Battle of Spercheios, 997 ⚔️ How to wage war on two fronts ⚔️ Basil II, the Bulgar Slayer (Part 3)

🚩 Basil had successfully stabilized the empire after the civil war, exacerbated by the conflict with the Fatimids in Syria. Samuel of Bulgaria took advantage of the situation to invade the Byzantine Empire in the west. Meanwhile, the Fatimids were preparing to push Romans out of Syria. Emperor Basil now faced a fight on two fronts against two formidable opponents. In this episode we will show the Battle of Spercheios (997 AD) and the Battle of Apamea (998 AD), as Basil tries to organize his army to stave off multiple incursions into Byzantine territory.
🚩 Basil II Playlist: • Basil II, the Bulgar S...
🚩 Support HistoryMarche on Patreon and get ad-free early access to our videos for as little as $1: / historymarche
🚩 Big thanks to History Rhymes for collaborating with me on this video: / @historyrhymes1701
📢 Narrated by David McCallion
🎼 Music:
Instinct - Bensound
Impact Allegretto - Kevin MacLeod
Crypto - Kevin MacLeod
Epidemic Sounds
Volatile Reaction - Kevin MacLeod
#history #documentary #medieval

[@HistoryMarche]

🚩 Basil II Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLWwyDn76LiH1ILQgm32Kyqj3-_FBluiPW

[@robbstark3316]

No sweat family is too important.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

YES! More of Byzantium's greatest Emperor! Love your work🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Wish your father all the Best and that he recovers. God bless You and your family

[@aveekmanna912]

Wish yr father a speedy recovery Just want to req u to complete the hannibal series

[@ancorgarciaalvarez]

I hope he can get well soon. All my love and strenght towards you and your loved ones

[@g.sergiusfidenas6650]

"Can you stop triggering ambushes while I am gone?"- Basil II

[@HistoryMarche]

😂

[@huejaynus6750]

Wow, its incredible that the tide of battle can turn that quickly. You would think to have your guard up and not get speared before the fighting is over.

[@chrisrace744]

He wasnt the sharpest...

[@mikerodrigues9822]

@@chrisrace744Unlike the spear.

[@matth3002]

@@mikerodrigues9822 beat me to it

[@celdur4635]

He thought the battle was over.

[@razvanonero]

The play is not over until the final whistle. Everybody knows that.

[@pseudomonas03]

Basil II, as all the great leaders in History, had the important ability to choose the right collaborators. His staff included some brilliant military minds like Nikephoros Ouranos, who won the Battle of Spercheios, while the Basileus was in the meantime in Syria.

[@historyafficionado478]

If I wrote about a officer and his sons riding out to kill the enemy commander and turning the tide of a lost battle after the army had fled and only a small contingent resisted,people would call me a madman…

[@francisbrewster4948]

Yes, if his presence is so important to morale in the army.... he should recognize that his own protection is important --- yes he needs a bodyguard ---- yes he should be more cautious with enemy horsemen & less trusting or naive

[@TrueCicero]

If this were any other Empire or Kingdom I wouldn't believe it, but being Romans? Yeah, totally believable 😂

[@mohammadyeasinkhan6885]

I have been waiting long for another Basil episode! That man was a machine when it came to restoring the empire!

[@vitorpereira9515]

Basil II was a notable Emperor and a worthy sucessor of Augustus who left a lasting impact on the history of the Roman Empire. His military victories, internal reforms, and efficient governance secured his position as one of the Roman Empire's most prominent leaders and contributed to the stability and prosperity of the empire during his reign.

[@miracleyang3048]

He was no successor of Augustus

[@mevlanisufi2100]

​@miracleyang3048 Not a direct successor, of course, but He was ruling the same empire that Augustus found in 27 BC.

[@bingingbinging8597]

@@mevlanisufi2100same empire? Where’s Gaul, Hispania Northern Africa, Italy, Syria, palestina!?

[@miracleyang3048]

@@mevlanisufi2100 they didn't thought of it like that. They thought of Constantine as their state founder

[@Sandouras]

@@bingingbinging8597you’re being intentionally obtuse.

[@georgistoyanov7588]

If just the Bulgarians and Byzantines stoped fighting for more than 400 years and become ally, protect their flangs, made trade and economic progress between each other the destine of the two empires would be different.

