Know who the Roman Emperors were

The epic might that ancient Rome wielded for almost five hundred years, until the collapse of the Western Empire in the XNUMXth century AD, remains one of the most fascinating and studied periods in human history, especially for its complicated leaders. Let's get to know the history of the mysterious and eccentric roman emperors.

Who were the Roman Emperors?

Rome expanded into a huge capital ruling over sixty million people in Europe, Africa and Asia, a mighty empire with a wide variety of powerful emperors throughout its history, each with qualities, styles of rule and very particular personalities.

So particular, that the history of the Roman emperors has it all: love, murder, revenge, fear and greed, envy and pride, even a touch of madness. Each of his stories is a roller coaster ride from peace and prosperity to terror and tyranny, especially in the first century.

But why was the first century so turbulent? The answer is simple, one of the great causes is the hereditary rule. For most of this time span, these authority figures were not chosen on the basis of ability or honesty, but simply because they were born into the right family.

That is why the fate of the empire with each Roman Emperor was so uncertain, as many did not have the skills for that position. For every great leader, like Augustus, Claudius and Vespasian, there was a tyrant like Caligula, Nero or Domitian. Only at the end of this period did Rome take the succession into its own hands, selecting people they considered reasonable, intelligent, honest, and in their right minds.

This mighty empire began through violence and relied on force. Generally, the Roman Emperors could only survive if their people believed that they could best everyone. If an army was dissatisfied, the emperor was in trouble, but if the dissatisfaction spread further, he was definitely finished.

The civil war had brought Caesar to power, once in power and without an heir, he adopts Augustus, he was the first to carry out a hereditary succession, but he was not the last. Claudius, for example, set aside his own son in favor of Nero.

With an imperial throne offering untold power and the rules of inheritance always open to interpretation, it's easy to assume that members of the royal family will vie for position, using extreme means if necessary to achieve the outcome that benefits them.

When they were finally on the throne, there was no easy way out, no elections, no term limits, no retirement. It was a job for life, so if an emperor was crazy, he was evil or dangerous, the only solution was to shorten that life and everyone knew it, therefore paranoia reigned.

For many, the sacrifices required to attain the top position were enormous: Tiberius had to divorce the woman he loved for one he did not, Caligula saw most of his family executed or exiled, Claudius was betrayed and then poisoned by the women. that loved.

Although the rewards of power were enormous, that is undeniable, many did not enjoy it after having received it, such is the case of men like Titus, Galba or Vitellius, who barely had time to try on the imperial robes before they died. Actually in the first century, politics could be very dangerous for health.

What was life like for the Roman Emperors?

At the pinnacle of Roman society was the emperor and the patrician classes, although they enjoyed fabulous wealth, power and privilege, these benefits came at a price. As leaders of Rome, dangerous power struggles were inevitable.

His life surrounded by luxury as the absolute ruler of Rome and a huge empire at his disposal, made him the target of excessive ambition. The emperor and his family lived in the manner expected of people of such importance, staying in the best villas, eating the best food, and wearing only magnificent clothes.

Life was luxurious, extravagant and indulgent, the emperor's relatives could spend their days enjoying their favorite pastimes, such as music, poetry, hunting and horse racing, without major obligations.

Even so, it was not an easy life, they were surrounded by constant intrigues, especially since the succession of the Roman Emperors was not strictly hereditary, the throne could pass to brothers, stepchildren or even favored courtiers, but any heir had to be approved beforehand. by the Senate.

This definitely triggered constant political intrigue in the palaces, as potential heirs and their families always needed to put their name on the table, gain allies, make their claim, and rush for position.

Therefore, the Roman Emperors had to keep a constant eye on their rivals, which included members of their own family, and pay more attention to political factions within the Senate. In many cases securing his position would require treason, backstabbing and even murder. This was definitely a very stressful life, in which only the strongest and most determined could survive.

the patricians

Just below the Roman Emperors and their relatives, we find the patricians. The term patrician It comes from the Latin fathers, which means parents. The patrician families dominated Rome and its empire, as they were political, religious and military leaders of the empire.

Most patricians were wealthy landowners from old families, but the class was open to a select few who had been deliberately promoted by the emperor.

Children born into these families received an extensive education, usually from a private tutor who was responsible for introducing them to the subjects that sophisticated nobles must handle, for their future careers. Subjects such as poetry, literature, history and geography, some mythology, and major languages such as Greek.

Oratory and law lessons were an essential part of a good education in ancient Rome, as most young patricians would go on to careers in politics and government, being aspects of great importance to any of these professions. Although many of the patrician family groups also expected their descendants to help carry on the old priesthoods.

They really had a privileged position only in some aspects, for example, their members were exempt from some military duties expected of other citizens and had the opportunity to become emperors.

But having an option to the throne attracted great dangers, they could be involved in palace intrigues that sometimes ended up destroying their position and their comfortable life, they could easily lose their home, their lands and even their lives, if they were on the losing side.

But apart from conspiracies and politics, both the royal and patrician families had very little royal responsibilities and were left with a relatively comfortable and charming life, compared to the other inhabitants of Rome in that troubled time.

A long list of Roman Emperors

The Roman emperors are said to have been the most powerful rulers who ever lived, a complicated mix of wise, peaceful, visionary, brutal and insane men, who for more than five centuries ruled a multi-ethnic empire that was almost always at war with nations. neighboring or rebellious factions within the empire itself.

The full scope of their power was not listed or specified in constitutional law, a fact that led many of these figures to overreach, with disastrous results. In addition, the lack of clear rules regarding the succession caused the violent death of the majority.

However, when viewed as a whole, the Roman emperors served as a figurehead that provided some stability to a kingdom that spanned three continents, covered more than 32 modern nation-states, and was home to a population of nearly sixty million people worldwide. the height of its prosperity.

Roman history is a mixture of later compiled eyewitness accounts, some archaeological remains, and inscriptions on monuments and coins.

Certainly many of the available contemporary accounts are not necessarily completely trustworthy, since the greatest political rivals of the Roman emperors were usually members of the Senate, who were probably also the ones who wrote history.

This indicates that many scathing accounts of the conduct of the Roman emperors may be quite biased or ill-intentioned, so they should be read with caution and somehow misguided.

History tells us that a considerable number of Roman emperors led the expansion of the territory, very famous and renowned characters, whose bloody battles and gruesome stories have now become the stuff of legends.

We present you a list of the Roman Emperors known until now, influential and notorious leaders who held the iconic empire under their power through the centuries:

Roman emperors of the XNUMXst century

Augustus (Augustus): 31 a. c.-14 d. c.
Tiberius (Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus): 14-37 AD c.
Caligula (Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus): 37-41 AD c.
Claudius (Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus): 41–54 AD c.
Nero (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus): 54-68 AD c.
Galba (Servius Sulpicius Galba): 68–69 AD c.
Otto (Marcus Salvius Otto): January–April 69 AD
Aulus Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius): July–December 69 AD
Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasian):69-79 AD c.
Titus (Titus Flavius Vespasian) 79-81 AD c.
Domitian (Titus Flavius Domitian): 81-96 AD c.
nerve (Nerva Caesar Augustus): 96-98 AD

XNUMXnd Century Roman Emperors

Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Trayanus): 98-117 AD c.
Hadrian (Caesar Trayanus Adrianus Augustus): 117-138 AD c.
Antoninus Pius (Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boyonius Antoninus): 138-161 AD c.
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus): 161-180 AD c.
Lucius Verus (Lucius AureliusVerus): 161-169 AD c.
comfortable (Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus): 177-192 AD c.
Pertinax (Publius Helvius Pertinax): January–March 193 AD
Didius Julian (Marcus Didius Severus Julianus): March–June 193 AD
Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus): 193-211 AD c.

XNUMXrd Century Roman Emperors

Caracalla (LuCius Septimius Bassianus):198-217 AD c.
Geta (Publius Septimius Geta):209-211 AD
Macrinus (Marcus Opellius Macrinus):217-218 dC
Heliogábalo (Varius Avitus Basianus): 218-222 dC
Alexander Severus (Severus alexander): 222-235 AD c.
Maximin the Thracian (Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus): 235-238 AD c.
Gordian I (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus): March–April 238 AD c.
Gordian II (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus): March–April 238 AD. c.
Pupiene (pupienus maximus): April 22 to July 29, 238 AD. c.
Balbinus (Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus):from April 22 to July 29, 238 AD. c.
Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Pius):238–244 AD c.
Philip (Marcus Julius Philippus):244–249 AD c.
Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius):249-251 AD c.
Hostilian (Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus): 251 AD
Gallus (Gaius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus): 251-253 AD c.
Emilian (Marcus Aemilus Aemilianus): 253 AD
Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus): 253-260 AD c.
Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus): 253-268 AD c.
Claudius II (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Claudius Augustus Gothicus); 268-270 AD
quintillus (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus):270 AD
Aurelian (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Augustus): 270-275 AD c.
Tacitus (Marcus Claudius Tacitus Augustus):275-276 AD c.
Florian (Marcus Annius Florianus Augustus): June–September AD 276
tried (Marcus Aurelius Probus): 276-282 AD c.
Expensive (Marcus Aurelius Carus): 282-283 AD c.
Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerian Numerian): 283-284 AD c.
Dear (Marcus Aurelius Carinus): 283-285 AD c.
Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus Augustus):east, 284-305 AD eastern part of the empire) and Maximian (286-305 AD western part of the empire)

XNUMXth Century Roman Emperors

Constantius I (Flavius Valerius Constantius): west, 305-306 AD c.
Gallery (Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximian): east, 305-311 AD c.
Severus (Flavius Valerius Severus): west, 306-307 AD c.
Maxentius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius): west, 306-312 AD c.
Constantine I (Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantine): AD 306–337 succeeded in reunifying the empire.
Maximino Daya (Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus):310-313 AD
Licinius (Flavius Galerius Valerius Licinianus Licinius): 308-324 AD c.
Constantine I (Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantine): 324 – 337 AD
Constantine II (Flavius Claudius Constantine): 337-340 AD c.
Constantius II (Flavius Julius Constantius Augustus): 337-361 AD c.
Constant I (Constant Flavio Julio):337-350 AD c.
Constantius Gallus (Flavius Claudius Constantius Gallus): 351–354 AD C
Julian (Flavius Claudius Iulianus):361–363 AD c.
Jovian (Flavius Claudius Iovianus): 363–364 AD c
Valentinian I (Flavius Valentinianus): west, 364-375 AD c.
Valent (Flavius Julius Valens): east, 364–378 AD c.
Gratian (Flavius Gracianus Augustus): west, AD 367-383 and co-emperor with Valentinian I.
Valentinian II (Flavius Valentinianus Junior): AD 375–392 and was crowned as a child.
Theodosius I (Dominus Noster Flavius Theodosius Augustus): east, AD 379–392, later east and west, AD 392–395
Arcadius (Flavius Arcadius Augustus): co-emperor in the east, between AD 383 and 395 and sole emperor between AD 395 and 402
Great Clement Maximus (Magnus Maximus): west, 383–388 AD c.
Honorius (Flavius Honorius Augustus): co-emperor in the west, AD 393–395 and sole emperor between AD 395–423

XNUMXth Century Roman Emperors

Theodosius II (Flavius Theodosius): east, 408–450 AD c.
Constantius III (Flavius Constantius): west, AD 421, was co-emperor.
Valentinian III (Flavius Placidius Valentinianus): west, 425–455 AD c.
Martian (Marcian): Eastern Rome between 450 and 457 AD. c.
Petronius Maximus (Petronius Maximus): west, March 17 to May 31, AD 455
Avito (Dominus Noster Eparchius Avitus Augustus): emperor of the west between 455–456 AD and Bishop of Placencia, C.)
Majorian (Flavius Julius Valerius Maiorianus Augustus): west, 457–461 AD c.
Severus Libyan (Libius Severus): west, 461–465 AD c.
Anthemius (Procopius Anthemius Augustus): west, in the period between 467 and 472 AD. c.
Olibri (Flavius Anicius Olybrius): emperor of the west, from April to November 472 AD. c.
Glicerio (Glycerius): western empire, 473–474 AD. c.
Julius Nepos (Flavius Iulius Nepos Augustus): ruled the west, between 474–475 AD. c.
Romulus Augustulus (Flavius Momyllus Romulus Augustulus) - Ruled the west of the empire between 475 and 476 AD. c.
Leo I: (east, 457–474 AD)
Leo II (east, 474 AD)
Zeno (Eastern, AD 474–491, Eastern Rome)

Roman Emperors who marked history

As you can see, the list of men who were on the throne is as long as the vast empire they ruled and although all of them will be remembered throughout history for the simple fact of being emperors, some were definitely very important in ancient times.

Each one recognized for their particular style to lead a very varied and extensive Roman Empire, they are present in books and stories as protagonists of an interesting and captivating time for those who love history. We are going to meet the most famous Roman Emperors, although not all of them for their righteousness and benevolence:

Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD)

Actually his name was Octavio, but during the long civil wars that extinguished the Roman Republic, in which he participated defeating one rival after another and becoming the undisputed strongman of the expanding empire, he called himself AugustToday was the first emperor of Rome.

