Basil I (812?-886) was Byzantine (East Roman) emperor from 867 to 886. He is also called Basil the Macedonian. He founded the Macedonian dynasty (family of rulers), which reigned until 1056.
Basil was born near Adrianople (now Edirne, Turkey). He rose in rank in the court of Byzantine Emperor Michael III. In 866, Michael named Basil coemperor. In 867, the ambitious Basil assassinated Michael and took the throne.
Basil strengthened the empire’s economy and began an extensive building program, especially of churches. He started to revise the empire’s legal code. He also developed a strong navy. Basil expanded the Byzantine Empire through conquest and increased its cultural influence in surrounding areas. When he came to the throne, the empire consisted chiefly of Asia Minor (now part of Turkey), Greece, and a small part of southern Italy. He conquered what is now western Turkey, and he also conquered more land in southern Italy. During Basil’s reign, Byzantine missionaries converted the neighboring Serbs to Christianity.
Basil died after what was reportedly a hunting accident. Some historians suggest, however, that Basil may have been the victim of a plot by his son Leo, the heir to the throne.
