<P> In the early 9th century, Leo V reintroduced the policy of iconoclasm, but in 843 empress Theodora restored the veneration of icons with the help of Patriarch Methodios . Iconoclasm played a part in the further alienation of East from West, which worsened during the so - called Photian schism, when Pope Nicholas I challenged the elevation of Photios to the patriarchate . </P> <P> The accession of Basil I to the throne in 867 marks the beginning of the Macedonian dynasty, which would rule for the next two and a half centuries . This dynasty included some of the most able emperors in Byzantium's history, and the period is one of revival and resurgence . The Empire moved from defending against external enemies to reconquest of territories formerly lost . </P> <P> In addition to a reassertion of Byzantine military power and political authority, the period under the Macedonian dynasty is characterised by a cultural revival in spheres such as philosophy and the arts . There was a conscious effort to restore the brilliance of the period before the Slavic and subsequent Arab invasions, and the Macedonian era has been dubbed the "Golden Age" of Byzantium . Though the Empire was significantly smaller than during the reign of Justinian, it had regained significant strength, as the remaining territories were less geographically dispersed and more politically, economically, and culturally integrated . </P> <P> In the early years of Basil I's reign, Arab raids on the coasts of Dalmatia were successfully repelled, and the region once again came under secure Byzantine control . This enabled Byzantine missionaries to penetrate to the interior and convert the Serbs and the principalities of modern - day Herzegovina and Montenegro to Orthodox Christianity . An attempt to retake Malta ended disastrously, however, when the local population sided with the Arabs and massacred the Byzantine garrison . </P>

Who ruled byzantium in its first golden age