GREAT ROMAN EMPERORS
Civil war, unrest and the death of Julius Caesar paved the way for Rome’s transformation from a voting republic to an empire ruled by an emperor. For the next 449 years, about 70 men held the title of emperor of Rome. Some ruled well, others disastrously. Take a look at some of the great emperors. The republic
In 509 B.C., after overthrowing
Tarquin the Proud, the last king of Rome, the Romans established a form of government called a republic and vowed never to have another king. The Latin word respublica meant “a matter for the people.” The Roman republic allowed citizens to vote in their own consisted of two elected consuls (who usually held power for one or two years) and the Senate. The Senate was a lawmaking body that advised the consuls on matters of state. All free citizens of the republic could vote.
The social ladder
There were three basic class distinctions in ancient Rome. Patricians were the old families who owned land, plebeians were laborers and the equites represented the rich business class. Women, slaves and children could not vote.
Power and ambition
By 50 B.C., Rome controlled most of the Mediterranean. Civil wars and unrest paved the way for the famous general Julius
Caesar. Caesar was elected consul in 59 B.C., and in 49 B.C. he declared himself dictator of Rome. This power grab upset many people, and on March 15, 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was assassinated for his kingly ambitions. The civil death marked the end of the republic, which was replaced by the rule of an all-powerful emperor.
Caesar Augustus
Gaius Octavius
(ruled 27 B.C. – A.D. 14)
The great-nephew and heir of Julius Caesar, Octavius marched on Rome in 27 B.C. and forced the Senate to name him consul. He took the title Augustus, which means “exalted” or “revered.” $V WKH ÀUVW claimed for himself), Augustus brought peace and prosperity to Rome after 100 years of civil war. Augustus ruled for more than 40 years and is emperors because of his many accomplishments, both military and political. His surname, Caesar, and the title Augustus would be adopted by every Roman emperor after him.
Trajan
Marcus Ulpius
Nerva Traianus
(ruled 98 – 117)
Trajan (TRAY-jun), the second in a group that is now known as the non-Italian to rule as emperor. Many historians consider Trajan emperors. He enjoyed many military conquests, and the Roman Empire grew under his leadership.
Constantine
Gaius Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus (ruled 306 – 337) Contantine is best known emperor. During his reign, he supported and encouraged Christianity throughout the land. He is also famous for moving to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). He was said to be a talented general with boundless energy and determination. Constantine passed many severe laws and created many harsh taxation reforms.
Marcus Aurelius
(ruled 161 – 180)
The last of the rulers known as the Five Good Emperors, Aurelius ruled over the most majestic days of the Roman Empire. Also known as the Philosopher-King, Aurelius belonged to the Stoic school of philosophy.
Hadrian
Aelius Traianus
Hadrianus
(ruled 117 – 138)
Hadrian (HAY-dree-un), a distant relative of Trajan, was born in Spain. It was rumored that +DGULan and was largely responsible for his becoming emperor. A great patron of the arts, Hadrian also was a gifted speaker and a student of philosophy.