Res Gestae

Then, after Zeno was made emperor by his son Leo,[*](Leo the Thracian, also called Leo the Great, having no son, named his son-in-law Zeno as his successor. Since the people of Constantinople did not approve the choice, Leo associated with himself his grandson Leo, who survived him a few months only.) who was the offspring of the daughter of Leo the Great, Ariagne by name, he reigned for a year with his son Leo, and it was through Leo’s merit that Zeno retained his power. But after sharing the rule with his son for one year, Zeno was emperor for fourteen years more; he was an Isaurian of high rank, trained to arms, and worthy to receive an emperor’s daughter in marriage.

It is said of him that he was of even superhuman speed as a

A plot was made against him by Basiliscus, himself a senator of high distinction.[*](He was the brother of Varina, the widow of Leo the Great.) As soon as Zeno learned of the plot, he took some of his wealth and went to Isauria. But soon after his departure Basiliscus, who, as was said, was plotting against him, seized upon the imperial power.

Basiliscus ruled for two years. Zeno strengthened the Isaurians within the province; then he sent to the city of Nova,[*](In Moesia on the Danube.) where Theodoric, the general of the Goths and son of Walamericus, was stationed, and invited him to render him relief against Basiliscus. Then he came back[*](See § 36, note 9, where we have a sure example; sometimes, as here, the use is less obvious, though probable.) to Constantinople after two years, brought an attacking force against the city, and laid siege to it.

But because the senate and people feared Zeno, to prevent the city from suffering any harm they deserted Basiliscus, opened the gates, and all surrendered to Zeno. Basiliscus fled to a church and took refuge within the baptistery with his wife and his sons. After Zeno had given him a pledge confirmed by oath that his blood would not be shed,[*](An evasive way of pretending to spare his life, which was kept in the letter, but not in the spirit.) he came out and was shut up with his wife and children in a dry cistern,[*](According to others, in a fortress of Cappadocia.) where they all died of cold.

Zeno remembered the affection felt for him by the senate and people;