LIST OF ROMAN EMPERORS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER - trunking

List of Roman Emperors in Chronological Order

The Roman Empire, a civilization that dominated Europe and the Mediterranean for centuries, was ruled by a succession of emperors. Understanding their order provides insight into the empire's evolution, its triumphs, and its eventual decline. This is a list of Roman Emperors in chronological order, starting from Augustus, who is traditionally considered the first emperor.

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty (27 BC – 68 AD)

This dynasty included the immediate successors of Julius Caesar, who established the foundation for the Roman Empire.

• Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD): Adopted son of Julius Caesar; transitioned Rome from a republic to an empire.
• Tiberius (14 AD – 37 AD): Known for his reclusive nature and effective administration.
• Caligula (37 AD – 41 AD): Infamous for his alleged extravagance and tyrannical rule.
• Claudius (41 AD – 54 AD): Expanded the empire and improved infrastructure.
• Nero (54 AD – 68 AD): A controversial figure known for his artistic pursuits and the Great Fire of Rome. list of psychological thriller films

The Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD)

A period of civil war after Nero's death, marking instability and power struggles.

• Galba (68 AD – 69 AD): Short-lived reign marked by unpopular reforms.
• Otho (69 AD): Ruled briefly before committing suicide after defeat in battle.
• Vitellius (69 AD): Known for his gluttony and short reign. list of psychological thriller movies
• Vespasian (69 AD – 79 AD): Established the Flavian dynasty and restored stability.

The Flavian Dynasty (69 AD – 96 AD)

A period of relative stability and prosperity after the turmoil of 69 AD.

• Vespasian (69 AD – 79 AD): Founder of the dynasty, restored order after the civil war. list of running man episodes
• Titus (79 AD – 81 AD): Known for his generosity and handling of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
• Domitian (81 AD – 96 AD): Autocratic rule, later assassinated.

The Nerva-Antonine Dynasty (96 AD – 192 AD)

Considered a golden age of the Roman Empire, characterized by competent and benevolent rulers.

• Nerva (96 AD – 98 AD): Short reign, focused on restoring stability.
• Trajan (98 AD – 117 AD): Military expansion and significant public works.
• Hadrian (117 AD – 138 AD): Consolidated the empire and focused on defense.
• Antoninus Pius (138 AD – 161 AD): Known for his peaceful and prosperous reign. list of sailor moon characters
• Marcus Aurelius (161 AD – 180 AD): Philosopher-emperor, author of "Meditations".
• Lucius Verus (161 AD – 169 AD): Co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius.
• Commodus (180 AD – 192 AD): Reign marked by extravagance and decline in governance.

The Year of the Five Emperors (193 AD)

Another period of civil war after the assassination of Commodus, leading to the rise of the Severan dynasty.

• Pertinax (193 AD): Short reign, assassinated by the Praetorian Guard.
• Didius Julianus (193 AD): Purchased the throne; short-lived reign.
• Septimius Severus (193 AD – 211 AD): Established the Severan dynasty.

The Severan Dynasty (193 AD – 235 AD)

Marked by military expansion and increased influence of the military in politics.

• Septimius Severus (193 AD – 211 AD): Ruthless but effective ruler; strengthened the military.
• Caracalla (211 AD – 217 AD): Granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire.
• Geta (211 AD): Co-emperor with Caracalla; assassinated by his brother.
• Macrinus (217 AD – 218 AD): First emperor from the equestrian class.
• Elagabalus (218 AD – 222 AD): Controversial reign marked by religious eccentricity.
• Alexander Severus (222 AD – 235 AD): Last emperor of the Severan dynasty; assassinated by his own troops.

The Crisis of the Third Century (235 AD – 284 AD)

A period of immense instability, civil war, and barbarian invasions.

• Multiple emperors reigned during this chaotic period, including Maximinus Thrax, Gordian I, Gordian II, Pupienus, Balbinus, Gordian III, Philip the Arab, Decius, Gallus, Aemilianus, Valerian, Gallienus, Claudius Gothicus, Quintillus, and Aurelian.

The Dominate (284 AD – 476 AD/1453 AD)

Diocletian's reforms led to a system of co-emperors and eventually the division of the empire into East and West.

• Diocletian (284 AD – 305 AD): Introduced the tetrarchy system.
• Maximian (286 AD – 305 AD): Co-emperor with Diocletian.
• Constantius Chlorus (305 AD – 306 AD): Father of Constantine the Great.
• Galerius (305 AD – 311 AD): Continued Diocletian's policies.
• Constantine the Great (306 AD – 337 AD): Legalized Christianity and moved the capital to Constantinople.
• Constantius II (337 AD – 361 AD): Son of Constantine the Great.
• Julian (361 AD – 363 AD): Attempted to restore traditional Roman religion.
• Jovian (363 AD – 364 AD): Short reign, restored Christianity.
• Valentinian I (364 AD – 375 AD): Divided the empire into West and East.
• Valens (364 AD – 378 AD): Ruled the Eastern Roman Empire.
• Gratian (375 AD – 383 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Theodosius I (379 AD – 395 AD): Made Christianity the official religion of the empire.

Western Roman Emperors

• Honorius (395 AD – 423 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Valentinian III (425 AD – 455 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Petronius Maximus (455 AD): Short reign.
• Avitus (455 AD – 456 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Majorian (457 AD – 461 AD): Attempted to restore the Western Roman Empire.
• Libius Severus (461 AD – 465 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Anthemius (467 AD – 472 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Olybrius (472 AD): Short reign.
• Glycerius (473 AD – 474 AD): Ruled the Western Roman Empire.
• Julius Nepos (474 AD – 475 AD): Deposed; continued to claim the title until 480 AD.
• Romulus Augustulus (475 AD – 476 AD): Last emperor of the Western Roman Empire.

Eastern Roman Emperors (Byzantine Emperors)

• The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) continued for nearly a thousand years after the fall of the West. Here is a list of Byzantine emperors on Wikipedia

FAQs

Q1: Who was the first Roman Emperor?

A1: Augustus is considered the first Roman Emperor.

Q2: What was the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty known for?

A2: It was known as a golden age of the Roman Empire, characterized by competent and benevolent rulers.

Q3: When did the Western Roman Empire fall?

A3: The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD when Romulus Augustulus was deposed.

Q4: What was the Crisis of the Third Century?

A4: A period of immense instability, civil war, and barbarian invasions within the Roman Empire.

Q5: Who legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire?

A5: Constantine the Great legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Summary

The Roman Empire's history is intricately linked to the reigns of its emperors. From Augustus to Romulus Augustulus, these figures shaped the empire's political, social, and military landscape. Understanding the chronological order of these rulers provides valuable context for comprehending the rise and fall of one of history's most influential civilizations.