The name "Byzantium", as applied to the empire which developed around the city of Constantinople, is a misnomer. However, there appears to be no other expression which should more appropriately be used. Cyril Mango has described the word as a "term of convenience when it is not a term of inconvenience", emphasising that it was never applied to the empire while it existed and only became commonly used in English in the twentieth century[1]. This is not entirely correct as Ioannes Kantakuzenus regularly refers to "Βυζάντιον" in his work, for example when recording the arrival from Savoie of Empress Anna for her marriage in 1326 to Emperor Andronikos III[2], but this appears to be an exception among primary sources. The emperor in Constantinople originally bore the title imperator augustus, emphasising his status as direct successor to the Roman emperors. After the victory of Emperor Heraklius over the Persians in 630, the emperor adopted the title basileus, although the empresses still bore the title avgusta. From about the time Byzantium recognised Charlemagne's title as "Emperor" at Aix-la-Chapelle in 812, it appears that the emperors in Byzantium more frequently used the title Βασιλεύς Ρωμαίων ["Roman Emperor"], presumably to distinguish themselves from the emperor in the west[3]. The emperor added autokrator to his title after Symeon of Bulgaria was crowned Tsar and Autocrat of the Bulgarians at Constantinople in 913 by the Patriarch[4].

The emperor was elected, his election being confirmed by acclamation of the people and (until the accession of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos in 1081) by the senate. The custom developed of the emperor nominating his future successor, and associating him in the government as co-emperor, during his lifetime. The first example was the coronation in 741 of the future Emperor Leon IV by his father Emperor Konstantinos V. During the late 11th century, the practice became regular, following the coronation in 1092 of the future Emperor Ioannes II as co-emperor to his father Emperor Alexios I.

Political power in the empire shifted between dynasties, and within each dynasty, frequently, in most cases reflecting the military strength of the most powerful imperial candidate of the time. Corruption and profligacy were a constant feature of the different imperial families, rising to unprecedented levels during the rule of the Angelos dynasty during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The weakened empire, unable to withstand powerful pressures from east and west, its military might negligible following years of neglect and under-spending, fell to the armies of the Fourth Crusade in 1204 to be replaced by the equally ineffective Latin empire of Constantinople. The Byzantine imperial tradition was maintained in the truncated imperial centres of Nikaia in Asia Minor, and Thessaloniki and Epirus in mainland Greece. By the time the Palaiologos dynasty recaptured Constantinople from the Latins in 1261, it was too late to revive the political force of the Byzantine empire. Imperial territory was gradually eaten away until, by the time of the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453, little land remained under imperial administration apart from the city itself.

A complicated hierarchy of titles developed in the empire, complementing the equally rigid hierarchy of functions within the imperial government. According to the Kleterologos, composed in the 9th century by Philoteos, functions were divided into three categories, relating to the imperial army, the provincial army and the civil administration, with corresponding titles for each level of function within each category. As an individual rose in the hierarchy of functions, he changed his title according to the pre-set rules. The new system of titles invented by Emperor Alexios I was based on the hierarchy of family relationship with the emperor. The first class comprised the emperor and his immediate family (wife, mother, co-emperor), the sébastokrator (sons, brothers, paternal uncles and great-uncles of the emperor, and the gambroi, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, those married to the emperor's paternal aunts). The second class consisted of the sébastos, which included all sons of a sébastokrator.

Family names evolved into a symbol of nobility, leading to individuals adding the family names of spouses, mothers or grandmothers to their own family names, although the process does not appear to have followed any particular rules. The practice developed over time into adopting multiple names from any members of an individual's family, with extremely confusing results which create difficulties in identifying the agnatic family to which a person belonged.

This document shows the descendants in the male line of all Roman and Byzantine families which at some point in time provided an emperor or anti-emperor in the east between 395 and 1057. Later imperial families are treated in the separate documents BYZANTIUM 1057-1204 and BYZANTIUM 1261-1453. Byzantine nobles families which never rose to imperial rank are set out in the document BYZANTINE NOBILITY.

