887-888 Arabs invade Asia Minor, and attempt to regain Italy. They give up the attempt on the latter country in 891.
Stylianus, Leo’s father-in-law and prime minister, by his treatment of Bulgarian merchants, precipitates a war with Bulgaria. This country wins several victories, and
893 Leo makes a treaty of peace.
895 Conspiracy of Samonas against the emperor. Further Arab invasions of Sicily.
904 The Arabs capture Thessalonica with a fleet. The last remains of the senate’s authority destroyed by a constitution of Leo. Second Russian expedition to Constantinople.
911 Mohammedan naval victory off Samos. Death of Leo. His infant son, Constantine (VII) Porphyrogenitus, and his brother Alexander rule together.
912 Death of Alexander. He nominates, before dying, a regency of six members, exclusive of the patriarch, to act during Constantine’s minority. Attempt of Constantine Ducas to gain the throne suppressed by John Eladas, one of the regents. Zoe Carbonopsina, mother of Constantine, admitted to supreme power by the regency.
913-914 Simeon, king of Bulgaria, invades the empire with no positive results.
917 The Patzinaks defeat Leo Phocas at Achelous, which causes Romanus Lecapenus to intrigue for the throne.