AUGUSTUS (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavius)27 B.C.-A.D. 14

Augustus (known as Octavian until 27 B.C.) was the first Roman to use the title Augustus, and was Rome's first emperor. He laid down the foundation for provincial administration, preserved republican institutions, and returned the administration of government to the Senate.

LIVIA (Livia Drusilla)Augusta A.D. 14-29

Livia came from a noble family, and was the second wife of Augustus. Their marriage of 52 years was based on compatibility and love. Politically savvy, she was involved in conspiracies to ensure her son Tiberius' succession. She died at age 85.

AGRIPPA (Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa)Tribunician Power 18-12 B.C.

As classmate and friend of Augustus, Agrippa had a distinguished military career and won many honors. He married Augustus' daughter and received the tribunician power (made heir to throne). He died in 12 B.C.

TIBERIUS (Tiberius Claudius Nero)Augustus A.D. 14-37

One of the empire's best generals and an experienced administrator, shared rule during the last 10 years of Augustus' life. Tiberius ruled during Christ's life, and by continuing the policies instituted by Augustus, increased Rome's prosperity.

DRUSUS – the Younger (Drusus Julius Caesar)Born 14 B.C./Died A.D. 23

Son of Tiberius and Vipsania, who eventually received the tribunician power. Compared to his father, he was inferior in almost every way. He was poisoned by his wife and her lover, Sejanus (praetorian prefect of Tiberius).

NERO CLAUDIUS DRUSUS – the Elder Born 38 B.C./Died 9 B.C.

Youngest son of Tiberius and Livia. One of the greatest heroes of his time. After becoming general of the armies in Germany, he had outstanding success. Married Marc Antony's youngest daughter Antonia. After his death, the Senate honored him with the title and surname Germanicus.

GERMANICUS (Germanicus Julius Caesar)Born 15 B.C./Died A.D. 19

Son of Nero Claudius Drusus, brother of Claudius. He was very popular with the legions. They wanted him to fight for the rule of the empire, but Germanicus remained loyal. As nephew of Tiberius, he became Caesar in A.D. 4. While overseeing the succession to the throne in Antioch, he was poisoned.

NERO CAESAR (Nero Julius Caesar)(Born A.D. 7/Died A.D. 30/31)
and DRUSUS CAESAR (Drusus Julius Caesar)(Born A.D. 8/Died A.D. 33)

Sons of Germanicus and Agrippina. Nero was highly educated and outstanding in character, the opposite of his brother, Drusus. He fell victim to a plot by Sejanus and Drusus, and was exiled to an island where he died.

Drusus helped plot his brother's downfall, but became a victim of political intrigue, too. He was arrested and died in prison.

CALIGULA (Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus)Caesar A.D. 35-37Augustus A.D. 37-41

Youngest son of Germanicus and Agrippina, and brother to Nero and Drusus Caesar. He was given the nickname "Caligula" by soldiers because as a young boy, he wore a small soldier's uniform along with the half-boot (caliga). Caligula (or "Bootsie") became emperor after smothering Tiberius. He soon became excessively cruel and was murdered by a group of praetorians.

CLAUDIUS (Tiberius Claudius Drusus)Augustus A.D. 41-54

Claudius was the son of Nero Claudius Drusus. He suffered from infantile paralysis and his family considered him dullwitted, so he wasn't considered for any serious office. After Caligula's death, the legions took an oath in Claudius' name, and forced the Senate to accept him. Claudius participated in the invasion of Britain and proved to be a capable ruler.

NERO (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus)Caesar A.D. 50-54Augustus A.D. 54-68

Nero had a happy first year of rule. Eventually he killed his half‑brother, mother, aunt, wife and tutors. Many noble families became victims of his murderous rage. Legend says Nero started the fire which burned ten districts in Rome. After the Praetorian Guard deserted him, he committed suicide.

GALBA (Servius Sulpicius Galba)Ruled about seven months – A.D. 68-69

First of 4 rulers in what is known as "The Year of Four Emperors." Confirmed by the Senate, Galba alienated the Praetorian Guard by refusing to reward them for bringing him to power. The army eventually killed him because of his strict discipline and thriftiness.

OTHO (Marcus Salvius Otho)Ruled about 3 months – A.D. 69

The Senate accepted Otho, but legions in Germany named their general Vitellius emperor. The two battled for the empire, skirmishing and later fighting at the First Battle of Bedriacum, where heavy losses occurred. When Otho learned of the outcome, he committed suicide.

VITELLIUS (Aulus Vitellius)Ruled almost 8 months – A.D. 69

After becoming emperor, Vitellius gradually left the government to his freeman, Asiaticus, and focused his attention on lavish banquets and eating. Defeated by Vespasian's soldiers, his body was dragged through the streets of Rome.

VESPASIAN (Titus Flavius Vespasianus)Augustus A.D. 69-79

Vespasian brought calm and sanity after years of bloodshed. He was a just ruler, from a humble background. He built the Colosseum, Rome's best-known ruin. After ruling 10 years, and bringing stability to Rome, he died at age seventy.

TITUS (Titus Flavius Vespasianus)Caesar A.D. 69-79Augustus A.D. 79-81

Elder son of Vespasian, who is best known for his part in the war in Judaea. Mt. Vesuvius erupted during his reign. He was a good ruler, looking after the people's welfare. Most historians now think that Titus died from fever, not poisoning by his brother Domitian.

DOMITIAN (Titus Flavius Domitianus)Caesar A.D. 69-81Augustus A.D. 81-96

Domitian was the youngest son of Vespasian, and last of the "Twelve Caesars." Taxation made him unpopular with the senate and upper class, causing plots against him. In later years, he became suspicious and cruel. Members of his household killed him.

NERVA (Marcus Cocceius Nerva)Augustus A.D. 96-9

One of the "good" emperors, Nerva tended to the poor, reorganized the empire's finances, and brought peaceful relationships into existence between the army and Senate.

TRAJAN (Marcus Ulpius Traianus)Caesar A.D. 97Augustus A.D. 98-117

Trajan was popular with the army and Senate. Under his rule, the Roman Empire reached its largest size. Many public works were undertaken during his reign.

HADRIAN (Publius Aelius Hadrianus)Augustus A.D. 117-138

Hadrian was adopted by Trajan and continued his governmental policies. Hadrian's Wall in Britain is one of the many fortifications he ordered to protect the empire's frontiers.

SABINA (Vibia Sabina)Augusta A.D. 128?-136

Entered an arranged marriage with Hadrian long before he became emperor. Contemporary history paints their 36 years of marriage as unhappy, but Sabina accompanied Hadrian on most of his journeys throughout the empire.

AELIUS (Lucius Aelius Verus)Caesar A.D. 136-138

Adopted by Hadrian, stories about his character vary. Some say he was unfit to rule, and others say he was competent and fair. Always weak and unhealthy, Aelius eventually died.

ANTONINUS PIUS
(Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus)Caesar A.D. 138Augustus A.D. 138-161

A former senator adopted by Hadrian, Antoninus adopted his relative Marcus Aurelius to succeed him as emperor. He had a peaceful reign in which the economy flourished.

FAUSTINA SR. (Annia Galeria Faustina)Augusta A.D. 138-140/1

From a wealthy, noble Spanish family, Faustina Senior married Antoninus Pius about A.D. 110. Three years after Antoninus became emperor, Faustina Sr. died and was deified on a vast number of Imperial coins.

MARCUS AURELIUS (Marcus Annius Verus)Caesar A.D. 139-161Augustus A.D. 161-180

Under Marcus Aurelius Rome's prosperity continued, but there were border problems with the barbarians. A careful, moral ruler, his writings survived, showing he should have been a philosopher instead of emperor. He made Lucius Verus co-emperor.

FAUSTINA JR. (Annia Galeria Faustina)Augusta A.D. 147-175/6

Faustina Jr. became the first daughter of an emperor to marry an emperor, and give birth to a future emperor. She died from natural causes. Ancient historians accuse her of numerous infidelities. She travelled extensively with her husband Marcus Aurelius, and earned the title Mater Castrorum (mother of the camps).

LUCIUS VERUS (Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus)Augustus A.D. 161-169

Lucius became "Colleague in the Principate" in A.D. 161. He was almost the opposite of Marcus Aurelius in character. In A.D. 169, he died while returning to Rome from battles in Dacia.

