Basil II (c. 958–1025)

Byzantine emperor 976–1025. He completed the work of his predecessors Nicephorus (II) Phocas and John Zimisces and expanded the borders of the Byzantine Empire to their greatest extent since the 5th century. He eliminated political rivals, drove the Muslims from Syria, and destroyed the power of the Bulgars.

Basil's decisive defeat of the Bulgarians in 1014 earned him the title ‘Bulgar-Slayer’. After the battle he blinded almost all 15,000 of the defeated, leaving only a few men with one eye to lead their fellows home.