Flavius Glycerius
473-474 AD
Puppet Emperor Installed by Gundobad
Flavius Glycerius bore the rank of Comes Domesricorom (Count of the Domestics) in the West during the brief reign of Olybrius, after whose death yet another lengthy interregnum ensued for over four months when the throne was vacant. Ricimer, de facto ruler of the West for the previous one and a half decades, had also died during Olybrius’ reign, and his mantle had been assumed by his nephew Gundobad. On March 5th, 473 AD, the new Magister Militum Gundobad proclaimed Glycerius Emperor of the West at Ravenna.
The Eastern Emperor Leo I refused to recognize Glycerius. Accordingly, Julius Nepos, a relative of Leo I by marriage and Governor of Dalmatia, was commanded to invade Italy, depose the usurper, and occupy the Western throne himself. Glycerius soon found himself deserted by Gundobad. Left with no military capability to defend his claim to the throne, he was dethroned by Nepos at the city of Portus near the mouth of the Tiber. He was then forced to become bishop of Salona on June 24th, 474 AD.
Monetary System
Mints: Ravenna, Rome
Obverse Legends:
D N GLYCERIVS P F AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Solidus (4.50 grams)
AU Tremissis (1.45 grams)
AR Siliqua (3.25 grams)
