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.
Macedonian dynasty
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The Macedonian dynasty ruled the Byzantine Empire from 867 to 1056, following the Amorian dynasty. During this period, the Byzantine state reached its greatest extent since the early Muslim conquests,
Basil I
…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. Despite his humble origins, Basil was an effective and respected monarch. He initiated a complete overhaul of Byzantine law, an effort continued by…
Emperor Basil II the Bulgar Slayer (976–1025).