Ariadne was an Eastern Roman empress who lived in Constantinople during the late fifth and early sixth centuries. As the eldest daughter of Emperor Leo I, she played a pivotal role in the imperial succession. She first served as empress through her marriage to Zeno, whom she helped elevate to the throne following the death of her son, Leo II. After Zeno's passing, she selected Anastasius I as his successor and married him, remaining a powerful figure in the Byzantine Empire until her death in 515.