BASIL II with CONSTANTINE VIII.(976-1025).Constantinople. Miliaresion.

Obv : ЄҺ TOVTω ҺICAT ЬASILЄI C CωҺST.
Cross crosslet with central X and pellet-in-crescent set upon globus on four steps; to left and right, crowned facing busts of Basil and Constantine.

Rev : + ЬASIL C CωҺSTAҺ ΠORFVROS ΠISTOI ЬAS RωMAIω.
Legend in five lines; cross above and below.
Sear 1810.

Condition : Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis :

Weight : 8.51 gr
Diameter : 26 mm

Basil II and Constantine VIII were brothers who ruled the Byzantine Empire as co-emperors, although their roles and contributions were significantly different. Their reign marked an important period in Byzantine history, with Basil II being one of the most powerful and effective emperors, while Constantine VIII played a much more passive role in governance.

Basil II, born in 958 CE, is best known for his long reign from 976 to 1025 CE, during which he earned the nickname "Basil the Bulgar-Slayer" for his military campaigns and decisive victory over the Bulgarian Empire. His reign is considered one of the most successful in Byzantine history, marked by the consolidation of imperial power, territorial expansion, and internal stability.

Basil II took direct control of the empire after a long struggle with powerful aristocratic families and military leaders who had controlled much of the government during his youth. Once he consolidated power, Basil II devoted much of his reign to military campaigns aimed at expanding and securing the empire’s frontiers. His most famous campaign was against the Bulgarian Empire, which culminated in the decisive Battle of Kleidion in 1014 CE, after which he famously blinded 99 out of every 100 captured Bulgarian soldiers, earning his fearsome nickname. By 1018 CE, the Bulgarian Empire had been fully absorbed into the Byzantine Empire.

In addition to his military conquests, Basil II worked to strengthen the central authority of the emperor and limit the power of the aristocracy. He was known for being frugal, focusing on building the empire’s wealth and reducing corruption. His reforms and policies helped stabilize the Byzantine economy and strengthened imperial control over the provinces.

Basil II’s reign left the Byzantine Empire at the height of its power, with strong borders, a stable government, and vast wealth. He never married and had no heirs, which became a significant issue after his death.

Constantine VIII, born in 960 CE, was Basil II’s younger brother. Although he ruled as co-emperor with Basil II, Constantine played a minimal role in the governance of the empire for most of his brother’s reign. He was content to leave the responsibilities of ruling to Basil, preferring a life of leisure and luxury. While Basil II was focused on military campaigns and governance, Constantine remained largely in the background, living in the imperial court.

After Basil II’s death in 1025 CE, Constantine VIII became the sole emperor. However, by this time, he was already in his mid-sixties and had little experience in managing the affairs of the empire. Constantine’s short reign, which lasted until 1028 CE, is not remembered for any significant accomplishments. Unlike his brother, Constantine was known for his indulgence and lack of administrative skills. His brief rule saw the empire maintain its strength due to the solid foundation left by Basil II, but his lack of interest in governance meant that problems began to emerge in the administration.

Constantine VIII also had no male heirs, which led to a succession crisis upon his death. His daughters, Zoë and Theodora, would play crucial roles in the political intrigue that followed, with Zoë eventually becoming empress.

While Basil II is remembered as one of the greatest Byzantine emperors, Constantine VIII is seen as a more passive figure who failed to continue his brother’s legacy of strong and active governance. Basil’s military successes, particularly against the Bulgarians, and his efforts to strengthen the empire left a lasting impact on Byzantine history. His reign represents the peak of Byzantine military and economic power in the medieval period, while Constantine VIII's rule is seen as a transitional period that led to challenges in the years following his death.