took little interest in the theological disputes which were so attractive to many of his subjects. Yet the Council of Chalcedon was summoned at his instance. The emperor hoped to secure unity for both East and West: as it was, he had to see the Eutychian and Nestorian heresies establish themselves in Egypt and in Asia.
To Marcian, who reigned but for seven years, succeeded the first of the Leos, Leo the Great, as with rather slender reasons he has been styled. His succession was due to the influence of Aspar, who might have been emperor himself but for his heterodox opinions, which were unpopular. He, too, was a native of Thrace and a soldier. He seems in many respects to have reigned well, and to have consulted the welfare of his subjects by carrying out the financial reforms which had been begun under Theodosius. Taxes were lightened, and in cases of public calamity, as when Antioch was shaken by a terrible earthquake, were for a time altogether remitted. He may perhaps have been called "the Great" rather in consideration of his orthodoxy than of his other merits. Although he had been a plain soldier, he knew and recognised the value of learning and education. Once a courtier ventured to upbraid him for giving a pension to a philosopher. Leo's reply was, "Would God that I had to pay no other people than scholars!" He was a really wise and well-meaning ruler. His reign, too, was not without some military glory. The Huns were checked near Sophia, and were glad to make peace. His attempt, however, with the aid of the empire of the West, now much enfeebled, to overthrow the kingdom of the
