The Aspar reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Aspar

Flavius Ardabur Aspar (? - 471), an Alan, was the magister militum ("Master of Soldiers") of the Byzantine Empire. He could not become emperor because of his Arian religion. Instead, his subordinate, Marcian, became emperor by marrying Theodosius II's sister Pulcheria.

In 471 Aspar was killed together with his son Ardabur in an assault.

Aspar was the teacher of Theodoric the Great, who later became king of the Ostrogoths.