| Michael III | |
|---|---|
| Emperor of the Romans | |
 Michael III as depicted in the 12th century Madrid Skylitzes | |
| Byzantine emperor | |
| Reign | 20 January 842 – 24 September 867 |
| Coronation | 16 May 840 (as co-emperor) |
| Predecessor | Theophilos |
| Successor | Basil I |
| Regent | Theodora (842–856) |
| Co-emperor | Basil I (866–867) |
| Born | 9/10 January 840 |
| Died | 24 September 867 (aged 27) Constantinople |
| Wife | |
| Issue |
|
| Dynasty | Amorian |
| Father | Theophilos |
| Mother | Theodora |
Michael III (‹See Tfd›Greek: Μιχαήλ, translit. Michaḗl; 9/10 January 840 – 24 September 867), also known as Michael the Drunkard, was Byzantine emperor from 842 to 867. Michael III was the third and traditionally last member of the Amorian (or Phrygian) dynasty. He was given the disparaging epithet the Drunkard (ὁ Μέθυσος) by the hostile historians of the succeeding Macedonian dynasty, but modern historical research has rehabilitated his reputation to some extent, demonstrating the vital role his reign played in the resurgence of Byzantine power in the 9th century.[1][2] He was also the youngest person to bear the imperial title, as well as the youngest to succeed as senior emperor.