Senior emperor from 976-1025. His early years were overshadowed by the regency of the eunuch Basil Lekapenos. After assuming full power, Basil II faced rebellions from his generals Bardas Skleros and Bardas Phokas, which he overcame with a regiment of Varangians. The Varangians were sent after he married his sister off to Vladimir I of Kyiv. Basil spent a substantial part of his reign personally campaigning in Bulgaria (earning him the mythical nickname 'Bulgar-slayer'). He also annexed Georgian territories.