Leo II (emperor)
Byzantine emperor (467-474)
Leo II (Greek: Λέων, c. 467 - November 474) Was an Eastern Roman emperor from 17 November 473 - November 474. He was the son of future emperor Zeno and emperor Leo I daughter Ariadne. Leo II ruled the empire along with his grandfather Leo I and he later became the sole ruler after Leo I died.
Leo II | |||||
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![]() Solidus of Emperor Leo II | |||||
Roman Emperor of the East | |||||
Reign | 17 November 473 - November 474 | ||||
Predecessor | Leo I | ||||
Successor | Zeno | ||||
Born | c. 467 | ||||
Died | November 474 (aged 7) Constantinople, Eastern Roman Empire | ||||
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Dynasty | Leonid | ||||
Father | Zeno | ||||
Mother | Ariadne |
As the grandson of Leo I, Leo II had a strong claim to succeed his throne. Leo I, who was becoming increasingly ill, felt obligated to declare a successor to the imperial throne, but passed over his son-in-law due to his unpopularity. Instead, Leo II was made caesar by Leo I around October 472, and was later promoted to augustus in November 473, making him co-emperor alongside his grandfather.