LIST ROMAN EMPERORS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER - trunking

A Chronological List of Roman Emperors

The Roman Empire, a civilization that dominated Europe for centuries, was ruled by a succession of emperors. From Augustus, who established the imperial system, to Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, these rulers shaped the course of history. This list provides a chronological overview of Roman emperors, offering a glimpse into their reigns and contributions.

The list below encompasses emperors recognized as legitimate rulers of the Roman Empire, including those of both the unified empire and its divided Western and Eastern (Byzantine) halves.

Early Roman Emperors (Principate)

Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD)

Augustus, originally named Octavian, was the adopted son of Julius Caesar and the first Roman Emperor. He established the Principate, a system of governance that maintained the facade of a republic while concentrating power in the hands of the emperor. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and significant infrastructure projects.

Tiberius (14 – 37 AD)

Tiberius succeeded Augustus. His reign was characterized by capable administration but also by a growing sense of paranoia and withdrawal from public life.

Caligula (37 – 41 AD)

Caligula, known for his alleged cruelty, extravagance, and erratic behavior, ruled for a short but infamous period. His assassination led to the rise of Claudius.

Claudius (41 – 54 AD)

Claudius, initially underestimated due to his physical disabilities, proved to be an able administrator and expanded the empire's territory. He was likely poisoned by his wife, Agrippina.

Nero (54 – 68 AD)

Nero's reign was marked by extravagance, political murders, and the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which he allegedly blamed on Christians. His unpopularity led to a revolt and his subsequent suicide. list of violin makers in alphabetical order

The Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD)

Following Nero's death, a period of civil war ensued, with four emperors vying for power in quick succession.

Galba (68 – 69 AD)

Galba, a governor in Spain, was proclaimed emperor but quickly assassinated due to his unpopularity.

Otho (69 AD)

Otho seized power after Galba's death but was defeated by Vitellius and committed suicide. list of zanpakuto

Vitellius (69 AD)

Vitellius, a general, was proclaimed emperor by his troops but was soon overthrown and killed by Vespasian's forces.

Flavian Dynasty

Vespasian (69 – 79 AD)

Vespasian restored order to the empire and founded the Flavian dynasty. He began the construction of the Colosseum.

Titus (79 – 81 AD)

Titus, Vespasian's son, ruled during a period of disasters, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii. lista de codigos sagrados pdf He was known for his generosity and competence.

Domitian (81 – 96 AD)

Domitian, Titus's brother, ruled autocratically and was eventually assassinated by court officials.

The Five Good Emperors

Nerva (96 – 98 AD)

Nerva, chosen by the Senate after Domitian's assassination, adopted Trajan as his heir, initiating a period of stability and good governance.

Trajan (98 – 117 AD)

Trajan, a skilled military leader, expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent. His reign was marked by public works and social programs. Learn more about List of Roman Emperors on Wikipedia.

Hadrian (117 – 138 AD)

Hadrian consolidated the empire's borders and focused on internal development. He built Hadrian's Wall in Britain and promoted the arts and sciences. lista de verbos regulares e irregulares en inglés pdf

Antoninus Pius (138 – 161 AD)

Antoninus Pius ruled during a peaceful and prosperous era. He was known for his wisdom and moderation.

Marcus Aurelius (161 – 180 AD)

Marcus Aurelius, a philosopher-emperor, faced wars and plagues during his reign. His "Meditations" is a classic work of Stoic philosophy.

The Later Emperors (Crisis of the Third Century and Beyond)

The following centuries witnessed a decline in stability, with frequent power struggles and the eventual division of the empire.

(The list continues, but for the sake of brevity, only the early emperors are fully detailed.) Later emperors include Commodus, Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Septimius Severus, Caracalla, Elagabalus, Severus Alexander, Maximinus Thrax, Gordian I-III, Philip the Arab, Decius, Valerian, Gallienus, Claudius Gothicus, Aurelian, Probus, Diocletian, Constantine the Great, and many others. The Western Roman Empire ultimately fell in 476 AD with Romulus Augustulus, while the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) continued for another thousand years.

FAQs

Who was the first Roman Emperor?

Augustus (formerly Octavian) is considered the first Roman Emperor, reigning from 27 BC to 14 AD.

Who was the last Roman Emperor?

Romulus Augustulus was the last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire, deposed in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) continued for many centuries after that.

Who were the "Five Good Emperors"?

The "Five Good Emperors" were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, known for their competence and benevolent rule.

Why did the Roman Empire split?

The Roman Empire was divided primarily due to its size and administrative difficulties, as well as internal strife and external pressures from invading tribes.

How long did the Roman Empire last?

The Roman Empire, from Augustus to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, lasted approximately 500 years. The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) lasted for another thousand years.

Summary

The Roman Empire's long and complex history is reflected in its succession of emperors, each of whom left their mark on the civilization. From the stability of the early Principate to the tumultuous later years, the emperors shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of the Roman world. While the Western Empire eventually crumbled, the legacy of Rome continues to influence our world today.