Basil I
Byzantine emperor from 867 to 886
b. 811 · d. 29 Aug 886
Basil I, nicknamed "the Macedonian", was Byzantine emperor from 867 to 886. Born to a peasant family in the theme of Macedonia, he rose to prominence in the imperial court after gaining the favour of Emperor Michael III, whose mistress he married on his emperor's orders. In 866, Michael proclaimed him co-emperor. Fearing a loss of influence, Basil orchestrated Michael's assassination the next year and installed himself as sole ruler of the empire. He was the first ruler of the Macedonian dynasty.
Related people
- Bardas relative of · traditional
- Bardas sibling of · traditional
- Stephen I of Constantinople parent of · traditional
- Constantine parent of · traditional
- Alexander parent of · traditional
- Leo VI the Wise parent of · traditional
- Maria Maniakes spouse of · traditional
- Eudokia Ingerina spouse of · traditional
Events
Places
- Edirne birth
- Constantinople death
How we know
Recorded as a historical figure.
- The Orthodox Church in the Byzantine Empire 1 claim — Fourth Council of Constantinople (Ignatian)