Basil I
Also known as: Basil the Macedonian
812 – 886
Macedonian

Byzantine emperor. He began life as a peasant horse-trainer, won favor with the dissolute Emperor Michael III because of his magical touch with horses, and insinuated himself into the court. There he gradually acquired enough power to murder Michael and proclaim himself Emperor, which he remained for nineteen turbulent years. His name became a byword for opportunism and treachery, but also for daring and strong military leadership.

Contemporaries
800–870al-Kindi
839–923al-Tabari
870–950Mohammed al-Farabi
800–850al-Khwarizmi
874–936al-Ashari
772–846Bo Juyi
806–882Hincmar
810–877John Scotus Erigena
742–814Charlemagne
849–899Alfred
787–885Albumazar