Byzantine sources are numerous. The focus has been on extracting information which relates primarily to establishing the relationships in the Byzantine imperial and noble families, although brief reference is also made to the principal political and administrative events in Byzantine history. Where the information in different sources is the same, generally only a single source has been quoted. Where the sources contradict or complement each other, every effort has been made to include information from all relevant documentation. The sources consulted are principally those included in the nineteenth century Corpus Scriptorum Historiæ Byzantinæ series. The extracts are quoted from the Latin translations rather than the original Greek (unless a conflict is obvious), because it is assumed that more users of Medieval Lands will be familiar with Latin than Greek (also because the compiler has only restricted knowledge of the Greek language).

The main primary sources which have so far been consulted in detail for the preparation of the present document are Iordanes (History of the Romans)[5], the Chronicle of Marcellinus[6], the Chronicle of Cassiodorus[7], the Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon[8], the Chronographia of Theophanes[9], the Chronographia of Ioannes Malalas[10], Procopius's History of the Wars[11], the History of Patriarch Nikephoros[12], the Historia of Theophylactus Simocattæ[13], the Chronographia of Leo Grammaticus[14], De Ceremoniis[15] and De Administrando Imperio[16] of Emperor Konstantinos VII Porphyrogennetos, the Regum of Genesius[17], Theophanes Continuatus[18], the Annales of Symeon Magister (Pseudo-Symeon)[19], the Vitæ Recentiorum Imperatorum of Georgius Monachus[20], the Michælis Ducæ Nepotis Historia[21], the Chronographia of Mikhael Psellos[22], the Historia of Leo Diaconus[23], the Historia of Niketas Choniates[24], and the Historia of Nikephoros Briennios[25]. References in western primary sources to the Byzantine emperors and their families have also been incorporated.

Reference has also been made to the CD Rom Prosopography of the Byzantine Empire I (641-867)[26], both to cross-check primary source material and for direct quotes from less well-known sources. However, some caution is needed when consulting prosopographical compilations of this sort. Although they are of great use in identifying and comparing sources, it can be more difficult for them to reflect the context in which the information is included in the original primary sources. The result is that erroneous information in the original documents may not be identified as such. The on-line Prosopography of the Byzantine World database (2006.02) produced by King's College, London[27] has also been consulted, especially for seals. During the course of compiling the Byzantine series of documents in Medieval Lands, the information has been extracted page by page from the original published sources. While it cannot be guaranteed that all relevant information has been identified during this process, every attempt has been made to highlight and explain inconsistencies which became apparent as the work progressed.

An earlier version of this document was reviewed in detail by Morris Bierbrier, with additions and corrections where indicated (marked "[MB]"), in particular providing reference numbers from the Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire ("PLRE")[28] and Prosopographie der mittelbyzantinischen Zeit ("PmbZ")[29], which have not so far been consulted directly. I am grateful for his helpful collaboration.

Chapter 1. ROMAN EMPERORS in the EAST 395-717

A. EMPERORS 395-491

ARCADIUS 395-408, THEODOSIUS II 402-450

ARCADIUS, son of Emperor THEODOSIUS I & his first wife Placilla --- (end 377-1 May 408, bur Constantinople Church of the Holy Apostles). Theophanes names "Arcadius…et Honorius" as the sons of "magnus Theodosius" and his first wife[30]. Iordanes names "Archadium Honoriumque" as the children of Emperor Theodosius & his first wife, recording in a later passage that they later divided the empire, Arcadius ruling in Constantinople for 13 years after the death of their father[31]. His father proclaimed him co-Emperor ARCADIUS at Constantinople 19 Jan 383. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Arcadius" was proclaimed emperor "Constantinopoli a patre suo Theodosio Augusto in Tribunali Hebdomi…XIV Kal Feb"[32]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Theodosius installed “Arcadium filium suum” as emperor in 383[33]. He succeeded as Emperor in the East in 395. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 408 of "Arcadius imperator"[34]. Cedrenus records the death of "Arcadius", aged 31, after ruling for 14 years and seven days, and his burial "in templo Apostolorum…cum Eudoxia uxore"[35]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Arcadii et filii eius, Theodosii, et Eudoxiæ…uxor Arcadii et mater Theodosii" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[36].

