Who's Who of the Roman Empire
Roman Imperial Timeline
Graphics Key
Roman Imperial Timeline
The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Augustus
 (Octavian)
Born: Gaius Octavian
Date: 63 BC
|
27 BC -
14 AD
|
|
Although of Republican beginnings, Augustus was the start of the Imperial Era.
|
Tiberius
Born: Tiberius Claudius Nero
Date: 42 BC
|
14 AD -
37 AD
|
|
Started well. In his later years he came increasingly under the influence of his prefect Sejanus. His isolation from the public fed his paranoia which led to the treason trials of many citizens. Tiberius reign includes the Era of Christ and the crucifixion.
|
Caligula
Born: Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus
Date: 12 BC
|
37 - 41
|
 
|
Named by Tiberius as heir, Caligula actually started well and showed some promise of being a good emperor. Most contemporary accounts note that early in his reign Caligula fell victim to a serious illness. After that, he was never the same. His reign went rapidly downhill into oppression and depravity. He was eventually murdered by his Praetorian guard on Jan 24, 41.
|
Claudius
Born: Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus
Date: 10 BC
|
41 - 54
|
|
Poor Claudius, he really didn't want to be emperor and managed to avoid it for most of his life. He was hailed as emperor by the Praetorian guards after the murder of Caligula. Despite handicaps (which vary according to the historian that you favor) , Claudius went on the rule wisely. Among his accomplishments, he returned Britain to the Empire and started the port at Ostia. One of the things he probably should not have done was to name the son of his wife, Agrippina, as heir. He died in 54 possibly through poisoning by Agrippina and the son, Nero became emperor.
|
Nero
Born: Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
Date: 37 AD
|
54 - 68
|
|
Nero considered himself an artist, whether his contemporaries agreed is open to interpretation. The historic burning of Rome took place during his reign and some historians suspect that the fire was set to clear out the crowded center of the city. Thereby allowing Nero to build grand public works, such as his celebrated Baths. Several years after the fire, Nero was deserted by his Praetorian Guards and forced to commit suicide.
|
Galba
Born: Servius Sulpicius Galba
Date: 3 BC
|
68 - 69
|
|
Governor of Hispania Tarraconensis in 60 AD. Galba was proclaimed emperor by his legions after the death of Nero. He was eventually murdered during a conspiracy lead by Otho.
|
Otho
Born: Marcus Salvius Otho
Date: 32 AD
|
69 AD
|
|
Close friend of Nero and Governor of Lusitania. Otho conspired to have Galba murdered and was proclaimed emperor.
His legions were defeated in battle by Vittelius after which he committed suicide.
|
Vittelius
Born: Aulus Vitellius
Date: 15 AD
|
69 AD
|
|
Variously known as 'The Glutton'. Vitellius was proclaimed emperor by the legions of Lower Germany after the military became disillusioned by Otho. He met and defeated Otho in battle. As emperor he paid more attention to his table than to affairs of state. His army was eventually defeated in battle by Vespasian and he was murdered in the imperial palace.
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Imperial Index
The Flavian Dynasty
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Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Vespasian
Born: Titus Flavius Vespasianus
Date: 9 AD
|
69 - 79
|
|
After a year of civil war, Vespasian was probably the best thing that could have happened to the empire. He was an able military commander (quelled the Jewish Revolt in 67) and became a just and able ruler. When he died in 79, he was immediately deified by the Senate.
|
Titus
Born: Titus Flavius Vespasianus
Date: 39 AD
|
79 - 81
|
|
Elder son of Vespasian. He proved himself to be just as able a military commander (captured Jerusalem in 70) . He became emperor upon his fathers death and ruled with benevolence. His premature death was mourned by many in the empire.
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Domitian
Born: Titus Flavius Domitianus
Date: 51 AD
|
81 - 96
|
|
Youngest son of Vespasian. Domitian was proclaimed emperor on the death of his elder brother, Titus. He soon proved unpopular with the nobility and reacted violently to numerous conspiracies. The later part of his reign was marked by increasing violence and terror. He was finally brought down by a plot involving his wife, Domitia and the Praetorian Prefect.
