Eastern Roman Empire
Zeno, 474-491
AE Nummus
Diademed bust left, garbled legend like DN ZENON PF AVG
Monogram of Zeno
Monogram type indicates mint was Constantonople, Cyzicus, or Nikopolis
Zeno is perhaps most famous for being the Eastern emperor when the West fell to the barbarians. Born in about 425 in Isauria, Zeno embarked on a military career and was quickly distinguished as a capable leader. He was widowed from his first wife in the early 460s, and married Ariadne, daughter of emperor Leo. Although looked down upon by the aristocracy as a barbarian, he enjoyed success in his career. Ariadne gave birth to a son, Leo II in 467, and Zeno enjoyed continued success in his military endeavors.
Leo II was nominated as Caesar in late 473, and Leo I died early the next year. Since Leo II was only seven years old, he elevated his father to co-emperor, but died of illness later the same year.
Zeno was disliked by his mother in law Verina, who sought to supplant Zeno with her new lover. With the aid of her brother Basiliscus, Zeno was driven into exile, but manage to escape with the entire imperial treasury and a small force of Isaurian bodyguards. Basiliscus claimed the purple for himself, but desperate for funds, he resorted to excessive taxation and support for him evaporated. Unable to drive Zeno from his stronghold, Basiliscus was on shaky ground. Zeno managed to muster enough troops to lay siege on Constantinople, and was welcomed back by the population that had just driven him out. Basiliscus surrendered on the condition that Zeno would not spill their blood; Zeno agreed and had them chained in a cistern to die of exposure.
In late 476 Zeno received a messenger from Italy who bore the imperial regalia of the Western Roman empire, informing him that the loyal Julius Nepos had been usurped by the teenaged Romulus, who lost the ancient city to the Germanic king Odoacer. This event is generally taken as the end of Classical Antiquity.
Zeno dealt with a large number of revolts and usurpers for the remainder of his reign, but managed to hold his empire together until his death in 491. Having no heir, Zeno's widow appointed the court official Anastasius to the throne.
Posted 02/21/2018 5:25 pm
