Basiliscus, who ruled from 475 to 476, was a Byzantine emperor known for his complex relations with the various Christian sects of his time, particularly concerning the nature of Christ. The Enkyklikon, or circular letter, issued in a time of great theological debate, was directed to the bishops throughout the Byzantine Empire. It articulated a strong affirmation of the Monophysite view, which posits that Christ has a single divine nature rather than two coexisting human and divine natures as affirmed by the Council of Chalcedon in 451. This theological stance was controversial and had significant implications for the religious and political landscape of the empire.The letter sought to consolidate support for Monophysitism, appealing to various factions within the church that had been marginalized or persecuted since the Chalcedonian definition gained prominence. By aligning himself with the Monophysite position, Basiliscus aimed not only to unify the church but also to legitimize his rule, drawing support from diverse groups that opposed the Chalcedonian orthodoxy. The Enkyklikon was a strategic move in a broader context of power dynamics within the empire, where religious alignment often influenced political authority and stability.Basiliscus's decision to issue the Enkyklikon reinforced a major theological divide in the Christian world and underscored the intertwining of religious and political authority. While the manifest purpose was to enhance the unity of the church and populace under his rule, it also set the stage for ongoing conflicts between Monophysites and Chalcedonians, affecting communal relations and leading to further theological disputes that characterized the late Roman Empire. The imperial backing afforded to Monophysite Christians under Basiliscus had lasting implications for the church's development and the socio-religious landscape of the Byzantine Empire.