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: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book is a comprehensive 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 also delves into the differing fates of the Eastern and Western parts of the empire, drawing insights from Aspar's life and career.

The book 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 primarily presented himself 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 detailed account of 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, with the rise of powerful generals and the decline of the imperial family. Aspar played a crucial role in these crises, navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries to secure his position and influence.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of the imperial role in the mid-fifth century. Previous studies have highlighted the prevalence of "child-emperors" in this period, but this book suggests a further evolution of the imperial role. It argues that the mid-fifth century saw a shift towards a more centralized and authoritarian form of government, with the emperor assuming a more active role in military and political affairs.

Another important aspect of the book is the study of Aspar's relations with other key figures of the time. Aspar was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, able to forge alliances and navigate complex political landscapes. He was also a close ally of the Eastern Roman emperor, Leo I, and played a significant role in securing Leo's succession to the throne.

However, Aspar's relations with other key figures were not always smooth. He had conflicts with the Western Roman emperor, Valentinian III, and with the powerful general Flavius Aetius, who sought to undermine Aspar's influence in the Eastern Empire. These conflicts were a reflection of the broader tensions between the Eastern and Western parts of the empire, which were increasingly divided over political, cultural, and religious differences.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of the late Roman Empire. It provides a comprehensive biography of Aspar, exploring his central role in the history and politics of the fragmenting Roman Empire in the fifth century. Through its chronological approach and detailed analysis, the book offers insights into the differing fates of the Eastern and Western parts of the empire, as well as the evolution of the imperial role in the mid-fifth century. Aspar's life and career serve as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the late Roman Empire, and his legacy continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350279308