v32_0782 - BASIL II and CONSTANTINE VIII Follis

BASIL II and CONSTANTINE VIII

(01/10/976-12/15/1025)

Basil II the Bulgaroctone was the greatest emperor of the Macedonian dynasty which died out with Theodora in 1056. Basil II was the son of Roman II and Theophano. He had been elevated to power by his father, still a child, in 960. He was associated with power during the successive reigns of Nicephorus II Phocas and John I. Constantin VIII, his brother, was subordinate to him throughout his reign and succeeded him in 1025 for only three years. Basil restored Byzantine authority in the Balkans and Asia Minor.