Basil Ii

Basil II
Byzantine Emperor
Basil II (illumination of the eleventh century)
Reign
22 April 960 - 22 December 1025 (effective beginning of the reign: 10 January 976 )
Rite	22 April 960
Dynasty	Macedonian
Full track	Byzantine Emperor
Predecessor	John I Tzimiskes
Successor	Constantine VIII
Heir	Constantine VIII
Other functions
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Biography
Birth	to 958
	probably Constantinople , Byzantine Empire.
Deaths	15 December 1025 (67 years)
Father	Roman II
Mother	Theophano
Spouse (s)	No woman
Descent	No
Residence (s)	Constantinople
Byzantine emperors

Basil II Bulgaroktonos (Greek - : Killer of Bulgarians) is Emperor Byzantine from 960 to 1025 , born in 958 in 1025 , son of Romanus II and Theophano. This is the most outstanding figure of the dynasty known as the " Macedonian "installed on the throne by Basil ^I. , after a family of Armenian established in Macedonia.

The boom of the Byzantine Empire, which began in 945 , was the work of several notable politicians and administrators. Basil is one of them. It gave the Empire which corresponds to its geographical area in its heyday at the time meso-Byzantine Peninsula Balkans , the Asia Minor , northern Syria , Upper Mesopotamia , the Armenian and Southern Italy: the empire he left his brother Constantine VIII is the largest of Byzantine history from the time of Justinian.

The actual reign of Basil II lasts 49 years and is the longest of any Byzantine history. With Justinian 's reign is surely one of the most glorious. However, the two emperors are different in many respects. While Justinian was an intellectual, Basil II was primarily a soldier who spends much of his time with his army. Autocrat, it governs alone and has no attraction for art or science . However, Basil was a very good manager and a great politician, but before reaching his goal, the emperor had to seize power and rule of usurpers.

Accession to the Throne

Seizure of power

Basil II and his stepfather, Nicephorus II, a nomisma gold

On the death of her husband Romanus II, who died in 963 , Theophano , mother of Basil and Constantine, took the regency with the eunuch Joseph Bringas , indeed, Basil, although already crowned co-emperor to his father on April 22 960 was then only 5 years. Shortly thereafter, a military revolt imposes Nicephorus II as co-emperor. He married Theophano, but it gets rid of him six years later, in 969 , to put his lover on the throne, John ^I Tzimiskes. To establish its authority and legitimacy, it recognizes Basil and his younger brother Constantine co-emperors.

The death of John ^I, in January 976 , childless, leaving the throne to the young emperor, under the tutelage of parakoimomne Lecapenus Basile , their great-uncle. Early in the reign of the young emperor, the military aristocracy and earth trying to keep the power granted. But the clash of ambitions of big houses with the imperial family causes a rivalry escalates into 13 years of civil war. Bardas Sklerose , ousted from his post as army chief Byzantine East and relegated by Basile in Mesopotamia , seeks first to remove the guardianship parakoimomne emperors. Basileus acclaimed by his troops, he routs several Byzantine armies through its alliance with other peoples (Armenians, Arabs) . Bardas Sklerose happen fast enough to Constantinople. The parakoimomne then uses Bardas Phocas who hunts the usurper of the Bosphorus but was beaten to Amorium June 19 978. The following year, again near Amorium, the two face off Bardas singular Bardas Phocas wins .

At the end of the long civil war, the prestige of the Empire is affected, difficulties arise with the Arabs, Bulgarians and Otto II in Italy. Basil II, at that time, became interested in the affairs of state and intervene. Parakoimomne do not appreciate the commitment of the young emperor and joined forces with Leo Phocas and Bardas Melissnos. Basile, aware of the danger that enclose parakoimomne in a monastery, withdrew the dignity of Domestic Scholes Bardas Phocas, who became duke of Antioch, and forgives Leo Melissnos. Basil II is therefore only in power. His brother Constantine VIII co-emperor never interferes in the affairs of state.

Rebellion Army

The Byzantine Empire in the world in 1000.

