Basil I
| Basil I | |
|---|---|
| Emperor of the Romans | |
 Portrait of Emperor Basil I | |
| Byzantine Emperor | |
| Reign | 24 September 867 – 29 August 886 |
| Predecessor | Michael III |
| Successor | Leo VI |
| Born | c. 811 Chariopolis, Macedonia, Eastern Roman Empire |
| Died | 29 August 886 (aged 75) Constantinople, Eastern Roman Empire |
| Spouse | Maria Eudokia Ingerina |
| House | Macedonian |
| Religion | Chalcedonian Christianity |
Basil I, also nicknamed the Macedonian (Greek: Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών, c. 811 - 29 August 886) was a Byzantine Emperor 24 September 867 – 29 August 886.
Born a lowly peasant in of Macedonia, he rose power and influence in the imperial court after entering into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of Emperor Michael III (r. 842–867). He was given a fortune by the wealthy Danielis and gained Michael's favour, whose mistress he married on his emperor's orders. In 866, Michael proclaimed him co-emperor, but Basil ordered his assassination, thus installing himself as sole ruler of the empire.