Michael III

Michael III. (Greek Μιχαήλ Γ ', called Methystes Μεθυστής or Methysos Μέθυσος, drunkard '; * 839 in Constantinople, Opel, † 867 ibid.) a son of Theophilus and grandson Michael II was He succeeded his father as Byzantine Emperor in 842 at the age of three years.

During his minority the kingdom was governed by his mother Theodora, who managed to keep the borders against the Arabs, although their generals suffered several defeats. The regent showed their religious zeal by permitting the worship of images again in the first year, and pursued the Paulicians. On the other hand, they neglected the education of her son. Michael grew up in debauchery and came under the influence of his uncle Bardas, who prompted him 856 to send Theodora in a monastery. 857 Michael himself seized power. He was the last emperor of the dynasty amorischen.

Bardas appointed as Patriarch Photios of Constantinople Opel and justified his empire by in advancing internal reforms, while Michael himself took an active part in the campaigns. During a conflict with the Arabs on the Euphrates ( 856-863 ), the Emperor 860 suffered a personal defeat, which was offset by a great victory of his uncle at Petronas in Asia Minor on the Emir of Melitene 863. 861 were Michael and Bardas in Bulgaria and reached the crossing of King Boris I converted to Christianity. It was Michael III. Godfather of Bulgarian Knjaz, Boris I. also adopted the Christian name Michael.

From the sea, the empire suffered from the ravages of the Cretan pirates. In Sicily, the conquests of the Arabs came forward. 860 endangered the first raid of Kievan Rus the Bosphorus, but the raid could be averted.

867 Michael was murdered by his favorite Basil, a former stable boy, who had 865 Bardas ' influence had been overcome, and 866 in the government of the empire.

The conflict with the Catholic Church under Pope Nicholas I was under Michael III. exacerbated when Cyril and Methodius of Thessalonica recorded the mission to the Slavs.