Zeno (emperor)
Tarasicodissa Rousombladadiotes was born in the mountainous region of Isauria, a place later renamed Zenopolis to honor his imperial status. His father held the name Kodisa and his mother Lallis, while his brother Longinus would become a key figure in future conflicts. Before ascending to power, he operated under the name Tarasis, a common designation for men from this rugged province. The sources indicate that his prestigious career included fighting against Attila in 447 to defend Constantinople. He served as consul the following year, establishing a reputation that drew the attention of Emperor Leo I. Leo sought to balance the influence of the Germanic leader Aspar by promoting an Isaurian general as a counterweight. This strategic decision brought Tarasis and many fellow Isaurians to the capital city around the mid-460s. By 464, he had secured evidence linking Ardabur, the son of Aspar, to treasonous letters sent to the Sassanid King. These documents allowed Leo to dismiss Ardabur and reduce the power of the Alan magister militum. In recognition of this loyalty, Leo appointed him comes domesticorum, an office of significant prestige. The appointment likely placed him at Leo's court or attached to Ardabur's staff in Antioch.
In mid-late 466, Tarasicodissa adopted the Greek name Zeno and married Ariadne, the elder daughter of Leo I and Verina. Their union produced a son named Leo, who became the heir apparent after Leo I's own son died in infancy. Zeno was not present for his son's birth because he participated in a military campaign against the Goths in 467. During a subsequent expedition to Thrace, Leo warned that Zeno would face a conspiracy but would escape unharmed. Personal soldiers were assigned to protect him, yet they were bribed by Aspar to capture the general instead. Zeno fled to Serdica before moving to the Long Wall and eventually Chalcedon. While waiting for an opportunity to return, he held the title of magister militum per Orientem. He took the monk Peter the Fuller with him to Antioch, where he stayed for two years. His time away from Constantinople allowed Aspar to increase his influence by having his son Patricius appointed caesar and married to Leontia, Leo's younger daughter. In 471, Leo had Aspar and Ardabur treacherously killed with Zeno's approval. The emperor then returned to Constantinople and assumed the role of magister militum praesentalis. On the 29th of January 474, Ariadne and her mother Verina prevailed upon seven-year-old Leo II to crown Zeno as co-emperor. When Leo II fell ill and died later that year, Zeno became the sole ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire.
On the 9th of January 475, Zeno was forced to flee Constantinople to Isauria with his wife, mother, and some Isaurian fellows. Illus and Trocundes were sent to chase him, compelling Zeno to shut himself in a fortress while Illus besieged him. The conspirators quickly fell into conflict after Basiliscus took the throne for himself and put Patricius to death. Basiliscus also allowed the mob to kill all Isaurians left in the capital, damaging relations with the generals. He appointed his nephew Armatus magister militum, which alienated Theodoric Strabo. With no money left, Basiliscus levied heavy taxes and alienated the Church by supporting Monophysites. The people blamed him for a great fire that burned parts of the city. Secret support from the Senate and bribes paid by Zeno convinced Illus to switch sides. Illus united his army with Zeno's and marched on Constantinople. In August 476, the Senate opened the gates, allowing the deposed emperor to resume the throne. Basiliscus fled to the baptistery of Hagia Sophia but surrendered after extracting a promise not to shed blood. Zeno had them enclosed in a dry cistern where they died from exposure. After restoration, Zeno let Armatus keep his title before changing his mind in 477. Armatus was executed, his property confiscated, and his son Basiliscus removed from power.
In autumn 472, the western emperor Olybrius died, leading Gundobad to proclaim Glycerius as western emperor in Ravenna. Leo I refused to endorse Glycerius and elevated Julius Nepos to co-emperor for the west in 473. Nepos arrived in Italy and quickly deposed Glycerius without resistance. He was proclaimed emperor by the Roman Senate in June 474. During Basiliscus' reign in August 475, Orestes revolted and forced Nepos to flee Italy for Dalmatia. Orestes proclaimed his own son Romulus Augustus emperor but failed to gain allegiance outside Italy. One year later, while Zeno entered Constantinople to end Basiliscus' usurpation, Romulus and Orestes were overthrown by Chieftain Odoacer. With Odoacer's support, the Roman Senate sent an envoy to present imperial insignia to the restored Zeno. They asked Zeno to dissolve the separation of the empire and rule as sole Emperor. They also requested that he appoint Odoacer both patricius and official imperial governor of Italy. At the same time, Zeno received another embassy from Julius Nepos asking for money and army to resume control. Zeno answered that the Senate should welcome back Julius Nepos, their rightful emperor. Odoacer was officially recognized and left in possession of Italy, while Nepos kept his title but no army. Perhaps in deference to Zeno, Odoacer recognized Nepos' de jure reign until his death in 480.
