Anthemius
467-472 AD
Son-in-law of Marcian
Appointed Emperor of the 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 in 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, and 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 dressed as a beggar hiding himself in a church, probably Saint Peters Basilica, constructed by the mother of Constantine I. Anthemius was discovered by Ricimer’s nephew, Gundobad, and immediately beheaded on July 11th, 472 AD. Gundobad became King of the Burgundians (after 474AD) and Magister Militum. He was the son of King Gundioc, who was wedded to the sister of the Magister Militum Ricimer. As a reward for his loyalty and service, Ricimer, he elevated Gundobad to the rank of Magister Militum.
When Ricimer was murdered in 472AD, Gundobad naturally succeeded him, assuming control over the affairs of the Western Empire. He personally approved the appointment of Glycerius to be emperor on March 25th, 473AD, but did nothing to ensure the acceptance of his decision by Constantinople. The rejection of Glycerius by Leo and the subsequent naming of Julius Nepos as Emperor mattered little to Gundobad because he was already returning home. His father died around 474AD, and Gundobad followed him on the throne. He was king at the time of the demise of the Roman Empire in the West.
Monetary System
Mints: Milan; Ravenna; Rome
Obverse Legends:
D N ANTHEMIVS P F AVG
D N ANTHEMIVS PERPET AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Solidus (Profile bust right)(4.50 grams)
AU Solidus (Helmeted 3/4 facing bust) (quite rare)(4.5 grams)
AU Semissis (2.25 grams)
AU Tremissis (1.45 grams)
AR Siliqua (3.25 grams)
AR ½ Siliqua (1.12 grams)
AE4 Nummus (0.82 grams)
