Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Operas About Roman Emperors

Speranza



Augustus, first Roman Emperor in the Principate Era.
The title of Roman Emperor, although in some ways a modern concept, effectively summarises the position held by those individuals who wielded power in the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire developed from the Roman Republic after its ascent to the dominant power in Europe, and is characterised by the concentration of power in one individual, rather than the "Senate and People of Rome". However, Augustus, universally accepted to have been the first emperor, was careful to maintain the facade of republican rule, and took no specific title to mark his rule (which began in 27 BC).[1] Instead, he simply concentrated the pre-existing powers of Roman magistrates upon his own person, taking the existing honorific of 'Princeps Senatus' (the first man of the senate).[1] This style of government, which lasted for nearly 300 years, is thus called the 'Principate'. The modern word 'emperor' derives from the title 'Imperator', which was granted by an army to a successful general; as such, during the initial phase of the Roman Empire, it still had to be earned by the 'Princeps'. The term 'emperor', though modern, is used when describing rulers of the Roman Empire, since (a) it emphasises the strong links between the ruler and the army (on whose support the ruler's power depended), and (b) does not discriminate between the style of rule in different phases of the Empire.
In the late 3rd century AD, after the Crisis of the Third Century, Diocletian formalised and embellished the recent manner of imperial rule, establishing the so-called 'Dominate' period of the Roman Empire. This was characterised by the explicit investment of authority in the person of the Emperor, and the use of the style 'Dominus Noster' ('Our Lord'). From Diocletian onwards, there were often multiple simultaneous emperors, dividing the rule of the vast territories between them. After 395 AD, and the death of Theodosius I, the Empire became more firmly split into Western and Eastern halves[2] They were not legally separate however, and the Emperor of the more stable Eastern Empire often imposed his authority over the Western half. The Western Empire was heavily troubled after 395 AD, and collapsed completely after 455 AD, the last Western Emperor abdicating in 476 AD; after which the Emperor in Constantinople ruled without partner and maintained claim to the territories in the west. The Empire would continue until 1453, and the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks.[3] Later Emperors in the east have been called Byzantine Emperors by Western scholars since at least the 18th century, but were considered by themselves and their contemporaries to continue an unbroken succession of Roman Emperors. The listing of the Eastern Emperors in this article ends at the start of the 7th century with Maurice, last of the Justinian dynasty, and the last Emperor whose Empire still bore a strong resemblance to the Roman Empire of previous centuries and whose reign concludes the final era of Late Antiquity.[4]
The emperors listed in this article are those generally agreed to have been 'legitimate' emperors (e.g. not usurpers, etc.). However, since the emperorship was rather vaguely defined legally, which persons were 'legitimate' is not easy to define; many of the 'legitimate' emperors accessed to the position by usurpation, and many 'illegitimate' claimants had a legitimate claim to the position. The following criteria can be used to derive the list:
  • Any individual who undisputedly ruled the whole Empire, at some point, must, in point of fact, be a 'legitimate emperor'(1).
  • Any individual who was nominated as heir or co-emperor by a legitimate emperor (1), and who succeeded to rule in his own right, is a legitimate emperor (2).
  • Where there were multiple claimants, and none were legitimate heirs, the claimant accepted by the Roman Senate as emperor is the legitimate emperor (3), at least during the Principate.
So for instance, Aurelian, though acceding to the throne by usurpation, was the sole and undisputed monarch between 274–275 AD, and thus was a legitimate emperor. Gallienus, though not in control of the whole Empire, and plagued by other claimants, was the legitimate heir of (the legitimate emperor) Valerian. Claudius Gothicus, though acceding illegally, and not in control of the whole Empire, was the only claimant accepted by the Senate, and thus, for his reign, was the legitimate emperor. Equally, during the Year of the Four Emperors, all claimants, though not undisputed, were at some point accepted by the Senate and are thus included; conversely, during the Year of the Five Emperors neither Pescennius Niger nor Clodius Albinus were accepted by the Senate, and are thus not included. There are a few examples where individuals were made co-emperor, but never wielded power in their own right (typically the child of an emperor); these are legitimate, but are listed together with the 'senior' emperor.
The above formula holds until 395, when the Western and Eastern halves of the Empire split. After that, it continues to hold, with the caveat that a legitimate emperor had undisputed control over one half of the Empire. Towards the end of the Western Empire (after 455), the Western emperor ceased to be a relevant figure and there was sometimes actually no claimant. For the sake of historical completeness, all Western Emperors after that point are included. For instance, Romulus Augustus was technically a usurper who ruled only the Italian peninsula and was never legally recognized. However, he was traditionally considered the "last Roman Emperor" by 18th and 19th century western scholars and his overthrow by Odoacer used as the marking point between historical epochs. However, modern scholarship has confirmed that Romulus Augustus' predecessor, Julius Nepos continued to rule as Emperor in the other Western holdings and as a figurehead for Odoacer's rule in Italy until Nepos' death in 480. Since the question of what constitutes an emperor can be ambiguous, and dating the "fall of the Western Empire" arbitrary, this list includes details of both figures.