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The Adoptive Emperors
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Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Nerva
Born: Marcus Coccieus Nerva
Date: 30 AD
|
96 - 98 |
|
Consul under Domitian, Nerva was proclaimed emperor on his death. He lacked the popular support of the military that was so necessary for imperial rule. Because of this, he adopted Trajan who was popular with the military as his successor.
|
Trajan
Born: Marcius Ulpius Trajanus
Date: 53 (approximate)
|
98 - 117
|
|
Governor of Upper Germany and successor to Nerva. He was an able leader that did much to expand the empire adding
Dacia, Armenia and Mesopotamia (among others) to the list of Roman Provinces. He is famous for his building projects throughout the empire, many of which can still be seen today.
|
Hadrian
Born: Publius Aelius Hadrianus
Date: 76 AD
|
117 - 138
|
|
By some accounts, Hadrian was one of best emperors in roman history. He was widely traveled, popular with the military and a builder.
Since the empire was in a state of reconsolidation and not expansion, Hadrian paid particular attention to the defensive works such as 'Hadrian's Wall' in Britain and similiar palisades in Germany and Raetia. There were few outbreaks of fighting during his reign, the only notable exception being the Bar Kochba War in Judea.
Since he had no heirs, he first adopted Aelius as his successor. When Aelius died, Antoninus Pius was adopted in his place.
|
Lucius Aelius Caesar
(Aelius)
Born: Lucius Ceionius Commodus
Date: ??
|
136 - 138
|
|
First adoptive heir of Hadrian and Governor of Pannonia. He predecessed Hadrian and died of tuberculosis in 138 AD.
|
Antonius Pius
Born: Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Antoninus
Date: 86
|
138 - 161
|
|
Second adoptive heir of Hadrian. After he was adopted by Hadrian, Antoninus was required to adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his own heirs and successors. After his accession, Rome experienced a period noted for its tranquility and prosperity.
|
Marcus Aurelius
Born: Marcus Annius Verus
Date: 121
|
161 - 180
|
|
The first adoptive heir of Antoninus Pius. One of his first acts as emperor was to request the Senate invest Lucius Verus as his co-emperor. His long reign was plagued by numerous frontier wars and depopulating plagues. He brought 82 years of adoptive succession to a close by designating his son, Commodus, to succeed him. Marcus Aurelius died peacefully in his sleep on 03/17/180. An occurrance that could be considered something of a rarity in its own right.
|
Lucius Verus
Born: Lucius Ceionius Commodus
Date: 130
|
161 - 169
|
|
Co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius. The best that could be said of him is that he was not as bad as he could have been. He fought along side Aurelius to hold the borders of the empire from barbarious invaders. Although not his fault, his troops brought back a plague from the east which seriously weakened the empire. Plague or apoplectic fit killed him during 169.
|
Commodus
(Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus)
Born: Lucius Aurelius
Date: 161
|
180 - 192
|
|
Made co-emperor with his father, Aurelius. Oppressive, megalomaniacal and probably mad. Commodus was a very poor choice as successor to his father. Among some of his more 'interesting' acts were the renaming of Rome as his own personal colony Commodiana and the preference of wearing of a lion-skin with club as if he were Hercules
incarnate.
He was finally assasinated in a plot carried out by his mistress, the praetorian prefect and court chamberlain. By one account he was strangled to death. Possibly during a wrestling match. The city prefect, Pertinax, was designated to succeed him.
|
Pertinax
Born: Publius Helvius
Date: 126
|
193 AD
|
|
Placed on the throne by the praetorian prefect, Laetus. Pertinax attempted to institute a program of fiscal austerity to counteract the excesses of Commodus. This did not sit well with a large number of people and he was murdered by a group of soldiers after an 86 day reign.
|
Didius Julianus
Born: Marcus Didius Severus Julianus
Date: 133
|
193 AD
|
|
Julianus assumed the imperial throne in an event that has become notorius in roman history. After the murder of Pertinax, the praetorian guard decided that the throne should go to the highest bidder at auction. A bidding war ensued between Julianus and his rival Titus Flavius Sulpicianus (father-in-law of the late Pertinax). The bidding reached 25,000 sesterii per soldier before Julianus was proclaimed emperor.
There was considerable disaffection among the population over this turn of events and the governors of Syria (Pescennius Niger), Upper Pannonia (Septimius Severus) were appealed to for support. Severus marched on Rome ,however, Julianus was murdered on June 1 before he could arrive.
Severus assumed control of Rome and
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Pescennius Niger
Born: Gaius
Date: circa 135
|
193 - 195
|
|
Proclaimed emperor in the east (Antioch) during the final part of Julianus reign. Niger enjoyed considerable support in the east, including support from Byzantium. That support was not enough to win battles and after a series of defeats was eventually captured and put to death. Byzantium suffered 2 1/2 year siege and reprisals for its support of Niger.
|
Clodius Albinus
Born: Decimus Clodius Septimius Albinus
Date: 140 - 150
|
195 - 197
|
|
Usurper. Commited suicide after battle.
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Imperial Index
The Severan Dynasty
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Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Septimius Severus
Born: Lucius
Date: 145
|
193 - 211
|
|
North invaded by Barbarians.
|
Caracalla (Caracallus)
Born: Julius Bassianus
Date: 188
|
211 - 217
|
|
Universal citizenship, but was a cruel emperor.
|
Geta
Born: Publius Septimius
Date: 189
|
211 - 212
|
|
Murdered by his brother, Caracalla.
|
Macrinus
Born: Marcus Opellius
Date: 164
|
217 - 218
|
|
|
Diadumenian
Born:
Date:
|
218 AD
|
|
Son of Macrinus.
|
Elagabalus
Born: Varius Avitus Bassianus
Date: 204
|
218 - 222
|
|
One of the more bizarre emperors. Along with extreme cruelty, was
a transvestite.
|
Severus Alexander
Born: Marcus Julius Gessius Alexianus
Date: 208
|
222 - 235
|
|
|
Maximinus
Born: Gaius Julius Verus
Date: 182 - 183
|
235 - 238
|
|
Campaigned in Germany.
|
Maximus (Caesar)
Born:
Date:
|
235 - 238
|
|
Son of Maximinus.
|
Gordian I
Born: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus
Date: circa 159
|
238 AD
|
|
Suicide after learning of Sons death. Reigned 22 days.
|
Gordian II
Born: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus
Date: 192
|
238 AD
|
|
Som of Gordian, died in Battle.
|
Balbinus
Born: Decimius Caelius Calvinus Balbinus
Date: 165 - 170 ?
|
238 AD
|
|
Balbinus and Pupienus were murdered together
|
Pupienus
Born: Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus
Date: ??
|
238 AD
|
|
by the Praetorian Guard.
|
Gordian III
Born: Marcus Antonius Gordianus
Date: 225
|
238 - 244
|
|
|
Philip I
Born: Marcus Julius Verus Philippus
Date: 204
|
244 - 249
|
|
Ruled during the 1000 year anniversary of Rome.
|
Philip II
Born:
Date:
|
247 - 249
|
|
|
Pacatian
Born:
Date:
|
circa 248 AD
|
|
Usurper.
|
Jotapian
Born:
Date:
|
circa 248 AD
|
|
Usurper.
|
Trajan Decius
Born: Gaius Messius Quintus Decius
Date: 190
|
249 - 251
|
|
Persecuted the early Christians.
|
Herennius Etruscus
Born:
Date:
|
251 AD
|
|
Died with his father, Trajan Decius.
|
Hostilian
Born:
Date:
|
251 AD
|
|
Died of the plague.
|
Trebonianus Gallus
Born: Gaius Vibius Afinius
Date: 206
|
251 - 253
|
|
His reign was characterized by plague and invasions.
|
Volusian
Born:
Date:
|
251 - 253
|
|
Son of Trbonianus Gallus, was murdered with him.
|
Aemilian
Born: Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus
Date: ??
|
253 AD
|
|
|
Uranius Antoninus
Born:
Date:
|
CA 253 - 254
|
|
Little known.
|
Valerian
Born: Publius Licinius Valerianus
Date:
|
253 - 260
|
|
Fought the Persians and was captured.
|
Gallienus
Born: Publius Licinius Egnatius
Date:
|
253 - 268
|
|
Ruled during a time of trouble.
|
Valerian II
Born:
Date:
|
253 - 255
|
|
|
Salonius
Born:
Date:
|
259 AD
|
|
Brother of Valerian II
|
Macrianus
Born:
Date:
|
260 - 261
|
|
Died in Battle.
|
Quietus
Born:
Date:
|
260 - 261
|
|
Captured in battle and killed by the Palmyrenes.
|
Regalianus
Born:
Date:
|
CA. 260 AD
|
|
Usurper
|
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The Gallic Emperors
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Postumus
Born: Marcus Cassianius Latinius
Date:
|
259 - 268
|
|
Ruled Britain, Gaul and Spain.
|
Laelianus
Born:
Date:
|
268 AD
|
|
Usurper, killed by Postumus
|
Marius
Born:
Date:
|
268 AD
|
|
Very short reign.
|
Domitianus
Born:
Date:
|
CA 268 AD
|
|
Usurper, very little known.
|
Victorinus
Born:
Date:
|
268 - 270
|
|
Little known.
|
Tetricus I
Born:
Date:
|
270 - 273
|
|
Reigned during the rapid decline of the empire.
|
Tetricus II
Born:
Date:
|
270 - 273
|
|
Son of Tetricus I, abdicated with his father in favor of Aurelian.
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Imperial Index
The Illyrian Emperors
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Claudius II (Gothicus)
Born: Marcus Aurelius Valerius Claudius
Date: 214
|
268 - 270
|
|
Brilliant general. Killed by plague.
|
Quintillus
Born: Marcus Aurelius
Date:
|
270 AD
|
|
Commited suicide after being deserted by his army.
|
Aurelian
Born: Lucius Domitius Aurelianus
Date: 214
|
270 - 275
|
|
Restored much of the empire to its former glory.
|
Vabalathus
Born:
Date:
|
271 - 272
|
|
Captured by Aurelian.
|
Tacitus
Born: Marcus Claudius
Date:
|
275 - 276
|
|
Fought the Goths, but the strain was too much for his poor health.
|
Florianus
Born: Marcus Annius Florianus
Date:
|
276 AD
|
|
Half brother to Tacitus, murdered after a reign of 2 months.
|
Probus
Born: Marcus Aurelius Equitius
Date: 232
|
276 - 282
|
|
Among other accomplishments, introduced viticulture to the empire.
|
Bonosus
Born:
Date:
|
CA 280
|
|
Usurper, killed in battle.
|
Saturninus
Born:
Date:
|
CA 280
|
|
Usurper in Egypt, murdered.
|
Carus
Born: Marcus Aurelius Numerius
Date:
|
282 - 283
|
|
A sign from the gods, killed by lightning in camp.
|
Numerian
Born: Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus
Date:
|
283 - 284
|
|
|
Carinus
Born: Marcus Aurelius
Date:
|
283 - 285
|
|
|
Julian of Pannonia
Born:
Date:
|
284 - 285
|
|
Usurper, killed in battle.
|
Diocletian
Born: Diocles
Date: 240
|
284 - 305
|
|
Abdicated
|
Amandus
Born:
Date:
|
285 - 286
|
|
|
Carausius
Born: Mausaeus
Date:
|
287 - 293
|
|
Ruled Britain wisely. Murdered by Allectus.
|
Allectus
Born:
Date:
|
293 - 296
|
|
His rule did not match his ambitions. Died in battle.
|
Domitius Domitianus
Born:
Date:
|
296 - 297
|
|
Usurper, killed in battle.
|
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Imperial Index
The Tetrachy
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Maximianus
Born:
Date:
|
286 - 310
|
|
Ruled, abdicated, ruled, abdicated, ruled and was finally killed
in battle.
|
Constantius I Chlorus
Born: Flavius Julius
Date:
|
305 - 306
|
|
|
Galerius
Born:
Date: 250
|
305 - 311
|
|
Killed by plaque.
|
Severus II
Born:
Date:
|
306 - 307
|
|
|
Maximinus II Daia
Born:
Date:
|
309 - 313
|
|
|
Alexander of Carthage
Born:
Date:
|
308 - 311
|
|
Not much information available.
|
Licinius I
Born:
Date: 250
|
308 - 324
|
|
|
Licinius II
Born:
Date:
|
317 - 324
|
|
|
Valens
Born:
Date:
|
314 AD
|
|
|
Martinian
Born:
Date:
|
324 AD
|
|
|
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Imperial Index
The House of Constantine
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Constantine I
Born: Flavius Valerius Constantinus
Date: 285
|
307 - 337
|
|
'The Great'. Arguably one of the greatest Roman emperors. At least
he had the best PR. Founded Constantinople as the capital in the east.
|
Crispus (Caesar)
Born:
Date:
|
317 - 326
|
|
Son of Constantine I. He was very popular and may have made a fitting
successor if he had not been executed by his father.
|
Delmatius (Caesar)
Born:
Date:
|
335 - 337
|
|
Nephew of Constantine I.
|
Hanniballianus (Rex)
Born:
Date:
|
335 - 337
|
|
Nephew of Constantine I.
