Bardas

Bardas

Bardas (Greek: Βάρδας; died 21 April 866) was an important noble and leader in the Byzantine Empire. He was the brother of Empress Theodora and became a powerful minister during the rule of Theophilos. After Theophilos died, Bardas lost power but later came back.

In 855, he helped remove Theoktistos and became the main ruler for his young nephew, Michael III.

Bardas reached the high rank of Caesar and guided the empire for ten years. During his time, the Byzantine Empire had successes in war, grew its influence through diplomacy and missionary work, and saw a revival of learning that led to the Macedonian Renaissance.

In 866, he was killed by order of Michael III's new favorite, Basil the Macedonian. A year later, Basil took control of the empire.

Biography

Bardas was an important noble in the Byzantine Empire. He was born into an Armenian family in Paphlagonia. His sister was Empress Theodora, wife of Emperor Theophilos. After Theophilos died, their young son Michael III became emperor, and a regency council was formed. Bardas was part of this council but was not as powerful as another advisor named Theoktistos.

In 855, Bardas helped Michael III remove Theoktistos from power. After this, Bardas became the main advisor to the young emperor. He helped start schools and supported important missionaries. However, Bardas lost power when Michael III learned that his mistress Eudokia Ingerina was pregnant. In 866, Bardas was killed by Basil the Macedonian, who later became emperor.