Contents

[hide]

[edit] The Principate Period

[edit] Julio-Claudian dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Statue-Augustus.jpgAugustus
GAIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS
September 23 63 BC, Rome, ItaliaBecame de facto emperor as a result of the 'first settlement' between himself and the Roman Senate.January 16, 27 BC – August 19, 14 ADAugust 19, 14 AD
Natural causes.
41 Years, 8 Months
Tiberius NyCarlsberg01.jpgTiberius
TIBERIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS
November 16 42 BC, RomeSon of Augustus's wife Livia by a previous marriage; adopted son of Augustus.September 18, 14 AD – March 16, 37 ADMarch 16, 37 AD
Probably natural causes, possibly assassinated by Caligula
22 Years, 6 Months
Gaius Caesar Caligula.jpgCaligula
GAIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS
August 31, 12 AD, Antium, ItaliaTiberius's great-nephew and adopted grandson; great-grandson of Augustus.March 18, 37 AD – January 24, 41 ADJanuary 24, 41 AD
Assassinated in a conspiracy involving senators and Praetorian Guards.
3 Years, 10 Months
Claudius Pio-Clementino Inv243.jpgClaudius
TIBERIVS CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS
August 1, 10 BC, Lugdunum, Gallia LugdunensisNephew of Tiberius, brother of Germanicus and uncle of Caligula; proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard.January 25/26, 41 AD – October 13, 54 ADOctober 13, 54 AD
Probably poisoned by his wife Agrippina the Younger, in favour of her son Nero.
13 Years, 9 Months
Nero 1.JPGNero
NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS
December 15, 37 AD, Antium, ItaliaGrandson of Germanicus, nephew of Caligula, step- and adopted son of Claudius; great-great-grandson of Augustus.October 13, 54 AD – June 9, 68 ADJune 9, 68 AD
Committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate.
13 Years, 8 Months

[edit] Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian Dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Stockholm - Antikengalerie 4 - Büste Kaiser Galba.jpgGalba
SERVIVS SVLPICIVS GALBA CAESAR AVGVSTVS
December 24 3 BC, Near Terracina, ItaliaSeized power after Nero's suicide, with support of the Spanish legionsJune 8, 68 AD – January 15, 69 ADJanuary 15, 69 AD
Murdered by Praetorian Guard in coup led by Otho.
7 Months
Oth001.jpgOtho
MARCVS SALVIVS OTHO CAESAR AVGVSTVS
April 28, 32 AD, Ferentinum, Etruria, ItaliaAppointed by Praetorian GuardJanuary 15, 69 AD – April 16, 69 ADApril 16, 69 AD
Committed suicide after losing Battle of Bedriacum to Vitellius
3 months 1 day (91 days)
Pseudo-Vitellius Louvre MR684.jpgVitellius
AVLVS VITELLIVS GERMANICVS AVGVSTVS
September 24, 15 AD, RomeSeized power with support of German Legions (in opposition to Galba/Otho)April 17, 69 AD – December 20, 69 ADDecember 20, 69 AD
Murdered by Vespasian's troops
8 Months
Vespasianus01 pushkin edit.pngVespasian
TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS
November 17, 9 AD, Falacrine, ItaliaSeized power with the support of the eastern Legions (in opposition to Vitellius)July 1, 69 AD – June 24, 79 ADJune 24, 79 AD
Natural causes
10 years
Château de Versailles, galerie des glaces, buste d'empereur romain 03 (Titus).jpgTitus
TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS
December 30, 39 AD, RomeSon of VespasianJune 24, 79 AD – September 13, 81 ADSeptember 13, 81 AD
Natural causes (Plague)
2 years, 3 months
Bust Domitian Musei Capitolini MC1156.jpgDomitian
TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS
October 24, 51 AD, RomeSon of VespasianSeptember 14, 81 AD – September 18, 96 ADSeptember 18, 96 AD
Assassinated by court officials
15 years

[edit] Nervan-Antonian dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Nerva Tivoli Massimo.jpgNerva
MARCVS COCCEIVS NERVA CAESAR AVGVSTVS
November 8, 30 AD, Narni, ItaliaAppointed by the SenateSeptember 18, 96 AD – January 27, 98 ADJanuary 27, 98 AD
Natural causes
1 year, 4 months
Traianus Glyptothek Munich 336.jpgTrajan
CAESAR MARCVS VLPIVS NERVA TRAIANVS AVGVSTVS
September 18, 53 AD, Italica, Hispania BaeticaAdopted son and heir of NervaJanuary 28, 98 AD – August 7, 117 ADAugust 7, 117 AD
Natural causes
19 years, 7 months
Bust Hadrian Musei Capitolini MC817.jpgHadrian
CAESAR PVBLIVS AELIVS TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
January 24, 76 AD, Italica, Hispania Baetica (or Rome)Adopted son and heir of TrajanAugust 11, 117 AD – July 10, 138 ADJuly 10, 138 AD
Natural causes
21 years
Antoninus Pius Glyptothek Munich 337.jpgAntoninus Pius
CAESAR TITVS AELIVS HADRIANVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS
September 19, 86 AD, Near Lanuvium, ItaliaAdopted son and heir of HadrianJuly 10, 138 AD – March 7, 161 ADMarch 7, 161 AD
Natural causes
22 years, 7 months
Lucius Verus - MET - L.2007.26.jpgLucius Verus
CAESAR LVCIVS AVRELIVS VERVS AVGVSTVS
December 15, 130 AD, RomeAdopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius; Co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius until deathMarch 7, 161 AD – ? March 169 ADMarch 169 AD
Natural causes (Plague)
8 years
Marcus Aurelius Glyptothek Munich.jpgMarcus Aurelius
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS
April 26, 121 AD, RomeAdopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius; Co-emperor with Lucius Verus until 169 ADMarch 7, 161 AD – March 17, 180 ADMarch 17, 180 AD
Natural causes
19 years
Commodus Musei Capitolini MC1120.jpgCommodus
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS
August 31, 161 AD, Lanuvium, ItaliaNatural son of Marcus Aurelius; joint emperor from 177 AD177 AD – December 31, 192 ADDecember 31, 192 AD
Assassinated in palace, strangled to death
15 years,

