Aspar and the Struggle for the Eastern Roman Empire, AD 421-71

This book is the first full-length biography in English of Aspar, the eastern Roman general and statesman, exploring his central role in the history and politics of the fragmenting Roman Empire in the fifth century. It also considers the differing fates of the eastern and western parts of the empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book is a comprehensive and detailed biography of Aspar, the Eastern Roman general and statesman, exploring his pivotal role in the history and politics of the fragmenting Roman Empire in the fifth century. It delves into his life and career, examining the contrasting fates of the Eastern and Western parts of the empire.

The author takes a chronological approach, guiding readers through the known aspects of Aspar's life and his evolving influence in the Eastern Roman army and court. Born and raised in Constantinople, Aspar presented himself primarily as a Roman general, consul, and senator. However, he stood apart from the Roman mainstream in two significant ways: as a member of the empire's "barbarian" military leadership and as a devout Arian Christian.

The early chapters of the book delve into Aspar's formative military experiences, including his battles with the Persians, a Roman usurper in Italy, the Vandals in Africa, and the Huns of Attila. These chapters provide a foundation for understanding Aspar's military prowess and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

As the book progresses, it focuses on Aspar's political role in resolving the two imperial succession crises that struck the Eastern Roman empire in the mid-fifth century. These crises were significant as they marked a turning point in the empire's history and had far-reaching consequences for the future. Aspar played a crucial role in these crises, navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries to ensure the stability and continuity of the empire.

In addition to his political achievements, Aspar's extended struggle to control the succession to Leo I is also explored in detail. This struggle was marked by political intrigue, power battles, and personal rivalries, reflecting the complex and fragmented nature of the empire at the time. Aspar's efforts to secure his position and influence within the empire are a testament to his determination and skill as a statesman.

The book builds on previous studies in three key ways. Firstly, it emphasizes the role of "barbarian" generals in the Eastern Roman empire, which has received less attention compared to their counterparts in the Western Roman empire. Secondly, it suggests a further evolution of the imperial role in the mid-fifth century, beyond the prevalence of "child-emperors." Finally, the book provides a comprehensive study of Aspar's late career role in the succession struggles, allowing readers to understand the complexities of his relations with other key figures of the time.

Overall, this book offers a valuable insight into the life and career of Aspar, the Eastern Roman general and statesman. It sheds light on his central role in the history and politics of the fragmenting Roman Empire and provides valuable insights into the differing fates of the Eastern and Western parts of the empire. The author's chronological approach and detailed analysis make it an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the late Roman world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350279261