491 (CDXCI) was a year of the Julian calendar, classified as a common year.
Overview
The year 491 falls in the late fifth century of the Common Era, a period marked by political transitions in the eastern Mediterranean and continuing transformations across the former Western Roman world. Surviving records for individual years at this time are sparse, but one of the principal events recorded for 491 is a change of emperors in Constantinople.
Events
- Eastern Roman Empire — Emperor Zeno, who had ruled intermittently since 474 and whose reign was troubled by revolts and court factionalism, died in 491. Within days the imperial court and the Augusta Ariadne chose Anastasius, a senior palace official, to succeed him. Anastasius was crowned and married Ariadne, and his accession began a reign that would last into the early sixth century.
Significance
Anastasius I's elevation in 491 brought a measure of stability to the eastern imperial government. Over the course of his rule he became known for administrative and fiscal measures that affected the empire's finances and institutions; these policies have led historians to regard his reign as an important phase in the Eastern Roman state’s recovery and consolidation after the political turbulence of the late fifth century.
Births
No well-attested notable births for the year 491 are preserved in the surviving chronicles.
Deaths
- Zeno, Eastern Roman Emperor (born c. 425) — his death ended a contentious and eventful reign that had included internal rebellions and complex relations with barbarian federates and neighbouring powers.
Chronology
The numbering of this year as "491" follows the Anno Domini system, which became widely used in medieval Europe for naming years.