Michael III of Byzantium

Michael III was a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 842 to 867 AD. Known as "the Drunkard" because of his lifestyle, he was originally a young and relatively weak ruler. His reign saw a revival of the empire's stability and culture, partly due to the influence of the prominent scholar Bardas and the efforts to restore icons in the church. Michael III also strengthened the empire's defenses and promoted learning. Despite his personal flaws, his rule helped set the stage for future Byzantine successes, blending political stability with cultural revival during the mid-9th century.