List Of Roman Emperors In Order

3 min read 08-12-2024

This list details the Roman Emperors, from the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus to the deposition of Romulus Augustulus. It's important to note that the definition of "Emperor" and the legitimacy of certain rulers have been subjects of historical debate. This list aims to provide a comprehensive overview, acknowledging complexities where appropriate. Dates provided are generally those of their reign, and may not reflect their entire lifespan.

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

Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD): The first Roman Emperor, Octavian, adopted son of Julius Caesar. His reign established the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and prosperity.
Tiberius (14 – 37 AD): Augustus's successor, known for his suspicious nature and eventual retreat to Capri.
Caligula (37 – 41 AD): Known for his alleged cruelty and extravagance. His short reign is shrouded in both fact and legend.
Claudius (41 – 54 AD): Initially considered weak, Claudius proved to be a surprisingly effective administrator and expanded the Roman Empire.
Nero (54 – 68 AD): His reign was marked by extravagance, persecution of Christians, and ultimately, the Great Fire of Rome. His death marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the beginning of the Year of the Four Emperors.

The Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD)

Galba (68 – 69 AD): Briefly seized power following Nero's death, but was assassinated.
Otho (69 AD): Another brief reign, ending with his suicide following defeat in civil war.
Vitellius (69 AD): Also a short-lived emperor, defeated and killed by Vespasian.
Vespasian (69 – 79 AD): Established the Flavian dynasty, bringing an end to the chaotic year.

The Flavian Dynasty (69 – 96 AD)

Vespasian (69 – 79 AD): Known for his pragmatism and successful military campaigns. He oversaw the construction of the Colosseum.
Titus (79 – 81 AD): Vespasian's son, remembered for his compassion in response to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii.
Domitian (81 – 96 AD): Vespasian's other son, known for his autocratic rule and eventual assassination.

The Following Emperors (96 AD - 284 AD)

This section encompasses a diverse group of emperors, spanning several dynasties and marked by periods of both stability and instability. A detailed listing would be extensive, but notable emperors from this period include:

Nerva (96 – 98 AD):
Trajan (98 – 117 AD): Considered one of the "Five Good Emperors," known for his military successes and expansion of the Empire.
Hadrian (117 – 138 AD): Another of the "Five Good Emperors," focused on consolidating the Empire and constructing Hadrian's Wall.
Antoninus Pius (138 – 161 AD): Also among the "Five Good Emperors," known for his peaceful and prosperous reign.
Marcus Aurelius (161 – 180 AD): The last of the "Five Good Emperors," a philosopher-king whose reign was marked by war and the beginning of the decline of the Empire.
Septimius Severus (193 – 211 AD): The founder of the Severan dynasty.

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

This period was characterized by significant political instability, frequent changes in emperors, and civil wars. Listing each emperor individually would be unwieldy, but it’s important to note this critical phase in Roman history.

The Later Emperors (284 AD – 476 AD)

The period after the Crisis of the Third Century saw the rise of the Tetrarchy, the division of the empire, and the eventual dominance of Diocletian and Constantine. This era features several significant emperors including:

Diocletian (284 – 305 AD): Introduced significant administrative reforms.
Constantine I (306 – 337 AD): Legalized Christianity within the Roman Empire and moved the capital to Constantinople.

This list continues with many more emperors, leading to the eventual division of the Roman Empire and the deposition of Romulus Augustulus in 476 AD, traditionally considered the end of the Western Roman Empire. A complete list would require significantly more space. Consult dedicated historical resources for a comprehensive account of every Roman Emperor and their reign.