Anthemius
467-472 AD
Son-in-law of Marcian
Appointed Emperor of West by Leo I
Procopius Anthemius was the son-in-law of the late Emperor Marcian. He was married to his daughter Aelia Marcia Euphemia in 453 AD. Following the death of Severus III, the Western throne lie vacant for seventeen months during which time Ricimer continued to rule by de facto. Finally, the Eastern Emperor Leo I decided to install his own candidate on the Western throne, and sent Procopius Anthemius as the new Emperor in the West. Anthemius arrived at Rome where he was proclaimed Augustus on April 12th, 467 AD. In order to secure his power, Anthemius gave his daughter Alypia in marriage to general Ricimer. The new arrangement lasted for five years, then eventually Ricimer, tired of his imperial father-in-law, once again set up another puppet Emperor – Olybrius.
Rome fell to Ricimer after a lengthy siege and Anthemius went into hiding. Eventually, Anthemius was discovered by Ricimer’s nephew, Gundobad, dressed as a beggar hiding himself in a church. He was immediately beheaded on July 11th, 472 AD.
Monetary System
Note: Most of Anthemius’ solidii show him with a facing bust, an imitation of the Eastern issues.
Mints: Milan; Ravenna; Rome
Obverse Legends:
D N ANTHEMIVS P F AVG
D N ANTHEMIVS PERPET AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Solidus (4.50 grams)
AU Semissis (2.25 grams)
AU Tremissis (1.45 grams)
AR Siliqua (3.25 grams)
AR ½ Siliqua (1.12 grams)
AE4
1,692 thoughts on “Anthemius – 467-472 AD”
Comments are closed.