Leo's mother, Eudokia Ingerina, was Basil's second wife but also the mistress of his predecessor, Michael III (r. 842–867). Leo was born while Michael was still alive, which led to rumours, already current during the time, that he was actually Michael's son. Many modern scholars have led credence to the idea, especially in view of Leo's troubled relationship with Basil. Whatever his biological parentage may have been, however, Leo was publicly and legally acknowledged as Basil's son. Tougher 1997, pp. 1, 42ff. Tougher, Shaun (1997). The Reign of Leo VI (886–912): Politics and People. Leiden: BRILL. ISBN978-90-04-10811-0.