However the takeover is not palatable to the general. The latter, during the first year of the Emperor, are showing a lot of ill will. Bardas Sklerose, who has taken refuge in Arab territory, is heard again, and again had himself proclaimed emperor. Phocas Bardas decides to ally with the usurper. However, this agreement does not take long and Bardas Phocas Sklerose locked in a castle, then approached Constantinople. Basil II had few troops to oppose to his opponent who has those issues in Asia. But the Emperor uses the Grand Prince of Kiev Vladimir ^I. , who dreams of marrying a princess Porphyrogenitus. An agreement was signed between the two emperors and the Russian emperor sent 6,000 men to the emperor. Basil II forces the claimant to fall back on Abydos and it was here that he delivers a battle where his troops were defeated and died there . With the Russian troops, creates Basil Varangian Guard.

Bardas Sklerose but managed to escape from the fortress where he was kept and began campaigning immediately. Basil II, however, managed to convince him that if he stops his business, he will get his pardon. The emperor kept his promise and retires at Sklerose Dymotika where he died March 6 991 . These 13 years of civil wars that weaken the empire also help strengthen the character of Basil II. It loses its attraction to the pleasures which he enjoyed with no limitation on the time of his youth. He becomes suspicious, do not trust anyone and refuses any advice . He is an autocrat in the original sense of the term and the opposition to his accession to the throne motivates his domestic policy centered on opposition to the influence prgnant too powerful on the fate of the empire.

Internal Administration

Once securely acquired the throne, Basil can take care of state affairs. Remembering the troubles that marred his early reign, Basil II does no prime minister. But the emperor knows to surround himself with trusted men, capable of performing the tasks entrusted to them by the emperor. Throughout his life the main goal of Basil in his domestic policy has been to increase the Treasury through its many conquests and the spoils he has gathered. At his death Basil leaves 200,000 pounds of gold and masses of jewels and other treasures buried in a maze . Basil must also maintain order in the Empire and one has to suppress the secessionist movement ( 1022 ), that of Nicephorus Xiphias , strategist of Anatolia , and the son of Phocas Bardas.

In 989, the empire had a bad year, the winters are extremely cold and the October 25 earthquake in Constantinople destroyed several defensive towers and churches, the great dome of the Basilica of Hagia Sophia collapses and fact that Basil Tiridates reconstruct .

Protecting the poor

Basil II and Constantine VIII on a piece of gold.

One of the great works of Basil is to protect small farmers owners. Indeed, the nobles, taking the lands of the poor, oppress the population, which is dangerous to the state because it breaks the direct link between citizens and the Emperor . January ¹ 996 , Basil II published a novella in which he gives to the poor all their property had been confiscated since Roman ^I. Lecapenus. The law is applied with the greatest severity and will not tolerate any deviation , the image of Philokalia, a simple peasant who illegally acquired property and was lowered to its original condition (even its buildings were destroyed) .

In 1004 , Basil II reinstates the Alllengyon (mutual guarantee) which requires the powerful to pay taxes instead of the poor, without being able to take advantage of land for which they discharge that tax. Large landowners, and the Patriarch Sergius II , are outraged by these actions, but remains adamant Basil . It's certainly on his travels in the East and the Caucasus , then it is received with great pomp by the powerful families of Anatolia and Cappadocia abusively occupying imperial and communal areas, he becomes convinced of the need for such a measure . Nevertheless, it is ineffective because often there is more to independent farmers who stand together.

Religious Affairs

In Byzantium

Basile also interfere in religious affairs. The emperor, according to some chroniclers, its authoritarian spirit manifested in the affairs of the Church and the patriarchs are often chosen by them rather than by the Synod, the image of Nicolas Chrysoberge who was elected patriarch after an interregnum of four years, which suggests a conflict between the government and the Synod . The question of relations between Constantinople and Rome has certainly influenced the choice of the various patriarchs. The pope, suffering some interference from the Germanic emperors who also renewed their attacks on Byzantine themes of Italy, the Byzantine emperor logically supports the popes from the Roman aristocracy rather than pro-Germanic. The successor of Sergius, Eustathius nevertheless a visit to Rome to ask Pope John XIX a division into two of the government of the Church . This project is about to arrive but the case is revealed by several dignitaries of the Western Church and the Pope must be renounced. The last act of interference by Basil II in the affairs of the Church is the enthronement synod without the advice of the abbot of the monastery of Studios, Alexis, patriarchy (replacing Eustathius died shortly before) the 15 December 1025 ..

