Alexander (Byzantium)

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Emperor Alexander, mosaic in Hagia Sophia.

Alexander ( Middle Greek Ἀλέξανδρος Alexandros ; * 870 ; † 913 ) was Byzantine emperor from 912 until his death .

Life

Alexander was a younger brother of the Emperor Leo VI. and the third son of the Emperor Basil I of the Macedonian dynasty . In 879 his father made him co-emperor after the death of the heir to the throne Constantine ; he kept this rank as Leo VI. 886 ascended the throne.

When Leo died in 912, Alexander succeeded him and at the same time became regent for Leo's son Konstantin Porphyrogennetus , whose guardian he appointed his favorite Basilitzes ; At times there was even a rumor that Basilitzes should be made co-emperor and that Constantine should be emasculated . Alexander refused the annual tribute payments to the Bulgarians and thus triggered a war with King Simeon I that lasted a total of fifteen years . During his brief reign, the Bulgarians prepared to attack the empire. Even before they were attacked, Alexander died in 913 and on his deathbed appointed his nephew as his successor, who ascended the throne as Constantine VII. In research, Alexander is considered a bon vivant who was not suitable for reign.

literature

predecessor Office successor
Leo VI Emperor of Byzantium
912–913 		Constantine VII
personal data
SURNAME Alexander
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Alexandros; Ἀλέξανδρος (Middle Greek)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Byzantine emperor
DATE OF BIRTH 870
DATE OF DEATH 913