happened during the Battle of Kleidion between Basil II and Samuel of Bulgaria?
On the 29th of July 1014, Basil II defeated the Bulgarians at the Battle of Kleidion and captured 15,000 prisoners. He blinded 99 out of every 100 men leaving one-eyed survivors to lead their comrades back to Samuel before Bulgaria submitted in 1018.
Which territories did Basil II annex from Georgia and Armenia?
Basil II inherited Tao, Phasiane, and Speri in 1001 after David III Kuropalates died and later secured the cession of Vaspurakan from king Senekerim-John in 1021. He also annexed sub-kingdoms of Armenia before preparing an expedition to recover Sicily when he died.
How much annual revenue did Basil II generate for the Imperial treasury by 1025?
By 1025 his annual revenue reached 7 million nomismata allowing him to amass 14.4 million nomismata for the Imperial treasury. Estimates placed his army at up to 110,000 men excluding tagmata in Constantinople.