 Basiliscus succeeded in seizing power in 475 , exploiting the unpopularity of Emperor Zeno , the " barbarian " successor to Leo , and a plot organised by Verina that had caused Zeno to flee Constantinople . However , during his short rule , Basiliscus alienated the fundamental support of the Church and the people of Constantinople , promoting the Miaphysite christological position in opposition to the Chalcedonian faith . Also , his policy of securing his power through the appointment of loyal men to key roles antagonised many important figures in the imperial court , including his sister Verina . So , when Zeno tried to regain his empire , he found virtually no opposition , triumphantly entering Constantinople , and capturing and killing Basiliscus and his family . 
