As Byzantine Emperor, Basil II “the Bulgar-Slayer” gained a reputation as a fierce general. Before his infamous conquest of Bulgaria, he clashed with the Fatimid Caliphate on several occasions, marching through Syria with a formidable army at his command and frustrating the Fatimids.

Theme: Frustrating the Fatimids: Basil ll and the conquest of Syria

• Historical introduction – Andrei Pogacias, 'The rule of Basil II'.
• Jacopo Franceschini, 'The Fatimids at war'.
• The Source – Murray Dahm, 'Basil II and the De Re Militari'.
• Sidney Dean, 'The Varangian Guard vs the Mamluks'.
• Raffaele d'Amato, 'The armour and equipment of 11th century Cataphracts'.
• Vassilis Pergalias, 'Force marching through Anatolia: the relief of Aleppo'.

Features:

• Special – Brian Burfield, 'A medieval christmas tale from the siege of Rouen'.
• The Castle – Gareth Williams, 'The longest siege in British history: the Siege of Harlech Castle'.
• The Battle – Sander Govaerts, 'Medieval handguns and their use in a rural revolt: The Companions of the Green Tente.'
• The Warrior – Sean McGlynn, 'Eustace the Monk: a medieval pirate'.