Michael III Assumes Power

Date: March 15, 856 • Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Byzantine emperor Michael III overthrew the regency of his mother Theodora (pictured) to assume power for himself.

Michael III, also known as Michael the Drunkard, was Byzantine emperor from 842 to 867. Michael III was the third and traditionally last member of the Amorian dynasty. He was given the disparaging epithet the Drunkard by the hostile historians of the succeeding Macedonian dynasty, but modern historical research has rehabilitated his reputation to some extent, demonstrating the vital role his reign played in the resurgence of Byzantine power in the 9th century. He was also the youngest person to bear the imperial title, as well as the youngest to succeed as senior emperor in the Roman Empire. In 867, Michael was assassinated by his successor, Basil I.