Ariadne comes into conflict with her husband…

Ariadne comes into conflict with her husband in 479 over the fate of her mother.

Verina had attempted to assassinate Illus and had become his prisoner.

She had supported the revolt of her other son-on-law Marcian even during her captivity.

Ariadne endeavors to obtain her release, first from Zeno, and then from Illus, to whom the emperor refers her.

Illus not only refuses her request, but charges her with wishing to place another person on her husband's throne.

This irritates her; and she, like her mother, attempts to assassinate Illus.

Jordanes ascribes her hatred to another cause: he says that Illus had infused jealous suspicions into Zeno's mind which had led Zeno to attempt her life, and that her knowledge of these things stimulated her to revenge.

The assassin whom she has employed fails to kill Illus, but cuts off his ear in the attempt.

The assassin is taken, and Zeno, who appears to have been privy to the affair, is unable to prevent his execution.

The affair does not seem to have had long-term effects in their marriage.

She will remain married to Zeno to his death on April 9, 491.