The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Basiliscus
Also known as Brother of empress Vorina
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 158
There is something studied about his bearing, the careful posture of a man who has spent more time in palaces than on ships of war. His eyes hold the wariness of someone who knows his reputation precedes him.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Middle-aged
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 158
- Books
- 1
Basiliscus, brother of Empress Vorina, was entrusted with the command of the Eastern Roman fleet against the Vandals in Africa. Despite his sister's exaggerated accounts of his earlier victories against the Scythians, he fled disgracefully at the first engagement, losing more than half his fleet and army. Later infamous for this African expedition, he was briefly proclaimed emperor by a servile senate before his short, turbulent reign ended.
Description
A middle-aged Eastern Roman nobleman with olive skin and dark hair. He wears elaborate Byzantine robes and military insignia, though his bearing suggests someone more accustomed to court life than naval warfare. His presence carries the weight of past failures.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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