Zeno

Reign: 474 – 475; 476 – 491
Life: 425–491

His reign was plagued by domestic revolts and religious dissension, but was more successful on the foreign front. He is credited with further stabilizing the Eastern empire, while the Western Roman Empire fell following the deposition of Romulus Augustulus. In 466, he married Leo I daughter, Ariadne, with whom he had a son, Leo. Seeking refuge in his native Isauria, Zeno later took advantage of Basiliscus own flagging popularity, convinced the generals Illus and Armatus to defect, marched on the capital and reclaimed the throne in mid-476.

During Zeno's reign, Clovis I ruled France, Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei ruled China, and Pope Felix III ruled Papacy.

Want to learn more? Further reading

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

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