Anastasius I Dicorus

Anastasius I Dicorus was the Byzantine emperor from 491 to 518. He was born in Dyrrachium, a city in the Roman province of Epirus Nova, around 431. He was the son of Maximus, a Roman civil servant. He had one black eye and one blue eye, which earned him the nickname Dicorus, meaning "two-pupiled". He rose to prominence as a finance officer under Emperor Zeno, who died in 491. Anastasius was chosen by Zeno's widow, Ariadne, as her second husband and successor. He was crowned as emperor on 11 April 491, at the age of 60. Anastasius proved to be an able and reforming ruler, who improved the empire's administration, finances, economy and military. He reformed the monetary system, introducing a new gold coin called the solidus, which became the standard currency for centuries. He increased the treasury, reduced taxes, promoted trade and agriculture, and built fortifications, aqueducts, bridges and churches. He also reorganized the army, creating a mobile force of cavalry and infantry, and strengthened the defenses of the eastern frontier against the Sassanid Persians. He maintained good relations with the Ostrogoths, who ruled Italy, and the Vandals, who ruled North Africa. He also supported the missionary activities of the Nestorian Christians in Asia. Anastasius was a Miaphysite Christian, who believed that Christ had only one nature, divine and human. This doctrine was opposed by the Chalcedonian Christians, who believed that Christ had two natures, divine and human. Anastasius' religious policies caused tensions and conflicts within the empire, especially in Egypt and Syria, where the majority of the population was Miaphysite. He also faced several rebellions, such as the Isaurian War (492-497), the revolt of Vitalian (513-515), and the conspiracy of John of Cappadocia (517-518). Anastasius died on 9 July 518, at the age of 87, after a reign of 27 years. He was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. He was succeeded by his chief minister, Justin I, who was chosen by the army. Anastasius left behind a stable and prosperous empire, which enabled his successors, most notably Justinian I, to pursue more ambitious policies. He is regarded as one of the greatest Byzantine emperors, and is venerated as a saint by the Syriac Orthodox Church.