legends that aim to ennoble his humble origin so as to justify his ascent to the throne. The founder of the Macedonian dynasty was born (possibly in Adrianople) to a poor peasant family, and after a successful career in the administrative hierarchy of the capital he ascended to the throne after the assassination of his co-emperor - and supporter -
Michael III.Basil was an extremely capable emperor. His measures in regard to justice and tribunals set the basis for the enforcement of state authority. He provided also for the protection of smallholders, or poorer citizens, from the avarice of the dynatoi (powerful) landowners and the corruption of administrative officers. Among the important deeds of his reign was the codification of the law. In 870 he issued the 'Procheiros Nomos' (The Law Ready at Hand) and in the years between 879-886 the 'Epanagoge'.
The accession of Basil to the throne brought about changes also in the ecclesiastical policy of the Empire. Initially, the new emperor tried to form a partnership with Rome, after the rupture that had occured between the two Churches due to the so-called 'Schism of Photios'. After the defrocking of the Patriarch Photios, relations between the two sides were re-established, in the council convenned in Constantinople in 870.
The aspirations of Basil, however, ran contrary to the policy of the papacy, mainly especially in regard to the organization of the new Bulgarian Church. So a few days after the Council of 870 it was decided, despite the objections of the pope's representatives, that the Bulgarian Church would fall under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople. This fact was of tremendous importance since it constituted the beginning of the long-lasting political and cultural influence of Byzantium as well as of Greek civilization in general, in the neighbouring state.