[@christophernakhoul3998]

8:58 they actually briefly mention Tyre's revolt in Lebanese history textbooks when discussing the Fatimid rule over Lebanon

[@josephherrera6656]

It fascinates me that a general could be so stupid in not having a group of bodyguards during a battle and how fast the retreating army was able to find out the emeny general is dead and then do a 180 and win.

[@conquistador-7526]

No wonder the Turks took their empire if the Byzantine leadership was this fucking stupid.

[@constantinexii8182]

This video shows it but people don't understand it,as you could see Damian won many battles against the fatimids and qonquered cities, and while taking cities the people welcomed him as a hero, so he became more confident so it wasn't stupidity that lost him this battle but overconfidence

[@KoflerDavid]

He probably had... but he assumed that they would come to surrender, assumed they would thusly not use their weapons, let his guard down, and a fine commander suffered a sudden death.

[@Wilhelm-100TheTechnoAdmiral]

Boldness and daring can achieve much

[@Moon-li9ki]

I think Basil II is the best eastern roman emperor ever. Inherited an empire in civil war and being invaded by 2 fronts, and left it in double in size and the hegemon of the mediterranean

[@user-cg2tw8pw7j]

Naqour II laughs hard 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Iamnotracistlmao]

Yes he is indeed the best Emperor of Eastern Rome. His reign was the golden age of the empire

[@matztz_4560]

Konstantinos VII>>>>

[@sarantissporidis391]

​@@user-cg2tw8pw7jmaybe because he was a fool like you.

[@AydinGerayoglu]

Bulgarian history very good 🇦🇿❤🇧🇬

[@KonstantinPashov]

Thanks

[@kostasmpyras]

I love the series on Basil II, easily one of the best Eastern Roman emperors.

[@stanbatakarata6081]

💯 👍

[@Wilsonobrien25]

A nice touch of the Byzantine Empire named on the map as the Roman Empire as the people living there called themselves Romans (Rhomaioi) because they're basically the continuation of Roman Legacy.

[@Dogmeat1950]

I mean they really were, They still had Latin names and for a time Roman Legion till about 640 AD almost 200 years after the West Fell. Byzantium is a political word. Eastern Roman Empire are still very much Romans.

[@odalv316]

Nah, Americans and most of the world do not know of Byzantine. They are trying to simplify it for certain audiences.

[@jmeatball8799]

Please more Basil episodes! You guys do such a great job with telling history, I look forward to what happens next

[@williamromine5715]

This is the first time that a video referred to the use of mules by mounted troops. Using mules actually makes sense. They have more stanima(sp) than horses, and require less feed. Their only real down side is that they are sterile.

[@jackdonith]

Mules were used a lot in WWII, where roads and fuel were practically non existent. They proved extremely useful.

[@Mustang-wt1se]

Basil playing whack-a-mole with his generals who are busy snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

[@user-vo1uc3bh7t]

A heartfelt thank you for your outstanding work. The professional quality of your videos is consistently improving, and that hasn't escaped my notice. Your commitment to engaging and clear historical storytelling is admirable. Keep up the fantastic work!😀

[@joaoespecial4168]

Is it just me that sees the hand of the "Roman Barbarian Affaires Department" at work in the fires of Cairos?

[@byzantinetales]

Happy to see that the story of Basil II is getting known far and wide!

[@joshlesure3196]

You've done an awesome job with this series, I'm really enjoying learning about Basil II and this time period! Looking forward to the next video!

[@zertyuz]

Fantastic as always. Thank you for your hard work. David McCallion is very talented!

[@thegreekguy1124]

Let's hope part 4 comes out soon

[@KHK001]

Another great video, HM! Also, wish your father a speedy recovery.

[@spenceralbin344]

Good video about a story I had never heard of before. Well Done.

[@theindooroutdoorsman]

You made my Google home page! Excellent work!

[@crazyhercules9442]

Finally!😭 Been waiting for this for months.. thank you🥺

[@kylevictorwilliams]

I've been waiting weeks for this to come out! Thanks @HistoryMarche

[@kylevictorwilliams]

Sorry about your father. I could've waited another 6 months.

[@CatastrophicFox]

I've been waiting for this episode, glad it's here 😊😊

[@coyote4237]

Thank you. Great content.

[@MrNaKillshots]

These are excellent presentations.

[@juanthegreat3954]

Good videos as always

[@ermine1448]

Love your content never stop!

