# Aspar

> Imperial Roman Consul (400-471)

**Wikidata**: [Q361276](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q361276)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aspar

## Summary
Aspar, also known as Flavius Ardaburius Aspar, was a high-ranking Imperial Roman Consul and military commander who lived between approximately 400 and 471 CE. He played a pivotal role in the politics of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire during the 5th century, wielding significant influence over imperial succession and military affairs.

## Biography
- Born: 400 CE
- Nationality: Roman (Byzantine Empire)
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Exerting political and military influence in the Eastern Roman Empire as a magister militum and consul
- Employer(s): Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire
- Field(s): Politics, Military

## Contributions
Aspar was a central figure in the Eastern Roman military and political hierarchy. His contributions include:
- Serving as a powerful military commander (magister militum) during the 5th century.
- Exerting influence over the succession and deposition of emperors within the Eastern Roman Empire.
- Being instrumental in the political and military decisions that shaped the empire during a period of significant external threats, including from Germanic tribes and the Huns.

## FAQs
**Who was Aspar?**  
Aspar, or Flavius Ardaburius Aspar, was a Roman general and statesman who became one of the most influential figures in the Eastern Roman Empire during the 5th century. He was instrumental in the military and political dynamics of the empire, particularly in the reigns and removals of emperors.

**What role did Aspar play in the Roman Empire?**  
Aspar served as a magister militum, a top military command position, and was a key political player in the Eastern Roman Empire. He was known for his influence over imperial decisions and for his role in the succession of emperors.

**When did Aspar live?**  
Aspar lived from around 400 CE to 471 CE, during which he was active in the Eastern Roman Empire's military and political spheres.

**What is Aspar most known for?**  
Aspar is most known for his political and military influence during the 5th century, particularly for his role in the Eastern Roman Empire's imperial court and his involvement in the deposition of emperors.

**What titles did Aspar hold?**  
Aspar held the titles of magister militum and consul, indicating his high rank in both military and political spheres within the Eastern Roman Empire.

## Why They Matter
Aspar's influence on the Eastern Roman Empire during the 5th century was profound. As a military commander and political figure, he was involved in the decisions that shaped imperial successions and the empire's responses to external threats. His actions had lasting implications for the political structure and military strategy of the empire during a turbulent period.

## Notable For
- Being a powerful military commander (magister militum) in the Eastern Roman Empire
- Influencing imperial successions and political decisions in the 5th century
- Playing a key role in the deposition of emperors
- Living during a time of major external threats, including the rise of Germanic tribes and the Huns

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Aspar, also referred to as Flavius Ardaburius Aspar, was born around the year 400 CE. He belonged to a family with a strong military tradition, which likely influenced his early career path. His background placed him within the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire's elite circles, where he would later rise to prominence.

### Career
Aspar's career was marked by his ascent to the position of magister militum, one of the highest military ranks in the Roman Empire. In this role, he commanded significant influence over both military and political decisions. His strategic position allowed him to play a key role in the Eastern Roman Empire's governance, particularly during periods of instability.

### Political Influence
Aspar's political influence was significant, particularly in the Eastern Roman imperial court. He was known for his involvement in the rise and fall of emperors, using his military power to support or depose rulers as it suited his interests. His influence extended to the highest levels of government, where he was able to shape policy and military strategy.

### Military Leadership
As a military leader, Aspar was involved in numerous campaigns and decisions that affected the empire's security. His actions during times of external threat, including conflicts with Germanic tribes and the Huns, were critical in defending the empire's borders and maintaining its political stability.

### Legacy
Aspar's legacy is that of a powerful figure who played a key role in the Eastern Roman Empire's 5th-century politics and military affairs. His influence on imperial successions and his strategic military decisions had a lasting impact on the empire's history. His life and actions are a testament to the complex interplay between military power and political control in the late Roman Empire.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. CERL Thesaurus
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File