Basil II: The Bulgar-Slayer Who Blinded an Army

This episode dives into the life and reign of Basil II, the Byzantine emperor known as the 'Bulgar-Slayer.' In 1014, at the Battle of Kleidion, Basil II blinded 15,000 Bulgarian soldiers, leaving one man in every hundred with a single eye to lead the rest home. But was this act pure cruelty or calculated statecraft? We explore Basil's early struggles, including rebellions by Bardas Skleros and Bardas Phokas, his alliance with the Varangian Guard, and his long war against Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria. We also discuss the political impact of the blinding: Samuel died of shock, and Bulgaria was annexed by 1018, ushering in two centuries of Byzantine dominance in the Balkans. Yet Basil's harsh policies also created resentment, and his failure to secure the succession led to a rapid decline after his death. Along the way, we touch on Basil's nickname, Porphyrogennetos, his relationship with the church, and the legacy of his reign as both a high point and a cautionary tale.

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