WI Emperor Basil II dies on 986 AD?

[Don_Giorgio]

On July 986 the Byzantine army under the command of Emperor Basil II retreated from the Sofia Valley towards Ihtiman where it stopped for the night. The rumours that the Bulgarians had barred the nearby mountain routes stirred commotion among the soldiers and on the following day the retreat continued in growing disorder. When the Bulgarians under Samuil and probably Roman saw that they rushed to the enemy camp and the retreat turned to flight. The Byzantine advanced guard managed to squeeze through the slopes which were not yet taken by the attackers. The rest of the army was surrounded by the Bulgarians. Only the elite Varangian Guard managed to break out with heavy casualties saving the Emperor the exact last moment before Bulgars reach him and lead him to safety through secondary routes. The Imperial army of 30.000 was annihilated and the Imperial Regalia were lost...
WI Basil II had died on this day??? How is his death altering History? Any thoughts?

[Abdul Hadi Pasha]

A less dull and plodding man than Basil becomes emperor, speedily defeats the Bulgars, produces heirs, and the Byzantine Empire survives until the present day.

[Don_Giorgio]

A less dull and plodding man than Basil becomes emperor, speedily defeats the Bulgars, produces heirs, and the Byzantine Empire survives until the present day.

If his successor is Constantine VIII i highly doubt it...

[Abdul Hadi Pasha]

If his successor is Constantine VIII i highly doubt it...

If Basil died in 986 Phokas would almost certainly become Emperor, and your problem is solved. Strong Emperor, plenty of male offspring.

[Stalker]

Will Vladimir I of Kiev two years later baptise Russ by Greek rite then?:rolleyes:

[Wozza]

If Basil died in 986 Phokas would almost certainly become Emperor, and your problem is solved. Strong Emperor, plenty of male offspring.

This is a variation of the common wank-fantasy: 11th century military Emperor. Personally I think this would just encourage centrifugal forces as it would mean rule by the Eastern military aristocracy.

I do not think this would do the centralised Empire any good. Although paradoxically it might help Byzantine culture in the long run.

[Don_Giorgio]

If Basil was dead by 986 AD the Nobles power would never have been broken and they would continue influence Empire's politics... They even could assume the role of the old Praetorian Guard raising and deposing puppet Emperors while they would hold real power... Empire could be transformed in a "de facto" Nobles Republic while "de jure" a Monarchy...

[Abdul Hadi Pasha]

This is a variation of the common wank-fantasy: 11th century military Emperor. Personally I think this would just encourage centrifugal forces as it would mean rule by the Eastern military aristocracy.

I do not think this would do the centralised Empire any good. Although paradoxically it might help Byzantine culture in the long run.

How is it a wank? Basil's failure to provide for an heir is very central to what led to later troubles. If he had been replaced by a strong emperor that did provide heirs, that person is no more likely to want eastern military aristocrats to develop their own power bases.

[Abdul Hadi Pasha]

If Basil was dead by 986 AD the Nobles power would never have been broken and they would continue influence Empire's politics... They even could assume the role of the old Praetorian Guard raising and deposing puppet Emperors while they would hold real power... Empire could be transformed in a "de facto" Nobles Republic while "de jure" a Monarchy...

I don't see how that follows. If Phokas became emperor he would most certainly have not enouraged the power of other nobles! Basil did nothing particular to break their power - he just made some headway because he was on the throne so long, and obviously wasn't all that successful in the long-run given what followed.

[Don_Giorgio]

I don't see how that follows. If Phokas became emperor he would most certainly have not enouraged the power of other nobles! Basil did nothing particular to break their power - he just made some headway because he was on the throne so long, and obviously wasn't all that successful in the long-run given what followed.

Actually it was the "Allileggyon" Law that damaged the Nobles power under Basil II...
Besides the Nobles after seeing Phokas's defeat pulled back and they didnt challenged Basil's authority...