ABSTRACT
THE MACEDONIAN DYNAS'tY, 867-1056: ENDING WI'tH 'tHE THIRD ANARCHY, 1025--81. CONVERSION
01" RUSSIA. SCHISM 01" E. AND W.
§ 1. WI'tH the Macedonian Dynasty, the Empire attained its zenith of power and glory, 867-1025. Basil I.~ 867-t86, the founder of the house, and his great-greatgrandson, Basil II. (Bulgaroctonus), 976-t1025, under whom its fortunes reached their fullest expansion, were both remarkable men. But so also were three usurpers~ who intervened: Romanus I. (Lecapenus), 919-44. Nicephorus II. (Phocas), 963-t9, and John I. (Tzimisces [Arm.=the Short]), 969-t76. All five were distinguished: as soldiers, for their energy, and, as statesmen, for their ability. In administration, the dynasty was further strengthened by the natural son of Romanus I., by name Basil Lecapenus1 who for over forty years was the soul of the government, 944--88Wise administration, however, was traditional with the Byzantine bureaucracy. It was the mark of a civilisation which distinguished the Empire from the barbarous kingdoms of the West. Trade throve under its protection; and sustained in prosperity a large middle-class, unknown in regions where there were only nobles and peasants. Hence the wealth of the Empire, far in excess of the resources of contemporary kingdoms: and the revenues thus put at the disposal of its military sovereigns for the upkeep of an army, inspired by religion and patriotism; for the maintenance of a navy, which secured for the Romans the command of the sea; and for conquest. In culture, the Emperor stood for Hellenism and Orthodoxy: in economics, for industry and commerce. They thus united, enriched and extended the Empire and made it the only great power in the world of their day.