[@robbabcock_]

Fantastic work! ⚔🔥🙌

[@anasioannis566]

Another excellent work! ❤

[@imperialgaming9826]

Thanks for uploading

[@ethanpf449]

Amazing two battles in one video

[@gideonhock221]

Best series since those bangers about Hannibal

[@luka50]

THANKS HM FOR THE VIDEO GREAT WORK KEEP IT UP

[@user-sc5iv2rp2t]

I love how by the time of Basil Greek surname system has fully evolved with family names continuing to this day.

[@user-cg2tw8pw7j]

Roman: Go, you stupid servant, do not forget yourself

[@beachboy0505]

Excellent video 📹 1 person changes a battle outcome

[@kevinboyle538]

Excellent series.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Really, it was an informadible introduction episode about Byzantine struggle for protecting its Sovereigns during Bassel II rule..against Bulgarian and Fattimate Caliphate at 964 AD ....thank you respectful 🙏 ( history Marche)channel for sharing..

[@juansanchez5001]

Thank you for your videos

[@jasonthompson6594]

How long will we have to wait for the next one? Love the series btw.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

May God bless you and your family. Hope your father recovers. And as suggestion please consider doing a video on James the Conqueror of Aragón

[@AbhyudayaSinh]

Very informative❤

[@Martins3945-]

Idk if it's possible but I think it would be cool if you also added a brief view of the armor and weapons used by the respected nation at the talked about time period and battle

[@hasiniainatianavalisoaraia5812]

Incredible video , very Amazing 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@joaomarcelo7708]

The number of lovely red and purple squares being destroyed because of arrogance and lack of discipline is truly infuriating.

[@thomaswagner4457]

I hope your father is okay and recovers fast for you and your family.

[@arturleperoke3205]

Good generalship and discipline seem to be two things that do set classical period roman and „byzantine“ armies apart

[@Supp374]

Nice video mate! Love the videos about Ottoman Expansions into ballans

[@anasioannis566]

Another great video🎉

[@The_ZeroLine]

Basil’s a great example of the proverb “if you want something done right...” but Gregory was a failure of his choice in an appointments. Anyway, I am a huge fan of impeccably executed marches. Incredibly fast long distance marches that don’t result in mutiny or a blown out army are always epic and rightfully seen as massive accomplishments.

[@doritofeesh]

"If they are there, then the devil must have carried them. Such marching is impossible." - Duc de Vendome Honestly, I do not actually think that such a march is possible. I often hear references of such ridiculous marches. One by Scipio, which was some 280 miles in 7 days. One by Caesar, which was 1,300 miles in 27 days. This one by Basil, which was 765 miles in 16 days. Yet, with more modern historiography, we know that a pace such as 40 miles per day cannot be done for any longer than short bursts, lest the men are rendered beyond exhausted. Such marches, as told of in the ancient sources, are nothing more than fantasy which would leave the army destroyed by disease and desertion. Even Genghis Khan's army only ever moved so fast across long distances at an average pace of 15 miles per day, judging from the dates of occurrences throughout the Khwarezmian Campaign. Personally, I think that the time was likely double what the ancient sources give, which would still render the feats as truly incredible, but actually realistic.

[@zippyparakeet1074]

​@@doritofeeshhis men rode, not marched on foot and they took the Roman roads that cut through the Anatolian heartland from Nicaea -> Ancyra -> Caesarea -> Antioch through Cilicia and then to Syria (Aleppo). The still maintained Roman roads and advanced Byzantine logistics definitely gave them an advantage in marching through their own lands when compared to say the Mongols marching through wild steppes.

[@doritofeesh]

@@zippyparakeet1074 Ahh, thanks for filling me in. Now that makes a lot more sense. I was wondering whether his army was made up of all cavalry forces. I think he might have relied on forage taken during the march and not have established lines of communications until he reached Antioch, as even if the mounts themselves might be able to carry the men so fast in such a short time, supply carts cannot feasibly keep up without breaking down.

[@constantinexii8182]

Constantine Diogenes won his battles in Macedonia unlike Gregory

[@zippyparakeet1074]

He planned his march thoroughly and supplies were laid out at strategic locations along the route. Remember, this was a march across his own Empire, not through enemy lands.@@doritofeesh

[@nathanhull8302]

What an embarrassing defeat. Crazy how much the life of the commander matters

[@ricardomachado6718]

YEs! A new video!!

