Mentioned in the episode opening as context: Basil I founded the magnificent Macedonian dynasty which oversaw the Byzantine Renaissance, culminating with Basil II. Brownworth notes that Basil I himself came to the throne by murdering his predecessor, and knew firsthand how a weak ruler provided temptation to ambitious generals.
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Episode 13 (16 mentions)
Mentioned in the episode opening as context: Basil I founded the magnificent Macedonian dynasty which oversaw the Byzantine Renaissance, culminating with Basil II. Brownworth notes that Basil I himself came to the throne by murdering his predecessor, and knew firsthand how a weak ruler provided temptation to ambitious generals.