Marcian

Marcian (c. 392–457) was Eastern Roman emperor from 450 to 457. A Thracian or Illyrian soldier who served the general Aspar, he took the throne after Theodosius II died, legitimised by marrying his sister Pulcheria.

He ended the tribute paid to Attila and in 452 sent armies across the Danube into the Huns' lands. After Attila died, he settled Germanic tribes within the empire as allies.

In 451 he convened the Council of Chalcedon, which alienated Syria and Egypt. He died in January 457 leaving a treasury surplus of seven million solidi, and Aspar secured the crown for Leo I.