[@the420xtc]

Awesome, ty

[@Hartofilax]

I like it how according to communist's fiction Macedonian History (FYROM) Samuel was a Macedonian emperor. Which is funny because Basil II was from the Macedonian dynasty. Of course neither Basil II nor Samuel considered themselves "Macedonian" and what is even more funny is that when Basil II finally conquered the last remaining parts of Bulgaria (the western part where Macedonia is) he called the new Byzantine Theme there "Bulgaria" LOL. Not to mention that if would be ironic to fight decades of war against the supposedly Macedonian kingdom and then be called "Bulgar-slayer". But yet - facts are not the strongest point in the newly invented Macedonian "History"

[@DelijeSerbia]

Of course Samuel didnt consider himself Macedonian, when he was in fact Armenian. Yeah that is often the fact that Bulgarians dont want to accept because it clearly shows that it was just a title.

[@Hartofilax]

And your evidеnce for Samuel being Armenian is like exactly zero because such does not exists. Just because the name of his mother was popular in Armenia is not evidence it's pure speculation. Even if he was ethnically Armenians he was tsar of Bulgaria and his state was Bulgarian, and he definitely saw himself as ruler of Bulgaria and Bulgarian. Not Armenian, Not Macedonian, Not Chinese or Serbian. @@DelijeSerbia

[@Vampirewolfking]

The Macedonian dynasty of Basil was from Thrace, where the province of Macedonia was located.

[@ivanmilanov8386]

@@DelijeSerbia I the middle ages that actually didn't matter :D.

[@matztz_4560]

​@@Vampirewolfkingmakedonian Family was lrobably as almost every Byzantine noble house Armenian But was so hellenized that doesn't Matter tbh

[@TerapeutaLuisHenrique]

Love this videos! Adicted. Thank you!

[@brokenbridge6316]

Basil II is such a curious character and yet some of his policies with his family helped lead to the end of his dynasty. So I'd say he's the best n worst of the Macedonian Dynasty.

[@matztz_4560]

The rulers of this dinasty was often Bad, i mean really really terrible, Alexander was a drunkard proto-kinslayer, Basil i was a despisable being that betrayed His emperor and almost slayed His son,, Konstantinos VIII was Just mid too be honest but His actions together with Basil sealed the Makedonien dinasty fate

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@matztz_4560---Yeah I won't argue with that

[@user-fi3oh3qh7e]

Good work. How many episodes there are with Basil II?

[@GildedPoo]

Can we take a moment to admire how people of old named cities? Some of these cities sound so much cooler than many of the city names we come up in more modern times.

[@sifis172]

nice thank you!

[@fenris1168]

Great video... BUT! We need more! xD

[@anselmdanker9519]

Wishing your father a quick recovery.

[@_Pumpkin_Seed_]

12:15 This reminded me when Islamic state attacked syria and iraq, all syrian and iraqi troops fled. Meanwhile the Kurds fought for their land. Shows the bravery of the kurds.

[@prosagon]

Wish your father get well soon. Health and happiness to everyone!!!!

[@danielpinnegar2818]

Hope everything goes good

[@augmas61]

Great!

[@tmanw4796]

Go look up the ruins of Apamea. Just truly crazy cool stuff!

[@marksimpson8577]

This music... I swear I've heard it on the Bedtime stories channel... great choice!

[@sourabhmayekar3354]

Awesome

[@davidblair9877]

Basil II was arguably the greatest emperor of the Macedonian Dynasty. He was also arguably the one most responsible for its fall. His failure to produce or designate a successor doomed the Empire to that favorite of Roman pastimes: bloody and destructive civil war.

[@Wilhelm-100TheTechnoAdmiral]

Basil, one of my favorite emperors and favorite of spices

[@user-cg2tw8pw7j]

He failed against the Fatimids, and this is strange

[@hopeundertheblacksun]

​@@user-cg2tw8pw7jYep he couldn't achieve what he wanted to :P but hey the fatamids gained 0 land so it was also a failure for them

[@legalna2rp]

A good film.

[@thomaslinville1508]

Is it true that you haven't done the Battle of Bosworth yet?? I'd love to see that one!

[@angrydoggy9170]

So many times in history it would appear that mediocre to weak generals had to be appointed to prevent someone getting strong enough to challenge the ultimate leadership. That yes-man culture remains in business and politics to this day.

[@unknownmale9486]

Ah Basil the Bulgar Slayer. Nice to see Part 3.

[@georgios_5342]

Basil the CHAD

[@Thoton_]

yes

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Your videos never stop beign Amazing! When things are better with your father can you please cosider doing a video on Abd al-Rahman? The father of muslim Spain, his life is really fascinating and the battles epic!

