SELECT EMPERORS OF ROME

Augustus Caesar, nephew and adopted heir of the deified Julius Caesar, Octavian became the first Emperor of Rome in 27 BC after defeating Marc Antony and Cleopatra. The Senate later extended his powers in 23 BC. He extended the empire, built up the city of Rome. The most significant defeat of his reign was the destruction of 3 legions under Varus in Germany, after which no further incursions were made, in fact by the end of his reign Augustus had reached the conclusion that Rome was big enough as it was and should expand no more. His military policies and laws to encourage religion and public morality built a strong foundation for the Roman Empire and his successors.

Trajan, Marcus Ulpius Trajanus was a Spanish general who became one of the "Good Emperors". He was admired and trusted by all who knew him and upon becoming Caesar in 98 AD he set about fortifying the border with Germany. He rebuilt the economy by cutting government spending and wiping out corruption rather than raising taxes. Many monuments were left behind as a result of Emperor Trajan. He also led campaigns into Germany, Dacia and conquered Armenia, Assyria and Mesopotamia. His health weakened while on campaign and he died on his way back to Rome, leaving his chief of staff as his successor.

Hadrian, Publius Aelius Hadrianus, right hand soldier to Caesar Trajan and the Senate quickly confirmed his claim that Trajan had adopted him and so Hadrian became Emperor in 117. He was committed to consolidation rather than expansion and is famous for building the wall that bears his name across the frontier of Britain. He was an educated man, constantly on the move, but revoked the tolerance previously shown to the Jews. When they revolted they were crushed mercilessly. In fact, Hadrian became increasingly vindictive in his later years. He adopted a son and heir and died one year later of disease in 138 AD.

Antoninus Pius, the adopted heir of Hadrian, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionus Arrius Antoninus, became Caesar on July 10, 128 AD. He was a good man who had no desire to be an autocrat and no ambition for greatness, looking upon his reign as a way of taking care of Rome until Hadrian's first choice as successor, Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius could succeed him. He remained mostly in Rome but did make some advances in Germany and further consolidated Britain. His reign was was one of uncustomary peace and quiet. His reputation was so great that the Senate awarded him the title of "Pius". He died on March 7, 161.

Marcus Aurelius, the successor of Antoninus certainly did not have the same peaceful reign. A Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius would have probably been happier as a scholar than as a military emperor. Troubled by rivals, Marcus was constantly dealing with one crisis after another though he left most of the fighting to subordinates. Renowned as a great thinker, he was unfortunately also harsh toward the growing minority of Christians in the empire. He did this on the belief that Rome's troubles were the result of her gods' anger over this new religion. Though devoted to the happiness of the Roman people he was dealing with foreign and internal enemies right up to his death in 180 AD.

Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius, has gained a somewhat distorted reputation over the years. Commodus became Emperor when he was only 19 and lived a life of indulgence and sport. He gained popular support through his support for the games in the Collesium, and was more tolerant of the Christians, but his behavior became increasingly bizzare and his private life was a scandal. He fought in rigged games in the Collesium and claimed to be a new Hercules. There were numerous plots against him which he managed to suppress, but was finally killed by a hired assassin who strangled him in his bed in 192 AD