Emperors of Rome

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Solidus-Basil I with Constantine and Eudoxia-sb1703.jpg
Basil, his son Constantine, and his second wife, Empress Eudokia Ingerina
Name
Basil I the Macedonian
Dynasty
Macedonian
Born
811
Macedonia
Died
29 August 886
Unknown
Reign
867 to 29 August 886
(19 years)
Links

Basil I, called the Macedonian (Greek: Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών, Basíleios ō Makedṓn; 811 – August 29, 886) was a Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in the theme of Macedonia, he rose in the Imperial court. He entered into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of Emperor Michael III (r. 842–867), and was given a fortune by the wealthy Danielis. He gained the favour of Michael III, whose mistress he married on the emperor's orders, and was proclaimed co-emperor in 866. He ordered the assassination of Michael the next year. Despite his humble origins, he showed great ability in running the affairs of state. He was the founder of the Macedonian dynasty. He was succeeded upon his death by his son (perhaps actually Michael III's son) Leo VI.