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This article is about emperors until Justinian dynasty. For a complete list including the Eastern Roman Emperors, see General list of Roman emperors. For more information, see History of the Roman Empire.
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:
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.
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.
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.
The Principate Period
Main article: PrincipateJulio-Claudian dynasty
Main article: Julio-Claudian dynasty
Main article: Julio-Claudian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Augustus GAIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS |
September 23 63 BC, Rome, Italia | Became de facto emperor as a result of the 'first settlement' between himself and the Roman Senate. | January 16, 27 BC – August 19, 14 AD | August 19, 14 AD Natural causes. |
41 Years, 8 Months |
 |
Tiberius TIBERIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS |
November 16 42 BC, Rome | Son of Augustus's wife Livia by a previous marriage; adopted son of Augustus. | September 18, 14 AD – March 16, 37 AD | March 16, 37 AD Probably natural causes, possibly assassinated by Caligula |
22 Years, 6 Months |
 |
Caligula GAIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS |
August 31, 12 AD, Antium, Italia | Tiberius's great-nephew and adopted grandson; great-grandson of Augustus. | March 18, 37 AD – January 24, 41 AD | January 24, 41 AD Assassinated in a conspiracy involving senators and Praetorian Guards. |
3 Years, 10 Months |
 |
Claudius TIBERIVS CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS |
August 1, 10 BC, Lugdunum, Gallia Lugdunensis | Nephew of Tiberius, brother of Germanicus and uncle of Caligula; proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. | January 25/26, 41 AD – October 13, 54 AD | October 13, 54 AD Probably poisoned by his wife Agrippina the Younger, in favour of her son Nero. |
13 Years, 9 Months |
 |
Nero NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS |
December 15, 37 AD, Antium, Italia | Grandson of Germanicus, nephew of Caligula, step- and adopted son of Claudius; great-great-grandson of Augustus. | October 13, 54 AD – June 9, 68 AD | June 9, 68 AD Committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate. |
13 Years, 8 Months |
Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian Dynasty
Main articles: Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian Dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Galba SERVIVS SVLPICIVS GALBA CAESAR AVGVSTVS |
December 24 3 BC, Near Terracina, Italia | Seized power after Nero's suicide, with support of the Spanish legions | June 8, 68 AD – January 15, 69 AD | January 15, 69 AD Murdered by Praetorian Guard in coup led by Otho. |
7 Months |
 |
Otho MARCVS SALVIVS OTHO CAESAR AVGVSTVS |
April 28, 32 AD, Ferentinum, Etruria, Italia | Appointed by Praetorian Guard | January 15, 69 AD – April 16, 69 AD | April 16, 69 AD Committed suicide after losing Battle of Bedriacum to Vitellius |
3 months 1 day (91 days) |
 |
Vitellius AVLVS VITELLIVS GERMANICVS AVGVSTVS |
September 24, 15 AD, Rome | Seized power with support of German Legions (in opposition to Galba/Otho) | April 17, 69 AD – December 20, 69 AD | December 20, 69 AD Murdered by Vespasian's troops |
8 Months |
 |
Vespasian TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS |
November 17, 9 AD, Falacrine, Italia | Seized power with the support of the eastern Legions (in opposition to Vitellius) | July 1, 69 AD – June 24, 79 AD | June 24, 79 AD Natural causes |
10 years |
 |
Titus TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS |
December 30, 39 AD, Rome | Son of Vespasian | June 24, 79 AD – September 13, 81 AD | September 13, 81 AD Natural causes (Plague) |
2 years, 3 months |
 |
Domitian TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS |
October 24, 51 AD, Rome | Son of Vespasian | September 14, 81 AD – September 18, 96 AD | September 18, 96 AD Assassinated by court officials |
15 years |
Nervan-Antonian dynasty
Main article: Nervan-Antonian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nerva MARCVS COCCEIVS NERVA CAESAR AVGVSTVS |
November 8, 30 AD, Narni, Italia | Appointed by the Senate | September 18, 96 AD – January 27, 98 AD | January 27, 98 AD Natural causes |
1 year, 4 months |
 |
Trajan CAESAR MARCVS VLPIVS NERVA TRAIANVS AVGVSTVS |
September 18, 53 AD, Italica, Hispania Baetica | Adopted son and heir of Nerva | January 28, 98 AD – August 7, 117 AD | August 7, 117 AD Natural causes |
19 years, 7 months |
 |
Hadrian CAESAR PVBLIVS AELIVS TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS |
January 24, 76 AD, Italica, Hispania Baetica (or Rome) | Adopted son and heir of Trajan | August 11, 117 AD – July 10, 138 AD | July 10, 138 AD Natural causes |
21 years |
