5 – Michael III (867)
Michael III became emperor in 842 when he was just two years of age. As a result, a regency ruled the Empire; it consisted of Michael’s mother Theodora, her uncle Sergios and a minister called Theokistos. As he grew up, various members of the court fought to curry favor with the young ruler. Michael grew close to his uncle Bardas and didn’t prevent him from murdering Theokistos in 855.
In 856, Michael overthrew the regency with the aid of Bardas and general Petronas. However, Bardas was the real power behind the throne until he was murdered around a decade later by Basil I. Michael’s rule saw some military success for the Empire as Petronas campaigned beyond the Euphrates and in 863; Petronas defeated the emir of Melitene. The Byzantines also repelled a Russian invasion in 860.
Although Michael had no heir, he did not want to risk the wrath of the people by marrying his mistress Ingerina. Instead, he ensured she married one of his court favorites, Basil the Macedonian. As a result, the Emperor continued his affair with Ingerina while Basil courted Michael’s sister. In 866, Basil convinced Michael that Bardas was plotting a coup, so the Emperor stepped aside and allowed Basil to kill Bardas. Basil became co-emperor in May 866; perhaps Michael did this to legitimize the claim of Leo, Ingerina’s new baby, who was probably the son of Michael.
It was a grave error, compounded by Michael favoring a courtier named Basiliskianos who was in line to become another co-emperor. In September 867, Basil ordered the assassination of Michael while the emperor was asleep in his chambers after a heavy drinking session. Basil entered with a number of accomplices and ensured there were no guards present. A man named John of Chaldia cut off Michael’s hands before stabbing the emperor in the heart. Basil became the new emperor after ensuring that Basiliskianos was also murdered.