Flavius Anastasius became the Byzantine emperor in a tense political landscape characterized by the recent death of Emperor Zeno. Proclaimed on April 11, he chose the name Anastasius I, representing a fresh start for the empire and moving away from the controversies surrounding Zeno’s rule. Anastasius had served as a high-ranking official in Zeno's administration, providing him with crucial experience in governance and finance. He was recognized for his intelligence and reformative ideas, which became evident soon after his rise to power.

Upon his ascension, Anastasius embarked on several significant reforms. He focused on financial reforms, addressing the imperial treasury's issues and attempting to create a more efficient taxation system that aimed to alleviate the burden on the peasantry while increasing state revenues. This was critical as the empire faced economic difficulties exacerbated by military pressures on its borders. Anastasius’s policies reflected a shift towards more centralised control of finances, which established a foundation for a more prosperous empire during his reign.

Anastasius I ruled for nearly twenty-seven years and oversaw a period of relative stability and prosperity within the empire, partly due to his administrative changes. His reign was notable for its ecclesiastical disputes leading to doctrinal divisions that would have long-lasting effects on the Christian church. Furthermore, he was known for his controversial stance on religious issues, including his support for the Monophysite controversy that further polarized Christian factions. Overall, Anastasius I would shape the future of the Byzantine Empire through his policies, governance, and approach to religious unity.