Emperors of the Roman Empire: From Augustus to Constantine

The Ancient Roman Empire, one of history’s most influential and enduring civilizations, was defined by its formidable emperors who wielded immense power and shaped vast portions of the world with ruthless ambition. As a devoted enthusiast of the early Roman Empire, I’m thrilled to present to you this list of extraordinary individuals who guided this ancient colossus. From the iconic Augustus to the transformative Constantine the Great, join me on a journey through time as we delve into the lives of 41 Rome’s emperors, exploring their achievements, legacies, and the intriguing tales that have survived the test of centuries.

1. Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD): Often considered the first Roman Emperor, Augustus established the Roman Principate, bringing an end to the Roman Republic. His reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and prosperity. Julius Caesar was his great uncle, who adopted him as his son and heir, bequeathing him a power struggle that he ultimately won. Check out my post with five fascinating facts about this guy.

2. Tiberius (14 – 37 AD): The second emperor, Tiberius, consolidated the gains of his predecessor, Augustus. His rule was characterized by a focus on administrative efficiency and expansion of the empire.

3. Caligula (37 – 41 AD): Caligula was the son of the famous general, Germanicus, the nephew of Tiberius. Caligula’s reign is infamous for its extravagance and cruelty. He was known for his eccentric behaviour, which included declaring himself a god, and engaging in bizarre acts of tyranny. His favourite horse Incitatus, was made a priest and enjoyed a life on luxury that most men could not imagine, Caligula apparently also wanted to make his horse a Consul, but thankfully, it didn’t happen.

4. Claudius (41 – 54 AD): Despite physical disabilities, Claudius proved to be an effective administrator. He expanded the empire into Britain and improved infrastructure.

5. Nero (54 – 68 AD): Nero’s rule is marred by stories of tyranny and extravagance. He is famously associated with the Great Fire of Rome and persecution of Christians.

“68 AD became known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Nero, the final ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty (thank the Gods!), left a power vacuum upon his death. Four men, each with the backing of various powerful factions, vied for leadership. While Galba, Otho, and Vitellius temporarily seized power, it was Vespasian with the backing of the army, who successfully maintained his grip on the throne, ultimately founding the Flavian dynasty.”

6. Vespasian (69 – 79 AD): Vespasian restored stability to Rome after a period of civil war. He initiated the construction of the Colosseum and is known for his economic reforms. He improved Rome in many ways but was remembered mostly for creating a urine tax. He is one of my favourites, mostly because I read the series by Robert Fabbri so I feel like I know him well. His character was expertly brought to life along with Nero, Claudia and Caligula, read my review of the first book here.

7. Titus (79 – 81 AD): Titus, Vespasian’s son, is remembered for his benevolent rule and for overseeing the completion of the Colosseum. He also responded to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii.

8. Domitian (81 – 96 AD): The younger brother of Titus, Domitian’s reign saw authoritarian rule and military campaigns. He also fortified the empire’s borders. He was considered ruthless and was often at odds with the Senate. His 15 year rule was the longest since Tiberius.

9. Trajan (98 – 117 AD):Trajan is celebrated for his military conquests, including the annexation of Dacia. His reign saw the height of the Roman Empire’s territorial extent.

10. Hadrian (117 – 138 AD): Hadrian is known for constructing Hadrian’s Wall in Britain and for his cultural contributions, including the Pantheon in Rome. The Castelo Sant’Angelo in Rome was originally Hadrian and his family’s mausoleum.

11. Antoninus Pius (138 – 161 AD): Antoninus Pius is remembered for his peaceful reign, during which the empire prospered economically and culturally.

12. Marcus Aurelius (161 – 180 AD): A philosopher-emperor, Marcus Aurelius faced the challenges of the Marcomannic Wars while leaving behind his renowned “Meditations.” Check out my post here of my favourite quotes from his Meditations.

13. Commodus (180 – 192 AD): The son of Marcus Aurelius, Commodus’ rule is infamous for his extravagance, cruelty, and erratic behavior. His reign marked a decline in the empire’s stability. If you have ever watched the film “Gladiator” you know who I  mean.

14. Pertinax (193 AD): Pertinax’s brief reign was marked by attempts to restore order and discipline in the Roman military, but it was cut short when he was assassinated.

15. Didius Julianus (193 AD): Julianus briefly became emperor after purchasing the throne at a public auction. His rule was met with public outrage, leading to his downfall.

16. Septimius Severus (193 – 211 AD): Septimius Severus emerged victorious from a period of civil war known as the Year of the Five Emperors. He expanded the imperial borders and reformed the army.

17. Caracalla (198 – 217 AD): Caracalla is remembered for extending Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire and his ambitious building projects, such as the Baths of Caracalla.

18. Macrinus (217 – 218 AD): Macrinus, the first emperor who did not come from the senatorial class, faced various challenges during his short rule, including conflicts with the Parthian Empire.

19. Elagabalus (218 – 222 AD): Elagabalus’ reign was marked by religious controversy, as he introduced the worship of the sun god Elagabal. His rule was characterized by extravagance and controversy.

20. Severus Alexander (222 – 235 AD): The young Severus Alexander’s reign saw relative peace and stability, but it also faced external threats from the Sassanid Empire and Germanic tribes.

