Basil I

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
Full name Basil
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.