Basil I, called
the Macedonian (,
Basíleios hō Makedṓn; 811 – August 29, 886) was a
Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in the
Byzantine theme of
Macedonia, he rose in the Imperial court, and usurped the Imperial throne from Emperor
Michael III (r. 842–867). Despite his humble origins, he showed great ability in running the affairs of state, leading to a revival of Imperial power and a
renaissance of
Byzantine art. He was perceived by the Byzantines as one of their greatest emperors, and the dynasty he founded, the
Macedonian , ruled over what is regarded as the most glorious and prosperous era of the
Byzantine Empire.