After the passing of Emperor Zeno, who succumbed to dysentery, Empress Ariadne found herself in a pivotal position as the widow of the emperor and a key influencer in the succession of the Byzantine throne. Zeno's reign had been tumultuous, characterized by political infighting and challenges from both external enemies and internal factions. In the wake of his death, the Byzantine Empire looked for stability and continuity in leadership. Ariadne's choice of Anastasius I as her husband and successor was particularly significant given the tensions that had marked the previous years of Zeno's reign.

Anastasius I was not a member of the imperial family, which highlighted the shift away from the established norms of succession within the Byzantine elite. Ariadne’s marriage to him indicated a compromise for stability, as Anastasius brought his own administrative experience and a reformist agenda. Though not of noble birth, Anastasius had proven himself capable during his positions in the imperial bureaucracy. His ascension was heralded with hopes for a fresh approach to governance, especially in the wake of Zeno’s often controversial rule.

This union also reflected a broader trend within the Byzantine Empire of marrying power with capability rather than adhering strictly to dynastic lines. Subsequent reforms introduced by Anastasius, particularly in fiscal and administrative matters, would yield long-lasting effects on the empire’s governance. The marriage, therefore, not only solidified a personal bond but also established a new political course, emphasizing meritocracy over mere aristocracy within the Byzantine imperial structure.