Basil I
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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
A young Basil at the court of Omurtag of Bulgaria.
Basil victorious in a wrestling match against a Bulgarian champion (far left), from the Madrid Skylitzes manuscript.
The Sicilian stronghold of Syracuse falls to the Arabs in 878.
The army under Nikephoros Phokas the Elder captures the city of Amantia in Italy.
Michael III
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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 epi
Basil I
…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…
Solidus of empress Theodora with Thekla and Michael III.
Coronation of the young Michael III, miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes, 12th century
The Byzantine army led by Michael III lays siege to Samosata.
The Byzantine and Arab armies clash at the Battle of Lalakaon