Kavadh I vs Vetranio

Kavadh I supported the Mazdakite movement, which advocated for communal property, wealth redistribution, and social equality. He implemented reforms that reduced the power of the nobility and the Zoroastrian clergy, causing widespread upheaval.

The Sassanid nobility and Zoroastrian clergy, opposed to Kavadh's Mazdakite policies, deposed him and imprisoned him in the Castle of Oblivion. His brother Zamasp was placed on the throne.

Kavadh I escaped from prison and fled to the Hephthalite Empire. With their military support, he returned to Persia and regained the throne, overthrowing his brother Zamasp. This restored his rule but increased Hephthalite influence.

Kavadh I initiated a war against the Byzantine Empire, demanding tribute. He captured the city of Amida after a long siege. The war ended in 506 with a peace treaty that left the border largely unchanged.

Near the end of his reign, Kavadh I turned against the Mazdakite movement he had once supported. He allowed his son Khosrow I to carry out a massacre of Mazdakite leaders, ending the reform movement and restoring traditional order.

After the death of Constans I, the Illyrian legions proclaimed the aged general Vetranio as emperor. Vetranio initially accepted the title to prevent the region from falling to the usurper Magnentius.

When Emperor Constantius II arrived in Illyria, Vetranio voluntarily abdicated before the assembled army. Constantius II accepted his resignation, allowed him to retire to private life in Bithynia, and spared his life.

After his abdication, Vetranio retired to a private estate in Bithynia provided by Constantius II. He lived there peacefully for several years, a rare example of a usurper who survived and was allowed to live in comfort.