Great Conquerors: Basil II - Bulgar Slayer

Hello, Glorious Readers of Valor,

In this edition of Great Conquerors, we explore the reign of Basil II, one of the most formidable and relentless rulers of the Byzantine Empire. Known as the "Bulgar Slayer," Basil II expanded the empire to its greatest extent since the days of Justinian the Great, fueled by decades of tireless campaigns.

Basil's unmatched perseverance and fearsome reputation made him the perfect figure for this edition of Great Conquerors.

Perseverance

Basil II's first and worst military expedition occurred in August 986 CE when he suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Samuel of Bulgaria at Trajan's Gate. The emperor's army of 60,000, already weakened by a failed siege of the Bulgar capital Serdica (Sofia), was annihilated, and Basil forced to flee back to Constantinople. It would take 28 years for the emperor to exact his revenge, which he did mercilessly at the Battle of Kleidion.

The Value

Perseverance is a challenging virtue to master, but those who possess it are inherently defiant and unwavering. They hold steadfast expectations they are determined to fulfill, driven by an unshakeable belief in themselves.

Perseverance can often stem from obsession. Individuals obsessed with their work or objectives naturally push through any obstacle.

A more fascinating method known for cultivating perseverance is through Assurance. This powerful feeling is created when you convince your mind that you have already succeeded. You can foster this feeling through several practices:

• Pursuing a Passionate and Fulfilling Task

• Prayer

• Visualization

• Affirmation

• Elevating Your Dopamine Baseline

Reputation

Following his victory at Kleidion, Basil II ensured the destruction of the Bulgarian Empire by blinding 99 out of every 100 soldiers in the captured Bulgarian army, leaving the 100th man with one eye to lead the rest back. This gruesome act earned him the title 'Bulgar Slayer' and served as a stern warning to his adversaries about the consequences of opposing Byzantine rule.

The Value

This is a brutal act; however, as more benevolent people, we can use this punishment as a lesson on reputation. Reputation has a forecasting effect—people will judge and treat you based on it. Through reputation, you can influence the actions of others and elevate your social standing. Reputation doesn't need to be true; it is merely perception.

To cultivate a strong reputation, you need to develop a particular skill or perform specific actions. Reputation is built by taking actions that are worth gossiping about, such as blinding your foes. By repeatedly engaging in these actions or demonstrating your superior skill, you can solidify your reputation.

By understanding and utilizing the power of reputation, you can influence how others see you and how they interact with you, much like Basil II used his fearsome reputation to maintain control and deter opposition.

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