Basil: Did you mean...?

Basil I was emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 867 to 886 CE and he founded the "Macedonian" dynasty which lasted for over 200 years. Basil was an Armenian from a humble background who had risen to become the second most powerful man in...

Basil II (aka Basilius II) was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 976 to 1025 CE. He became known as the Bulgar-Slayer (Bulgaroktonos) for his exploits in conquering ancient Bulgaria, sweet revenge for his infamous defeat at Trajan's...

Saint Basil (c. 330 - c. 379 CE), also known as Basil the Great and Basil of Caesarea, was a bishop of Caesarea in central Asia Minor who staunchly defended the church against the 4th-century CE heresy of Arianism. Basil's writings on monasticism...

A gold solidus coin from the reign of Byzantine emperor Basil I (r. 867-886 CE).

A 13th century CE illustration showing Byzantine emperor Basil I (r. 867-886 CE) confronting Leo VI, his son, murderer and successor. (Madrid Sklitzes, National Library, Madrid)

A 12th century CE depiction of the Byzantine emperor Basil II (r. 976-1025 CE) riding in triumph through Constantinople. From the Madrid Skylitzes. (National Library of Spain, Madrid)

This icon from the 11th century CE depicts Saint Basil (also known as Basil the Great and Basil of Caesarea), who lived c. 330 CE to 379 CE. Located in St. Sophia Cathedral, Kiev.

The mercenary Varangian Guard was an elite Byzantine army corps and the personal bodyguard of emperors beginning with Basil II in c. 988 CE. The Viking unit was famous for the stature of its members and their blood-thirsty conduct in battle...

Located at the Cathedral of Ohrid, Macedonia, this fresco, from the 11th century CE, depicts Saint Basil (Basil the Great) blessing gifts in the Divine Liturgy. Basil was born c. 330 CE and died 379 CE.

A gold nomisma coin of Byzantine emperor Basil II (r. 976-1025 CE). The obverse shows Jesus Christ (left) while Basil is depicted on the reverse (right). (British Museum, London)