page_title: Basil I
hierarchical_section_title: Basil I
caption_attribution_description: Basil I, AV Solidus. Constantinople mint. +bASILIOS AUGUST' b', crowned facing bust of Basil I, in loros, holding globe with patriarchal cross in right hand and akakia in left COhSTAhT S EVdOCIA, crowned facing busts of Constantine, beardless, on left, and Eudocia Ingerina on right: Constantine wears chlamys and holds globus cruciger, while his stepmother wears loros and holds cruciform scepter; between their heads, cross. This is an unusual issue in that it portrays the empress Eudocia. If the date of AD 882 is correct, this is a memorial issue struck at the time of her death. As an alternative, Grierson has suggested it may be a coronation issue from 868.
context_page_description: Basil I, called the Macedonian, was a Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in the theme of Macedonia, he rose in the Imperial court. He entered into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of Emperor Michael III, and was given a fortune by the wealthy Danielis. He gained the favour of Michael III, whose mistress he married on the emperor's orders, and was proclaimed co-emperor in 866. He ordered the assassination of Michael the next year. Despite his humble origins, he showed great ability in running the affairs of state. He was the founder of the Macedonian dynasty. He was succeeded upon his death by his son Leo VI.
context_section_description: Basil I, called the Macedonian (Greek: Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών, Basíleios ō Makedṓn; 811 – August 29, 886), was a Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in the theme of Macedonia, he rose in the Imperial court. He entered into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of Emperor Michael III (r. 842–867), and was given a fortune by the wealthy Danielis. He gained the favour of Michael III, whose mistress he married on the emperor's orders, and was proclaimed co-emperor in 866. He ordered the assassination of Michael the next year. Despite his humble origins, he showed great ability in running the affairs of state. He was the founder of the Macedonian dynasty. He was succeeded upon his death by his son (perhaps actually Michael III's son) Leo VI.
caption: Basil, his son Constantine, and his second wife, Empress Eudokia Ingerina
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