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Fan of the Roman Empire? Tried the Roman Emperors quiz yet? Here are the first 10 answers – the first 10 Roman emperoros.
1. Augustus (31 BC to AD 14)
Augustus, born Gaius Octavius Thurinus, became the first Roman Emperor and founder of the Roman Empire after the fall of the Roman Republic. He rose to power after the assassination of Julius Caesar, his great-uncle and adoptive father. Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, a decisive victory that led to his sole control over Rome. His reign ushered in the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability throughout the empire. Augustus reformed the military, government, and legal systems, strengthening Rome’s imperial foundation. He ruled with great political acumen, maintaining the appearance of a republic while holding absolute power.
Interesting Fact:
Augustus was given the title ‘Princeps’, meaning “first citizen”, and although he wielded immense power, he was careful to maintain the image of being a servant of the state rather than an autocrat.
2. Tiberius (AD 14 to 37)
Tiberius, the stepson of Augustus, succeeded him as Emperor. His reign, though initially promising, became marked by paranoia and mistrust. Tiberius was a capable military leader, having expanded the Roman Empire’s borders, but his rule became increasingly despotic as he withdrew from Rome and ruled from the island of Capri. His later years saw a series of treason trials and executions of perceived enemies. Tiberius’ reign is often remembered for its oppressive atmosphere, as well as his complex and sometimes cold personality.
Interesting Fact:
Tiberius was a reluctant emperor and reportedly disliked the role, preferring a quiet life away from the political spotlight.
3. Caligula (AD 37 to 41)
Caligula, born Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the third emperor of Rome and is infamous for his eccentricity and cruelty. Initially, his reign was welcomed by the people, as he promised reforms and alleviated taxes. However, his reign quickly descended into tyranny. Caligula became known for his erratic behavior, including appointing his horse Incitatus as a consul, and he was rumored to have been involved in various acts of cruelty and debauchery. His reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by his own guards.
Interesting Fact:
Caligula was one of the few emperors to be assassinated by members of the Roman Senate, who conspired against him due to his increasingly tyrannical rule.
4. Claudius (AD 41 to 54)
Claudius, the uncle of Caligula, became emperor after the assassination of his predecessor. Despite being considered an unlikely emperor due to his physical disabilities and perceived weakness, Claudius proved to be an able and efficient ruler. He expanded the Roman Empire significantly, most notably by conquering Britain in AD 43. Claudius also implemented significant administrative reforms, improving the legal and governmental systems. His reign was marked by both progress and intrigue, as he was often surrounded by ambitious relatives and advisors.
Interesting Fact:
Claudius is believed to have been poisoned by his fourth wife, Agrippina the Younger, who sought to elevate her son Nero to the throne.
5. Nero (AD 54 to 68)
Nero, the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, is remembered for his extravagant and often ruthless rule. His reign began with relative peace, but it soon descended into tyranny. Nero became infamous for his lavish lifestyle, the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64 (which some believed he started), and his persecution of Christians. He was an artistic patron and even performed publicly, but his political mismanagement led to widespread discontent. Nero’s reign ended in rebellion, and he became the first Roman emperor to commit suicide.
Interesting Fact:
Nero was the first Roman emperor to actively persecute Christians, blaming them for the Great Fire of Rome, which led to widespread executions.
6. Galba (AD 68 to 69)
Galba became emperor during the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors, following the death of Nero. A former general, Galba was initially seen as a stabilizing force after Nero’s reign. However, his short rule was marked by his harsh policies and inability to secure loyalty from the army and the people. He faced numerous uprisings and was eventually assassinated by his own guards, marking the swift end of his reign. Despite his brief time in power, Galba’s death set the stage for the rise of Otho and Vitellius.
Interesting Fact:
Galba’s unpopularity was due to his severe taxation and the execution of many of Nero’s supporters, making his reign both controversial and short-lived.
7. Otho (AD 69)
Otho was one of the claimants to the throne during the Year of the Four Emperors. Originally a supporter of Galba, Otho led a revolt against him after Galba’s unpopularity became too great. Otho quickly seized the throne but found himself facing a rival, Vitellius. In the ensuing civil war, Otho was defeated and, rather than face capture, he committed suicide after just three months in power. His reign was the shortest of any Roman emperor, lasting only 95 days.
Interesting Fact:
Otho is often remembered for his noble suicide, choosing to end his life rather than be captured or face civil war destruction.
8. Vitellius (AD 69)
Vitellius was another emperor who claimed the throne during the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors. After defeating Otho’s forces, he became emperor, but his reign was similarly short and marked by excess and indulgence. Vitellius’ lavish spending alienated the military and the people, and he was soon overthrown by Vespasian’s forces. His death came after he was captured by Vespasian’s supporters, and he was executed in a humiliating manner.
Interesting Fact:
Vitellius was known for his gluttony, with some ancient sources claiming that he held extravagant banquets and feasts during his brief reign.
9. Vespasian (AD 69 to 79)
Vespasian emerged as the victor of the Year of the Four Emperors, consolidating power after defeating Vitellius. He was a military general who had earned respect for his leadership during the Jewish War. Vespasian’s reign marked the beginning of the Flavian dynasty, and he is credited with restoring stability to the empire after the chaos of his predecessors. Vespasian initiated large-scale construction projects, including the building of the Colosseum, which remains one of Rome’s most iconic structures. He also imposed taxes to fund the empire’s needs.
Interesting Fact:
Vespasian is known for his pragmatic sense of humor, even when dealing with the empire’s finances. When told that urine could be used to bleach togas, he famously said, “Pecunia non olet” (“Money does not stink”).
10. Titus (AD 79 to 81)
Titus, the son of Vespasian, became emperor after his father’s death. His reign was brief but marked by significant events, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the completion of the Colosseum. Titus was praised for his response to these disasters, providing aid to the affected regions and organizing relief efforts. Unfortunately, Titus died of a fever after only two years as emperor, but he left a legacy as a benevolent and effective ruler.
Interesting Fact:
Titus was deeply mourned by the people of Rome after his death, and he was deified by the Senate, becoming one of the few emperors to receive this honor immediately after death.
