Anastasius I AD 491-518. Constantinople
Tremissis AV

14 mm, 1,24 g

D N ANASTASIVS P P AV, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue.

Very Fine

Sear 8.

Anastasius I, who reigned as Byzantine Emperor from AD 491 to 518, stands out in history for his dynamic leadership and impactful reforms. Born in modest circumstances, he ascended to the throne through a distinguished career in civil service and the military. His reign was marked by a series of pivotal reforms. Foremost among these were his economic policies. Anastasius initiated comprehensive fiscal reforms to stabilize the Byzantine economy, restructuring tax collection and reducing state expenditures. This prudent approach bolstered the empire's financial health. Anastasius also embarked on religious policies aimed at reconciling the differences between Chalcedonian Christians and Monophysites, two major Christian sects. Though his efforts made strides in promoting religious harmony, complete unity remained elusive. Infrastructure-wise, he fortified the empire's eastern frontier to protect against external threats, notably constructing the formidable Anastasian Wall. In foreign affairs, Anastasius skillfully negotiated a peace treaty with the formidable Sassanian Empire, easing tensions along the eastern border. Anastasius I's reign thus left a lasting legacy of financial stability, infrastructure development, and efforts towards religious reconciliation. His reign stands as a testament to the power of pragmatic governance in shaping the destiny of a vast and diverse empire. Anastasios was the last Roman emperor to hold the titles pontifex and pater patriae, and also the last to be called divus after his death.