Basil II

Biography

Basil II survived early revolts by powerful generals with the help of Varangian troops sent by Vladimir of Kyiv, whose conversion followed. In a long war he conquered the First Bulgarian Empire, and after the Battle of Kleidion in 1014 he reportedly blinded thousands of prisoners. He left the empire larger and richer than at any time since Justinian, but had no children, and decline followed his death.