[edit] Year of the Five Emperors & Severan dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Alba Iulia National Museum of the Union 2011 - Possible Statue of Roman Emperor Pertinax Close Up, Apulum.JPGPertinax
CAESAR PVBLIVS HELVIVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS
August 1, 126 AD, Alba, ItaliaProclaimed emperor by Praetorian GuardJanuary 1, 193 AD – March 28, 193 ADMarch 28, 193 AD
Murdered by Praetorian Guard
3 months
Didius Julianus
CAESAR MARCVS DIDIVS SEVERVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS
133 or 137 AD, Milan, ItaliaWon auction held by the Praetorian Guard for the position of emperorMarch 28, 193 AD – June 1, 193 ADJune 1, 193 AD
Executed on orders of the Senate
2 months 4 days (65 days)
Septimius Severus busto-Musei Capitolini.jpgSeptimius Severus
CAESAR LVCIVS SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS
April 11, 145 AD, Leptis Magna, AfricaSeized power with support of Pannonian legions[5]April 9, 193 AD – February 4, 211 ADFebruary 4, 211 AD
Natural causes
17 years, 10 months
Caracalla.jpgCaracalla
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ANTONINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS
April 4, 188 AD, Lugdunum, Gallia LugdunensisSon of Septimius Severus; co-emperor with Severus from 198 AD; with Severus and Geta from 209 AD until February 211 AD; co-emperor with Geta until December 211 AD198 AD – April 8, 217 ADApril 8, 217 AD
Murdered by a soldier as part of a conspiracy involving Macrinus
19 years
Publius Septimius Geta Louvre Ma1076.jpgGeta
CAESAR PVBLIVS SEPTIMIVS GETA AVGVSTUS
March 7, 189 AD, RomeSon of Septimius Severus; co-emperor with Severus and Caracalla from 209 AD until February 211 AD; co-emperor with Caracalla until December 211 AD209 AD – December 26, 211 ADDecember 19, 211 AD
Murdered on the orders of Caracalla
3 years
055 Diadumenianus.jpgMacrinus
MARCVS OPELLIVS SEVERVS MACRINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS FELIX

with
Diadumenian
MARCVS OPELLIVS ANTONINVS DIADUMENIANVS
c. 165 AD, Iol Caesarea, MauretaniaPraetorian Prefect to Caracalla, probably conspired to have Caracalla murdered and proclaimed himself emperor after Caracalla's death; appointed his son Diadumenian junior emperor in May 217April 11, 217 AD – June 8, 218 ADJune 8, 218 AD
Both executed in favour of Elagabalus
1 year, 2 months
Elagabalo (203 o 204-222 d.C) - Musei capitolini - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto - 15-08-2000 .jpgElagabalus
MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS
c. 203 AD, Emesa, SyriaGrandson of Septimius Severus's sister-in-law, alleged illegitimate son of Caracalla; proclaimed emperor by Syrian legionsJune 8, 218 AD – March 11, 222 ADMarch 11, 222 AD
Murdered by Praetorian Guard
3 years, 9 months
Alexander severus.jpgSeverus Alexander
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ALEXANDER AVGVSTVS
October 1, 208 AD, Arca Caesarea, IudaeaGrandson of Septimius Severus's sister-in-law, cousin and adoptive heir of ElagabalusMarch 13, 222 AD – March 18, 235 ADMarch 18, 235 AD
Murdered by the army
13 years

