Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Basil I. was born of humble stock near Adrianople in 813. He became a soldier, and going to Constantinople was noticed by the Emperor Michael, who promoted him ultimately to a share in the throne, but finding him censorious resolved to kill him. Basil, however, turned the tables on him, put him to death, and reigned alone until 886.