Michael III

Michael III

Michael III, also known as Michael the Drunkard, was a Byzantine emperor. He ruled from 842 to 867. He was very young when he became emperor, just a baby when he first received the title and two years old when he became the main ruler.

His time as emperor was important for the strength and growth of the Byzantine Empire.

Sadly, Michael III was killed in 867 by the person who took over after him, Basil I. Even though he was called "the Drunkard" by some, his rule helped the Byzantine Empire become powerful again during the 9th century.

Life

Michael was the youngest child of the emperor Theophilos and his empress Theodora. People called him "Michael the Drunkard," but he helped make the Byzantine Empire stronger.

When Michael became emperor, he was very young. So his mother Theodora and others ruled for him. They brought back old religious practices, ending something called Byzantine iconoclasm. This helped bring peace to the church and the empire.

During Michael's time, the Byzantine Empire had trouble with nearby powers. The Abbasid Caliphate did not attack big, but local leaders sometimes raided Byzantine lands. Byzantine forces won some battles, like one big sea victory in 853. There were also problems with the First Bulgarian Empire and others, but the empire defended itself and even grew in some places. Leaders like Michael's uncle Bardas helped guide the empire.

Michael liked learning and rebuilding cities. He also worked to spread Christianity, helping to bring the religion to Bulgaria and other areas. Sadly, Michael was killed while he was asleep after a night of drinking, and another man named Basil took over as emperor.

Assessment and legacy

The story of Michael III is hard to understand because later writers were not kind to him. They said he liked to drink and was very interested in chariot racing. They also said he made fun of important church events. His time as ruler had many problems, including the deaths of some important people near him.

But other writers saw Michael as a good soldier who worked hard to protect the city walls. Even though some say he didn’t manage money well, the money situation improved during his time. Art and culture grew again because arguments about religious images stopped. His rule helped keep peace with nearby lands and brought many new people into the Byzantine Empire.

Family

Michael III and his wife Eudokia Dekapolitissa did not have any children together. People thought he might have had one or two sons with his mistress Eudokia Ingerina, who was married to Basil I. These sons were:

• Leo VI, who became emperor after Basil I in 886
• Stephen I, who became the patriarch of Constantinople.