Basil I

MedievalEmperorByzantine Empire811 — 886

Founder of the Macedonian dynasty.

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Quick Facts

Born

811

Died

886

Country

Byzantine Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)60

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)57

Legacy (20%)52

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)50

Total Score59.8

Basil I — Complete Timeline

867 AD

Assassination of Michael IIIPolitical Action◆ Major

Basil I, a co-emperor under Michael III, orchestrated the murder of Michael in his palace. Basil then became sole emperor, founding the Macedonian dynasty. This act ended the Amorian dynasty and initiated a period of Byzantine resurgence.

AssassinationMacedonian DynastyCoup

Impact: nationaldestructive

876 AD

Reconquest of Southern ItalyWar

Basil I launched a campaign against the Arabs in southern Italy, capturing the city of Bari and establishing the Theme of Longobardia. This restored Byzantine control over parts of Italy and strengthened the empire's position in the Mediterranean.

ReconquestItalyArabs

Impact: regionalconstructive

879 AD

Legal Reforms: Prochiron and EpanagogeReform

Basil I commissioned the Prochiron, a legal manual, and the Epanagoge, a revised law code. These works aimed to simplify and update Roman law, replacing the earlier Ekloga and reinforcing the emperor's authority. They influenced later Byzantine legal development.

Legal ReformByzantine LawMacedonian Renaissance

Impact: nationalconstructive