Anthemius

Anthemius, born in the year four hundred twenty, emerged from the Eastern Roman Empire to become the Western Roman emperor from four hundred sixty-seven to four hundred seventy-two. His ascent was marked by strategic marriages, notably to Marcia Euphemia, the daughter of Eastern emperor Marcian, which aligned him with the influential Theodosian dynasty. Anthemius's career was characterized by rapid promotions, positioning him as a potential successor to Marcian.

However, the unexpected deaths of both Marcian in four hundred fifty-seven and Western emperor Avitus created a power vacuum that shifted the imperial succession to Aspar. Fearing Anthemius's independence, Aspar appointed Leo, a lesser-known officer, to the Eastern throne instead. Yet, in a twist of fate, Leo later designated Anthemius as the Western emperor in four hundred sixty-seven, following a two-year interregnum that began in November of four hundred sixty-five.

As emperor, Anthemius faced formidable military challenges, primarily from the resurgent Visigoths led by Euric and the unyielding Vandals under Geiseric, who controlled North Africa. His determination to govern autonomously soon put him at odds with Ricimer, a powerful Gothic general who had previously wielded significant influence behind the throne. This conflict ultimately escalated into open warfare, culminating in Anthemius losing both his throne and his life in the year four hundred seventy-two.