Basil I

Also known as the Macedonian, Basil the Macedonian, Emperor of the East Basilio I, Emperor Basil I, Emperor of the East Basilius I Macedo, Emperor of the East Basil I, Emperor of the East Basileios I

Byzantine emperor from 867 to 886

AI overview

Basil I was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 867 to 886, a period of significant importance in the Eastern Roman Empire's history. He is remembered as a capable military and administrative leader who strengthened Byzantine power during his reign.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

Instance of: human
Gender: male
Citizenship: Byzantine Empire
Place of birth: Edirne
Place of death: Constantinople
Child: Alexander
Occupation: sovereign
Position held: parakoimomenos
Languages spoken: medieval Greek
Religion: Catholic
Family: Macedonian dynasty
Noble title: Byzantine emperor
Image: Solidus-Basil I.jpg

Show 9 more facts

Commons category: Basileios I
date of death: 0886-08-29
date of birth: 0811-01-01
manner of death: accidental death
cause of death: fever
name in native language: Բարսեղ Ա Մակեդոնացի
described by source: New International Encyclopedia
writing language: medieval Greek
unmarried partner: Thekla

Sources (2)

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Encyclopedic overview

DynastyMacedonian FatherBardas/Constantine MotherPankalo ReligionChalcedonian Christianity

Basil I, nicknamed "the Macedonian" (Greek: Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών, romanized: Basíleios ō Makedṓn; 811 – 29 August 886), 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.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Basil I” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.