Leo VI the Wise

Reign: 886 – 912
Life: 866–912

He was known as Leo the Wise. The second ruler of the Macedonian dynasty (although his parentage is unclear), he was very well read, leading to his epithet. During his reign, the renaissance of letters, begun by his predecessor Basil I, continued; but the empire also saw several military defeats in the Balkans against Bulgaria and against the Arabs in Sicily and the Aegean. His reign also witnessed the formal discontinuation of several ancient Roman institutions, such as the separate office of Roman consul.

During Leo VI the Wise's reign, Alfred the Great ruled England, Guy III of Spoleto ruled Holy Roman Empire, and Emperor Daigo ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

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The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

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