Antemiy Roman Emperor Country: Italy

1. The Illustrious Antemius
2. A Renowned General and Imperial Kin
3. Ascendancy to Emperor
4. Strained Relations and Civil War
5. The Fall of Rome

The Illustrious Antemius

Antemius, a prominent figure in Byzantine nobility, traced his lineage to the esteemed usurper Procopius. His father, a distinguished comes and patrician, held high office under Theodosius II, while his maternal grandfather served as regent and governed the Eastern Empire during Theodosius's youth.

A Renowned General and Imperial Kin

Antemius himself achieved military glory, leading successful campaigns against the Huns along the banks of the Danube. His marriage to Euphemia, the daughter of Emperor Marcian, further solidified his connection to the imperial family. It brought him the titles of magister militum, consul, and patrician.

Ascendancy to Emperor

Following the untimely demise of Emperor Libius Severus in Rome, the powerful general Ricimer, who ruled over Italy, left the throne vacant for over a year. While his barbarian army secured his authority, Ricimer lacked the naval power to defend against the relentless raids by the Vandals along Italy's coasts. Desperate, he sought aid from Byzantine Emperor Leo I. Leo agreed but demanded that Rome accept an emperor of his choosing: Antemius. The Senate, the people, and barbarian allies alike approved this selection.

Strained Relations and Civil War

To strengthen his ties with the local elite, Antemius married his daughter to Ricimer. However, tensions soon arose between the two rulers. Ricimer withdrew to Milan, leaving Antemius to govern in Rome. In 472, their animosity escalated into civil war. Ricimer, supported by his barbarian forces, besieged Rome. With Leo's consent, he proclaimed the senator Olybrius as emperor.

The Fall of Rome

Famine gripped the city, forcing imperial soldiers to resort to eating leather. After a five-month siege, barbarians breached Rome's walls, subjecting the city to its third sack in a century. Antemius, captured and executed on his son-in-law's orders, met a tragic end.