The Eastern Empire and Its Importance

Government in Constantinople was run on the basis of access and influence over the emperor. In practice this meant that the palace became a place of intrigue and backstabbing. The east, like the west, had come to rely increasingly on German troops for its armies. When the emperor Theodosius died unexpectedly in 450 there was no rightful successor in place to take over. Would Aspar's choice of successor cement him in power or prove to be his undoing? Find out on episode 2 of The History of Byzantium.