[edit] Emperors during the Crisis of the Third Century

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Maximinus Thrax Musei Capitolini MC473.jpgMaximinus I
CAESAR GAIVS JVLIVS VERVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS
c.173 AD, Thrace or MoesiaProclaimed emperor by German legions after the murder of Severus AlexanderMarch 20, 235 AD – April 238 ADApril 238 AD
Assassinated by Praetorian Guard
3 years, 1 month
Gordian I Musei Capitolini MC475.jpgGordian I
CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS AFRICANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 159 AD, Phrygia?Proclaimed emperor, whilst Pro-consul in Africa, during a revolt against Maximinus. Ruled jointly with his son Gordian II, and in opposition to Maximinus. Technically a usurper, but retrospectively legitimised by the accession of Gordian IIIMarch 22, 238 AD – April 12, 238 ADApril 238 AD
Committed suicide upon hearing of the death of Gordian II.
21 days
Sestertius Gordian II-RIC 0008.jpgGordian II
CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS ROMANVS AFRICANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 192 AD, ?Proclaimed emperor, alongside father Gordian I, in opposition to Maximinus by act of the Senate.March 22, 238 AD – April 12, 238 ADApril 238 AD
Killed during the Battle of Carthage, fighting a pro-Maximinus army
Not known
Pupienus Musei Capitolini MC477.jpgPupienus
CAESAR MARCVS CLODIVS PVPIENVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS
c. 178 AD, ?Proclaimed joint emperor with Balbinus by the Senate in opposition to Maximinus; later co-emperor with Balbinus.April 22, 238 AD – July 29, 238 ADJuly 29, 238 AD
Assassinated by the Praetorian Guard
Balbinus Hermitage.jpgBalbinus
CAESAR DECIMVS CAELIVS CALVINVS BALBINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS
?Proclaimed joint emperor with Pupienus by the Senate after death of Gordian I & II, in opposition to Maximinus; later co-emperor with Pupienus and Gordian IIIApril 22, 238 AD – July 29, 238 ADJuly 29, 238 AD
Assassinated by Praetorian Guard
Bust Gordianus III Louvre Ma1063.jpgGordian III
CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS AVGVSTVS
January 20, 225 AD, RomeProclaimed emperor by supporters of Gordian I & II, then by the Senate; joint emperor with Pupienus and Balbinus until July 238 AD.April 22, 238 AD – February 11, 244 ADFebruary 11, 244 AD
Unknown; possibly murdered on orders of Philip I
Bust of emperor Philippus Arabus - Hermitage Museum.jpgPhilip I
CAESAR MARCVS IVLIVS PHILLIPVS AVGVSTVS

with Philip II
c. 204 AD, Shahba, SyriaPraetorian Prefect to Gordian III, took power after his death; made his son Philip II co-emperor in summer 247 ADFebruary 244 AD – September/October 249 ADSeptember/October 249 AD
Killed in battle against Trajan Decius, near Verona
Emperor Traianus Decius (Mary Harrsch).jpgTrajan Decius
CAESAR GAIVS MESSIVS QVINTVS TRAIANVS DECIVS AVGVSTVS

with Herennius Etruscus
c. 201 AD, Budalia, Lower PannoniaGovernor under Philip I; proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions and defeated Philip in battle; made his son Herennius Etruscus co-emperor in early 251 ADSeptember/ October 249 AD – June 251 ADJune 251 AD
Both killed in the Battle of Abrittus fighting against the Goths
082 Hostilianus.jpgHostilian
CAESAR CAIVS VALENS HOSTILIANVS MESSIVS QVINTVS AVGVSTVS
RomeSon of Trajan Decius, accepted as heir by the SenateJune 251 AD – late 251 ADSeptember/October 251 AD
Natural causes (Plague)
Ritratto di trebonianno gallo III sec. dc. 01.JPGTrebonianus Gallus
CAESAR GAIVS VIBIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS AVGVSTVS

with
Volusianus
206 AD, ItaliaGovernor of Moesia Superior, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after Trajan Decius's death (and in opposition to Hostilian); made his son Volusianus co-emperor in late 251 AD.June 251 AD – August 253 ADAugust 253 AD
Assassinated by their own troops, in favour of Aemilian
Aemilian1.jpgAemilian
CAESAR MARCVS AEMILIVS AEMILIANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 207 AD AfricaGovernor of Moesia Superior, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after defeating the Goths; accepted as emperor after death of GallusAugust 253 AD – October 253 ADSeptember/October 253 AD
Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Valerian
Aureus Valerian-RIC 0034.jpgValerian
CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS VALERIANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 195 ADGovernor of Noricum and Raetia, proclaimed emperor by Rhine legions after death of Gallus; accepted as emperor after death of AemilianOctober 253 AD – 260 ADAfter 260 AD
Captured in Battle of Edessa against Persians, died in captivity
Gallienus.jpgGallienus
CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS EGNATIVS GALLIENVS AVGVSTVS