He was the adopted son of Julius Caesar and obtained the position as leader of Rome after winning a deadly battle against Marco Antonio and Cleopatra, being the one who ruled the great Roman empire between 27 a. C. and 14 d. c.

Augustus Caesar became a benevolent leader, ushering in a period of solidity, known as the Pax Romana, which he maintained through strict military control over the territory.

In addition to claiming and conquering land in Europe and Asia Minor, Augustus expanded roads and highways keeping the empire connected, built aqueducts, and commissioned countless pieces of architecture and sculpture. He even named a month after him, none other than August! He is considered one of the best Roman Emperors.

Tiberius (14 – 37 AD)

The notorious leader Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus was Augustus' successor, ruling Rome from AD 14 to 37. Considered one of the most important generals of the empire, adopted by Augustus after marrying Livia Drusilla, his mother.

During his years of reign he was cataloged as a miserable and paranoid man, who assumed the role of Emperor and husband of the daughter of Augustus, forced, making Rome and their marriage very unhappy.

Early in his leadership he was known for his talents as a military commander and a diligent administrator, but in the years that followed, it is said that after the death of his son, he became a cruel and harsh dictator, mistreating and murdering many of his followers. senators.

He retired to the island of Capri, in a kind of self-exile, some say he lived a strange and lonely life of sexual debauchery, although others believe it was rumors spread by enemies. Tiberius passed away in March 37 AD and expressed that his Empire be ruled by Caligula and Tiberius Twin.

Caligula (37 – 41 AD)

Gaius Caesar or Caligula is remembered as a tyrannical emperor, one of the most fickle and dangerous among the Roman Emperors, with a life of excess and folly. He got the full power of the Roman Empire once he got rid of Tiberius Twin.

But he only ruled for four years, a fairly short period spanning AD 37-41, as he was brutally assassinated. However, he had already left enough macabre stories to fill a history book.

This character claimed extraordinary powers, comparing himself to a divinity, which gave him the power to commit murder, ruthless and libertine acts, plunging Rome into deep terror and uncertainty.

Caligula was characterized by his unstable, self-indulgent, and ridiculous nature, announcing projects such as building a three-mile-long floating bridge across the modern Bay of Naples so he could ride on it, beheading statues, and replacing the missing part with his bust. or appoint his own horse consul.

He is considered the most deranged of all the Roman Emperors, who executed numerous people indiscriminately and sent his army on absurd maneuvers. But, we don't know if his crimes were exaggerated by the ancient sources or he really was a tormented man who spread terror in the Roman empire.

Claudius (41 – 54 AD)

Claudius, who was underestimated by many, was named Caligula's successor at the whim of the imperial guards, however, some sources indicate that it is possible that he participated in the conspiracy that ended Caligula's life and arranged everything for his ascent to the throne. .

Whatever route he used to rise to power, his reign was surprisingly successful among the Roman Emperors thus far, even though he had a number of physical ailments from birth, including spastic paralysis and epilepsy, which led many to suppose that he could not become Emperor.

His family kept him hidden, but in seclusion Claudius became a remarkable scholar, with knowledge in different areas such as history and politics, which would make him an excellent leader between 41 and 54 AD.

It really came as a surprise to everyone, ingenious and intelligent, he successfully led one of the most important military invasions of the first century, the conquest of Great Britain. Worthy of admiration and homage with a triumphal arch on the Via Flaminia that leads from Rome to Ariminuma, on his return.

His time in government was a time of prosperity, development and growth in all areas, he was respected by his army and loved by the townspeople, for which he earned a well-deserved place in history.

Claudius discovered different conspiracies during his tenure and many senators were executed. But the conspiracy that put an end to his life came from his closest circle and although there is no certainty about his identity, the blame falls on the Locusta slave; the taster, Haloto; his physician, Xenophon or Agrippina, his wife and mother of Nero, adopted son and successor of Claudius.

Nero (54 – 68 AD)

Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus ascended the throne when he was just 17 years old, he was noted for his interest in the arts and architecture, commissioning a number of magnificent buildings and sculptures.

He lowered tax rates and ordered public games to be held every five years, however that was for a short time, soon things took a turn for the worse and he began executing anyone who dared to disagree with him, even his own. mother.

When much of Rome burned down, some speculated that he started the fire, particularly when he ordered a hundred-acre new palace to be erected in its place, with a statue of him, nearly a hundred feet tall, right in the center. . The extravagant figure was called the Colossus of Nero.

Nero was the fifth Roman Emperor, stepson and heir to Emperor Claudius, who became famous for his debauchery, personal extravagance, the burning of Rome, and the persecution of Christians. But quite apart from that, he focused his mandate on diplomacy, trade and strengthening culture in this vast empire.

This emperor was the victim of a coup orchestrated by several governors, which apparently forced him to commit suicide. However, some ancient stories are reasons for discussion and disagreement, since it is difficult to verify how real these implausible stories are.

Galba (68 – 69 AD)

Galba, in full Latin Servio Galba César Augusto, whose original name was Servio Sulpicius Galba, was born on December 24 of the year 3 before Christ and was the maximum leader of the Roman Empire for seven months, remembered for his rectitude in the administration, but by a circle of malicious and corrupt advisers.

Galba was the son of the consul Gaius Sulpicius Galba and Mummia Achaica, who, as you can imagine, was born and raised in a family of great wealth and ancient lineage, which enjoyed the favor of the emperors, especially Augustus and Tiberius.

He began his career at a young age and was appointed consul, governor of Germania, and proconsul of Africa. He participated in and provoked the uprising and rebellion against Nero, believing that the emperor was planning his assassination, he accepted an invitation from Gaius Julius Vindex, the governor of Lugdunensis in Gaul, to lead the revolt.

He then recruited an additional new legion and gained a large following in many other regions of the empire, encouraged the imperial guard, the notorious Praetorian Guard to defect and betray Nero for a large reward. With a large number of allies, they managed to depose Nero who, in June 68, committed suicide.

Accompanied by Otto, the governor of Lusitania, Galba marched on Rome and was proclaimed emperor by the Senate. In his short tenure he was not a very popular emperor, as he tried to curtail Nero's extravagant spending, he ordered the execution of troops recruited by the former emperor, as well as those of various opponents.

His bad relationship with the army triggered disagreements and rebellions, being betrayed by one of his allies, he was assassinated in the Roman Forum on January 15, 69 AD by Camurius, a soldier of the Legio XV Primigenia. Days later who would relieve him in power, Pisón, was assassinated.

Otto (January – April 69 AD)

Marcos Otón César Augusto, who was known as Otón, was born in the year 32 AD. C, he was an emperor who was in power for a very few months, from January to April 69, the year in which the empire had four emperors.

He was part of Nero's circle and was also known for being cruel and eccentric, however, that friendship ended when the emperor decided to make his wife fall in love.

Exiled as governor of the province of Lusitania, he remained very moderate for ten years, saving his grudge against Nero for the appropriate time, and in AD 68 the opportunity came.

He was an ally of Galba and Nero was driven to suicide. But when he did not name his heir to the throne, he betrayed him and bribed the legions to rebel and assassinate him. Once in power he decided to put an end to the Germanic revolution and embarked on a series of battles. After some bad decisions, he decided to commit suicide in his tent.

Aulus Vitellius (July – December 69 AD)

Aulus Vitellius Germanicus was born in AD 15. C. and was the last of the three successors of Nero, in the same year. Vitellius ruled the Roman Empire from April 17 to December 22, 69 AD, after the death of Otto.

He was the son of the politician Lucius Vitellius, who was consul three times and his son Aulus followed in his footsteps becoming consul in 48 AD. C. and proconsul of Africa in 61. The new emperor, Galba, appointed him imperial governor of Lower Germany in 68.

The troops in Germany did not sympathize with Galba and this was very beneficial for Vitellius, who behaved complacent and generous, so that in January 69 his men named him emperor and the troops of Upper Germany, as well as a large part of the leaders from Spain, Gaul and Great Britain decided to join his side.

He led his troops into Italy, but Galba had been executed and Vitellius' armies clashed with the forces of his successor, Otto, at Bedriacum. The forces of the then leader and ruler Otto were defeated and he took his own life on April 16.

Vitellius was recognized by the Senate and without hesitation replaced the Praetorian Guard with his troops, but did nothing to win Otto's troops and those from elsewhere in his domain as allies, leading him to face revolts and invasions. In December of the same year he was violently assassinated in the attack of Vespasian's army on Rome.

Vespasian (69 – 79 AD)

Titus Flavius Vespasian was the leader of the Flavian dynasty and ruled the Roman Empire from AD 69 to 79, working hard to restore Rome to its former glory after Nero's wasteful reign and instability in the months following his death.

He focused on recovering discipline and order in the empire, as well as its fortune, with his fiscal reforms. It can be affirmed that it was a successful management, which achieved the consolidation of the Roman Empire, political stability and a vast construction program.

