Michael I Rangabe

Michael I Rangabe, born in the year seven hundred seventy, served as Byzantine emperor from eight hundred eleven to eight hundred thirteen. A prominent courtier under Emperor Nikephoros I, he emerged as a key figure following the disastrous campaign against the Bulgars, ultimately being chosen as the imperial successor over the severely injured Staurakios. His proclamation as emperor by Patriarch Nicephorus I of Constantinople on the second of October in eight hundred eleven marked the beginning of his reign.

Throughout his time in power, Michael's policies were characterized by a conciliatory approach, heavily influenced by the iconodule clerics Nikephoros and Theodore the Stoudite. He sought to improve relations with the Franks, notably recognizing Charlemagne as an emperor, albeit not as