LUCILLA (Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla)Augusta A.D. 164-182/3

The daughter of Marcus Aurelius, wed at 16 to co-emperor Lucius Verus. Widowed at 20, her father carefully selected a respected, older senator as her next husband. When her involvement in a plot to murder her brother Emperor Commodus was exposed, she was exiled and put to death.

COMMODUS (Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus)Caesar A.D. 166-177Augustus A.D. 177-192

Made Augustus and co-emperor in A.D. 177. When Marcus Aurelius' son Commodus came to rule, the peaceful era that had existed from Galba to Aurelius ended. Mental instability marked his later life, and he often appeared dressed like Hercules. His mistress gave him poison and an athlete strangled him.

CRISPINA (Bruttia Crispina)Augusta A.D. 177-182/3

She married Commodus in A.D. 177, the same year he became emperor. According to contemporary historians, she was exceptionally beautiful. As Commodus' insanity progressed, she supposedly engaged in many affairs, resulting in banishment and death. Now it is believed she took part in an attempt on his life.

PERTINAX (Publius Helvius Pertinax)Ruled about 3 months – A.D. 193

Starting as teacher, Pertinax joined the military and rose to commander, serving under Marcus Aurelius and his son. Most historians think he knew of the plot to kill Commodus, but praise his efforts to reform government corruption and stop bribes the army received. The Praetorian guard revolted, and murdered him.

DIDIUS JULIANUS (Marcus Didius Severus Julianus)Ruled for 66 days – A.D. 193

One of 3 emperors who ruled during a 6-month span, Didius won the office of emperor during an auction at the army camp. Offended Roman citizens appealed to three frontier generals to rescue them. He was beheaded, a fate usually reserved for common criminals.

PESCENNIUS NIGER (Gaius Pescennius Niger)Ruled less than a year A.D. 193-194

After a long military career, Pescennius became governor of Syria. When Pertinax was murdered, he was one of the generals Rome's citizens sent pleas to, but word reached him late, and Septimus Severus had acted. In the summer of A.D. 193, the two met and fought several successive battles. He died sometime in A.D. 194.

CLODIUS ALBINUS
(Decimus Clodius Septimius Albinus)Caesar A.D. 193-195Augustus A.D. 195-197

Served as governor in Germany and later Britain. He also received appeals from Rome's citizens. Under Septimius Severus, he became Caesar. Later when Septimius elevated his own sons and named him enemy, Clodius' troops made him emperor. Battle occurred in A.D. 197, and after losing, he committed suicide.

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (Lucius Septimius Severus)Augustus A.D. 193-211

The 3rd general who received appeals from Rome, he became emperor after defeating both of his rivals Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus. He adopted a military-style government, while paying little attention to the Senate.

JULIA DOMNA (Julia Domna)Augusta A.D. 193-217

A woman of beauty, intelligence and wit, Julia Domna was matriarch of the Severan dynasty. Her staunch refusal to allow the empire to be divided between her sons was her greatest feat. She was so well respected that she retained the title of Augusta even after her sons died.

CARACALLA (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus)Caesar A.D. 195-198Augustus A.D. 198-217

Elder son of Septimius and brother of Geta. His nickname, Caracalla, came from the Gallic coat he wore. He convinced the Praetorian Guard to murder his brother. Known for his extravagances and cruelties, he was murdered by his praetorian prefect. "Caracalla's Baths" in Rome still exist.

PLAUTILLA (Publia Fulvia Plautilla)Augusta A.D. 202-205

Caracalla and Plautilla's marriage was a political arrangement, not love. Supposedly, they wouldn't even dine together because they disliked each other so much. After Caracalla killed her father, he divorced and exiled her, and later had her murdered.

GETA (Lucius Septimius Geta)Caesar A.D. 198-209Augustus A.D. 209-211

Younger son of Septimius, who was popular with the military and co-ruled with his brother, Caracalla. Prior to turning 23, Geta was murdered by guards under his brother's command.

MACRINUS (Marcus Opellius Macrinus)Augustus A.D. 217-218

He was involved in Caracalla's death, and ruled for about 14 months. After making an unfavorable peace treaty with the Parthians, the army revolted, killing him and his son. It was instigated by the grandmother of future emperor Elagabalus.

DIADUMENIAN (Marcus Opellius Diadumenianus)Caesar A.D. 217-218Ruled for one month in A.D. 218

Diadumenian became Caesar in A.D. 217, and became Augustus at 10 years old. He was killed in the revolt that took his father's life.