with Saloninus
218 ADSon of Valerian, made co-emperor in 253 AD; his son Saloninus is very briefly co-emperor in c. July before assassination by Postumus.October 253 AD – September 268 ADSeptember 268 AD
Murdered at Aquileia by his own commanders.
Santa Giulia 4.jpgClaudius Gothicus
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS AVGVSTVS
May 10, 213 AD/214 AD, SirmiumVictorious general at Battle of Naissus, seized power after Gallienus's deathSeptember 268 AD – January 270 ADJanuary 270 AD
Natural causes (Plague)
Antoninianus Quintillus-s3243.jpgQuintillus
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS QVINTILLVS AVGVSTVS
?, SirmiumBrother of Claudius Gothicus, seized power after his deathJanuary 270 AD – 270 AD270 AD
Unclear; possibly suicide or murder
Aureliancoin1.jpgAurelian
CAESAR LVCIVS DOMITIVS AVRELIANVS AVGVSTVS
September 9, 214 AD/215 AD, SirmiumProclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after Claudius II's death, in opposition to QuintillusSeptember(?) 270 AD – September 275 ADSeptember 275 AD
Assassinated by Praetorian Guard
EmpereurTacite.jpgTacitus
CAESAR MARCVS CLAVDIVS TACITVS AVGVSTVS
c. 200, InteramnaElected by the Senate to replace Aurelian, after a short interregnumSeptember 25, 275 AD – June 276 ADJune 276 AD
Natural causes (possibly assassinated)
Antoninianus Florianus-unpub ant hercules.jpgFlorian
CAESAR MARCVS ANNIVS FLORIANVS AVGVSTVS
?Brother of Tacitus, elected by the army in the west to replace himJune 276 AD – September? 276 ADSeptember? 276 AD
Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Probus
Probus Musei Capitolini MC493.jpgProbus
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS PROBVS AVGVSTVS
232 AD, SirmiumGovernor of the eastern provinces, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions in opposition to FlorianSeptember? 276 AD – September/ October 282 ADSeptember/ October 282 AD
Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Carus
Carus
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARVS AVGVSTVS
c. 230 AD, NarboPraetorian Prefect to Probus; seized power either before or after Probus was murderedSeptember/ October 282 AD – late July/ early August 283 ADLate July/early August 283 AD
Natural causes? (Possibly killed by lightning)
NumerianusAntoninianus.jpgNumerian
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS NVMERIVS NVMERIANVS AVGVSTVS
?Son of Carus, succeeded him jointly with his brother CarinusLate July/early August 283 AD – 284 AD?284 AD
Unclear; possibly assassinated
Montemartini - Carino 1030439.JPGCarinus
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARINVS AVGVSTVS
?Son of Carus, succeeded him jointly with his brother NumerianLate July/early August 283 AD – 285 AD285 AD
Died in battle against Diocletian?

[edit] The Dominate Period

[edit] Tetrarchy and Constantinian dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Istanbul - Museo archeol. - Diocleziano (284-305 d.C.) - Foto G. Dall'Orto 28-5-2006.jpgDiocletian
CAESAR GAIVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS
c. December 22, 244 AD, SalonaProclaimed emperor by army after death of Numerian, and in opposition to Carinus; adopted Maximian as senior co-emperor in 286 ADNovember 20, 284 AD – May 1, 305 AD3 December 311 AD
Abdicated; died of natural causes in Aspalatos
21 years
Toulouse - Musée Saint-Raymond - Maximien Hercule1.jpgMaximian
CAESAR GAIVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 250 AD, near Sirmium, PannoniaAdopted as senior co-emperor ('Augustus') in the west by Diocletian in 286 ADApril 1, 286 AD – May 1, 305 AD310 AD
Abdicated with Diocletian; twice tried to regain throne with, and then from Maxentius; captured by Constantine I and committed suicide at his behest
19 years
Const.chlorus02 pushkin.jpgConstantius I Chlorus
CAESAR GAIVS FLAVIVS VALERIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS
March 31 c. 250 AD, Dardania, MoesiaAdopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Maximian in 293 ADMay 1, 305 AD – July 25, 306 AD306 AD
Natural causes
1 year and 2 moths
Romuliana Galerius head.jpgGalerius
CAESAR GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 260 AD, Felix Romuliana, Moesia SuperiorAdopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Diocletian in 293 ADMay 1, 305 AD – May 311 AD311 AD
Natural causes
6 years
Follis-Flavius Valerius Severus-trier RIC 650a.jpgSeverus II
FLAVIVS VALERIVS SEVERVS AVGVSTVS
?Adopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Constantius I Chlorus in 305 AD; succeeded as Augustus in 306; opposed by Maxentius and Constantine ISummer 306 AD – March/ April 307 ADSeptember 16, 307 AD
Captured by Maxentius and forced to commit suicide (or murdered)
1 year
Rome-Capitole-StatueConstantin.jpgConstantine I
CAESAR FLAVIVS CONSTANTINVS VALERIVS AVGVSTVS
February 27 c. 272 AD, Naissus, Moesia SuperiorSon of Constantius I Chlorus, proclaimed emperor by his father's troops; accepted as Caesar (west) by Galerius in 306 AD; promoted to Augustus (west) in 307 AD by Maximian after death of Severus II; refused relegation to Caesar in 309 AD25 July 306 AD – May 22, 337 ADMay 22, 337 AD
Natural causes
31 years
Maxentius02 pushkin.jpgMaxentius
MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXENTIVS AVGVSTVS
c. 278 AD, ?Son of Maximian, seized power in 306 after death of Constantius I Chlorus, in opposition to Severus and Constantine I; made Caesar (west) by Maximian in 307 AD after the death of Severus28 October 306 AD – October 28, 312 ADOctober 28, 312 AD
Died at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, against Constantine I
6 years
Daza01 pushkin.jpgMaximinus II
CAESAR GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS
November 20 c. 270 AD, Dacia AurelianaNephew of Galerius, adopted as Caesar and his heir in 305 AD; succeeded as Augustus (shared with Licinius I) in 311 ADMay 1, 311 AD – July/August 313 ADJuly/August 313 AD
Defeated in civil war against Licinius I; probably committed suicide thereafter
2 years
Aureus of Licinius.pngLicinius I
CAESAR GAIVS VALERIVS LICINIVS AVGVSTVS