m (27 Apr 395) EUDOXIA, daughter of --- (-6 Oct 404, bur 12 Oct Constantinople Church of the Holy Apostles). The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Eudoxiam Arcadii uxorem” was converted to Catholicism from Arianism by “Constantinopoli Joannes Episcopus”[37]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "nobilissima Eudoxia" was created augusta "Id Jan" in 400[38]. Cedrenus records the death of "Eudoxia…uxor Arcadii", adding that she was "mulier barbara et ferox"[39]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 404 of "Eudoxia uxor Arcadii"[40]. The Chronicon Paschale records the death "pridie Non Oct" in 404 of "Eudoxia Augusta" and her burial "in sede Sanctorum Apostolorum…IV Id Oct"[41]. She died after a miscarriage[42]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Arcadii et filii eius, Theodosii, et Eudoxiæ…uxor Arcadii et mater Theodosii" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[43].

Emperor Arcadius & his wife had five children:

1. FLACILLA (17 Jun 397-[young]). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the birth in 397 of "Flaccilla Arcadio…filia"[44]. Cedrenus names "Pulcheriam, Falcillam, Arcadiam et Marinam…Theodosium ultimum", adding that the daughters all lived celibate[45]. The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "XV Kal Jul" in 397 of "Flaccilla nobilissima junior"[46]. It is presumed that she died young as no further record of her has been found.

2. PULCHERIA (19 Jan 399-Jul 453). The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "XIV Kal Feb" in 399 of "Pulcheria nobilissima"[47]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the birth in 399 of "Pulcheria Arcadio altera filia" and, in a later passage, that she was called Augusta in 414[48]. Cedrenus names "Pulcheriam, Falcillam, Arcadiam et Marinam…Theodosium ultimum", adding that the daughters all lived celibate[49]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Pulcheria soror Theodosii iunioris" was named augusta "IV Non Jul" in 414[50]. She exercised a dominant influence over her brother Emperor Theodosius II[51]. She governed alone after her brother's death, but brought out of retirement Marcianus, a military officer, whom she proclaimed emperor and married[52]. Iordanes records the marriage of "Pulcheriam germanam Theodosii, quæ in palatio iam matura mulier virginitatem servaverat" and Marcianus after he succeeded as emperor[53]. Ioannes Malalas records that "Pulcheria Augusta" died two years after her marriage[54]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the death in Jul 454 of “Regina…Pulcheria” in the third year of her husband´s reign[55]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Marcianus et uxor eius Pulcheria" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[56]. m (450 after Aug) as his second wife, MARCIANUS --- (-26 Jan 457). He succeeded as Emperor MARCIANUS, Emperor in the East in 450.

3. ARCADIA (3 Apr 400-444). The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "III Non Apr" in 400 of "nobilissima Arcadia"[57]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 444 of "Arcadia soror Theodosii"[58]. Cedrenus names "Pulcheriam, Falcillam, Arcadiam et Marinam…Theodosium ultimum", adding that the daughters all lived celibate[59].