JULIA MAESA (Julia Maesa)Augusta A.D. 218-224/5

A shrewd woman of wealth and courage, Julia Maesa was the sister of Julia Domna and Elagabalus and Severus Alexander's grandmother. She bribed the Eastern legions helping Elagabalus gain power, and tried to restrain his excessive behaviors. She survived his assassination, but died three years later.

ELAGABALUS (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus)Augustus A.D. 218-222

Elagabalus was disliked because of his unusual Eastern religious practices and extravagances. His rule was noted for cruelty, bloodshed and excesses of every type.

JULIA SOAEMIAS (Julia Soaemias Bassiana)Augusta A.D. 218-22

Became Augusta when her 14-year-old son Elagabalus was named emperor. Of the four women of the Severan dynasty, Soaemias was the least responsible in her duties. She was slain, along with her son, by the Praetorian Guard.

SEVERUS ALEXANDER
(Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander)Caesar A.D. 221-222Augustus A.D. 222-235

Severus Alexander, who was adopted by his cousin Elagabalus, ruled wisely and justly with the help of his mother and advisors. He was killed by his soldiers during a German campaign.

JULIA MAMAEA (Julia Avita Mamaea)Augusta A.D. 222-235

When her son Severus Alexander became emperor, Julia Mamaea influenced the empire's politics for over a decade. Although she was popular with some Romans, others disliked her because of her greed and arrogance. The army hung both Julia and her son.

MAXIMINUS I "THRAX"
(Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus)Augustus A.D. 235-238

Historical sources say "Thrax" had great strength and size, standing over 8½ feet tall. After he became emperor, he increased taxes, making him unpopular. Both he and his son, Maximus, were murdered by the soldiers of Legion II.

MAXIMUS (Gaius Julius Verus Maximus)Caesar A.D. 235/6-238

Maximus became proud and insolent after his father Maximinus I named him Caesar. His attitude made him hated by Roman citizens and the military. Eventually his troops executed him.

GORDIAN I
(Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus
"Africanus")Ruled 21 days in A.D. 238

Said to be one of the wealthiest men in the empire, and a man of great integrity. His troops in Africa named him emperor, but due to his age, he made his son co-emperor. He committed suicide when he learned that his son, Gordian II, had been killed in a battle.

GORDIAN II
(Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus
"Africanus")Ruled 20 days in A.D. 238

Although Gordian II was highly educated, with a library of over 62,000 books, he led an inexperienced, undisciplined group of "locals" against an army of Carthaginians. When the forces met, Gordian's men fled. Many were trampled trying to escape, and he was killed. When his body was recovered it was unrecognizable.

BALBINUS
(Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus)Ruled 98 days in A.D. 238

The Senate named Balbinus joint emperor with Pupienus on the condition that they make Gordian III Caesar. He was murdered by the Praetorian Guard who were jealous because the Senate had named him emperor instead of one from their ranks.

PUPIENUS (Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus)Ruled 98 days in A.D. 238

Joint emperor with Balbinus. He rose through the ranks of the military, and as co-emperor, had the best interests of the country at heart. The Praetorian Guard killed him along with Balbinus.

GORDIAN III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus "Pius")Caesar A.D. 238Augustus A.D. 238-244

A popular, young emperor who was grandson of Gordian I. He fought several successful battles against the Sassanians. He died in the Middle East, either murdered by his soldiers or of natural causes, history is not clear.

PHILIP I (Marcus Julius Verus Philippus)Augustus A.D. 244-249

Known as "Philip the Arab" he progressed through the ranks to become Praetorian Prefect under Gordian III, and was thought to have turned the army against him. Philip's reign was marked by border invasions and rebellions. He died in battle against Trajan Decius.

OTACILIA SEVERA (Marcia Otacilia Severa)Augusta A.D. 244-249

Little is known about Otacilia, Philip I's wife. Christian historians tend to portray her as Christian, seeking penance for her part in Gordian III's death. Now most experts think this is untrue. Some sources say she was killed by the Praetorians, one says she lived out her life in retirement.

PHILIP II (Marcus Julius Severus Philippus)Caesar A.D. 244-247Augustus A.D. 247-249

Philip II became Caesar at the age of seven. He died at the age of 12, soon after his father, most likely murdered by the Praetorian Guard.

