Michael I Rangabe

Michael I. Rhangabes (Greek Μιχαὴλ Α ' ὁ Ραγκαβές; * 770, † 11 January 844 on the island of Proti at Constantine Opel ) was 811-813 Byzantine emperor.

Michael was probably born around 770. His father Theophylaktos, who had held the dignity of Patrikios had 781 unsuccessfully tried to usurp the imperial dignity. Michael was with Prokopia, the daughter of Nikephoros ' I., married and was the administrator of the palace ( Kuropalates ) ascended. After the death of his son Nicephorus Staurakios had ascended the throne, where he acted clumsily, according to the Chronicle of Theophanes. Michael was finally charged in early October 811 in a revolt against his brother Staurakios emperor. To his co-emperor appointed his son Michael Theophylaktos.

Domestically was significant that Michael 812 Charlemagne zubilligte the title of emperor. Since Michael had been elected with the support of the orthodox party in the Church, he made the Studitenabt Theodoros to his adviser, said Theodoros was in contrast to the patriarchs ( and chronicler ) Nikephoros. Michael was also against the iconoclasts and Paulicians. With the Bulgarian Khan Krum there was inconclusive running peace negotiations after the Bulgarians had repeatedly plundered a part of Macedonia and Thrace.

When Michael finally military cracked down, he was defeated at the Battle of Versinikia on 22 June 813. Michael fell more and more under pressure; after Leon was proclaimed the Armenians in July 813 of his troops to the emperor, Michael abdicated and went as a monk on the island of Proti, where he lived unmolested until his death in 844.