ABSTRACT
An Augusta was a defined position within the imperial structure and Ariadne became the most prominent symbol yet of the power and status that could be achieved by an early Byzantine empress. If Ariadne’s own mother, the empress Verina, can be considered a ‘lost empress’ whose importance is totally underrated and understudied, then all the more so for Ariadne herself. Her role in defining the identity of an independent and influential imperial consort during her nearly sixty years in the imperial palace has never been properly formulated and credited to her. Ariadne was born about 450, probably at Selymbria (Silivri) west of Constantinople where her father Leo, who was a senior military officer, was then stationed. Her chosen emperor Anastasius was required to swear an oath that he would not use his new position to harbour grudges against those with whom he had previous dealings and that he would rule conscientiously.
