Michael III

Michael III, also known as Michael the Drunkard, was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 842 to 867. He was very young when he became emperor, being only a baby when he first received the title and just two years old when he became the main ruler. Despite what some later historians said about him, modern studies show that 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. Historians call him "Michael the Drunkard," but modern research shows he played an important role in strengthening the Byzantine Empire during his time.

When Michael became emperor, he was very young, so his mother Theodora and others ruled for him. They worked to restore religious practices that had been changed, ending a period known as Byzantine iconoclasm. This brought peace to the church and the empire.

During Michael's reign, the Byzantine Empire faced challenges from nearby powers. Although the Abbasid Caliphate was not launching big attacks, local leaders led raids into Byzantine lands. Byzantine forces sometimes won, like a big victory at sea in 853. There were also conflicts with the First Bulgarian Empire and other groups, but the empire managed to defend itself and even expand in some areas. Leaders like Michael's uncle Bardas helped guide the empire through these difficult times.

Michael supported learning and rebuilding cities. He also worked to spread Christianity, helping to convert Bulgaria and supporting missions to other areas. However, his personal life was complicated. He had a close relationship with a courtier named Basil, who eventually became co-emperor. Sadly, Basil and others killed Michael while he was asleep after a night of drinking, and Basil took over as emperor.

Assessment and legacy

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

But other writers from far away 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 got better during his time. Art and culture grew again because the arguments about religious images stopped. His rule helped keep peace with nearby lands and brought many new people into the Byzantine world.

Family

Michael III and his wife Eudokia Dekapolitissa did not have any children together. However, it was thought that he may 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.