Short Biography about the life of Leo I
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Leo I, Emperor of  the East-Roman (Byzantine) empire

• Name commonly known as: Leo I
• Nicknames: 'Great Thracian' by his friends and as 'the Butcher' by his enemies
• Latin Roman Name: Flavius Valerius Leo
• Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 7 February 457 - 18 January 474 AD.

• Dynasty / Historical Period: Western Empire (394 - 476) which led to the disintegration of Roman authority and the Fall of the Roman Empire

• Date of Birth: 401
• Family connections / Genealogy
  • Married: Verina
  • Children: Ariadne (married Zeno) and Leontia
• Date of Death: 18 January 474 aged 73

• For the names of the next Roman emperors in the East and the West of the Empire refer to the Timeline of Roman Emperors

Interesting facts about the life of Leo I
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Leo I from the following facts and information about his life. Why was Leo I famous? Accomplishments, achievements and important events. Leo I was emperor of the East Roman (Byzantine) empire (457-474) and the successor of Marcian. General Aspar serving as commander-in-chief of the army appointed Leo as ruler believing he would be an easy puppet ruler. How wrong Aspar was - soon after he was made emperor Leo I had Aspar killed. During his reign fierce battles were fought against the Hun and the Ostrogoths. He exerted considerable influence over the Western Empire using his military chief Ricimer to appoint and dispose of different emperors including Majorian, Anthemius, Olybrius, Julius Nepos and Glycerius. Leo died of dysentery aged 73, on 18 January, 474. He was succeeded by his son, Leo II.