Photius I of Constantinople

Photius I was a prominent Byzantine scholar and patriarch of Constantinople in the 9th century. He is best known for his intellectual leadership and for playing a key role during a religious conflict called the Photian Schism, which temporarily divided the Byzantine Church and Rome. Photius was highly educated, authored many theological and historical works, and helped preserve Greek learning. His tenure as patriarch was marked by efforts to strengthen the position of Constantinople as a spiritual center, while also navigating complex relations with the Western Church and imperial authorities.