Conversion to Christianity in Russia

The most significant religious event of the time of Basil II is probably the conversion of Russia to Christianity , which helps to enlarge the zone of influence of the Empire. Since 989, Christianity is already present in Russia through missionaries from Scandinavia and Moravia. According to several texts, Vladimir would be baptized on his own by Russian priests two years before his marriage to the Byzantine princess. Basil II had taken too long to send his sister Anne, in exchange for the Russian intervention in the civil war Vladimir annexed the city of Kherson. Finally the emperor sends Princess Anne Vladimir Kherson which restores and helps drive the last Khazars of the Crimea , another example of the address still Byzantium What would combine the force of arms, the diplomatic skill and religious propaganda . In Kiev , the Russian Prince converted his people to willingly or unwillingly. Some resistance occurs at Novgorod. The organization of the Russian Church in its infancy is unknown because of lack of sources but the new religious authorities are Greek metropolitans (Theophylact, metropolitan of Sebaste became the first Metropolitan of Russia) . It seems certain that the arrival of Princess Anne enhances Byzantine influence in Russia. Cultural evolution of Russia being a time subject to Byzantium . For several years, the Russian rites borrowed from both the Eastern Church and the Latin Church, but eventually the Greek rite eventually prevail.

Foreign policy

The immediate predecessors of Basil had concentrated their forces on the fight against the Arabs. The policy of Basil II is larger. The emperor found the resources to fight on four different fronts. His main effort is directed against the Bulgarians, but he still conquers territories to Arab emirs, Byzantine penetration grows up and Caucasian peoples managed to preserve the territories in Italy. Basil knows the organization of the army and has read a lot of books of strategy. For 39 years ( 986 - 1025 ), the emperor led his army on all battlefields. He finds the weak points of the enemy, all his attacks are reasoned and does not hesitate to launch campaigns in winter.

Submission of Bulgaria (980-1018)

Revival of Bulgaria (980-989)

Statue of Tsar Samuel ^I. Basil II against which mobilized most of its forces

Basil's predecessors had failed to submit the eastern part of Bulgaria. The Tsar Samuel ^I. took refuge in western Macedonia. The Bulgarians are a direct threat to the Empire, it concentrates Basil more troops. From 976 to 989 , the troubles of the early reign of Basil II benefit Bulgarians who reconstruct their country. In 980, Samuel decided to attack Greece, took Larissa to 986 and advanced to Corinth. Basile, eager for battle, hunting Samuel Greece but was defeated at Sofia. Following this defeat, the revolt of the two Bardas fires.

Development of Bulgaria (989-1001)

The first Bulgarian Empire at its greatest extension during the reign of Tsar Simeon (893-927)

Of 989 until the year 1001 , part of the reign, Basil II is at peace with Russia and the caliph Fatimid ; emperor's efforts are turning to Bulgaria. The Bulgarians marched on and captured Thessaloniki Veria (cited barring access western Thessaloniki) . During the Civil War, Samuel had already taken possession of Dalmatia , the port of Durazzo / A> and reign over two thirds of the Balkan Peninsula. Basile organized the defense of Thessaloniki and after a struggle 4 years, resumed Veria. Called on the Eastern Front, Basil says to Nicephorus Ouranos forces fighting against the Bulgarians. Learning from the Basil Samuel advance to Thessaloniki, but before the big city, waives the siege and headed for Corinth, and then retreated towards Sperchios , where he was beaten by Nicephorus Ouranos. The Bulgarians, suffering a serious defeat, must flee to the mountains of Thessaly. Basil can exploit this victory and ordered to ravage Nicephorus Bulgaria. Despite this, Samuel invaded Duklja (now Montenegro) ^{Kick off the expansion of Bulgaria (1001-1005)}

Basil, in 1001-1002, is campaigning on the plain of Sofia. The emperor gets the Danubian Bulgaria and remains there. Then he rebuilt the strongholds of Thessaly. Shortly after he takes possession of Edessa , then 1004 conquering Vidin after eight months of siege. Samuel tries a diversion by taking of Adrianople , where he massacred the inhabitants , but the Tsar, hearing the arrival of Basil, retreats. Finally, the two armies meet on the Vardar to Skopje. The Bulgarians were defeated and must surrender the booty of Adrianople. To complete his victory, Basil II conquered Skopje. In four years, Samuel has lost half of his empire. The Byzantines, for complete success, recover Durazzo (modern Durrs ), sold by its governor, son of Samuel .

