Caius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus
27 bc - 14 ad
Octavian founded the Empire, receiving the title Augustus in 27 bc He transformed
the Republic into the Principate, dying in 14 ad after54 years in power. |
Tiberius Claudius Nero
Emperor 14 - 37
The unhappy
marriage of Augustus' capable son-in-law strained his relations with the imperial family. After
all other candidates died he was finally chosen to succeed. |
Octavian stabilized
the political situation, and the Senate, realizing that Rome could no longer function
without a strong executive, awarded him the title 'Augustus' in 27 bc, marking the
beginning of the Roman Empire.
Augustus' dynasty
ended with Nero's death in 68, but in a larger sense his legacy endured until the
fall of Constantinople in 1453. |
Caius Caesar
Emperor 37-41
Caius Caesar, called Caligula ("little boot") by the
soldiers of his father Germanicus, became insane soon after his accession, was
assassinated in 41, and was immediately condemned to "damnatio memoriae." |
Tiberius Claudius Drusus
Emperor 41-54
Claudius was thought to be a buffoon, but in 41 was senior surviving member of
the imperial family. After executing Messalina for adultery, Claudius married
Agrippina, who poisoned him. |
Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus
Emperor 54-68
Nero was adopted by Claudius. His reign began well under tutelage, but after
Rome was ravaged by fire in 64, Nero became very unpopular, lost support and
eventually commited suicide. |
