Bardas

Bardas (Greek: Βάρδας; died 21 April 866) was a important noble and leader in the Byzantine Empire. He was the brother of Empress Theodora and became a powerful minister during the rule of Theophilos. After Theophilos died, Bardas was pushed aside but later returned to power. In 855, he helped remove Theoktistos and became the main ruler for his young nephew, Michael III.

Bardas reached the high rank of Caesar and guided the empire for ten years. During his time, the Byzantine Empire had successes in war, grew its influence through diplomacy and missionary work, and saw a revival of learning that led to the Macedonian Renaissance. However, in 866, he was killed by order of Michael III's new favorite, Basil the Macedonian. A year later, Basil took control of the empire and began his own rule.

Biography

Bardas was a important noble in the Byzantine Empire. He was born into a family of Armenian origin in Paphlagonia. His sister was Empress Theodora, wife of Emperor Theophilos. After Theophilos died, their young son Michael III became emperor, and a regency council was formed. Bardas was part of this council but was overshadowed by another advisor named Theoktistos.

In 855, Bardas helped Michael III remove Theoktistos from power. With Theoktistos gone, Bardas became the main advisor to the young emperor. He helped establish schools and supported important missionaries. However, Bardas's position weakened when Michael III discovered that his mistress Eudokia Ingerina was pregnant, creating a new heir to the throne. In 866, Bardas was murdered by Basil the Macedonian, who later became co-emperor and then sole emperor.