Aspar

   Alan (q.v.) general who exerted great influence over Marcian and Leo I (qq.v.). Under Theodosius II (q.v.) he rose to become magister militum (q.v.), holding the rank of patrikios, then consul (qq.v.) in 434. He was a capable general who defeated the usurper John in 425, as well as Vandals and Huns (qq.v.). His name is still attached to a cistern he built in Constantinople (q.v.). Although his Arianism (q.v.) and barbarian background precluded him from ever aspiring to the throne, he nevertheless sought to dominate the eastern court. His influence was so great at Marcian's death that he nominated the next emperor, Leo I (q.v.). As a counterweight to Aspar and the Germans, Leo I promoted Isaurians in the army (qq.v.), resulting in a power struggle in which Aspar and Ardabourios were slain. This struck a blow against the German threat in the East, but at the same time it produced a new internal threat in the Isaurians.