Basil I, the Macedonian (826 – 886 AD)

Basil I was an emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 867 to 886 CE and he founded the “Macedonian” dynasty which lasted for over 200 years. Basil was an Armenian from a humble background who had risen to become the second most powerful man in the realm. When he outrageously killed his benefactor and emperor, Michael III, he became number one in Constantinople and oversaw a golden period in Byzantine history. Losing his throne in the same way he had gained it, Basil was succeeded by his son Leo VI the Wise in 886 CE.

Investing heavily in the modernization and strengthening of the Byzantine fleet and army, Basil succeeded in carrying out many victorious campaigns, such as against the Arabs of Crete under Admiral Ooryphas, who burned down the rival fleet using the “liquid fire” (the Greek fire) (881). Successes against the crumbling Arab caliphate empire were enjoyed in Cyprus, mainland Greece, and Dalmatia.

The emperor set up a committee of legislators was appointed, whose main objective was to review Byzantine legislation.