Michael III

Michael III (Ancient Greek: Μιχαήλ, romanized: Michaḗl; 9/10 January 840 – 24 September 867), 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 (or Phrygian) dynasty. He was given the disparaging epithet the Drunkard (Ancient Greek: ὁ Μέθυσος, romanized: ō Mtistḗs) 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 (aged 4-8 months), as well as the youngest to succeed as senior emperor (aged 2) in the Roman Empire. In 867, Michael was assassinated by his successor, Basil I.