The History of Rome

Leo was born in either dacia or thrace. He made his career in the army and was chosen by aspar to be emperor in four 57. By this time, newly chosen emperors were brought into the hippodrome for a christian ceremony. The practical decision to have leo crowned may have been an attempt to add legitimacy to his position. It seems apparent that aspar saw leo as a stepping stone to get his own son, ardabor, crowned caesar somewhere down the line.