Byzantine Expansion (1005-1014)

The defeat of the Bulgarians Kleidion

Between 1005 and 1014 , there is little information on the operations of Basil, he is known primarily gradually approaching the center of the Bulgarian Empire. It remains to Samuel that the Great Lakes region, the mountains of Albania and the region of Strymon . It is in this region that engages a crucial battle for the future of Bulgaria. 29 July 1014, Basile borrows Pass Kimbalongos, barred by the Bulgarian army. Basil finally gets around this and removes the last victory at the Battle of the Pass Kleidion. The emperor is dying eyes of the surviving soldiers and returns 15 000 Bulgarians led by Tsar blind in one eye blind saved per cent . Before the arrival of these troops, Samuel died of apoplexy.

Ultimate fighting (1014-1018)

Map of the Bulgarian Empire and the Byzantine Empire about the year 1000.

The son of Samuel, Gabriel Radomir , succeeded his father as head of the Bulgarians. Basile, exploiting its victory, occupies Melnik (end 1014) and invaded western Macedonia, the Bulgarians do so with more than the highlands Pelagonia. Basile took the fortress in 1016 Moglen in south-eastern Macedonia. During that year a civil war breaks out among the Bulgarians and Gabriel Radomir was killed by his cousin Ivan Wladislav. The latter tries to make peace with the emperor but refused Basil . Basil II continued the conquest of Bulgaria taking Ohrid (capital of Samuel). The Bulgarians then try to ally with Pechenegs. Upon learning this, Basil leaves the headquarters of Castoria and move north. Then, hearing the failure of this alliance, he returned to where Pelagonia Iwan Wladislav tries to stop him, the latter is finally defeated (end 1017). In a desperate attempt, the last Bulgarian tsar raises an army and tries to resume Dyrrachium (January 1018 ) but is killed in battle. Basil's expedition in 1018 is a walk and his return is a triumph in Constantinople .

The victory of the Byzantines over the Bulgarians is probably due to the superiority of the organization of their army, and the strategic ability of Basil II was able to divide the enemy. It also acquires the victory thanks to the high mobility of its troops Basil is also always ready to abandon the battlefield to repair a mistake on another.

The conquest of Bulgaria allows the Byzantine Empire to extend its border on the Danube and eliminates an empire since its inception has always been a great danger, threatening Constantinople several times, requiring the presence of many troops who have failed many Once the shipments of the Byzantine emperors against the Arabs. However, this does not eliminate any danger to the Byzantine Empire on the Danube front, because of the danger that Russia is becoming increasingly urgent and aggressive appearance Pechenegs.

Following the conquest of Bulgaria, Basil shown great intelligence in the organization of this new province, it is not transformed into theme but is headed by a basilikoi on a principle similar to the system counts established by Charlemagne. The emperor demands respect local customs . It is also very tolerant in the ecclesiastical organization of the Bulgarian Church which patriarchy, reduced to the rank of archdiocese is subject to the will of the emperor and remains independent of the Patriarch of Constantinople . This has prevented any attempt at revolt of the Bulgarians.

Finally, we must not overlook the importance of this extension of the empire byzantine domestic politics. By pushing back the frontiers of Byzantium on the Danube, Basil II significantly reduces the influence of the great aristocratic families from Asia Minor who lose the rule that had existed since several centuries. In this, the foreign policy of Basil II is consistent with its domestic policy where he fought the heavy weight of the nobility .

War against the Arabs (979-999)

Without ignore the Arab front, Basil II took care rather the fate of the Bulgarians. However, strategist advised the emperor continued the expansionist policy and conquers some Arab territories.

First break (979-995)

From 976 to 989, the emir of Aleppo Said takes away from civil wars while it tries to get rid of the toll that his predecessor had undertaken to pay Bagkour the Byzantine Empire. It took three shipments Barcas Phocas (in 981, 983 and 986) to make it fit in order. After the last shipment, Basil II is in conflict with the Fatimid caliphate, Said had put himself under the protection of the latter. But in civil war, he signed a treaty with the Caliph in which it agrees not to attack the emir of Aleppo and his name is pronounced in the prayers of the mosque of Constantinople has been the ^eighth century . Basil II must also fight against the Arabs in Sicily.

