v31_0716 - MICHAEL III THE DRUNKARD Follis

MICHAEL III THE DRUNKARD

(01/20/842-09/23/867)

Michael III and Basil I

Michel III is the son of Théophile (829-842) and Théodora and the grandson of Michel II l'Armorien. Associated to the throne by his father on September 1, 840, he succeeded him under the regency of his mother and the tutelage of Theoctistus, his favourite. In 856, Theodora was exiled and Theoctistus assassinated at the instigation of Michael III. Bardas, Theodora's brother, Michel III's uncle is associated with power. While the Arabs invaded many Byzantine territories including part of Sicily, the Byzantine Church Christianized the Balkans and the Salvos of Southern Europe while Photius became Patriarch of Constantinople. In 865, Bardas was assassinated and Michael III adopted Basil, of humble origin who ended up murdering his benefactor..