Kings of Europe facts

Byzantine Empire. At the start of the second millennium, Basil attacked Bulgarians in order to restore territories the Empire had lost long before. He was said to have captured 15,000 prisoners and blinded 99 of every 100 men, leaving one one-eyed man in each cohort to lead the rest back home. Samuel, the ruler of Bulgaria was so shocked seeing his blinded army, that he died two days later.

Aachen (modern Germany). The geography of the Kingdom of Franks varied over time, but it was centered on the Rhine and Meuse rivers in northern Europe. Charlemagne himself probably spoke a Rhenish Franconian dialect of Old High German. Eventually, the singular use of the name Francia shifted towards the region of Paris.

Bulgaria. The title Tsar in Slavic languages is derived from the Latin title of the Roman emperors, Caesar. It was first used in Bulgaria from 10th to 15th century, and in Serbia (in the 14th century). Later, it was used in Russia - Ivan IV was the first to use it in 1547.

United Kingdom. During his youth, it was not expected that William, being the third son, would become a king. He served in the Royal Navy in the Caribbean. He inherited the throne at the age of 64, after his two elder brothers died without leaving legitimate successors

Portugal. Prince Henry the Navigator was fascinated with Africa, which his fleet explored; most intrigued by the Christian legend of Prester John, whose lost kingdom he hoped to find. Under his direction, a new ship was developed, the caravel, which could sail further and faster than the contemporary ships of the Mediterranean.