4. THEODOSIUS (Constantinople 10 Apr 401-28 Jul 450, bur Constantinople Church of the Holy Apostles). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the birth "401 IV Id Apr" of "Theodosius iunior patre Arcadio"[60]. The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "IV Id Apr" in 401 of "nobilissimus Arcadii filius" and the proclamation of "Theodosius junior…Augustus Constantinopoli in Hebdomo in Tribunali by Arcadio patre…IV Id Jan" in 402[61]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the birth in 403 of “Theodosius Arcadii filius”[62]. Cedrenus names "Pulcheriam, Falcillam, Arcadiam et Marinam…Theodosium ultimum", adding that the daughters all lived celibate[63]. Iordanes names "Theodosius iunior Archadii filius…aduliscens egregius" when recording that he succeeded his father and ruled 43 years[64]. His father named him co-Emperor THEODOSIUS II, Emperor in the East 10 Jan 402, ruling jointly with his father until the latter's death in 408. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Theodosius iunior" was created cæsar "in loco pater patruusque suus" in 402[65]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 450 of "Theodosius imperator"[66]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Arcadii et filii eius, Theodosii, et Eudoxiæ…uxor Arcadii et mater Theodosii" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[67]. m (7 Jun 421) ATHENAIS, daughter of LEONTIUS [Heraclitus] & his wife --- ([392/93]-Jerusalem 460). Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Athenais…quæ et postea Eudocia vocata est, Leontii, Philosophi Atheniensis…filiam" and Emperor Theodosius after the death of her father, also naming her brothers "Valerium et Gesium"[68]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Theodosius" married "puella Græcanica…Athenais…Heracliti Philosophi filia…VII Id Jun" in 421 and that she was then called "Eudocia"[69]. The emperor's sister Pulcheria arranged this marriage to the daughter of a professor of rhetoric in Athens, after which she was baptised EUDOKIA[70]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the marriage in 421 of "Theodosius imperator" and "Eudociam Achivam"[71]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Eudocia" was named augusta "IV Non Jan" in 423[72]. She left court after disagreements in [444], continuing to use the title Augusta until her death[73]. Theophanes records the death of "Eudocia" in Jerusalem[74]. Emperor Theodosius & his wife had three children:

a) EUDOXIA (422-after 462). The Chronicon Paschale records the birth in 422 of "Athenaide seu Eudocia filiam…Eudociam"[75]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the birth in 422 of "Theodosius imperator Eudoxiam filiam"[76]. The same source records the betrothal in 424 of "Valentinianus cæsar" and "Theodosii imperatoris Eudoxiam filiam" and, in a later passage, their marriage in 437[77]. Theophanes records the marriage of "Valentinianus Gallæ Placidiæ et Constantini filius" and "Eudoxiam Theodosii imperatoris filiam ex Eudocia coniuge" in 426[78]. The Chronicon Paschale records the marriage "Constantinopolim…XII Kal Nov" in 437 of "Valentinianus junior Augustus" and "Eudoxia filia Theodosii et Eudocæ Augustæ"[79]. Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Valentinianus iunior…Constantii Imperatoris et Placidiæ magnæ filius" and "Theodosio…filiam Eudoxiam…ex Eudocia Augusta, Philosophi filia"[80]. Augusta 439. After the murder of her first husband, she was forced to marry his successor, but was captured during the Vandal invasion and taken to north Africa with her two daughters[81]. Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Eudoxia Augusta, Valentiniani Regis vidua" and "Maximo Tyranno"[82]. She was later allowed to return to Constantinople with one daughter[83]. m firstly (betrothed 424, 437) Emperor VALENTINIAN III, son of CONSTANTIUS & his wife Galla Placida (2 Jul 419-murdered 16 Mar 455). m secondly ([Mar] 455) PETRONIUS MAXIMUS, son of --- (-murdered 27 May 455). He succeeded in 455 as Emperor PETRONIUS MAXIMUS, Emperor in the West.

b) ARCADIUS (Apr ---- -Dec after 439). The Chronicorum 511 records the birth "539 IIII" of "Arcadio in Oriente filius Theodosius iunior" and in a later passage the death "549 XII" of "Arcadius parco filio Theodosiano Orientis imperium dereliquens"[84]. He was alive in 439[85].

c) FLACILLA (-431). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 431 of "Flaccilla Theodosii Augusti filia"[86].

