Hello, and welcome to the history of Rome, episode 178, not with a bang, but a whimper.

Last time, we left off with Enthemias, hold up in Rome, and Rickermer making all kinds

of noises about ousting the eastern appointed emperor, and replacing him with someone

more pliable.

In Olibrius and his little diplomatic mission shut up from Constantinople in the spring

of 472, those noises turned into direct action.

Hidden among the papers of one of the secretaries was a message from Leo to Enthemias directing

his western colleague to kill Rickermer in Olibrius in order to eliminate these two most

obvious threats to Enthemias' rule.

When Rickermer's men discovered the message, they showed it to their boss who showed it

to Olibrius.

Both were outraged, and agreed that they should join forces and kill Enthemias before

he could kill them.

Their agreement was sealed right then and there when Rickermer ordered his men to hail

Olibrius as the new Augustus of the West.

Now this has never mentioned in the sources, but I can't help but wonder about the credibility

of Rickermer and all this.

I mean, think about it.

Rickermer's men just so happened to find a written note from Leo that leaves Olibrius

with no choice but to side with the virtual king of Italy instead of carrying out his

original mission of brokering a peace.

I mean, it might very well be true that Leo sent along handwritten murderous orders,

...