[@kaloyanrosenov2123]

It would not be long as the roman emperor will slap the wrong bulgarian noble resuming the restoration on the bulgar empire and his brother Kaloyan will become the Romeoktone , roman slayer , and latin slayer also 😅

[@sranvujnovic5409]

The Basil series has featured more defeats than victories, in the old and tried Byzantine tradition XD

[@constantinexii8182]

Bruh the battle of spercheios almost coated the tsar his life while also killing 15.000, now in the east basil II won many victories in Syria and after him dalassenos won battles aswell before apamea when dalassenos "lost" basil went to Syria destroyed the fatimids, and vassalized all of Syria don't let puny battles and ambushes distract you from reality

[@patvonrodrigues44]

Sir . Your videos provide and explain many historical events and give good knowledge about it. So here is my kind request to you to make an video on Gupta empire of india who repelled huns invasion and defeated them. i ask you this because most people only know about huns invasion of Europe with their Victories and defeats but they don't know properly about their invasion of indian subcontinent. I Hope you will listen to my kind request and will put some light on this fading history. Thank you

[@maif3ng]

Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch!

[@ah7maw265]

OMG, a Kurdish officer changing the tide of the war is very surprising to me, considering our small population. I don't know what to say, but I'm so surprised that I've never heard about my nation being mentioned before. Thank you for the video; please keep up the good work.

[@AliSyed711]

Salahuddin Yusuf ibn Ayyub was Kurdish. He’s one of the famous Muslims, rulers and commanders of all time.

[@ah7maw265]

@@AliSyed711 Well... Yes there are no doubts that Salah Al din was Kurdish but beside Salah Al din , this unknown Kurdish officer is my second time seeing a Kurdish in a history channel, hey are you Kurdish or something? Regardless thanks for mentioning the great Salah Al din

[@Ali-vz6oy]

kurds at that time didn't have an empire they loved to to live on the hills but when fighting was called they where the first to join @@ah7maw265

[@AliSyed711]

@@ah7maw265 I’m not Kurdish, but I’m interested in Islamic history, of which Kurds are an integral part. Other notable Kurds that I know of include Ibn al-Athir, Al-Kamil, Shirkuk and as-Salih Ayyub.

[@mm-ir1ii]

actually, I read about this in an article by Al Jazeera there are even more incidents in that article involving great Kurdish warriors

[@matthewryan7775]

Oh man I love basil! Too bad capressi season is over 😢

[@komododragon410]

That Kurdish officer got some balls

[@velvet6923]

I kinda feel like i heard this story a few times, a great general being successful in a campaign only to then fight on another fron and by the time he defended it and wanted to start a campaign against them his man on the other front a incapable of defending their position and he needs to abandon the campaign and travel back I swear i heard stories lile this so many times by now XD

[@pandoraeeris7860]

Wait until they meet his brother, Oregano III, and their father Thyme!

[@uthoshantm]

This emperor must not have had much sleep in his life.

[@abcd9283]

Kurdish officer with his two sons😮😮....Taking risk for own life is manliness but taking risk for sons' life is madness.

[@user-cg2tw8pw7j]

Children are like: My father is crazy, but I must win

[@killerpie5981]

The Byzantine general was with his two sons not the Kurdish soldier

[@aj9306]

Its crazy how despite how great of an emperor Basil was less than a hundred years after his reign most of anatolia would begin to fall to the muslims

[@Rolilasx]

May I ask why did you stop the Hannibal series? It was really good.

[@erikk8629]

Basil looked like santa!

[@tadijastankovic4350]

The only bad thing about Basil II was that the Byzantines had small provinces with garison troops called the Themata and it combine millitary and civil administration before Basil the II there was 31 Thematas but after Basil it was 58 Thematas and he focused more on the field army instead of the garrison troops who were now streched thin

[@Iamnotracistlmao]

During Basil's reign this system was effective due to the sheer speed of Basil's movement but after his reign this system failed yes

[@tylerellis9097]

Yeah Basils setup of small garrisons everywhere proved unsustainable and was reduced to regional command points in fortified cities in the conquered areas. Smaller themes continued to be made in the east but they were either needed key fortified points under a doux or grouped together under a Doux.

[@Beastinanutshell]

I recommend the battle of Durbe OR Raseiniai because those are easy... OR Rossbach

[@theawesomeman9821]

HBO should make a historical drama series for the Byzantine Empire like they did for Rome.

[@crazyviking24]

I am surprised to find out that automobiles existed at the time.