Who was this ruler named after a herb?

Question: Who was this ruler named after a herb!?

Hello!.
I was the powerful ruler of an empire that lasted for centuries!. As you can see from my picture, I was supported by God and feared by ordinary men!. If you are still having trouble finding my identity, here's another clue: I share my name with a fragrant herb!.
Picture:http://i38!.tinypic!.com/24wu2pl!.jpgWww@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

hello

Basil !

Basil II, surnamed the Bulgar-slayer (958 – December 15, 1025), also known as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from Basil I the Macedonian, was a Byzantine emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from January 10, 976 to December 15, 1025!. Under his reign, the Byzantine Empire reached its greatest strength in nearly five centuries!.

- Basil is a tender low-growing herb

the clues in the pic !.!.!. the plain round halo above the emperor's head is typical byzantine art (as opposed to roman)
-Plain round halos are typically used to signify saints, the Virgin Mary, Old Testament prophets, angels, symbols of the Four Evangelists, and some other figures!.
Byzantine emperors and empresses were often shown with the outlines of haloes
- the beard - a symbol of a byzantium ruler
- the crown is byzantium

you cant really see it in your pic, but look at this link, notice Jesus, at the top centre, his halo as three line in it (in greek they make a word !.!.!. "I am" ) , thats also typical byzantine art
http://warandgame!.files!.wordpress!.com/20!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Valerian!. He was a Roman Emperor in the third century!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Both named after the Greek work for king, basileus!.Www@QuestionHome@Com