He is described as a decent and moral man, with a simple life, who invested a lot of money in improving public life, creating roads, public spaces, toilets, restoring the capitol and building prominent buildings such as the Temple of Peace and the imposing Colosseum.

With the same intention of stabilization, he devoted himself to military affairs and his first task was to restore discipline to the armies after the events of 68 and 69. Vespasian cultivated a rough style, characteristic of the humble origins that he liked to remember .

He is remembered for his great capacity for work and the simplicity of his daily life, which was definitely a model for the contemporary aristocracy. But that did not detract from his cunning and ambition, he founded a powerful party early on and many of his initial appointments were due to nepotism or a desire to reward past service.

The policies of his reign were sensible and very formal, bearing no resemblance or relation to the management of previous or later emperors such as Trajan or Hadrian. However, it can be said that Vespasian prevented the dissolution of the Roman Empire by ending the civil war, so pax, or civil peace, is one of the main characteristics of his management.

He died due to intestinal inflammation at the age of 69. After his death he was immediately granted deification.

Trajan (98 – 117 AD)

Emperor Trajan had a significant impact on Rome's landmass, greatly expanding its borders into the eastern areas of Dacia, Arabia, and Armenia. At the time of his death, the empire was significantly larger than it had been before.

On the other hand, he also organized an important construction program, leaving a series of relevant works to this day, for example, the Forum of Trajan, the Market of Trajan and the Column of Trajan.

Hadrian (117 – 138 AD)

Hadrian's rule was marked by a period of stability and peace, his empire respected and loved him, so much so that he was nicknamed the king of the people. He visited all the provinces of Rome in an attempt to connect with the public, traveling and living with his military troops.

He was a canny negotiator, suppressing the Jewish revolt of 130-136 AD and withdrawing army troops from many trouble spots, including Iraq.

He was a great leader and will be remembered for many successes and for works such as the construction of Hadrian's Wall, a limit that marks the Roman Empire in the north of England, he also directed the construction of the Pantheon and the Temple of Venus and Rome.

Before being named Trajan's successor as Roman Emperor, Hadrian spent time in Athens which encouraged his interest in Hellenic culture. After becoming emperor in 117, Hadrian sponsored public works projects in Athens and gave the Greeks equal representation in Rome.

Marcus Aurelius (161 – 180 AD)

Marcus Aurelius came from a prominent Roman family, his paternal grandfather twice serving as consul, and his maternal grandmother the heiress to one of the largest Roman fortunes. Marcus married his cousin Annia Galeria Faustina, the daughter of Emperor Antoninus Pius, and they had nearly a dozen children, including Commodus, Marcus Aurelius's successor.

Representing and inspired by the concept of "Platonic King" from Plato's Republic text, Marcus Aurelius believed that a true leader should put his own needs before those of his people.

Although his intervention was necessary to defend the Roman territory in the Marcomannic Wars, he was essentially a peaceful man and lived the Stoic Philosophy. In his later years, he composed a series of essays entitled Meditations, which outlined lessons on how to be wise and honorable.

These days Marcus Aurelius is known as the last of the five good emperors and his rule as the Golden Age of the Roman Empire. He chose as his successor his only surviving child, Commodus.

Commodus (177 – 192 AD)

Considered a conflicted and evil man in stark contrast to his peaceful father Marcus Aurelius, this emperor went down in history as the cruelest Emperor of Rome. Spoiled and indulgent, he designed himself as an omnipotent Gladiator who enjoyed killing for sport, imitating Hercules by wearing a lion's skin.

However he deliberately chose battles with competitors who were weak and helpless, knowing that he would win, arrogant and eccentric he went so far as to change his name to Hercules and attempted to be named after a living god.

His reckless behavior led Rome to financial ruin and civil war, causing a chain reaction that ultimately brought the entire Empire to collapse.

Septimius Severus (193 – 211 AD)

A man of the army, Septimius was the founder of the Severan dynasty, reigning from 193 to 211 AD He was an important general of African descent, who transformed the Roman army, managing to recruit recruits and form a larger army, where soldiers received higher salaries and the right to marry.

With a larger army he was unstoppable, expanding the Roman Empire to an astonishing 5 million square kilometers, the largest it had ever been. He also built the Arc de Triomphe in the Roman Forum and the Septizodium in Rome.

Caracalla (198 – 217 AD)

He was a cruel, implacable and ruthless leader, eldest son of Septimius Severus. His ambition and his self-centeredness led to a growing rivalry with his younger brother Geta, a conflict that worsened when Severus was killed while campaigning in Britain in 211.

