Aelia Zenonis
Wife of Basiliscus
Aelia Zenonis was the wife of Basiliscus and mother of Marcus. Her husband was the brother of the Empress Aelia Verina, the wife of the former Emperor Leo I. Verina convinced her husband to join with her in revolt against Zeno, Verina”s son-in-law. At first they were successful and Basiliscus was proclaimed Emperor at Constantinople following Zeno’s departure in 475 AD.
The rule of her husband Basiliscus was very unpopular. Zeno was able to mount the support he needed and returned to Constantinople where he deposed Basiliscus in 476 AD. Zeno sent Zenonis, along with her husband and son to Cucusus in Capadocia where all three were beheaded. Verina was spared.
Monetary System
Mints: Constantinople; Milan; Ravenna; Rome; Thessalonica.
Obverse Legends:
AEL ZENONIS AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Solidus (4.50 grms)
AE4
