I Rule the Land: 1000 Edition Trivia Quiz

Answer: Basil II

Basil II (c. 958-1025), nicknamed the Bulgar Slayer, was senior Emperor from 978 until his death. War was a common issue during his reign: first ending civil war, then conquest of the Bulgarian Empire (a European foe), and finally against the Fatimid Caliphate. In addition, he introduced administrative reforms that allowed the Empire to survive the next several, less capable rulers.

As I was informed by FunTrivia user blakey: "When he finally defeated the Bulgar army he had one in ten blinded in one eye. The rest he had blinded altogether so that when they marched back to their leader he knew he was defeated for good. People along the way who saw this no longer wanted to fight."

Answer: Sweyn I

In addition to ruling Denmark (986-1014), Sweyn Forkbeard (960-1014) also ruled Norway during two periods (986-995, 1000-1014) and briefly controlled England (1013-1014). Some Medieval accounts describe Sweyn as a pagan ruler who persecuted Christians in his realm.

Others describe him sponsoring the building of churches. During Sweyn's rule, the Danes instituted a series of raids against England, partly in response to the English massacre of Danes living in England in 1002.

Answer: Aethelred II

Aethelred (c. 966-1016) ruled England from 978 to 1013 and again from 1014 until his death. His nickname of "the Unready" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word that mead be better translated as "ill-advised". Aethelred's reign was dominated by War with the Danes, climaxing in his temporary replacement as king by Sweyn Forkbeard. A large amount of legislation was issued during his reign.

Answer: Robert II

Robert II (972-1031), nicknamed "the Pious" or "the Wise", ruled France from 996 until his death. He was the second Capetian King of France. As with several early Capetian kings, his authority weakened as one moved away from Paris. He carried out persecution of heretics and non-Christians. An attempt to annex Burgundy in early 11th century was unsuccessful.

Answer: Otto III

Otto III (980-1002) was Holy Roman Emperor from 996 until his death. He played a role in strengthening Imperial control over the Papacy--influencing the election of two Popes. He faced rebellion from his Slavic subjects, but was able to assist the spread of Christianity into Eastern Europe. Chaos at the time of his death prevented the election of the next Emperor for over a decade.

Answer: Olaf I

Olaf Tryggvason (c. 965-1000) was King of Norway from 995 until his death in September (Sweyn was also King of Norway in 1000, but not at the beginning of the year.) Olaf played an important (sometimes compulsory) role in the conversion of Norway to Christianity.

He spent a significant part of his life before becoming king in semi-exile from Norway. He died during the Battle of Svolder.

Answer: Boleslaw I

Boleslaw (967-1025), known as the Great or the Brave, was Duke of Poland from 992 to 1025, before being proclaimed King of Poland shortly before his death. He supported the spread of Christianity in Poland. He conquered territories outside of Poland including Slovakia and Bohemia.

Although the Holy Roman Emperor was the nominal superior of Boleslaw, the latter was at time allied with the Emperor's foes.

Answer: Vladimir

Vladimir the Great (c. 958-1015) was Grand Prince of Kiev and ruler of the Kievan Rus from 980 until his death. Converting to Christianity during his reign, he is also called Saint Vladimir. His conversion occurred after receiving reports from his emissaries about Islam, Judaism, Western Christianity, and Eastern Christianity.

He sponsored the building of churches and schools in his realm.

Answer: Kenneth III

Known as "the Chief" or "the Brown", Kenneth III (c. 966-1005) was King of the Scots from 997 until his death. Information about him is limited since the main "primary" sources about him were written centuries after his death. Kenneth was killed in battle by Malcolm III, a relative.

Answer: Olof

Olof Skotkonung (c. 980-1022) was King of Sweden from 995 until his death. His reign began with a successful repulsion of an invasion by Sweyn Forkbeard. Later in his reign, Sweden was engaged in war with Norway. It is suggested that his name Skotkonung may refer to taxes, or treasure, and might suggest he was the first Swedish king to have coins minted.