Basil II - Reformer, Restorer, Bulgarslayer

Kings and Generals historical animated documentary series on the history of the Eastern Roman Empire continue with a video on the emperor Basil II, who became the ruler of the Byzantine empire during one of its most difficult periods and is known as the reformer and restorer. This video will focus on the reforms of the Bulgaroktonos - Bulgarslayer, and wars, especially one against the Bulgars and the battle of Kleidon.

Previous videos on the Bulgar-Byzantine Wars:

Norman-Byzantine Wars:

The video was made by Lito Areta, while the script was researched and written by Matt Hollis

#Documentary #Basil #RomanEmpire

[KingsandGenerals]

I know that it is weird, but our video on Achelous will come soon. There was a funny schedule mix-up that, and as this one was requested by a patron, we decided to release it. :-)

[praeposter]

“Strategist, Tactician, and Micromanager.”
sounds like a good total war player.

[Jazmillenium]

The Varangian Guard was everything the Praetorian Guard wished they could be.

[ChristianThePagan]

Considering how busy they were stabbing each other in the back it is amazing that these Byzantines had time to fight their enemies.

[WoWsBestMoments]

As a Bulgarian I'd like to say this documentary was very well done as always. Salutations to our fellow Greeks and Serbs and here's to hoping for a better future.

[olefredrikskjegstad]

_"Past Emperors designated for themselves other burial places._


_But I, Basil the purple-born, place my tomb on the site of the Hebdomon, and take sabbath's rest from the endless toils which I satisfied in war._


_For nobody saw my spear at rest, from when the Emperor of Heaven called me to the rulership of this great empire on earth. I kept vigilant through the whole span of my life guarding the children of New Rome._


_Marching bravely to the West, and as far as the very frontiers of the East. The Persians and Scythians bear witness to this, and along with them Abasgos, Ismael, Araps, Iber._


_And now, you, looking upon this tomb. Reward it with prayers, in return for my campaigns."_
- Epitaph on Basil's Tomb

[InVinoVeratas]

I read the title as *_“Burgerslayer”_* and I thought *_“Relatable”_*

[UniverseInsideYou]

As a Bulgarian I can say video is great, but the portrait at 23:57 is of the Bulgarian Tsar Simeon The Great, not of Basil II. Would be great if you make a video on him too.

[ioannisbougios]

It is also said that he was very militant in his own life. He wouldn't eat more than a soldier's ration, allow himself to sleep better, or ride while soldiers would march. This made his soldiers fiercely loyal to him. Maybe that's the reason why neither aristocracy or church could rival him.

[firestorm]

Why is it every time a leader tries to do something good for lower class people, it's dismissed as merely an attempt to consolidate power? Why can't it be both? History has shown one of the best ways to earn a people's loyalty is to improve their situation. To me that sounds like how a good government should operate.

[sockymonkie]

Basil II is basically Justinian, Theodora, and Belisarius combined. Greatest Byzantine Emperor hands down!

[gbendicion]

The Eastern Roman Empire's early years as the remaining half of Old Rome are always left out for the Komnenian period's romantic setup of Turks, Crusades and the Holy Land. We definitely need more stories from the 600s to the year 1000 about Eastern Rome, its the greatest example of constant adaptation by a state striving to maintain its prestige as well as its continued survival.

Kudos K&G!!!

[off-topic]

11th century Georgian chronicle "Cronicle of Kartli" depicts the colorful picture of Basil in action on the battlefield. Before the war with Georgians, For one straight year he was receiving the kind, peaceful letters from the King Giorgi I, king of Georgia. When they meet each other, Basil was expecting to solve the conflict without a war, but suddenly Georgian lancers attacked Byzantine wings. Basil, shocked and furious, took all those peaceful letters from king Giorgi, put them on the top of the pike, point it to the sky and shouted: "Look what they say and what they do, if you fail to give me the victory and put me in the hands of my enemies, I swear you, I will never worship you again!". Basil won this battle.

[Aristotelis_Hellas]

One of the greatest Greek-Byzantine (Romios) emperors. Thank you very much. Greeting from Macedonia, Greece 🇬🇷

[wintersking]

The Varangian Guard was quite the terrifying thing, no wonder the nobles stayed in line.

[tomurg]

The Byzantine Empire: most underrated period in history ever.

[innosanto]

Justinian left empty money box. Basil left full money box.
Basil was better manager than Justinian.

[Manunido]

“You get a donkey! You get a donkey! Everyone gets a donkey!”

[napoleonibonaparte]

Sobieski: “I came, I saw, God conquered.”

Basil: I reformed, I restored, Bolgars murdered.

[Pan_Z]

Forgot to mention Basil left the treasury with the largest reserve since the reign of Anatasius 6-centuries prior. It's impressive considering Basil was at war nearly his entire rule.