Fight against the Fatimid Caliphate (995-999)

In 992, the new Fatimid Caliph al-Aziz , profiting from the death of the emir Hamdanids Sa `d al-Daula ( 991 ) leaving an infant son, laid siege to Aleppo. The regent of the Emir el Kebir Hamdanids Loukoul then appealed to Basil to help meet the Fatimids who defeated the duke of Antioch Michel Bourtzi the battle of the fords of the Orontes ( 15 September 994) . Basil as he struggles against the Bulgarians in 995 decides to transfer its troops in Aleppo. Ordering his soldiers to mount each one mule fast, it manages to cross Asia Minor in 16 days and in winter. Faced with the sudden arrival of the Byzantines have joined forces duke of Antioch, the Arabs took fright and retreated to Damascus. After taking a few places in Syria, Basil II was back in Constantinople in 995 .

In 999, Basil II must again abandon the Bulgarian theater. Indeed, the Fatimid caliph Al-Hakim , who succeeded al-Aziz, inflicting a defeat to the Duke of Antioch Dallassenos Damien who is killed in battle (19 July 998). The emperor's goal is to reach Antioch, then submit the emirs and ensure obedience of those who were vassals of the Empire. Basil is September 20 at Antioch, he captured Caesarea and Homs (October), but fails to Tripoli (6-17 December). Following this campaign, he spent the winter at Tarsus . The Emperor can not continue the fight because it must secure the positions of the Byzantine Caucasus. So he signed a peace treaty a decade with Al-Hakim . Peace between Byzantium and the Arabs allows Basil II to concentrate all his forces in the countryside of Bulgaria.

Wars in the Caucasus (1000-1023)

Campaign of Georgia (1000)

Basil II as angel and slaying demons. Illumination of Menology of Basil II, Vatican Library.

In 1000, following his campaign to Syria , Basil II is about, after spending the winter at Tarsus, to start a campaign against the Arab emirs when he learns the murder of David, the king of Upper Georgia . The latter, who had assisted in Bardas Phocas who had rebelled, pledged to avoid losing his kingdom to yield to his death at the Empire. Basil then walk toward the kingdom of Upper Georgia to get his due. The emperor comes to Melitene , where he is greeted with great fanfare by the Armenian leaders. Continuing his journey he passes near the sources of the Tigris and crossed the Euphrates. Finally he reached Havatchich on the Araks where he was welcomed by the Georgian princes to whom it distributes titles and land. After having annexed all the lands of David and received an oath of loyalty of his vassals, he returned to Constantinople after an easy military campaign. These new achievements are growing prestige of the Empire in the Caucasian peoples .

Caucasus Campaign (1018-1022)

Shortly after the destruction of the Bulgarian state, by Basil II campaign in Transcaucasia , as George I , King of Georgia, took possession of the territories of his father Bagarat died in 1014 who had surrendered their land and Region Basiani (between the upper valley of the Arax and the eastern branch of the Euphrates) to the Byzantine Empire in exchange for the title curopalate. Fearing the migration of Turks Seljuks , Basil attaches great importance to the land and wants to show his vassals that despite their distance he would always bring order. The emperor without disclosing the purpose of his expedition to gather his army Philomlion in subject Anatolia. The emperor goes to Karin ( Erzurum ) in the spring of 1021. Given the refusal of George I to undergo , he joined the Plain Basiani crossing the line separating the Araks of the Euphrates. He met the army of Giorgi, he conquers the difficult battle Shirimni on 11 September 1021 and withdrew towards the Abkhazia continued by the Byzantines. After burning the towns of Georgia , Basil enters the region of Tbilisi where no emperor had entered since Heraclius.

Basil II overwinters in Trabzon , where the king of Great Armenia, John Sempad former ally Giorgi, he made his submission and promised to transfer his kingdom to the Empire at his death. The emperor also deals with the king of Vaspurakan (south of Lake Van ), who can not defend themselves against the Turkish Seljuks , Basil gives his kingdom in exchange for Cappadocia which is given privilege. Giorgi, learning that Basil II is preparing to attack Abkhazia, submits to the Byzantine emperor and gave him the disputed territories .

Revolt of Nicephorus Xiphias (1022-1023)

Basil prepares to leave the Caucasus when he learns that Nicephorus Xiphias , strategist Anatolia, one of the best generals of the country of Bulgaria revolt with Nicephorus "twisted neck", son of Phocas Bardas. Basil sends strategist Armniaques against the rebels while he headed cons Giorgi instigator of the revolt. Exasperated by the conduct of the chief Caucasian who has refused to renew its bid, it works in plain Basiani and imposes a complete rout ( 11 September 1022 ) . Giorgi fled, abandoning his camp. Followed closely by the Imperial Army, he asks for peace, the Basil II granted him under the same terms as the previous treaty but the leader must also deliver Caucasian many hostages, including his only son to Basil. The emperor continued his march and made a show of force to the limits of Christian lands in the vicinity of Lake Urmia. Finally, Basil retreated and returned to Constantinople in the early 1023 . He completed the conquest of Armenia and Georgia. The new land could become an Asian glaze deal with tribes but fate decided otherwise.