 |
Antoninus Pius CAESAR TITVS AELIVS HADRIANVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS |
September 19, 86 AD, Near Lanuvium, Italia | Adopted son and heir of Hadrian | July 10, 138 AD – March 7, 161 AD | March 7, 161 AD Natural causes |
22 years, 7 months |
 |
Lucius Verus CAESAR LVCIVS AVRELIVS VERVS AVGVSTVS |
December 15, 130 AD, Rome | Adopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius; Co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius until death | March 7, 161 AD – ? March 169 AD | March 169 AD Natural causes (Plague) |
8 years |
 |
Marcus Aurelius CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS |
April 26, 121 AD, Rome | Adopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius; Co-emperor with Lucius Verus until 169 AD | March 7, 161 AD – March 17, 180 AD | March 17, 180 AD Natural causes |
19 years |
 |
Commodus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS |
August 31, 161 AD, Lanuvium, Italia | Natural son of Marcus Aurelius; joint emperor from 177 AD | 177 AD – December 31, 192 AD | December 31, 192 AD Assassinated in palace, strangled to death |
15 years, |
Year of the Five Emperors & Severan dynasty
Main articles: Year of the Five Emperors and Severan dynasty family tree
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pertinax CAESAR PVBLIVS HELVIVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS |
August 1, 126 AD, Alba, Italia | Proclaimed emperor by Praetorian Guard | January 1, 193 AD – March 28, 193 AD | March 28, 193 AD Murdered by Praetorian Guard |
3 months |
 |
Didius Julianus CAESAR MARCVS DIDIVS SEVERVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS |
133 or 137 AD, Milan, Italia | Won auction held by the Praetorian Guard for the position of emperor | March 28, 193 AD – June 1, 193 AD | June 1, 193 AD Executed on orders of the Senate |
2 months 4 days (65 days) |
 |
Septimius Severus CAESAR LVCIVS SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS |
April 11, 145 AD, Leptis Magna, Africa | Seized power with support of Pannonian legions[5] | April 9, 193 AD – February 4, 211 AD | February 4, 211 AD Natural causes |
17 years, 10 months |
 |
Caracalla CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ANTONINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS |
April 4, 188 AD, Lugdunum, Gallia Lugdunensis | Son 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 AD | 198 AD – April 8, 217 AD | April 8, 217 AD Murdered by a soldier as part of a conspiracy involving Macrinus |
19 years |
 |
Geta CAESAR PVBLIVS SEPTIMIVS GETA AVGVSTUS |
March 7, 189 AD, Rome | Son of Septimius Severus; co-emperor with Severus and Caracalla from 209 AD until February 211 AD; co-emperor with Caracalla until December 211 AD | 209 AD – December 26, 211 AD | December 19, 211 AD Murdered on the orders of Caracalla |
3 years |
 |
Macrinus MARCVS OPELLIVS SEVERVS MACRINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS FELIX with Diadumenian MARCVS OPELLIVS ANTONINVS DIADUMENIANVS |
c. 165 AD, Iol Caesarea, Mauretania | Praetorian 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 217 | April 11, 217 AD – June 8, 218 AD | June 8, 218 AD Both executed in favour of Elagabalus |
1 year, 2 months |
 |
Elagabalus MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 203 AD, Emesa, Syria | Grandson of Septimius Severus's sister-in-law, alleged illegitimate son of Caracalla; proclaimed emperor by Syrian legions | June 8, 218 AD – March 11, 222 AD | March 11, 222 AD Murdered by Praetorian Guard |
3 years, 9 months |
 |
Severus Alexander CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ALEXANDER AVGVSTVS |
October 1, 208 AD, Arca Caesarea, Iudaea | Grandson of Septimius Severus's sister-in-law, cousin and adoptive heir of Elagabalus | March 13, 222 AD – March 18, 235 AD | March 18, 235 AD Murdered by the army |
13 years |
Emperors during the Crisis of the Third Century
Main article: Crisis of the Third Century
Main article: Roman Emperor (Crisis of the Third Century)
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Maximinus I CAESAR GAIVS JVLIVS VERVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS |
c.173 AD, Thrace or Moesia | Proclaimed emperor by German legions after the murder of Severus Alexander | March 20, 235 AD – April 238 AD | April 238 AD Assassinated by Praetorian Guard |
3 years, 1 month |
 |
Gordian 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 III | March 22, 238 AD – April 12, 238 AD | April 238 AD Committed suicide upon hearing of the death of Gordian II. |
21 days |
 |
Gordian 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 AD | April 238 AD Killed during the Battle of Carthage, fighting a pro-Maximinus army |
Not known |
 |
Pupienus 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 AD | July 29, 238 AD Assassinated by the Praetorian Guard |
|
 |
Balbinus 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 III | April 22, 238 AD – July 29, 238 AD | July 29, 238 AD Assassinated by Praetorian Guard |
|
 |
Gordian III CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS AVGVSTVS |
January 20, 225 AD, Rome | Proclaimed 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 AD | February 11, 244 AD Unknown; possibly murdered on orders of Philip I |
|
 |
Philip I CAESAR MARCVS IVLIVS PHILLIPVS AVGVSTVS with Philip II |
c. 204 AD, Shahba, Syria | Praetorian Prefect to Gordian III, took power after his death; made his son Philip II co-emperor in summer 247 AD | February 244 AD – September/October 249 AD | September/October 249 AD Killed in battle against Trajan Decius, near Verona |
|
 |
Trajan Decius CAESAR GAIVS MESSIVS QVINTVS TRAIANVS DECIVS AVGVSTVS with Herennius Etruscus |
c. 201 AD, Budalia, Lower Pannonia | Governor under Philip I; proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions and defeated Philip in battle; made his son Herennius Etruscus co-emperor in early 251 AD | September/ October 249 AD – June 251 AD | June 251 AD Both killed in the Battle of Abrittus fighting against the Goths |
|
 |
Hostilian CAESAR CAIVS VALENS HOSTILIANVS MESSIVS QVINTVS AVGVSTVS |
Rome | Son of Trajan Decius, accepted as heir by the Senate | June 251 AD – late 251 AD | September/October 251 AD Natural causes (Plague) |
|
 |
Trebonianus Gallus CAESAR GAIVS VIBIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS AVGVSTVS with Volusianus |
206 AD, Italia | Governor 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 AD | August 253 AD Assassinated by their own troops, in favour of Aemilian |
|
 |
Aemilian CAESAR MARCVS AEMILIVS AEMILIANVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 207 AD Africa | Governor of Moesia Superior, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after defeating the Goths; accepted as emperor after death of Gallus | August 253 AD – October 253 AD | September/October 253 AD Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Valerian |
|
 |
Valerian CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS VALERIANVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 195 AD | Governor of Noricum and Raetia, proclaimed emperor by Rhine legions after death of Gallus; accepted as emperor after death of Aemilian | October 253 AD – 260 AD | After 260 AD Captured in Battle of Edessa against Persians, died in captivity |
|
 |
Gallienus CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS EGNATIVS GALLIENVS AVGVSTVS with Saloninus |
218 AD | Son 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 AD | September 268 AD Murdered at Aquileia by his own commanders. |
|
 |
Claudius Gothicus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS AVGVSTVS |
May 10, 213 AD/214 AD, Sirmium | Victorious general at Battle of Naissus, seized power after Gallienus's death | September 268 AD – January 270 AD | January 270 AD Natural causes (Plague) |
|
 |
Quintillus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS QVINTILLVS AVGVSTVS |
?, Sirmium | Brother of Claudius Gothicus, seized power after his death | January 270 AD – 270 AD | 270 AD Unclear; possibly suicide or murder |
|
 |
Aurelian CAESAR LVCIVS DOMITIVS AVRELIANVS AVGVSTVS |
September 9, 214 AD/215 AD, Sirmium | Proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after Claudius II's death, in opposition to Quintillus | September(?) 270 AD – September 275 AD | September 275 AD Assassinated by Praetorian Guard |
|
 |
Tacitus CAESAR MARCVS CLAVDIVS TACITVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 200, Interamna | Elected by the Senate to replace Aurelian, after a short interregnum | September 25, 275 AD – June 276 AD | June 276 AD Natural causes (possibly assassinated) |
|
 |
Florian CAESAR MARCVS ANNIVS FLORIANVS AVGVSTVS |
? | Brother of Tacitus, elected by the army in the west to replace him | June 276 AD – September? 276 AD | September? 276 AD Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Probus |
|
 |
Probus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS PROBVS AVGVSTVS |
232 AD, Sirmium | Governor of the eastern provinces, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions in opposition to Florian | September? 276 AD – September/ October 282 AD | September/ October 282 AD Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Carus |
|
| Carus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 230 AD, Narbo | Praetorian Prefect to Probus; seized power either before or after Probus was murdered | September/ October 282 AD – late July/ early August 283 AD | Late July/early August 283 AD Natural causes? (Possibly killed by lightning) |
||
 |
Numerian CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS NVMERIVS NVMERIANVS AVGVSTVS |
? | Son of Carus, succeeded him jointly with his brother Carinus | Late July/early August 283 AD – 284 AD? | 284 AD Unclear; possibly assassinated |
|
 |
Carinus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARINVS AVGVSTVS |
? | Son of Carus, succeeded him jointly with his brother Numerian | Late July/early August 283 AD – 285 AD | 285 AD Died in battle against Diocletian? |
The Dominate Period
Main article: Dominate
Tetrarchy and Constantinian dynasty
Main article: Tetrarchy
Main article: Constantinian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Diocletian CAESAR GAIVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS |
c. December 22, 244 AD, Salona | Proclaimed emperor by army after death of Numerian, and in opposition to Carinus; adopted Maximian as senior co-emperor in 286 AD | November 20, 284 AD – May 1, 305 AD | 3 December 311 AD Abdicated; died of natural causes in Aspalatos |
21 years |
 |
Maximian CAESAR GAIVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 250 AD, near Sirmium, Pannonia | Adopted as senior co-emperor ('Augustus') in the west by Diocletian in 286 AD | April 1, 286 AD – May 1, 305 AD | 310 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 |
 |
Constantius I Chlorus CAESAR GAIVS FLAVIVS VALERIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS |
March 31 c. 250 AD, Dardania, Moesia | Adopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Maximian in 293 AD | May 1, 305 AD – July 25, 306 AD | 306 AD Natural causes |
1 year and 2 moths |
 |
Galerius CAESAR GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 260 AD, Felix Romuliana, Moesia Superior | Adopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Diocletian in 293 AD | May 1, 305 AD – May 311 AD | 311 AD Natural causes |
6 years |
 |
Severus 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 I | Summer 306 AD – March/ April 307 AD | September 16, 307 AD Captured by Maxentius and forced to commit suicide (or murdered) |
1 year |
 |
Constantine I CAESAR FLAVIVS CONSTANTINVS VALERIVS AVGVSTVS |
February 27 c. 272 AD, Naissus, Moesia Superior | Son 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 AD | 25 July 306 AD – May 22, 337 AD | May 22, 337 AD Natural causes |
31 years |
 |
Maxentius 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 Severus | 28 October 306 AD – October 28, 312 AD | October 28, 312 AD Died at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, against Constantine I |
6 years |
 |
Maximinus II CAESAR GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS |
November 20 c. 270 AD, Dacia Aureliana | Nephew of Galerius, adopted as Caesar and his heir in 305 AD; succeeded as Augustus (shared with Licinius I) in 311 AD | May 1, 311 AD – July/August 313 AD | July/August 313 AD Defeated in civil war against Licinius I; probably committed suicide thereafter |
2 years |
 |
Licinius I CAESAR GAIVS VALERIVS LICINIVS AVGVSTVS with Valerius Valens Martinian |
c. 250 AD, Felix Romuliana, Moesia Superior | Appointed 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 AD | 325 AD Defeated in civil war against Constantine I in 324 AD and captured; executed on the orders of Constantine the next year |
16 years |
 |
Constantine II CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS |
316 AD, Arles | Son of Constantine I; appointed Caesar in 317 AD, succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantius II and Constans I | May 22, 337 AD – 340 AD | 340 AD Died in battle against Constans I |
3 years |
 |
Constantius II CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS |
August 7, 317 AD, Sirmium, Pannonia | Son of Constantine I; succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantine II and Constans I; sole emperor from 350 AD | May 22, 337 AD – November 3, 361 AD | 361 AD Natural causes |
|
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Constans I CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANS AVGVSTVS |
320 AD, ? | Son of Constantine I; succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantine II and Constantius II | May 22, 337 AD – 350 AD | 350 AD Assassinated on the orders of the usurper Magnentius |
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Vetranio | ?, Moesia | General of Constans I, proclaimed Caesar against Magnentius and temporarily accepted as Augustus of the west by Constantius II. | March 1 – December 25, 350 AD | c. 356 As a private citizen, after abdication. |
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Julian II CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS |
331 AD/332 AD, Constantinople, Thracia | Cousin of Constantius II; made Caesar of the west in 355 AD; proclaimed Augustus by his troops in 360; sole emperor after the death of Constantius | February 360 AD – June 26, 363 AD | June 26, 363 AD Mortally wounded in battle |
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Jovian CAESAR FLAVIVS IOVIANVS AVGVSTVS |
331 AD, Singidunum, Moesia | General of Julian's army; proclaimed emperor by the troops on Julian's death | June 26, 363 AD – February 17, 364 AD | February 17, 364 AD Natural causes (suffocated on fumes) |
Valentinian dynasty
Main article: Valentinian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
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| Valentinian I FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS |
321 AD, Cibalae, Pannonia | Elected to replace Jovian by the army | February 26, 364 AD – November 17, 375 AD | November 17, 375 AD Natural causes |
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Valens FLAVIVS IVLIVS VALENS AVGVSTVS |
328 AD, Cibalae, Pannonia | Brother of Valentinian I, appointed co-augustus (for the east) by him | March 28, 364 AD – August 9, 378 AD | August 9, 378 AD Killed in Battle of Adrianople against the Goths |
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| Gratian FLAVIVS GRATIANVS AVGVSTVS |
April 18/May 23, 359 AD, Sirmium, Pannonia | Son 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 AD | August 25, 383 AD Murdered by rebellious army faction |
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Valentinian II FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS INVICTVS AVGVSTVS |
371 AD, Milan, Italia | Son of Valentinian I, proclaimed emperor by Pannonian army after Valentinian's death; accepted as co-Augustus for the west by Gratian | November 17, 375 AD – May 15, 392 AD | May 15, 392 AD Unclear; possibly murdered or committed suicide |
Theodosian dynasty
Main article: Theodosian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
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Theodosius I FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS |
January 11, 347 AD, Cauca, Hispania | Appointed as Augustus for the east by Gratian after the death of Valens; became sole 'senior' Augustus after death of Valentinian II | January 1, 379 AD – January 17, 395 AD | January 17, 395 AD Natural causes |
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Arcadius FLAVIVS ARCADIVS AVGVSTVS EAST |
c. 377 AD, Hispania | Son 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 death | January 383 AD – May 1, 408 AD | May 1, 408 AD Natural causes |
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Honorius 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 death | January 23, 393 AD – August 15, 423 AD | August 15, 423 AD Natural causes |
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Theodosius 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 death | January 402 AD – July 28, 450 AD | July 28, 450 AD Natural causes |
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Constantius III FLAVIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS WEST |
?, Naissus, Moesia Superior | Married to Theodosius I's daughter Galla Placidia, elevated to co-Augustus for the west by Honorius | February 8, 421 AD – September 2, 421 AD | September 2, 421 AD Natural causes |
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Joannes WEST |
? | A senior civil servant under Honorius, proclaimed emperor by Castinus; initially undisputed | August 27, 423 AD – May 425 AD | June or July 425 AD Defeated in battle by Theodosius II and Valentinian III, captured and executed |
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| Valentinian III FLAVIVS PLACIDIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS WEST |
July 2, 419 AD, Ravenna, Italia | Son 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 Johannes | October 23, 424 AD – March 16, 455 AD | March 16, 455 AD Assassinated, possibly at the behest of Petronius Maximus |
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| Marcian FLAVIVS MARCIANIVS AVGVSTVS EAST |
396, Thrace or Illyria | Nominated as successor (and husband) by Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius II | Summer 450 AD – January 457 AD | January 457 AD Natural causes |
The last emperors of the Western Empire
Main article: Western Roman Empire
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
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Petronius Maximus FLAVIVS ANICIVS PETRONIVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 396 AD, ? | Proclaimed himself emperor with the support of the army, after the death of Valentinian III | March 17, 455 AD – May 31, 455 AD | May 31, 455 AD Murdered, probably stoned to death by the Roman mob |
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Avitus EPARCHIVS AVITVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 385 AD, ? | Magister militum under Petronius Maximus, proclaimed emperor by the Visigoth king Theoderic II after Petronius's death | July 9, 455 AD – October 17, 456 AD | after 17 October 456 AD Deposed by his Magister militum, Ricimer; became bishop of Placentia; murdered at some point afterwards |
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Majorian IVLIVS VALERIVS MAIORIANVS AVGVSTVS |
November 420 AD, ? | Appointed emperor by Ricimer | April 457 AD – August 2, 461 AD | August 7, 461 AD Deposed by his troops (probably at the behest of Ricimer); died shortly afterwards in unclear circumstances |
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Libius Severus LIBIVS SEVERVS AVGVSTVS |
?, Lucania, Italia | Appointed emperor by Ricimer | November 461 AD – August 465 AD | August 465 AD Probably assassinated by Ricimer |
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Anthemius PROCOPIVS ANTHEMIVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 420 AD | Appointed emperor by Ricimer, with the backing of the eastern emperor Leo I | April 12, 467 AD – July 11, 472 AD | July 11, 472 AD Executed by Ricimer |
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Olybrius FLAVIVS ANICIVS OLYBRIVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 420 AD | Son-in-law of Valentinian III; appointed emperor by Ricimer | July 11, 472 AD – November 2, 472 AD | November 2, 472 AD Natural causes |
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Glycerius FLAVIVS(?) GLYCERIVS AVGVSTVS |
? | Appointed emperor by Gundobad (Ricimer's successor) | March 473 AD – June 474 AD | after 480 AD Deposed by Julius Nepos, became Bishop of Salona, time and manner of death unknown |
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Julius Nepos FLAVIVS IVLIVS NEPOS AVGVSTVS |
c. 430 AD - 480 AD | Nephew-in-law of the eastern emperor Leo I, appointed emperor in opposition to Glycerius | June 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. |
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Romulus Augustus FLAVIVS ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS |
? | Appointed by his father, Flavius Orestes | October 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. |
Leonid Dynasty
Main article: House of Leo
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
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Leo I FLAVIVS VALERIVS LEO AVGVSTVS |
401 AD, ? | Proclaimed emperor by the Magister militum Aspar after Marcian's death | February 7, 457 AD – January 18, 474 AD | January 18, 474 AD Natural causes |
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Leo II FLAVIVS LEO IVNIOR AVGVSTVS |
467 AD, Constantinople? | Grandson of Leo I by his daughter Ariadne | January 18, 474 AD – November 17, 474 AD | November 17, 474 AD Unclear, possibly assassinated |
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Zeno FLAVIVS ZENO PERPETVVS AVGVSTVS |
425 AD, Isauria | Father of Leo II | February 9, 474 AD – January 9, 475 AD & August 476 AD – April 9, 491 AD |
April 9, 491 AD Natural causes |
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| 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 AD | August 476 AD Defeated, captured and executed by Zeno |
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Anastasius I FLAVIVS ANASTASIVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 430 AD, Dyrrachium | Selected by Ariadne as successor to Zeno (as both emperor and husband) | April 9, 491 AD – July 9, 518 AD | July 9, 518 Natural causes |
Justinian Dynasty
Main article: Justinian Dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Death | Time in Office |
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Justin I FLAVIVS IVSTINVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 450 AD, Naissus | Commander of the palace guard under Anastasius I); elected as emperor with support of army | July 9, 518 AD – August 1, 527 AD | August 1, 527 AD Natural causes |
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Justinian I FLAVIVS PETRVS SABBATIVS IVSTINIANVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 482 AD, Tauresium, Dardania | Nephew and nominated heir of Justin I | August 1, 527 AD – 13/14 November 565 AD | 13/14 November 565 AD Natural causes |
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| Justin II FLAVIVS IVSTINIVS IVNIOR AVGVSTVS |
c. 520 AD, ? | Nephew of Justinian I | 13/14 November 565 AD – 5 October 578 AD | 578 AD Became insane; Tiberius II Constantine ruled as regent from December 574 and became emperor on Justin's death in 578 |
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| Tiberius II Constantine FLAVIVS TIBERIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS |
c. 535 AD, ? | Adoptive son of Justin II | 5 October 578 AD – 14 August 582 AD | 14 August 578 AD Natural causes |
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| Maurice FLAVIVS MAVRICIVS TIBERIVS AVGVSTVS |
539 AD, Arabissus | Son-in-law of Tiberius II Constantine | 13 August 582 AD – 27 November 602 AD | 27 November 602 AD Executed |
Byzantine emperors
Main articles: Eastern Roman Empire and List of Byzantine Emperors
- Continue to List of Byzantine Emperors
- Holy Roman Emperor
Timeline
Timeline indicating the chronological life-spans of the Roman Emperors
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