zaro

Does Zeno have a wife?

Published in Byzantine Emperor Marriages 2 mins read

Yes, Zeno, the Byzantine emperor, had a wife named Ariadne. He also had a previous connection to a woman named Arcadia.


Zeno's Marriages and Family Life

Zeno, a prominent figure in the history of the Byzantine Empire, was indeed married. His most notable marriage, as confirmed by historical records, was to Ariadne, who was the elder daughter of Emperor Leo I and Empress Verina. This union took place in mid-late 466 AD.

Before his marriage to Ariadne, there is a mention of a woman named Arcadia. While the nature of their relationship isn't explicitly detailed as a formal marriage in the provided reference, it's noted that "there is no reference to him divorcing Arcadia who evidently died prior to this," suggesting a significant prior connection or a previous marital status that concluded with her death.

Key Marital Details

  • Primary Spouse: Zeno's most recognized wife was Ariadne.
  • Timing: The marriage to Ariadne occurred in 466 AD.
  • Family Connection: Ariadne's lineage as the daughter of Emperor Leo I and Empress Verina highlighted the political significance of their union.
  • Previous Connection: Zeno was associated with Arcadia before marrying Ariadne, with her death preceding the latter marriage.

This information provides a clear picture of Zeno's marital status during his lifetime, emphasizing his marriage to Ariadne and acknowledging an earlier relationship with Arcadia.

Zeno's Wives at a Glance

For clarity, here's a summary of the women associated with Zeno as his wives or significant partners:

Relationship Type Name Status/Notes Reference
Wife Ariadne Married Zeno in mid-late 466 AD; elder daughter of Leo I and Verina. Zeno (emperor) - Wikipedia
Previous Partner Arcadia Evidently died prior to Zeno's marriage to Ariadne; no reference to a divorce from her. Zeno (emperor) - Wikipedia

This table concisely outlines the marital connections of Zeno based on the provided historical reference.