Basil I
Byzantine emperor from 867 to 886
Basil I, also nicknamed the Macedonian (Greek: Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών, c. 811 - 29 August 886) was a Byzantine Emperor 24 September 867 – 29 August 886.
| Basil I | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor of the Romans | |||||
 Portrait of Emperor Basil I | |||||
| Byzantine Emperor | |||||
| Reign | 24 September 867 – 29 August 886 | ||||
| Predecessor | Michael III | ||||
| Successor | Leo VI | ||||
| Born | c. 811 Chariopolis, Macedonia, Eastern Roman Empire | ||||
| Died | 29 August 886 (aged 75) Constantinople, Eastern Roman Empire | ||||
| Wives | Maria Eudokia Ingerina | ||||
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| Dynasty | Macedonian | ||||
| Religion | Chalcedonian Christianity | ||||
Born a lowly peasant in of Macedonia, he rose power and influence in the imperial court after entering into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of Emperor Michael III (r. 842–867). He was given a fortune by the wealthy Danielis and gained Michael's favour, whose mistress he married on his emperor's orders. In 866, Michael proclaimed him co-emperor, but Basil ordered his assassination, thus installing himself as sole ruler of the empire.