Markian

Marcian, Byzantine Emperor Flavius in 450 - 457 years. Genus. app. 390 g. + 25 January. 457 g
Marcian was a son of a soldier and a native Thracian. In his youth he joined the army and most of his life spent in the campaigns (Evagrius: 2, 1). During the Persian War of 420-422 years. He served as a simple soldier in the army Goth Ardavuriya. Then, in 443, participated in the campaign Aspara in Africa, was captured by the Vandals, but was released by the king himself Gizerihom, which according to tradition, the first Marcian had predicted that he would be emperor. And indeed, when he died Theodosius II, his sister Pulcheria until no one knew about the death of the Emperor Marcian sent for, and when he came to her, she said: 'Since the Emperor had died, then I will take you from the entire Senate, as other worthy. Give me your word that you comply with smb my virginity, which I promised to God, and I proclaim you Emperor '. Marcian promised, and Pulkheria, calling the patriarch and the senate, announced his Roman Emperor (Theophanes: 443). With Pulkheria he married, but knew her as a woman (Evagrius: 2, 1).

Marcian was an intelligent but poorly educated. With severe temper, he tried to curb self-will of the eunuchs, inter alia, prohibited the sale of posts. In matters of faith, he adhered strictly Orthodox and 451 g. ordered to meet at Chalcedon Ecumenical Council, which condemned the heresy Monophysites (Dashkov: 'Marcian'). Theophanes says that during the solemn prayers Emperor walked on the field on foot. Seeing this, the Patriarch gave orders not to wear himself in a stretcher, but also went on foot to the cross passages (Theophanes: 449). In external relations Markian put an end to the shameful dependence empire from the Huns. When 450 g. Attila sent to demand his tribute, Marcian replied that he is not obliged to give what was promised by his predecessor. If Attila would threaten him with war, he will lead a force that does not yield its strength. Attila hesitated for some time, with whom he primarily to start a war - with Rome or Constantinople. Finally decided first to attack the Western Empire. Death prevented him to take revenge Marcian (Prisk: 12).