Ten lives.
A changing empire.

First Roman Emperor who transformed the Republic into the Empire. His reign inaugurated an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana.

What shaped his reign

• Established the Roman Empire and Pax Romana
• Reformed taxation and financial systems
• Built extensive infrastructure throughout the empire
• Expanded Roman territory and secured borders

A few things to remember

• Adopted son and heir of Julius Caesar
• Ruled for 41 years, one of the longest reigns
• The month of August is named after him

Second Roman Emperor and stepson of Augustus. Known for his military prowess but became increasingly reclusive in his later years.

What shaped his reign

• Consolidated the empire and maintained peace
• Strengthened the northern frontiers
• Maintained a full treasury through fiscal responsibility
• Competent administrator despite unpopularity

A few things to remember

• Reluctant emperor who preferred military life
• Spent his final years in self-imposed exile on Capri
• Subject of numerous scandalous rumors by historians

Infamous emperor known for his tyrannical rule and persecution of Christians. His reign ended the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

What shaped his reign

• Promoted Greek culture and the arts
• Built the Domus Aurea (Golden House)
• Initial years showed promise with good governance
• Patron of athletic and artistic competitions

A few things to remember

• Blamed for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD
• Persecuted Christians, making them scapegoats
• Fancied himself a great artist and performer

Founded the Flavian dynasty and restored stability after the Year of Four Emperors. Known for his fiscal reforms and building projects.

What shaped his reign

• Ended the civil war and restored order
• Began construction of the Colosseum
• Reformed the economy and filled the treasury
• Expanded the empire in Britain and Germany

A few things to remember

• Rose from middle-class origins to become emperor
• Known for his sense of humor and pragmatism
• Imposed innovative taxes, including a urine tax

Considered one of the Five Good Emperors. Under his rule, the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent.

What shaped his reign

• Expanded the empire to its maximum extent
• Conquered Dacia and annexed it as a province
• Extensive building program including Trajan's Forum
• Implemented social welfare programs

A few things to remember

• First Roman emperor born outside Italy (in Hispania)
• Earned the title Optimus Princeps (the best ruler)
• Trajan's Column still stands in Rome today

Known for consolidating the empire and building Hadrian's Wall. A philhellene who promoted Greek culture throughout the empire.

What shaped his reign

• Built Hadrian's Wall in Britain
• Rebuilt the Pantheon in Rome
• Traveled extensively throughout the empire
• Promoted arts, architecture, and culture

A few things to remember

• First emperor to wear a beard in Greek fashion
• Had a famous relationship with Antinous
• Founded numerous cities including Hadrianopolis

Philosopher-emperor and Stoic. Last of the Five Good Emperors. Wrote the famous philosophical work 'Meditations'.

What shaped his reign

• Defended the empire against Germanic invasions
• Wrote Meditations, a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy
• Promoted education and legal reforms
• Ruled jointly with Lucius Verus initially

A few things to remember

• Known as the 'Philosopher King'
• Much of his reign spent on military campaigns
• His son Commodus ended the era of Good Emperors

Erratic emperor who believed himself to be Hercules reborn. His assassination ended the Nerva-Antonine dynasty.

What shaped his reign

• Initially continued his father's policies
• Made peace with Germanic tribes
• Participated in gladiatorial games
• Renamed Rome to Colonia Commodiana

A few things to remember

• Fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum
• Believed himself to be the reincarnation of Hercules
• Assassination plot involved strangulation

Founded the Severan dynasty after winning the civil wars. First emperor of African origin, strengthened the military.

What shaped his reign

• Restored stability after civil war
• Increased soldier's pay and benefits
• Expanded the empire's eastern frontier
• Major building projects including the Arch of Septimius Severus

A few things to remember

• First Roman emperor from Africa (Leptis Magna)
• Advised his sons to 'enrich the soldiers'
• Died in Britain during a military campaign

First Christian Roman Emperor. Founded Constantinople and issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance.

What shaped his reign

• Converted to Christianity and ended persecution
• Founded Constantinople (modern Istanbul)
• Issued the Edict of Milan (313 AD)
• Reunified the Roman Empire

A few things to remember

• Known as Constantine the Great
• Had a vision of the Chi-Rho before the Battle of Milvian Bridge
• Convened the First Council of Nicaea