Michael III
Byzantine emperor from 842 to 867
b. 9 Jan 840 · d. 25 Sep 867
Michael III, also known as Michael the Drunkard, was Byzantine emperor from 842 to 867. Michael III was the third and traditionally last member of the Amorian dynasty. He was given the disparaging epithet the Drunkard by the hostile historians of the succeeding Macedonian dynasty, but modern historical research has rehabilitated his reputation to some extent, demonstrating the vital role his reign played in the resurgence of Byzantine power in the 9th century. He was also the youngest person to bear the imperial title, as well as the youngest to succeed as senior emperor in the Roman Empire. In 867, Michael was assassinated by his successor, Basil I.
Related people
- Stephen I of Constantinople parent of · traditional
- Leo VI the Wise parent of · traditional
- Eudokia Dekapolitissa spouse of · traditional
Places
- Constantinople death
- Church of the Holy Apostles burial
How we know
Recorded as a historical figure.