Aelia Verina
Wife of Leo I
Mother-in-law of Zeno
Aelia Verina was a woman of untold ambition. Verina was the wife of Emperor Leo I and the mother-in-law of Emperor Zeno. After the death of her husband in 474 AD, Verina continued to take a leading role in the political life of her time during the reign of her grandson – Leo II.
Verina was implicated in two major revolts against Zeno. The first was an attempt in 475-476 AD in which she instigated her brother Basiliscus in an unsuccessful attempt to depose Zeno. Her second attempt at unseating Zeno came under her direction when she crowned Leontius in 484 AD claiming that she had the right as Empress to create a new Emperor. After a major attempt at rallying support among the provinces, Verina’s rebellion collapsed. She was forced to flee to the Isaurian fortress of Cherris in the autumn of 484AD along with Leontius. She died shortly before the fortress was taken in 488AD.
Monetary System
Mints: Constantinople
Obverse Legends:
AEL VERINA AVG
DENOMINATIONS
Gold Tremissis
AU Solidus (4.50 grams)
AU Tremissis (1.45 grams)
AE2 (4.98 grams)
AE4 (Leo I & Verina)