The aggressions of two Ostrogothic leaders, Theoderic the Amal and Theodoric Strabo, had been a constant source of danger since 472. Zeno at times contrived to play them off against each other, yet they profited by his dynastic rivalries. It was only by offering them pay and high command that he kept them from attacking Constantinople itself. When Theodoric Strabo rebelled after Leo II's death, his support helped overthrow Zeno and raise Basiliscus to the throne. However, when Zeno returned to defeat Basiliscus, Strabo did not defend the city. In 476 or 477, Zeno allied with Strabo's rival, Theoderic the Amal, and ordered him to attack Strabo. The leader of the Thracian Goths sent an embassy offering peace and blaming the Moesian Theodoric. Zeno convinced the Senate and army to declare Strabo a public enemy. His plan involved having the two Theoderics attack each other. He sent the Amal against Strabo with a promise of huge Roman reinforcement. When Theoderic the Amal arrived through Mount Soundis, he found Strabo's army instead. They agreed to extend settlement territory in Moesia. Zeno tried to divide them by bribing the Amal, but he refused. The Imperial army obtained initial successes, but Zeno allowed the Amal to move westward plundering territories. With the Amal far away, Strabo accepted an agreement where he received wealth and money for 13,000 soldiers. The army of Theodoric Strabo was 30,000 men strong and remained a menace. Zeno convinced the Bulgars to attack the Thracian Goths in their base. Strabo defeated the Bulgars in 480 or 481 but had to return to Greece after dealing with internal problems. On his way back, he died in an accident.
In 482, Zeno issued the Henotikon, also known as the Act of Union, to mediate between Chalcedonian and Miaphysite views about Christ. The Chalcedonians recognized two natures in Christ while the Miaphysites recognized only one. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 had condemned the Miaphysite position, yet they remained strong in Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and Asia Minor. Supporting the Miaphysites was one of Basiliscus's mistakes since Constantinople was Chalcedonian. Zeno needed support from these provinces and found Patriarch Acacius interested in reducing the distance between positions. The edict affirmed the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed as a common symbol of faith. All other symbols were excluded, and Eutyches and Nestorius were condemned. The teaching of Chalcedon was passed over in silence without explicit reference to two natures. The bishop of Rome, Pope Felix III, refused to accept the document and excommunicated Acacius in 484. This began the Acacian schism which lasted until 519. In 488, Peter the Fuller came to Constantinople to confirm his right to the Church of Cyprus. Bishop Anthemius claimed he found relics of St. Barnabas and a copy of the Gospel of Matthew written in Hebrew by Barnabas himself. Zeno received the relics and manuscript, proclaiming autonomy for the Church of Cyprus. In 489, Zeno closed the Persian school of Edessa because it promoted Nestorian teachings. He built a church in its place while the school relocated to Nisibis.
Zeno died on the 9th of April 491 after ruling for 17 years and 2 months. Sources suggest he succumbed to dysentery or epilepsy. No sons were to succeed him since Leo had died in 474 and Zenon died in youth at court. Ariadne chose Anastasius, a favored member of the Imperial court, to succeed Zeno. Zeno's brother Longinus then revolted, starting the Isaurian War. Chroniclers George Kedrenos and Joannes Zonaras allege that Ariadne locked Zeno up in a tomb while he was unconscious from drinking or acute illness. She ordered passersby to ignore his cries for help after he awoke. He survived for a time by eating the flesh of his own arms before eventually perishing. This tale is likely false as earlier and contemporary sources do not mention it despite being hostile to his memory. The theme of a person buried alive devouring their hands appears later for other characters like Duns Scotus. In popular culture, Agathias recorded a game of tabula played by Zeno in 480 because of an unlucky dice result. Zeno threw 2, 5, and 6, exposing pieces to capture and ruining the game. This event is considered by some historians to be the first recorded bad beat story in human history.
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Common questions
Who was Zeno emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire?
Zeno, born Tarasicodissa Rousombladadiotes in Isauria, ruled as co-emperor starting on the 29th of January 474 and became sole ruler after Leo II died later that year. He reigned from 476 to 491 following a brief usurpation by Basiliscus.
When did Zeno die and what caused his death?
Zeno died on the 9th of April 491 after ruling for 17 years and 2 months. Sources suggest he succumbed to dysentery or epilepsy rather than the false tale of being buried alive.
What religious edict did Zeno issue in 482?
In 482, Zeno issued the Henotikon, also known as the Act of Union, to mediate between Chalcedonian and Miaphysite views about Christ. The edict affirmed the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed while excluding other symbols and condemning Eutyches and Nestorius.
How did Zeno handle the Ostrogothic leaders Theoderic the Amal and Theodoric Strabo?
Zeno played the two Ostrogothic leaders off against each other to prevent attacks on Constantinople. In 476 or 477, he allied with Theoderic the Amal to attack Strabo, eventually allowing Strabo to receive wealth before Strabo died in an accident in 480 or 481.
Who succeeded Zeno as emperor after his death in 491?
Ariadne chose Anastasius, a favored member of the Imperial court, to succeed Zeno after his death on the 9th of April 491. No sons were available since Leo had died in 474 and Zenon died in youth at court.