5. MARINA (12 Feb 403-449). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the birth "403 III Id Feb" of "Marina patre Arcadio"[87]. The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "IV Id Feb" in 403 of "nobilissima Marina"[88]. Cedrenus names "Pulcheriam, Falcillam, Arcadiam et Marinam…Theodosium ultimum", adding that the daughters all lived celibate[89]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 449 of "Marina Theodosii regis soror"[90].

MARCIANUS 450-457

1. MARCIANUS ([391/92]-27 Jan 457, bur Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles). His birth date is estimated from his being recorded as dying aged 65. An officer who served as aide-de-camp of two generals in the army of Emperor Theodosius II, he was brought out of retirement by Pulcheria after the death of her brother, and proclaimed as Emperor MARCIANUS, Emperor in the East, 25 Aug 450. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Marcianus" was proclaimed emperor "a Circensibus seu Factionibus in Hebdomo…VIII Kal Sep" in 450[91]. He was crowned by the Patriarch of Constantinople, the first emperor to be crowned[92]. Iordanes records Marcianus ruling as emperor for 6 years and 6 months[93]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the death in 457 of "Marcianus imperator"[94]. Ioannes Malalas records that "Marcianus" died aged 65[95]. The Chronicon Paschale records the death in 457 of "Marcianus Augustus" aged 65[96]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Marcianus et uxor eius Pulcheria" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[97]. m firstly ---. Ioannes Malalas records that "Marcianus filiam" was born "ex priore uxore"[98]. The name of Marcianus's first wife is not known. m secondly (450 after Aug) PULCHERIA, daughter of Emperor ARCADIUS & his wife Eudoxia --- (19 Jan 399-Jul 453, bur Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles). Iordanes records the marriage of "Pulcheriam germanam Theodosii, quæ in palatio iam matura mulier virginitatem servaverat" and Marcianus after he succeeded as emperor[99]. Ioannes Malalas records that "Pulcheria Augusta" died two years after her marriage[100]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the death in Jul 454 of “Regina…Pulcheria” in the third year of her husband´s reign[101]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Marcianus et uxor eius Pulcheria" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[102]. Emperor Marcianus & his first wife had one child:

a) MARCIA EUPHEMIA . Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Marcianus filiam ex priore uxore" and "Anthimio"[103]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. m ([453]) ANTHEMIUS, son of PROCOPIUS & his wife Lucina ---. He succeeded in 467 as Emperor ANTHEMIUS, Emperor in the West.

LEON I 457-474

1. LEON (Thrace [400/01]-18 Jan 474, bur Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles). His birth date is estimated from his being recorded as aged 73 when he died[104]. Iordanes records the accession of "Leo Bessica ortus progenie Asparis patricii" as emperor[105]. He succeeded in 457 as Emperor LEON I, Emperor in the East. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Leo Magnus" was buried in the church of the Holy Martyrs[106]. m VERINA, sister of BASILICUS, daughter of --- (-484). Iordanes names "Basiliscum…fratrem Augustæ Verenæ" when recording that her brother led an army to Africa[107]. Iordanes records that "Verina Augusta socrus sua [Zenonis]" tried to arrange the accession of her brother Basiliscus as emperor in opposition to her son-in-law[108]. Cedrenus records that "Basiliscus" installed "Marcum filium" as cæsar and "Zenodiam uxorem" crowned as augusta[109]. Emperor Leon & his wife had three children:

a) ARIADNE (before 457-[515], bur Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles). Zonaras names "Ariadnam et Leontiam" as the two daughters of Emperor Leon and his wife Verina[110]. Iordanes names "Ariagne" as the daughter of Emperor Leon I when recording the accession of her son as emperor[111]. Cedrenus records the marriage of "Zenonis" and "Ariadnæ Leonis filiæ", dating the event to the second year of her father´s reign[112]. Theophanes records the second marriage of "Areadna imperatrice" and "Anastasius"[113]. Cedrenus records the death of "Ariadna Augusta" in the twenty-fifth year of her second husband´s reign[114]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Anastasium Dicorum et eius uxorem Ariadnam" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[115]. m firstly ([466/67]) as his second wife, TARSICODISSA [ZENON], son of --- & his wife Lallis ([425/26] or [430/31]-9 Apr 491). Iordanes names "Patriciolum Zenonis generi sui [Leonis]" when recording that he ordered the murder of Emperor Anthemius[116]. He succeeded in 474 as Emperor ZENON, Emperor in the East. m secondly (491) ANASTASIUS, son of [DYRRACHENUS] & his wife Arriana --- ([430/31]-8 Jun 518). He succeeded in 491 as Emperor ANASTASIUS, Emperor in the East.