Campaign against the Khazars (1016)

The Pontic steppe in 1015. The area in blue represents the territory of the Khazars.

Although the power of Khaganate Khazar has been undermined by the princes of Kiev in the 960s, the Byzantines were unable to exploit the power of the Khazars of decline and restore their domination over the whole of the Crimea and other areas around the Black Sea. In 1016 the Byzantine army, with that of Mstislav of Chernigov, attack Crimea. Kedrenos reports that the leader Khazar Georgius Tzoul beaten to Kerch , was captured and his kingdom destroyed. The Byzantines then restore their domination over the southern Crimea.

The assertion of Venice

During his reign, Basil began to ally himself with Venice and, by this gesture, it contributes largely to the birth as a great maritime power of Venice. It is significant that Basil does not separate the question of Italy from that of the Adriatic Sea , whose shores are occupied by Venice still partly vassal of the Empire, by Croatia, the theme of Durazzo and that of Italy. All these areas are threatened by the same enemies: the Bulgarians, the Slavs and Saracens pirates . Basil, dedicated to the war in Bulgaria, therefore decided to ally with Venice which he considers himself the suzerain. In 992 he granted commercial rights to the young maritime power and lowers the rights of passage of its ships to the customs of Abydos two in gold. In exchange, the Venetians must make their vessels available to the emperor if he wants to land troops in Italy. In 998, Basil authorizes the Doge Pietro II Orseolo to defend cities of the theme of Dalmatia against attacks by pirates Slavic. The latter performs very well for this task in the dispatch Orseolo in 1001 is a victory for Venice. This event marks the beginning of the Venetian claims on the Dalmatian cities. Finally in 1004 the Venetians sent a fleet to rescue the capital of the Byzantine theme of Italy, Bari, besieged by the Arabs and who was about to succumb . In appreciation of this act authorizes the son of Basil Doge to come to Constantinople to marry a patrician, a new maritime power is then born in the Adriatic.

War in Italy

Germanic Invasion (981-983)

During the Civil War, Italy was abandoned to its fate, poorly defended and protected only by local militias. While Saracens continued their raids of Sicily in Italy, Otto II , Holy Roman Emperor, despite his marriage to the Porphyrogenitus Theophano Skleraina wants to continue the project of his father and invade the Byzantine possessions. The Byzantine government tried unsuccessfully to dissuade the Emperor of Germany who began his forays from the summer 981. It is in central Italy when one of his best allies, Pandolf Prince of Salerno and Benevento died. Despite this loss, Otto II in 982 invaded the Apulia Byzantine that runs for 5 months, taking in most cities. However, when he arrived in Calabria , Otto II comes up against the Saracens of Sicily, which inflict a heavy defeat near Stilo (13 July 982). The Emperor owes its salvation in urging his horse into the water where it is collected by a Byzantine ship. Reforming his army in Rossano , Otto folds and died in Rome in December 983 . Finally the victory of the Byzantines they can restore their domination over Apulia.

Arab Incursions (991-1002)

icon of Emperor Basil II

At the end of the ^tenth century , it happens that some important events in Italy and the Byzantine possessions are hardly endangered. However, incursions of the Arabs of Sicily (seat of Tarentum in 991, making Matera in Calabria in 994) and revolts Lombard (Smaragdus who allied with the Saracens and keep the campaign from 997 to 1000 AD ) requires the Byzantines to be on their guard, local militias are not strong enough to stand up to the invaders. The direct consequence of this lack of defense is the miserable life What the people of Apulia. Fortunately for the Byzantines, it is more Germanic incursions especially because Theophano died in 991. Otto III issues an embassy in 996 led by Jean Bernard Hidesheim Philathagos and demand the hand of a new Porphyrogenitus to Basil II. However it was not until 1001 and a new embassy led by Arnulf, Archbishop of Milan , for negotiations to succeed. But when the Porphyrogenitus arrived in Italy in Bari (1002), she learns that Otto III died at the age of 22.