Caracalla, soon to be twenty-three years old, suddenly rose from second to first place in the empire. Both he and his younger brother inherited the throne together, and despite all his mother's attempts to reconcile them, Caracalla finally killed Geta, in the arms of Julia herself,

There is no doubt about the savage brutality of Caracalla's act, it was not enough for him to kill his brother in front of his mother, but it erased all traces of his memory of coins, paintings and other memories. This is enough to deduce the type of leader that Rome should support, although many say that between the two brothers there was no glimpse of a solution that would have been moral and feasible at the same time.

He ruled Rome for almost two decades, his main achievements being the colossal baths in Rome and Edict 212 granting Roman citizenship to all free people in the Roman Empire, which some believe was a callous move to collect more taxes. He followed the style of Alexander the Great and attempted to win a war against the Parthians, but lost his life in the process.

Caracalla, whose reign contributed to the decline of the empire, has often been regarded as one of the bloodiest tyrants in Roman history.

Maximin the Thracian (235 – 238 AD)

Cayo Julio Vero Maximino is remembered as one of the most corpulent and strongest Roman emperors of all time, the stories tell that he was about 2.6 meters tall.

In his youth that size and brute strength gave him an advantage in the Roman army, rising rapidly through the ranks, until he finally became Roman Emperor in 235 AD.

It was said that the Roman Senate did not agree with his brutal barbarism, but he inspired too much fear to challenge him. His origin was simple, that of a lower-class provincial, he had no training, except what he obtained in his military career, therefore, his ability to govern was questioned, cataloging his management as the beginning of the crisis of the XNUMXrd century.

Maximino began as a simple soldier of the legions in the command of Septimius Severus, remaining in the same position until Alexander Severus promoted him as leader of the Legio IV Italica, made up mainly of recruits from Pannonia.

Disgust reigned among the legionnaires, due to the payments made by the emperor to the Alamanni and also because this prevented the armed clash. They rebelled, murdered the young emperor and his mother, appointing the Thracian as the new ruler.

The Praetorian Guard cheered him on, and the Senate had no choice but to approve the decision, even against his will. A peasant, who later became a soldier, rose to the throne to the discontent of the senators. However, thanks to his brute force and military prowess, he eventually won the ongoing dispute with the Germanic tribes at the time, earning him the grand title of Germanicus Maximus.

Around the year 238, while Maximinus was engaged in a cruel war in Pannonia against the Dacians and the Sarmatians, a group of landowners in Africa, dissatisfied with the imperial taxes, rebelled and murdered their tax collectors, it was a great uprising in the region that resulted in the proclamation of a new Sempronian Gordian emperor, who was accepted by the senate almost immediately.

However, the uprising was suppressed by the governor of Numidia, the new emperor's son was killed in battle, and the new leader committed suicide. But the Roman Senate cleverly used the revolt as an excuse to depose Maximinus and recognize the late Gordianus.

They then rushed to hear the news of his death to proclaim two new emperors, Pupienus and Balbinus, who prevented the return of the Thracian, being trapped in the city of Aquileia. When hunger and want tormented the troops, they mutinied and murdered Maximinus and his son.

Valerian (253 – 260 AD)

The emperor Valerian ruled Rome during the crisis of the third century. At the time the foreign invasion threatened the security of Rome, it was a great crisis and Valerian shared the throne with his son Gallienus in an attempt to reestablish control of the empire.

He took the east side and left the west to his son. In history he is remembered as the first emperor captured and taken prisoner, a situation that occurred after the battle of Edessa, against the Persian king Shapur.

He was a slave and was in this condition for a long time, serving as a human footstool for King Shapur. It is said in ancient accounts that he was killed by the Persians, who forced him to swallow liquid gold.

Gallienus (260 – 2680 AD)

The son of Valeriano who ruled with his father from 253 to 260 AD, took exclusive charge of the throne after his father's death, during a period that spanned from 260 to 268 AD, in the middle of the crisis of the third century , where emperors hardly held power for long.

His image as a weak and timid man haunted him, even as he fought to protect Rome from a series of invasions. The Roman people rebelled and an uprising attempted to remove Gallienus from the throne, while a series of successors tried to take his place, known as The Thirty Tyrants.

But before the plots caused a suspicious death, he found his strength, repelling a new invasion of the Goths and defeating the Alemanni. He gave his subjects a sense of being able to maintain order and control, even as uprisings and revolts throughout the empire were constant.

