Basiliscus was an Eastern Roman emperor who ruled from 475 to 476. Originally a military officer and senator, he rose to power through the support of his sister, Empress Verina, following the death of Leo II. His brief reign was marked by significant religious shifts and political instability. After attempting to install a different successor, he successfully seized the throne from Zeno, but his authority quickly crumbled due to heavy taxation and controversial theological policies that alienated the population of Constantinople.