Lombard Revolt

While the Arabs continued their raids on Byzantine territory, a great danger for Italy Byzantine looms. Indeed, May 9, 1009 an insurrection broke out in Bari led by two aristocrats Lombard: Meles and his brother-Datto. These hunt Byzantine garrison in the city without a leader since the death of catpan . Byzantine forces in Italy too low can not protect people from the Arabs and the insolence of the officials with the natives are the direct causes of the revolt. With the help of militias, the motion extends throughout Apulia. Finally, ten months after the start of the revolt, Basil sends forces in Italy (March 1010).

After a siege of 61 days, Basile Argyre back to Bari and restored Byzantine authority. Meles was to be captured, fled to Benevento and from there to Germany. The Holy Roman Emperor Henry II conferred the title of Prince of Apulia .

But another danger is emerging for the Empire since the ^eleventh century , the Normans left their country because of a population too large for the resources it can offer, and a government that does not leave enough independence. These are warriors and merchants across Europe. Indeed, they often go on pilgrimage. Some of these Normans were attending the pilgrimage of St. Michael at Monte Gargano. It was here that the meeting Meles and urges them to fight the Byzantines. However it is more likely that it is the prince of Salerno , Guaimar, which has appealed to Norman knights through emissaries. Finally join the Normans and Lombards Meles rebels defeated repeatedly catapan Leon Tornikios during spring 1017. Within months the rebels occupy all Puglia. Basil II decided to replace Leon Tornikios Bojoanns by Basile, more energetic man. In ten months, it suppresses the revolt and Lombardy in October 1018, imposes a disaster to the army in Cannes Norman Lombardo (current Barletta ) on the right bank of the Ofanto. Meles managed to escape to Germany where he died in 1020 .

Following this victory, the imperial authority was restored in southern Italy and Basil Bojoanns creates a military march that blocks the Gargano massif and built a new town, Troia , which protects the road from Benevento and a whole line of fortresses against which fail Henri II .

Following his campaign in Armenia, Basil II as a project to reduce the haunt of pirates what Arab Sicily . In April 1025, an army led by Protospathaire Orestes arrives in Italy and goes to Reggio di Calabria. Basil Bojoanns starts campaign by seizing Sicily Messina , but he can not continue because Orestes has suffered a failure . Basile, who is about to embark for Italy, died Dec. 15, 1025; this stops operations in Sicily.

Results

The Byzantine Empire as the left Basil II until his death in 1025

• On the political Basil II, who died childless, leaving the empire to his brother Constantine VIII more powerful and bigger than it had ever been since Justinian. For the first time in several centuries, the imperial authority was restored in the Balkans through the elimination of the Bulgarian state. Basil has also removed the danger Arabic, including through demonstrations of power that enabled him to win passage of several important cities such as Caesarea , while getting closer to Jerusalem and the heart of Christianity. He also succeeded in extending its authority to distant kingdoms Caucasians, where no land had entered since Byzantine Heraclius . Basil has succeeded through a bold policy, both diplomatically and militarily, to keep all the Byzantine possessions in Italy and opens the way for his successors to the Arab conquest of Sicily.
• Economically Basil II was a good manager and he dies leaving a considerable treasure. The administration has been reformed, small properties have been restored, thus reducing the oppression of the poor and allowing the state to be more powerful. Indeed, preventing the acquisition of land and property against the poor, it prevents the Byzantine aristocracy to become too powerful and dangerous.
• Finally in the religious sphere, Basile has significantly increased the area of influence of Byzantium: the conversion of Russia to the Greek rite, the Byzantine Empire acquires a great spiritual prestige in the Slavic world. In material terms, it creates wealth, however lusts.
• According to Michel Choniates whose analysis is echoed by George Ostrogorsky , Basil II is the largest with Byzantine emperor Heraclius . Extending the analysis of Byzantine chronicler, Ostrogorsky identifies these two reigns as the terminals of the glorious period of the Byzantine Empire in its medieval form .

Family

Basil II was the son of Theophano and Romanus II , it is the family of the Macedonians , he had a brother and sister:

• Constantine VIII, born in 961 and died in 1028 (co-emperor with Emperor Basil II and then only from 1025 to 1028 )
• Anne, who was given in marriage to the Prince of Kiev Vladimir.

In true ascetic, Basil II never married and therefore had no children .

Notes

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