Basil Basileus : A Test of Loyalty (Comic book trailer)

"Basil II is the ultimate Byzantine Emperor. A lonely figure who overcame endless scheming to become the master of his world. Through the eyes of Sigurd, his new bodyguard, we see Basil's early years unfold. Each panel is beautifully illustrated to bring the Emperor's world into ours."

Robin Pierson
Host of “The History of Byzantium” podcast.

“The 970s marks a turning point for the expansionist strategy of the Byzantine empire. Following the military triumphs in the East against the Hamdanids of Aleppo, the mighty empire turned its attention in the troublesome Balkans, where the Rus’ had been involved in Bulgaria, culminating into the famous siege of Dorystolon in 971. Following these triumphs and the subjugation of Bulgaria, John Tzimiskes’ death heralded a period of political instability and civil war during which the young Basil, though he was only eighteen, would have to prove himself and ‘earn his spurs’. He would do just that!

This is a wonderfully illustrated journey into a world where few and privileged people had access to – the world of the imperial palace. A world of machinations, behind-closed-doors-politics, and intrigue. A violent environment in which survival depended on military virtues, ruthlessness and diplomatic manoeuvring. That’s where young Basil had to ‘grow up’ and rule an empire.”

Dr. Georgios Theotokis
Lecturer of History, Ibn Haldun University.

War is looming in Byzantium!
The murder of Emperor Phokas and the crowning of general Tzimiskes has brought about a rift within the dominant faction of Byzantium, the military aristocracy of the provinces. 

Representing Byzantium's bureaucrats, prime minister Basil Lekapenos supports the bid to the throne of the two legitimate, but underage heirs to the Roman throne, Basil and Constantine. Basil, the older one, is still unaware of the destiny that awaits him...

Romans vs Vikings 
Meanwhile, news coming from the north about an invading grand army of Eastern Vikings, known as Varangians or Rus, mobilizes the Roman army. After this epic clash, Sigurd, a Varangian, finds himself in Constantinople, a city of unprecedented splendor and endless riches. Soon, he will have to choose sides. Not based on righteousness or morality but on a test of loyalty.

Immerse yourselves into the world of Byzantium, the last carriers of the Greco-roman legacy. A game for the most illustrious throne in the Medieval era.

Music by Farya Faraji

#byzantine #byzantine_empire #byzantium #comic #comicbook #graphicnovels #history #medievalhistory #medieval

[UntoldHistoryAnimations]

this looks amazing! question though, can you find this book in stores in France ? just to know

[JackHankeAnd]

Looks delightful! Just ordered this. :)

[Solon]

It just arrived the other day in the mail. Good lord, you can tell the that they have put a lot of research into it. Shame that it ended so abruptly(and that it was noticeably shorter than the Theophano book), but that's makes me more excited for part 2.