21. Maximinus Thrax (235 – 238 AD): Maximinus Thrax, a military commander, became the first emperor who rose from the ranks of the Roman army. His rule was marked by conflicts with the Senate.

22. Gordian I and Gordian II (238 AD): These co-emperors briefly ruled during the Year of the Six Emperors, a period of political instability and civil conflict.

23. Philip the Arab (244 – 249 AD): Philip’s reign saw challenges, including conflicts with the Sassanid Empire and the rise of the soldier-emperor Decius.

24. Decius (249 – 251 AD): Decius implemented policies to restore traditional Roman values and religious practices but faced significant challenges from external threats, including the Goths.

25. Valerian (253 – 260 AD): Valerian’s reign witnessed the capture of the emperor by the Sassanid Persians, marking a significant humiliation for Rome.

26. Gallienus (253 – 268 AD): Gallienus faced numerous crises, including invasions, usurpations, and the fragmentation of the Roman Empire, which weakened central authority.

27. Claudius Gothicus (268 – 270 AD): Claudius Gothicus, a military leader, achieved notable victories against the Goths and helped stabilize the empire during a tumultuous period.

28. Aurelian (270 – 275 AD): Aurelian is remembered for his efforts to reunify the fractured Roman Empire, including the construction of defensive walls around Rome.

29. Tacitus (275 – 276 AD): Tacitus, a seasoned military leader and senator, assumed the role of Emperor in 275 AD. His brief reign was dedicated to restoring stability to the Roman Empire after a period of turmoil. Though his time on the throne was short-lived, Tacitus’s efforts played a role in addressing the challenges facing the empire during this era.

30. Florian (276 AD): Florian succeeded Tacitus but his reign was exceptionally brief, lasting only a few months. He faced opposition and was ultimately overthrown.

31. Probus (276 – 282 AD): Emperor Probus assumed power in 276 AD and is known for his military campaigns to restore stability within the empire. He achieved some successes but was assassinated by his own troops.

32. Carus (282 – 283 AD): Carus briefly ruled the Roman Empire but died under mysterious circumstances while on a military campaign in the East. His sons, Carinus and Numerian, succeeded him.

33. Carinus (283 – 285 AD): Carinus co-ruled with his brother Numerian but is remembered for his cruelty and vices. His reign came to an end when he was killed in battle.

34. Numerian (283 – 284 AD): Numerian briefly ruled alongside his brother Carinus. He mysteriously died during a campaign in Persia, and his death led to the accession of Diocletian.

35. Diocletian (284 – 305 AD): Diocletian’s reign is marked by his efforts to stabilize the empire. He initiated significant administrative reforms and the division of the empire into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. Diocletian abdicated in 305 AD, setting the stage for the rise of his successors. He was responsible for the baths that are right next to Termini train station in Rome, here is a link to their site if you want to learn more.

36. Maximian (286 – 305 AD): Maximian served as co-emperor alongside Diocletian and later as a Western Roman Emperor. He abdicated in 305 AD but briefly returned to power during the Civil War of the Tetrarchs.

37. Constantius Chlorus (293 – 306 AD): Constantius Chlorus was appointed as Caesar under Diocletian and later became Augustus of the Western Roman Empire. He was the father of Constantine the Great.

38. Galerius (305 – 311 AD): Galerius became Augustus of the Eastern Roman Empire after Diocletian’s abdication. His reign saw continued persecution of Christians but eventually led to the Edict of Toleration in 311 AD.

39. Maxentius (306 – 312 AD): Maxentius assumed control of Rome in 306 AD and initially ruled in opposition to other emperors. His reign included the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge against Constantine.

40. Licinius (308 – 324 AD): Licinius co-ruled as Augustus alongside Galerius and later faced conflicts with Constantine. The rivalry between Licinius and Constantine ultimately led to the Roman Empire’s reunification under Constantine’s rule.

41. Constantine the Great (306 – 337 AD): Constantine, one of the most significant emperors in Roman history, played a pivotal role in the rise of Christianity and the reunification of the Roman Empire. He issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious tolerance to Christians, and founded the city of Constantinople as the new Eastern Roman capital. Constantine’s reign marked a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire, and he is often remembered for his conversion to Christianity and his efforts to strengthen and reorganize the empire.

This list provides an overview of Roman emperors from the late 2nd century to the mid-4^th century AD, a period marked by both internal and external challenges to the empire’s stability. Each emperor faced unique circumstances and left a distinct mark on Roman history.

If you made it to the end, well done. That was a lot of people to get through!

My thoughts on being offered the job:

On one hand, the opportunity to wield such immense power and secure a lasting place in history, remembered even after two thousand years, would be a compelling incentive to aspire to the position of Emperor. On the other hand, the reality was far from glamorous. Many Emperors didn’t enjoy long reigns, not due to a voluntary retirement to a private villa on Capri. Assassination was a frequent cause of death for those who ascended to the pinnacle of power, often at the hands of those sworn to protect them.

I would take the job, of course I would! I would surround myself very well paid people, I would increase the Empire’s borders and try to build safe housing for those in Rome. No major tax increases and make sure the army was happy. I think I would survive for a while…

Would you choose to become Emperor? What would you want to change?

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