astern empire; for he was treacherous, cruel, and ambitious. In the year 836, he assassinated Theoctistes, general of the emperor Michael's forces, and obtained his post. At length he caused the disgrace of the empress Theodora; and St Ignatius, patriarch of Constantinople, reproaching him for his vices, he had him deposed in 858, in order to make room for Photius. Bardas was assassinated by Basilus the Macedonian, in 866.