2019-07-11 Thu

Anthemius, a capable general under Marcian and Leo I, was named Emperor of the Western Empire in 467 AD. Born in Constantinople around 420, Anthemius belonged to a noble family of Procopii, which gave several high officers to the Eastern Roman Empire.

On 25th March 467, Leo I (Eastern Roman Emperor) with the consent of Ricimer, designated Anthemius Western Emperor as Caesar. Anthemius’ coinage emphasized the sharing of rule between Anthemius and Leo. Gold Solidi struck at Rome, Milan, and Ravenna show the emperors clasping hands.

Anthemius had restored his court in Rome, and thus this mint became more and more important, overshadowing the other two mints. Some coins are in the name of his wife Marcia Euphemia; among these there is a solidus depicting two Empresses on the thrones, probably a reference to Alypia's marriage (Anthemius' daughter).

Today on this day in the year 472, after being besieged in Rome by his own generals, Western Roman Emperor Anthemius is captured in St. Peter's Basilica and put to death.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions