Roman Emperors

Augustus

Full Name: Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus

  Julio-Claudian Dynasty 27 BC - AD 14

Founder and first emperor of the Roman Empire, Augustus established the Principate and presided over the beginning of the Pax Romana. Jesus was born during his reign.

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Tiberius

Full Name: Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus

  Julio-Claudian Dynasty AD 14-37

Augustus' successor, Tiberius was an experienced soldier and capable administrator whose reign became increasingly reclusive. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate during his rule.

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Caligula

Full Name: Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus

  Julio-Claudian Dynasty AD 37-41

Caligula ruled only four years and became notorious in ancient accounts for increasingly autocratic and extravagant behavior. He was assassinated by members of the Praetorian Guard.

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Claudius

Full Name: Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus

  Julio-Claudian Dynasty AD 41-54

Claudius proved an able administrator, expanded Roman rule into Britain, and strengthened the imperial bureaucracy. Acts records his expulsion of Jews from Rome, affecting Aquila and Priscilla.

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Nero

Full Name: Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus

  Julio-Claudian Dynasty AD 54-68

The last Julio-Claudian emperor, Nero became notorious for autocratic rule and for the brutal persecution of Christians after the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64.

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Galba

Full Name: Servius Sulpicius Galba

  Year of the Four Emperors AD 68 to 69

Galba succeeded Nero in AD 68 and became the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. His unpopular policies quickly cost him military support, and he was murdered.

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Otho

Full Name: Marcus Salvius Otho

  Year of the Four Emperors January to April AD 69 (3 months)

Otho seized power after the murder of Galba but ruled for only three months. Defeated by the forces of Vitellius at Bedriacum, he committed suicide rather than prolong the civil war.

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Vitellius

Full Name: Aulus Vitellius

  Year of the Four Emperors April 19 to December 20 AD 69

Vitellius became the third emperor of AD 69 after defeating Otho. His brief rule ended when the eastern legions backed Vespasian and Flavian forces captured Rome.

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Vespasian

Full Name: Titus Flavius Vespasianus

  Flavian Dynasty AD 69 to AD 79

Vespasian restored stability after the civil wars of AD 69 and founded the Flavian dynasty. He had earlier commanded Roman forces against the Jewish revolt in Judea.

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Titus

Full Name: Titus Caesar Vespasianus

  Flavian Dynasty AD 79 - 81

Titus completed the Roman conquest of Jerusalem in AD 70, destroying the city and Second Temple. He later succeeded his father Vespasian and ruled as emperor from AD 79 to 81.

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Domitian

Full Name: Titus Flavius Domitianus

  Flavian Dynasty AD 81 to 96

The last Flavian emperor, Domitian strengthened imperial administration but ruled in an increasingly authoritarian manner. Ancient Christian sources associate his later reign with persecution.

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Nerva

Full Name: Marcus Cocceius Nerva

  Nerva–Antonine Dynasty AD 96 - 98

Nerva succeeded Domitian and began the Nerva-Antonine dynasty. His brief reign helped stabilize Rome and established the practice of adopting a capable successor, beginning with Trajan.

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