with
Valerius Valens
Martinian
c. 250 AD, Felix Romuliana, Moesia SuperiorAppointed Augustus in the west by Galerius in 308 AD, in opposition to Maxentius; became Augustus in the east in 311 AD after the death of Galerius (shared with Maximinus II); defeated Maximinus in civil war to become sole eastern Augustus in 313 AD; appointed Valerius Valens in 317 AD, and Martinian in 324 AD as western Augustus, in opposition to Constantine, both being executed within weeks.November 11, 308 AD – September 18, 324 AD325 AD
Defeated in civil war against Constantine I in 324 AD and captured; executed on the orders of Constantine the next year
16 years
Campidoglio, Roma - Costantino II cesare dettaglio.jpgConstantine II
CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS
316 AD, ArlesSon of Constantine I; appointed Caesar in 317 AD, succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantius II and Constans IMay 22, 337 AD – 340 AD340 AD
Died in battle against Constans I
3 years
Bust of Constantius II (Mary Harrsch).jpgConstantius II
CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS
August 7, 317 AD, Sirmium, PannoniaSon of Constantine I; succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantine II and Constans I; sole emperor from 350 ADMay 22, 337 AD – November 3, 361 AD361 AD
Natural causes
Emperor Constans Louvre Ma1021.jpgConstans I
CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANS AVGVSTVS
320 AD, ?Son of Constantine I; succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantine II and Constantius IIMay 22, 337 AD – 350 AD350 AD
Assassinated on the orders of the usurper Magnentius
Maiorina-Vetranio-siscia RIC 281.jpgVetranio?, MoesiaGeneral of Constans I, proclaimed Caesar against Magnentius and temporarily accepted as Augustus of the west by Constantius II.March 1 – December 25, 350 ADc. 356
As a private citizen, after abdication.
JulianusII-antioch(360-363)-CNG.jpgJulian II
CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS
331 AD/332 AD, Constantinople, ThraciaCousin of Constantius II; made Caesar of the west in 355 AD; proclaimed Augustus by his troops in 360; sole emperor after the death of ConstantiusFebruary 360 AD – June 26, 363 ADJune 26, 363 AD
Mortally wounded in battle
Jovian1.jpgJovian
CAESAR FLAVIVS IOVIANVS AVGVSTVS
331 AD, Singidunum, MoesiaGeneral of Julian's army; proclaimed emperor by the troops on Julian's deathJune 26, 363 AD – February 17, 364 ADFebruary 17, 364 AD
Natural causes (suffocated on fumes)

[edit] Valentinian dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Valentinian I
FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS
321 AD, Cibalae, PannoniaElected to replace Jovian by the armyFebruary 26, 364 AD – November 17, 375 ADNovember 17, 375 AD
Natural causes
Valens Honorius Musei Capitolini MC494.jpgValens
FLAVIVS IVLIVS VALENS AVGVSTVS
328 AD, Cibalae, PannoniaBrother of Valentinian I, appointed co-augustus (for the east) by himMarch 28, 364 AD – August 9, 378 ADAugust 9, 378 AD
Killed in Battle of Adrianople against the Goths
Gratian
FLAVIVS GRATIANVS AVGVSTVS
April 18/May 23, 359 AD, Sirmium, PannoniaSon of Valentinian I, appointed 'junior' Augustus by him in 367, became 'senior' augustus (for the west) after Valentinian's death.August 4, 367 AD – August 25, 383 ADAugust 25, 383 AD
Murdered by rebellious army faction
Statue of emperor Valentinian II detail.JPGValentinian II
FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS INVICTVS AVGVSTVS
371 AD, Milan, ItaliaSon of Valentinian I, proclaimed emperor by Pannonian army after Valentinian's death; accepted as co-Augustus for the west by GratianNovember 17, 375 AD – May 15, 392 ADMay 15, 392 AD
Unclear; possibly murdered or committed suicide

[edit] Theodosian dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Theodosius-1-.jpgTheodosius I
FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS
January 11, 347 AD, Cauca, HispaniaAppointed as Augustus for the east by Gratian after the death of Valens; became sole 'senior' Augustus after death of Valentinian IIJanuary 1, 379 AD – January 17, 395 ADJanuary 17, 395 AD
Natural causes
Arcadius Istanbul Museum.PNGArcadius
FLAVIVS ARCADIVS AVGVSTVS

EAST
c. 377 AD, HispaniaSon of Theodosius I; appointed as 'junior' Augustus for the east by Theodosius in 383 (after the death of Gratian); became 'senior' Augustus for the east after his father's deathJanuary 383 AD – May 1, 408 ADMay 1, 408 AD
Natural causes
Consular diptych Probus 406.jpgHonorius
FLAVIVS HONORIVS AVGVSTVS

WEST
September 9, 384 AD, ?Son of Theodosius I; appointed as 'junior' Augustus for the west by Theodosius in 393 (after the death of Valentinian II); became 'senior' Augustus for the west after his father's deathJanuary 23, 393 AD – August 15, 423 ADAugust 15, 423 AD
Natural causes
Theodosius II Louvre Ma1036.jpgTheodosius II
FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS

EAST
April 10, 401 AD, Constantinople?Son of Arcadius; appointed as 'junior' Augustus for the east by Arcadius in 402; became 'senior' Augustus for the east after his father's deathJanuary 402 AD – July 28, 450 ADJuly 28, 450 AD
Natural causes
Solidus Constantius III-RIC 1325.jpgConstantius III
FLAVIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS

WEST
?, Naissus, Moesia SuperiorMarried to Theodosius I's daughter Galla Placidia, elevated to co-Augustus for the west by HonoriusFebruary 8, 421 AD – September 2, 421 ADSeptember 2, 421 AD
Natural causes
Solidus Johannes-s4283.jpgJoannes


WEST
?A senior civil servant under Honorius, proclaimed emperor by Castinus; initially undisputedAugust 27, 423 AD – May 425 ADJune or July 425 AD
Defeated in battle by Theodosius II and Valentinian III, captured and executed
Valentinian III
FLAVIVS PLACIDIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS

WEST
July 2, 419 AD, Ravenna, ItaliaSon of Constantius III, appointed Caesar for the west by Theodosius II after the death of Honorius, in opposition to the Johannes; became Augustus for the west after the defeat of JohannesOctober 23, 424 AD – March 16, 455 ADMarch 16, 455 AD
Assassinated, possibly at the behest of Petronius Maximus
Marcian
FLAVIVS MARCIANIVS AVGVSTVS

EAST
396, Thrace or IllyriaNominated as successor (and husband) by Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius IISummer 450 AD – January 457 ADJanuary 457 AD
Natural causes

[edit] The last emperors of the Western Empire

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Solidus Petronius Maximus-RIC 2201.jpgPetronius Maximus
FLAVIVS ANICIVS PETRONIVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS
c. 396 AD, ?Proclaimed himself emperor with the support of the army, after the death of Valentinian IIIMarch 17, 455 AD – May 31, 455 ADMay 31, 455 AD
Murdered, probably stoned to death by the Roman mob
Tremissis Avitus-RIC 2402.jpgAvitus
EPARCHIVS AVITVS AVGVSTVS
c. 385 AD, ?Magister militum under Petronius Maximus, proclaimed emperor by the Visigoth king Theoderic II after Petronius's deathJuly 9, 455 AD – October 17, 456 ADafter 17 October 456 AD
Deposed by his Magister militum, Ricimer; became bishop of Placentia; murdered at some point afterwards
Impero d'occidente, maggioriano, solido in oro (arles), 457-461.JPGMajorian
IVLIVS VALERIVS MAIORIANVS AVGVSTVS
November 420 AD, ?Appointed emperor by RicimerApril 457 AD – August 2, 461 ADAugust 7, 461 AD
Deposed by his troops (probably at the behest of Ricimer); died shortly afterwards in unclear circumstances
Libio Severo - MNR Palazzo Massimo.jpgLibius Severus
LIBIVS SEVERVS AVGVSTVS
?, Lucania, ItaliaAppointed emperor by RicimerNovember 461 AD – August 465 ADAugust 465 AD
Probably assassinated by Ricimer
Anthemius.jpgAnthemius
PROCOPIVS ANTHEMIVS AVGVSTVS
c. 420 ADAppointed emperor by Ricimer, with the backing of the eastern emperor Leo IApril 12, 467 AD – July 11, 472 ADJuly 11, 472 AD
Executed by Ricimer
Anicius Olybrius.pngOlybrius
FLAVIVS ANICIVS OLYBRIVS AVGVSTVS
c. 420 ADSon-in-law of Valentinian III; appointed emperor by RicimerJuly 11, 472 AD – November 2, 472 ADNovember 2, 472 AD
Natural causes
Glicerio - MNR Palazzo Massimo.jpgGlycerius
FLAVIVS(?) GLYCERIVS AVGVSTVS
?Appointed emperor by Gundobad (Ricimer's successor)March 473 AD – June 474 ADafter 480 AD
Deposed by Julius Nepos, became Bishop of Salona, time and manner of death unknown
Tremissis Julius Nepos-RIC 3221.jpgJulius Nepos
FLAVIVS IVLIVS NEPOS AVGVSTVS
c. 430 AD - 480 ADNephew-in-law of the eastern emperor Leo I, appointed emperor in opposition to GlyceriusJune 474 AD – August 28, 475 AD (in Italy); – Spring 480 AD (in Gaul and Dalmatia)480 AD
Deposed in Italy by Flavius Orestes, ruled in balance of Western Empire until assassination in 480. Maintained as figurehead in Italy by Odoacer though his death in 480.
RomulusAugustus.jpgRomulus Augustus
FLAVIVS ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS
?Appointed by his father, Flavius OrestesOctober 31, 475 AD – September 4, 476 AD (in Italy)Unknown.
Regarded as emperor more from historical convention than accuracy, his rule never extended beyond portions of Italian peninsular and was not recognized by Eastern Emperor Zeno. Deposed by Odoacer, who then ruled in the name of Julius Nepos until the latter's death in 480, which formally ended the separate western empire; most likely lived out his life on a private villa in obscurity.

