History of Michael III

Michael III, often known as Michael the Drunkard, was a Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 842 to 867 AD. Born on January 19, 840, he was the third and final ruler of the Amorian (or Phrygian) dynasty, son of Theophilos and Theodora. His reign is notable for its significant religious and political transformations, as well as for the controversies and personal scandals that surrounded him. Despite his nickname, which was largely perpetuated by hostile sources, his reign proved to be a period of revival and change for the Byzantine Empire, largely due to the influence of his advisors and regents.

Michael III ascended to the throne at the tender age of two following the death of his father, Theophilos. Because of his youth, the regency was initially in the hands of his mother, Theodora, his uncle Sergius, and a council of senior officials. Theodora was a strong figure who played a pivotal role in reversing the iconoclastic policies of her husband, thus restoring the veneration of icons in 843, an event known as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy." This action was significant in solidifying the role of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Byzantine society and ended a period of religious conflict that had divided the empire.

During his minority, the administration was stable and well-managed by Theodora and her advisors, but court politics soon began to revolve around influential figures like the eunuch Theoktistos and Theodora's brother Bardas. As Michael grew older, his relationship with his mother and her advisors became strained. He was particularly influenced by his uncle Bardas, who was an ambitious and able politician. Bardas gradually marginalized Theodora, and in 856, he engineered her removal from power.

With Bardas as his chief advisor and de facto co-ruler, Michael's reign saw significant developments, particularly in military and educational reforms. Bardas was instrumental in fostering the cultural renaissance of the Byzantine Empire, promoting learning, and re-establishing the University of Constantinople. This era saw the flowering of the Macedonian Renaissance, which would later culminate under the Macedonian dynasty. Scholars like Leo the Mathematician were brought to the capital, and the intellectual life of the empire was invigorated.

Another major event during Michael III's reign was the conversion of the Slavs. Byzantine influence expanded into Eastern Europe through missionary work, and in 864, with the conversion of Boris I of Bulgaria to Christianity, the Byzantine Church spread its influence further. The missionaries Cyril and Methodius were sent to Great Moravia, and their creation of the Glagolitic alphabet helped in the spread of Orthodox Christianity and Byzantine culture among the Slavic peoples.

Despite these achievements, Michael III's reign was marred by personal scandals and court intrigues. This included his well-known indulgence in luxury and purported drunkenness, which contemporary sources often highlight, possibly exaggerating in view of character assassination typical of political rivals. Michael's personal life was marked by excesses and controversies, including his cohabitation with Eudokia Ingerina, who was initially his mistress and later married to Basil, a rising courtier and soldier. This triangle involved complex personal and political dynamics, with Michael perhaps attempting to placate factions within the court while maintaining his personal desires.

The climax of Michael's reign came with the rise of Basil the Macedonian, originally brought to court as a stable boy, but who climbed the political ladder thanks to his ambition and Michael’s favor. Basil's ascent was remarkable and ominous; he was adept at court politics and eventually was adopted by Michael, thus gaining legitimacy. However, the partnership was short-lived. Basil, aiming for supreme power, orchestrated the assassination of Bardas in 865 with Michael’s tacit approval.

Two years later, Basil turned on Michael himself. On the night of September 23, 867, Michael III was murdered, a conspiracy that Basil either directly orchestrated or heavily endorsed. Following Michael’s death, Basil declared himself Emperor, marking the beginning of the Macedonian dynasty. Basil’s reign would be a turnaround for the Byzantine Empire, ushering in an era of recovery and expansion; however, his betrayal of Michael overshadows his early reign.

Michael III's impact on Byzantine history is thus a complicated one. While his reign was initially seen through the lens of decadence and ineffective rule suggested by his sobriquet, modern historical assessments recognize the period’s positive contributions, especially in terms of cultural and missionary activities. His reign, through the governance of his regents and advisors, set the stage for future successes of the Byzantine Empire. Despite his personal failings, Michael III presided over a significant transitional period that influenced the religious and cultural landscape of Byzantium and the broader Orthodox world.