b) LEONTIA . Zonaras names "Ariadnam et Leontiam" as the two daughters of Emperor Leon and his wife Verina[117]. Her first marriage is recorded[118]. Theophanes names "Marcianus" son of "Anthemii, qui Romæ imperavit", husband of "Leontiæ, Verinæ quidem filiæ, imperatricis…Areadnæ sororis", when recording his rebellion against Emperor Zenon[119]. m firstly (divorced 474) IULIUS, son of ASPAR & his wife ---. He is recorded as consul in 459 and cæsar in 470-71, the marriage being dissolved after the murder of Iulius's father[120]. m secondly MARCIANUS, son of Emperor ANTHEMIUS, Emperor of the West & his wife Ælia Marcia Euphemia ---. The Chronicon Paschale names "Zenone et Marciano" as consuls in 469 and "Marciano et Festo" as consuls in 472[121].

c) son (463-463). He died aged 5 months. He is referred to in the Vita of Daniel Stylites and also a horoscope of Rhetorius which records the death of a son of the emperor aged five months[122].

2. EUPHEMIA . Georgius Codrinus records that "Euphemia germana eius soror" erected the statue of "magni Leonis Macelæ"[123].

LEON II 474, ZENON 474-491

1. RUSUMBLADEOTES . He is named by Photius who records how, according to the History of Candidus (work now lost), Emperor Leon I agreed an alliance with "the Isaurians through Tarasicodissas, the son of Rusumbladeotes, whose name was changed to Zeno when he became Leon´s son-in-law"[124]. m LALLIS, daughter of ---. Lallis is named as mother of Zenon[125]. Theophanes records that "Illus et Leontius" released "Longinum Zenonis fratrem et eius matrem" from the castle where they were held in custody[126]. Lallis is named as mother of Flavius Longinus and recorded as having entered a convent in 492, with his daughter and his wife[127], although she must have been very old at that date if it is correct that Zenon and Flavius Longinus were full brothers. Two children:

a) TARSICODISSAS [ZENON] ([425/26] or [430/31]-9 Apr 491, bur Constantinople Church of the Holy Apostles). Photius records how, according to the History of Candidus (work now lost), Emperor Leon I agreed an alliance with "the Isaurians through Tarasicodissas, the son of Rusumbladeotes, whose name was changed to Zeno when he became Leon´s son-in-law"[128]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Zenone et Posthumiano" as consuls in 448 and "Zenone et Marciano" as consuls in 469[129]. Iordanes names "Patriciolum Zenonis generi sui [Leonis]" when recording that he ordered the murder of Emperor Anthemius (in 472)[130]. He succeeded in 474 as Emperor ZENON, Emperor in the East. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records that "Zeno" succeeded "Leo senior" in 474 and ruled for 17 years[131]. Iordanes records that "Zenon natione Isaurus gener Leonis imperatoris" ruled for 17 years[132]. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records the death in 491 of Zenon[133]. John Malalas records the death of Zenon aged 60 years and nine months[134]. The Chronicon Paschale records the death in Apr 491 of "Zeno" aged 65 years and nine months[135]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon records the death in 491 of "Zenon imperator" aged 42[136], although this age is well out of the range recorded by the Greek sources. m firstly [ARCADIA], daughter of ---. Zenon is named as son of Zenon by his first marriage[137]. The name of Zenon's first wife is not known. Georgius Codrinus names "Arcadiæ secundæ uxoris Zenonis" when recording her statue "prope gradus…Topi in regione Michaelis archangeli, in thermis Arcadiani"[138]. It is unclear whether this passage in fact refers to Zenon´s first wife, although the text also refers to Ariadne as his first wife so the author may simply have transposed the two. m secondly ([466/67]) as her first husband, ARIADNE, daughter of Emperor LEON I & his wife Aelia Verina (before 457-[515]). Iordanes names "Ariagne" as the daughter of Emperor Leon I when recording the accession of her son as emperor[139]. Cedrenus records the marriage of "Zenonis" and "Ariadnæ Leonis filiæ", dating the event to the second year of her father´s reign[140]. She married secondly (491) Anastasius, who succeeded in 491 as Emperor ANASTASIUS, Emperor in the East. Theophanes records the second marriage of "Areadna imperatrice" and "Anastasius"[141]. Cedrenus records the death of "Ariadna Augusta" in the twenty-fifth year of her second husband´s reign[142]. Emperor Zenon & his first wife had one child:

i) ZENON . Zenon is named as son of Zenon by his first marriage and recorded as having predeceased his father[143].

Emperor Zenon & his second wife had one child:

ii) LEON ([467]-after 527). Cedrenus records that "rex" declared "Zenonis et suæ filiæ Ariadnæ filium Leonem" as cæsar, dating the event to the seventeenth year of his reign[144]. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records that "Leo nepotem suum Leonem" as co-emperor in 473[145]. Iordanes names "Leo Leonem iuniorem ex Ariagne filia nepotem suum" when recording that he succeeded his maternal grandfather as emperor[146]. He succeeded his maternal grandfather in 474 as Emperor LEON II, Emperor in the East. Deposed in Nov 474. The sources are contradictory regarding the date of Leon´s death. The Chronicon Paschale states that "Nestorianus" records the death of "Leo junior" in Nov (presumably in 474) aged 17[147], although the age must be incorrect. On the other hand, the Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon records that "Zenon imperator" sought to kill his son Leo in 475 but that the latter survived until the time of Emperor Iustinian[148].

b) CONON . Zonaras names "Cononem" as brother of Emperor Zenon, adding that he was "flagitiosiorem, hominem sanguinarium"[149].

c) LONGINUS (-Alexandria 499). Theophanes records that "Illus et Leontius" released "Longinum Zenonis fratrem et eius matrem" from the castle where they were held in custody[150]. Theophanes names "Zenone…Longino…fratre ipsius" when recording that his candidacy for the imperial throne was rejected after his brother died[151]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Longino et Decio" as consuls in 486 and "Longino et Fausto" as consuls in 490[152]. Longinus, brother of Zenon, is recorded as consul in 486 and 490, as candidate for the throne in 491[153]. Zonaras records that Emperor Anastasius, after his accession (491), banished "Longinum…Zenonis fratrem" to Alexandria where he died "presbyter electus"[154]. m VALERIA, daughter of --- (-after 492). Valeria is named as wife of Longinus and recorded as having entered a convent in 492, with his daughter and his mother[155]. Longinus & his wife had one child:

i) LONGINA (-after 492). Longina is named as daughter of Flavius Longinus and recorded as having entered a convent in 492, with his wife and his mother[156].

B. FAMILY of EMPEROR ANASTASIUS

ANASTASIUS 491-518

1. --- . m ARRIANA, daughter of ---. The Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon records that "Ariagne Augusta Zenonis relicta" designated "Anastasium silentiarium Illyricianum patre Dyrracheno matre Arriana" as emperor in 491[157], although it is likely that "Dyrracheno" indicates that Anastasius's father was a native of Dyrrachium[158]. The issue is clarified by Ioannes Malalas who names "Anastasius Dicorus…ex Silentiariis…ex Dyrrachio Novæ Epirus oriundus"[159]. [Seven] children:

