The chapter deals with the changes at the top of state government in Constantinople after the murder of Bardas and the accession of Basil the Macedonian in 866–867, which decisively influenced the ecclesiastical policy of the Empire, and brought about the deposition of Photius and the restoration of Ignatius in 867, which in turn led to the negotiations with Rome and the Council of 869/870 held in Constantinople in the presence of Roman and Eastern legates and presided over by the emperor and his dignitaries, at which Photius was condemned. More emphasis is to be given to often neglected role of the imperial dignitaries that presided over the Council in the name of the emperor.