The Emperor is Dead, Long Live the Emperor: Imperial Interregna in the Fifth Century (original) (raw)

The study investigates the phenomenon of imperial interregna during the fifth century in the Western Roman Empire, contrasting it with the Eastern Empire. It posits that the absence of emperors for prolonged periods emerged as a significant feature of governance in the West, primarily due to the evolving power dynamics that led to the eclipse of the emperor's role and the rise of influential military leaders. Conversely, the East maintained a more stable imperial presence owing to the active involvement of the imperial family, notably the empresses, in political life. The analysis seeks to comprehend the political implications behind these shifts in power and governance.