Basil I was 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 in 886 CE.
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Definition
Timeline
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865Byzantine emperor Michael III arranges for the chief minister Bardas to be assassinated by Basil the Macedonian.
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866Byzantine emperor Michael III makes Basil the Macedonian co-emperor.
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867Basil the Macedonian murders Byzantine emperor Michael III and declares himself Emperor Basil I.
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867 - 886Reign of Byzantine emperor Basil I.
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869Byzantine emperor Basil I crowns his son Constantine co-emperor.
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870Byzantine emperor Basil I crowns his son Leo co-emperor (future Leo VI).
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880Basil I builds the Nea Ekklesia (New Church) in the palace grounds of Constantinople.
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883A decree by Byzantine emperor Basil I is the first recorded evidence of a monastery on Mount Athos.
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886Byzantine emperor Basil I is (probably) murdered by his son and successor Leo VI.
