The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Michael III
Also known as Michael the Third, Michael the Drunkard, Michael III the Drunkard
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 214
There's a reckless energy about this young emperor, as if the weight of the crown sits uneasily on shoulders more accustomed to the thrill of the racetrack. His eyes hold the defiant spark of youth rejecting the constraints of authority.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- 5 to 30 years
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 214
- Books
- 1
Michael III ascended to the Byzantine throne as a child, ruling first under his mother's regency before rejecting her authority with headstrong determination. His reign was marked by his passion for chariot-racing and his prodigal spending of the imperial treasury. Despite his dissolute lifestyle, he remained emperor until his murder at age thirty while intoxicated.
Description
A young man in his twenties with the bearing of one who became emperor before reaching manhood. His features show the headstrong confidence of youth, with dark hair styled in the elaborate fashion of Byzantine nobility. He wears theatrical imperial regalia including blue livery and ornate crowns that speak to his love of spectacle. His presence carries both the authority of his position and the indulgent demeanor of a ruler more drawn to chariot-racing than the responsibilities of governance.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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