Olybrius Anicius

430 – 472 · Generation XXII · Western emperor (AD 472)

Olybrius (AD 430 – AD 472). Western emperor (AD 472). Married Placidia around AD 462. A Roman aristocrat installed by the kingmaker Ricimer; reigned seven months and died in his bed — a rarity by then. Born into the ancient Anician house of Rome, his marriage into Valentinian III’s line made him the Vandal king Gaiseric’s favoured candidate for the western throne — pressed twice and twice passed over, though the eastern court still honoured him with the consulship in 464. One account holds that Leo I sent him to Italy as a mediator while a second envoy carried a letter urging Anthemius to kill him; Ricimer intercepted it at Ostia and persuaded Olybrius to take the purple instead. His brief rule left mostly pious traces: gold coins struck with a cross and the new legend “Welfare of the World,” a portrait without helm or spear, and money for restoring the church of Saint Euphemia at Chalcedon. He died of dropsy.

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Partners

• Married Placidia the Younger (440 – 480) in 462

Life

• 430 — Born
• 462 — Married Placidia
• 472 — Died