TRAJAN DECIUS
(Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius)Augustus A.D. 249-251

Forced to become emperor when his soldiers revolted against Philip I, Decius restored the Colosseum and many Roman traditions. He died in an ambush against the Goths along with his older son, Herennius. He was the first emperor to die in a battle against the enemy.

HERENNIA ESTRUSCILLA
(Herennia Cupressenia Etruscilla)Augusta A.D. 249-253 (?)

Almost nothing is known of Herennia, except that she came from an aristocratic Italian family. Thanks to inscriptions found on coins, we know that she was Decius' wife.

HERENNIUS ETRUSCUS
(Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius)Caesar A.D. 250-251Augustus A.D. 251

Herennius, the elder son of Trajan Decius, became Caesar in A.D. 250 and a year later, Augustus. He died with his father in the marshes of Bulgaria in the Battle of Arbitus in A.D. 251.

HOSTILIAN
(Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus)Caesar A.D. 250?/251Augustus A.D. 251

Hostilian, youngest son of Trajan Decius, remained in Rome with his mother, surviving his father and brother's death. Under Trebonianus Gallus, he became Augustus, sharing the title with him. The plague killed him.

TREBONIANUS GALLUS
(Gaius Vibius Afinius Trebonianus Gallus)Augustus A.D. 251-253

Proclaimed emperor after Decius and his son were killed, Gallus made a disgraceful treaty with the Goths, and headed to Rome. There he discovered plague had crippled the city. Borders were under attack on all sides, and when Aemilian was proclaimed emperor, Gallus and his son were unable to muster enough support among the legions and were killed.

VOLUSIAN
(Gaius Vibius Afinius Gallus Vendumnianus Volusianus)Caesar A.D. 251Augustus A.D. 251-253

Volusian was made Caesar in A.D. 251, and a year later Augustus by his father, Trebonianus. Volusian was killed in the same mutiny that claimed his father's life.

AEMILIAN (Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus)Ruled about three months in A.D. 2

After a victory against the Goths, the legions made Aemilian emperor. He entered Rome and gained Senate approval, but his success was shortlived. Valerian I, commander under Gallus, marched toward the city. Aemilian's soldiers turned against him, rather than fight Valerian.

VALERIAN I (Publius Licinius Valerianus)Augustus A.D. 253-260

Remaining loyal to Gallus, he defeated Aemilian to become sole emperor. Had Valerian ruled earlier, he might have been considered one of Rome's greatest emperors. He was captured by Shapur I of Persia and died in captivity.

GALLIENUS (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus)Augustus A.D. 253-268

Gallienus was co-emperor and became sole ruler after his father, Valerian, was captured. In A.D. 260 the empire was in chaos, barbarians attacked the borders, various legions revolted, and the usurper Postumus took control of Western provinces. Eight years later, Gallienus was assassinated as he put down a rebellion.

SALONINA (Julia Cornelia Salonina Crysogone) Augusta A.D. 254-268

An ideal empress, this woman was interested in the arts and philosophy. She worked to enhance her husband's achievements and ensure the army's loyalty. Salonina died during a massacre of Gallienus' family and followers at Milan.

VALERIAN II (Publius Licinius Cornelius Valerianus)Caesar A.D. 256-258

Valerian, the older son of Gallienus, was given the title of Caesar when his father became emperor. He died in battle on the Danube.

SALONINUS
(Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus)Caesar A.D. 258-260Augustus A.D. 260

Saloninus, younger son of Gallienus, became Caesar in A.D. 258 when his brother Valerian II died. After attaining the rank of Augustus in A.D. 260, he was murdered by Postumus' soldiers.

MACRIANUS I (Titus Fulvius Junius Macrianus)Augustus A.D. 260-261

Macrianus, the elder, served under Valerian I, and took command of legions in the East when the former emperor was captured. He made his sons Macrianus I and Quietus co-emperors. Macrianus I set out to topple Gallienus, but was killed in a battle.

QUIETUS (Titus Fulvius Junius Quietus)Augustus A.D. 260-261

Quietus showed talent for leadership in both the government and military, and was left in charge of Eastern provinces. When both his father and brother were slain by Gallienus' troops, he escaped to Emesa, but was taken prisoner and put to death.