[edit] Leonid Dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Leo I Louvre Ma1012.jpgLeo I
FLAVIVS VALERIVS LEO AVGVSTVS
401 AD, ?Proclaimed emperor by the Magister militum Aspar after Marcian's deathFebruary 7, 457 AD – January 18, 474 ADJanuary 18, 474 AD
Natural causes
Leo (474)-coin.jpgLeo II
FLAVIVS LEO IVNIOR AVGVSTVS
467 AD, Constantinople?Grandson of Leo I by his daughter AriadneJanuary 18, 474 AD – November 17, 474 ADNovember 17, 474 AD
Unclear, possibly assassinated
Tremissis-Zeno-RIC 0914.jpgZeno
FLAVIVS ZENO PERPETVVS AVGVSTVS
425 AD, IsauriaFather of Leo IIFebruary 9, 474 AD – January 9, 475 AD &
August 476 AD – April 9, 491 AD
April 9, 491 AD
Natural causes
Basiliscus
FLAVIVS BASILISCVS AVGVSTVS
?Brother-in-law of Leo I, seized power during a plot against Zeno by Verina (Leo I's widow and Basiliscus's sister)January 9, 475 AD – August 476 ADAugust 476 AD
Defeated, captured and executed by Zeno
Semissis-Anastasius I-sb0007.jpgAnastasius I
FLAVIVS ANASTASIVS AVGVSTVS
c. 430 AD, DyrrachiumSelected by Ariadne as successor to Zeno (as both emperor and husband)April 9, 491 AD – July 9, 518 ADJuly 9, 518
Natural causes

[edit] Justinian Dynasty

PortraitNameBirthSuccessionReignDeathTime in Office
Tremissis-Justin I-sb0058.jpgJustin I
FLAVIVS IVSTINVS AVGVSTVS
c. 450 AD, NaissusCommander of the palace guard under Anastasius I); elected as emperor with support of armyJuly 9, 518 AD – August 1, 527 ADAugust 1, 527 AD
Natural causes
Meister von San Vitale in Ravenna.jpgJustinian I
FLAVIVS PETRVS SABBATIVS IVSTINIANVS AVGVSTVS
c. 482 AD, Tauresium, DardaniaNephew and nominated heir of Justin IAugust 1, 527 AD – 13/14 November 565 AD13/14 November 565 AD
Natural causes
Justin II
FLAVIVS IVSTINIVS IVNIOR AVGVSTVS
c. 520 AD, ?Nephew of Justinian I13/14 November 565 AD – 5 October 578 AD578 AD
Became insane; Tiberius II Constantine ruled as regent from December 574 and became emperor on Justin's death in 578
Tiberius II Constantine
FLAVIVS TIBERIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS
c. 535 AD, ?Adoptive son of Justin II5 October 578 AD – 14 August 582 AD14 August 578 AD
Natural causes
Maurice
FLAVIVS MAVRICIVS TIBERIVS AVGVSTVS
539 AD, ArabissusSon-in-law of Tiberius II Constantine13 August 582 AD – 27 November 602 AD27 November 602 AD
Executed

[edit] Byzantine emperors

Continue to List of Byzantine Emperors

[edit] Timeline

Timeline indicating the chronological life-spans of the Roman Emperors
Romulus AugustusJulius NeposGlyceriusOlybriusAnthemiusLibius SeverusMajorianAvitusPetronius MaximusMarcianValentinian IIIJoannesConstantius IIITheodosius IIHonorius (emperor)ArcadiusTheodosius IValentinian IIGratianValensValentinian IJovian (emperor)JulianConstansConstantius IIConstantine IILiciniusMaximinus DaiaMaxentiusConstantine ISeverusGaleriusConstantius I ChlorusMaximianDiocletianCarinusNumerianCarusMarcus Aurelius ProbusMarcus Claudius TacitusAurelianQuintillusClaudius GothicusGallienusValerian (emperor)AemilianusTrebonianus GallusHostilianDeciusPhilip the ArabGordian IIIBalbinusPupienus MaximusGordian IIGordian IMaximinus ThraxAlexander SeverusElagabalusMacrinusPublius Septimius GetaCaracallaSeptimius SeverusDidius JulianusPertinaxCommodusMarcus AureliusLucius VerusAntoninus PiusHadrianTrajanNervaDomitianTitusVespasianVitelliusOthoGalbaNeroClaudiusCaligulaTiberiusAugustusWestern Roman EmpireTheodosian dynasty

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Chris Scarre,Brandon Shaw, Chronicle of the Roman Emperors, Thames & Hudson, 1995, Reprinted 2001, ISBN 0-500-05077-5
  • Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, Penguin Classics, Michael Grant Publications Ltd, 1971, Reprinted 1985, ISBN 0-14-044060-7
  • Martha Ross, Rulers and Governments of the World, Vol.1 Earliest Times to 1491, Bowker, 1978, ISBN 0-85935-021-5
  • Clive Carpenter, The Guinness Book of Kings Rulers & Statesmen, Guinness Superlatives Ltd, 1978, ISBN 0-900424-46-X
  • R.F.Tapsell, Monarchs Rulers Dynasties and Kingdoms of The World, Thames & Hudson, 1981, Reprinted 1987, ISBN 0-500-27337-5
  1. ^ a b Rubicon. Holland, T. Abacus, 978-0349115634
  2. ^ Chester G. Starr, A History of the Ancient World, Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 1974. pp. 670–678.
  3. ^ Asimov, [title?], p. 198.
  4. ^ http://www.byzantium.xronikon.com/statfirst.html
  5. ^ The other claimants for the throne in the Year of the Five Emperors were Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus, supported by the Syrian and British legions respectively. Although not completely defeated until 197 AD, they were not formally accepted by the senate and were therefore not technically reigning emperors.

[edit] External links




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