This emperor was really skillful trying to maintain control of the Roman Empire in such difficult times, defeating invasions and quelling rebellions, however, he was never able to unify it, much less promote and encourage its greatness in other areas such as culture, except in some periods of relative peace. He was killed by his soldiers.

Constantine the Great (306 – 337 AD)

Constantine the Great brought about dramatic changes to the empire that would forever alter the course of its history. He fought during the previous tetrarchy that put four leaders in charge of the huge and difficult landmass, taking sole control for himself, after his troops proclaimed it.

In a rather unexpected turn of events, he accepted Christianity as the dominant religion of Roman society and founded a new Christian-led and -ruled imperial capital in Byzantium that would bear his name, Constantinople. This action would eventually divide the Roman Empire forever.

In addition, he changed and renewed the court, the laws and the way the army was structured and organized. He promulgated some regulations that improved life in the empire in a certain way, here are some:

Tax collectors who committed abuses and outrages on the amounts collected were punished with capital punishment.
The kidnapping of girls was prohibited.
Better treatment was given to prisoners, who should not remain in absolute darkness during their sentence, giving them the right to see the light.
Crucifixion was replaced by hanging as the death penalty.
Eliminated Gladiator games.
The celebration of Easter was no longer prohibited and could be held in public.

Constantine II (337 – 340 AD)

The son of Constantine the Great who ruled between AD 306 and 337, he received the title of Caesar from his father in March 317. When Constantine the Great died in 337, Constantine II and his brothers, Constans and Constantius II, they divided the roman empire between them and each took the title of augustus.

Constantine II became ruler of Britain, Gaul and Spain, he was always in the care of his younger brother, but when he came of age, Constantine II claimed Italy and Africa, in early 340, he unexpectedly invaded Italy.

But upon entering Aquileia, Constantine II was met by the vanguard of Constans's army and was killed in battle. His brother took control of those states that he ruled.

Constantius Gallus (351 – 354 AD)

Gallus, born in Etruria, was ruler of the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, with the title of Caesar, between AD 351 and 354. Ancient accounts of this period indicate that Gallus' reign in Antioch was tyrannical.

Son of Julius Constantius and half brother of Constantine the Great, he received a strict Christian education. Constantius II proclaimed him Caesar in Sirmium in 351, and also arranged for Gallus to marry his sister Constance.

But his excessively strict and solitary upbringing made him severe, tactless and harsh. He established a complete system of espionage among his subjects and executed several people on suspicion of treason. He also harshly and successfully suppressed the revolts in Palestine and Isauria, also keeping the Persians out of his dominions.

His subordinates sent generally unfavorable and in some cases false reports to Constantius, who requested Gallus' presence in Constantinople, withdraw his privileges, strip him of his powers, and finally execute him.

Constantius II (337 – 361 AD)

Flavius Julius Constantius was born in 317, the son of Constantine the Great and emperor from 337 to 361 AD. Initially he shared power with his two brothers, Constantine II and Constans I, but was sole ruler from 353 to 361.

After the death of their brother Constantine II in his attempt to dispossess Constantine I of his kingdom, the two brothers were left to rule the vast Roman Empire, however, in 350 AD Constantine was assassinated by Magnentius.

Constantius II did not accept the usurper and they clashed in several battles for power, before several humiliating defeats Magnentius committed suicide and the son of Constantine the Great was left as the only regent.

This emperor carried out several very successful military campaigns, but he did not die in battle, he became ill and died culminating in the year 361 and named his only cousin and rival, Julian as successor to the throne.

Romulus Augustus (475 – 476 AD)

Romulus Augustus was known in the history of the western Roman emperors as the one who closed this cycle of leaders. Although he was considered a usurper and a puppet, he was not recognized as a legitimate ruler by the Eastern Emperor.

Romulus was the son of the general of the western empire, Orestes. His original surname was Augustus, but he changed it to the diminutive because he was still a child when his father, after expelling the Western Emperor Julius Nepos from Italy, elevated him to the throne on October 31, 475.

Orestes ruled Italy for about a year on behalf of his son, but eventually his troops and an alliance of Heruli, Scyri, and Torcilingios mutinied and found a leader in the German warrior Odoacer. Odoacer's forces captured and executed Orestes on August 28, 476.

Romulus, however, was spared due to his youth, he was captured by Odoacer and some accounts indicate that he retired to Campania, a region of southern Italy. It is unknown what his life would be like in later years, but it is claimed that he survived until the rule of Theodoric (493-526 AD).

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