Zeno

Born Tarasis in Isauria around 425, he rose as a general under Leo I, who used the Isaurian as a counterweight to the powerful Germanic leader Aspar. He married Leo's daughter Ariadne in 466, and when Leo died in 474, their seven-year-old son became Leo II with Zeno as co-emperor. The boy died of illness months later, leaving Zeno sole ruler. His barbarian origins made him deeply unpopular; in early 475 a revolt led partly by dowager Empress Verina drove him from Constantinople, and Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus seized the throne. Zeno retreated to Isauria, then exploited Basiliscus's collap…