alternatehistory.com

Because Romulus Augustulus was an usurper, Julius Nepos legally held the title of emperor when Odoacer took power on 476. Some have argued that Nepos, who ruled in Dalmatia until his murder in 480, should be recognized as the last Western Roman Emperor, noting that Odoacer struck coins in Nepos' name and did not take the imperial title for himself. But few of Nepos' contemporaries in Italy (Dalmatia and Gaul had been always loyal to Nepos) were willing to support his cause after he fled this province. Following Odoacer's coup, the Roman Senate sent a letter to Zeno, saying that "the majesty of a sole monarch is sufficient to pervade and protect, at the same time, both the East and the West." While Zeno told the Senate that Nepos was their lawful sovereign, he did not press the point.
WI Zeno pressed the Senate to accept Nepos as their Emperor once more and sent troops to impose him and kick Odoacer out? Is this possible? How is a potential war between Zeno and Odoacer altering History? Any thoughts?
Top