a) ANASTASIUS ([430/31]-8 Jun 518, bur Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles). He succeeded in 491 as Emperor ANASTASIUS, Emperor in the East. The Chronicon Paschale records the coronation in Apr 491 of "Anastasius Dicorus, ex Novæ Epiri Provincia oriundus, Ex-Silentario"[160]. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records that Anastasius succeeded Zenon as emperor in 491[161]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon records that "Ariagne Augusta Zenonis relicta" designated "Anastasium silentiarium Illyricianum patre Dyrracheno matre Arriana" as emperor in 491 and that he reigned for 27 years[162], although it is likely that "Dyrracheno" indicates that Anastasius's father was a native of Dyrrachium[163]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon records that "Anastasius imperator" died ignominiously, aged 88, struck by lightening after he had fled to his bedroom in terror of the storm[164]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Anastasium Dicorum et eius uxorem Ariadnam" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[165]. m (491) as her second husband, ARIADNE, widow of Emperor ZENON, daughter of Emperor LEON I & his wife Aelia Verina (before 457-[515], bur Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles). Iordanes names "Ariagne" as the daughter of Emperor Leon I when recording the accession of her son as emperor[166]. Theophanes records the second marriage of "Areadna imperatrice" and "Anastasius"[167]. Cedrenus records the death of "Ariadna Augusta" in the twenty-fifth year of her second husband´s reign[168]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aulæ records that "Anastasium Dicorum et eius uxorem Ariadnam" were buried in the church of the Holy Apostles[169]. Mistress (1): ---. The name of Anastasius´s mistress is not known. Anastasius had one illegitimate child by Mistress (1):

i) son (-killed Constantinople 507). Theophanes records "Anastasii filius ex pellice" among those killed during an insurrection at the hippodrome, dated to 507[170]. The name of this son is not known.

b) PAULUS (-496 or after). Paulus, brother of Anastasius, is recorded[171]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Paulo" as sole consul in 496[172]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Paulo et Musciano" as consuls in 512[173].

c) [son . Theophanes names "Hypatius imperatoris ex fratre nepos" among those present at ecumenical council meetings[174]. It is not known whether "ex fratre nepos" in this passage may have been an error for "ex sorore nepos", Hypatius would have been the same person as the son of Secundinus (see below), or whether the text is correct and refers to a second Hypatius who was the son of one of Emperor Anastasius´s brothers. m ---. One possible child:]

i) [HYPATIUS (-after 515). Theophanes names "Hypatius imperatoris ex fratre nepos" among those present at ecumenical council meetings[175]. It is not known whether "ex fratre nepos" in this passage may have been an error for "ex sorore nepos", in which case this would have been the same person as Hypatius son of Secundinus (see below), or whether the text is correct and refers to a second Hypatius who was the son of one of Emperor Anastasius´s brothers.]

d) MAGNA . Her parentage is confirmed by the Chronographia Brevis of Patriarch Nikephoros which names (her daughter) "Irenes…quæ Magnæ Anastasii Imp. sororis filia fuit" when recording her marriage[176]. m ---. The name of Magna´s husband is not known. One child:

i) EIRENE . The Chronographia Brevis of Patriarch Nikephoros records that "Olybrius", son of "Placidia, Areobindi uxor", married "Irenes…quæ Magnæ Anastasii Imp. sororis filia fuit"[177]. m OLYBRIUS, son of AREOBINDUS & his wife Anicia Iuliana [daughter of Emperor Olybrius]. Ioannes Malalas names "Consule Olybrio, Ariobindi filio"[178]. He is recorded as consul in 491[179].

e) CÆSARIA . Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by Theophanes who names (her son) "Hypatius, Secundini et sororis Anastasii imperatoris filius"[180]. A later passage in the same source names "Secundianus patricius Anastasii ex sorore gener et Hypatii pater" when recording that he freed his son Hypatius from imprisonment "in Mysia" with the help of Vitalianus[181]. She is named in PLRE