Basiliscus Ousts Emperor Zeno in Constantinople
January 12th, 475
January 12th, 475

How Long Ago?
1550 years, 2 months, 3 days ago
Location
Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Zeno
- Basiliscus
Links & References
Tags
Basiliscus Ousts Emperor Zeno in Constantinople
Basiliscus, a general under Emperor Zeno, gained control of the Byzantine Empire after Zeno was forced to flee Constantinople due to political strife and military threats. The power struggle highlighted the instability of the imperial authority during Zeno's reign and marked a significant shift in the control of the empire. This political upheaval was primarily driven by opposition factions within the city that sought to replace Zeno, seizing upon the unrest to elevate Basiliscus as a contender for the throne.
Basiliscus led a military coup against Zeno.
Zeno's reign was marked by significant internal strife.
Political rivalries fostered instability in the empire.
Basiliscus briefly reformed the government after seizing power.
What Happened?
The ascension of Basiliscus to power in Constantinople marked a pivotal moment in the Byzantine Empire's history. Zeno had been emperor since 474, but his reign faced significant challenges, including discontent among the populace and opposition from rival factions within the imperial court. The tensions escalated, prompting a coalition of disaffected nobles and military leaders to support Basiliscus, who had a strong following due to his military leadership and connections. As these factions conspired against Zeno, military support for Basiliscus grew, ultimately leading to widespread unrest in the capital. Basiliscus’s control over the military became a decisive factor in this political struggle. As the situation deteriorated for Zeno, his inability to quell the opposition and stabilize his government forced him to flee the capital. This flight symbolized not just a change in leadership but also underscored the volatility that characterized the Eastern Roman Empire during this period. When Basiliscus took control, he instituted a series of reforms and initiatives aiming to consolidate his power and stabilize the empire, even as he faced challenges from Zeno’s loyalists. The subsequent rivalry between Zeno and Basiliscus continued for several years, further fragmenting themes of power and loyalty among the Byzantine court and military. The brief reign of Basiliscus would eventually lead to a reassertion of Zeno's authority, but the events of this period had lasting effects on the political landscape of the empire, influencing later emperors and their governing strategies.
Why Does it Matter?
This incident is interesting for its demonstration of the fragility of political alliances in the Byzantine Empire and the rapid shifts in power that could occur. It exemplifies the persistent struggle for supremacy that characterized imperial governance, where generals like Basiliscus could exploit political discontent to claim authority. The legacy of this power struggle would resonate throughout Byzantine history, influencing future governance and conflicts within the empire.
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