the integrity of the byzantine empire itself was under serious threat after a full-scale rebellion, led by bardas skleros, broke out in 976. in the urgency of a situation, georgian prince david iii of tao aided basil ii and after decisive loyalist victory at the battle of pankaleia, he was rewarded by lifetime rule of key imperial territories in eastern asia minor. however, david’s rebuff of basil in bardas phocas’ revolt of 987 evoked constantinople’s distrust of the georgian rulers. after the failure of the revolt, david was forced to make basil ii the legatee of his extensive possessions.