The New International Encyclopædia/Basil I.

BASIL I. (c.813–886). Byzantine Emperor from 866 to 886, and founder of the Macedonian Dynasty. He was of Slavic descent, and when a boy entered the service of Michael the Drunkard (q.v.) as a groom. By his strength and bravery he attracted the Emperor's notice and won his favor. He was promoted rapidly until he was made protostrator, or Count of the Stables. He was the Emperor's boon companion, and after the murder of Bardas, in 866, he was chosen by Michael to be his associate in the Empire. The next year Basil, who had obtained a firm control of the Government, caused Michael to be murdered. The deed was unrevenged, no

party took up the cause of Michael's children, and Basil ruled, until 886, with remarkable ability. The Empire was enlarged by the addition of new provinces in the east, which more than counterbalanced the loss of Syracuse in 878. Everywhere else, his armies and fleets were successful. At home he reformed the finances, began a recodification of the laws (see Basilica), and worked earnestly to improve the administration. He reinstated Ignatius (q.v.) as Patriarch, and sought to end the schism between the Eastern and Western churches; but in this he failed. The Macedonian dynasty ruled at Constantinople for 190 years.