|
Constantine II
Born: Flavius Claudius (Julius)
Date: 317
|
337 - 340
|
|
|
Constans
Born: Flavius Julius
Date: 320
|
337 - 350
|
|
|
Constantius II
Born: Flavius Julius Constantius
Date: 331
|
337 - 361
|
|
|
Magnentius
Born: Flavius Magnus
Date: 303
|
350 - 353
|
|
Formerly a general under Constantius.
|
Decentius
Born:
Date:
|
351 - 353
|
|
Brother of Magnentius.
|
Vetranio
Born:
Date:
|
350 AD
|
|
Abdicated to Constantius.
|
Nepotian
Born:
Date:
|
350 AD
|
|
Murdered by soldiers of Magnentius.
|
Constantius Gallus
Born:
Date:
|
351 - 354
|
|
|
Julian II
Born: Flavius Claudius Julianus
Date: 332
|
360 - 363
|
|
'The Apostate' or 'The Philosopher' depending on which side of the
argument to agree with.
|
Jovian
Born: Flavius Jovianus
Date: 330
|
363 - 364
|
|
'Accidently' suffocated in camp tent by brazier.
|
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Imperial Index
The House of Valentinian
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Valentinian I
Born: Flavius Valentinianus
Date: 321
|
364 - 375
|
|
Died of an apoplectic fit.
|
Valens
Born: Flavius Julius
Date: 328
|
364 - 378
|
|
Died in battle.
|
Procopius<BR>
Born:
Date:
|
365 - 366
|
|
|
Gratian
Born: Flavius Gratianus
Date: 359
|
367 - 383
|
|
Came to power at age 7. Murdered.
|
Valentinian II
Born: Flavius Valentinianus
Date: 371
|
375 - 392
|
|
|
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Imperial Index
The House of Theodosius
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
Theodosius I
Born: Flavius
Date: 347
|
379 - 395
|
|
'The Great'. Died of 'dropsey'.
|
Magnus Maximus
Born:
Date:
|
383 - 388
|
|
Captured in battle and executed.
|
Flavius Victor
Born:
Date:
|
387 - 388
|
|
|
Eugenius
Born:
Date:
|
392 - 394
|
|
|
Arcadius
Born: Flavius
Date: 377
|
383 - 408
|
|
Feeble.
|
Honorius
Born: Flavius
Date: 383
|
395 - 423
|
|
Feeble.
|
Constantine III
Born: Flavius Claudius Constantinus
Date:
|
407 - 411
|
|
Captured in battle and executed.
|
Constans
Born:
Date:
|
408 - 411
|
|
Captured in battle and executed.
|
Maximus
Born:
Date:
|
409 - 411
|
|
Retired.
|
Pricus Attalus
Born:
Date:
|
409 - 410;
414 - 415
|
|
Banished.
|
Jovinus
Born:
Date:
|
411 - 413
|
|
Captured in battle and executed.
|
Sebastianus
Born:
Date:
|
412 - 413
|
|
Died in battle.
|
Constantius III
Born:
Date:
|
421 AD
|
|
7 months old ?
|
Johannes
Born:
Date:
|
423 - 425
|
|
Captured in battle and executed.
|
Theodosius II
Born:
Date: 401
|
402 - 450
|
|
|
Valentinian III
Born: Flavius Placidus
Date: 419
|
425 - 455
|
|
Assassinated.
|
Marcian
Born: Marcianus
Date: 392
|
450 - 457
|
|
|
Petronius Maximus
Born: Flavius
Date: 396
|
455 AD
|
|
|
Avitus
Born: Marcus Maecilius Flavius Eparchius
Date:
|
455 - 456
|
|
|
Leo IBR>
Born: Flavius
Date: 401
|
457 - 474
|
|
|
Majorian
Born: Julius Valerius Majorianus
Date:
|
457 - 461
|
|
(West) Surprisingly good for the times. Majorian introduced a number of laws for the benefit of the empire. He was eventually deposed by Ricimer and either died of dysentary soon after or was murdered.
|
Severus III
Born: Libius Severus
Date:
|
461 - 465
|
|
(West) Very little is known about his early history, except that it is likely he came from Lucania. He was little more than a puppet emperor and was not recognized by Leo I. Possibly poisoned.
|
Anthemius
Born: Procopius Anthemius
Date:
|
467 - 472
|
|
(West) Appointed emperor by Leo I, Anthemius ruled until overthrown by Ricimer. His end came after a 3 month seige of Rome and his capture disguised as a beggar. He was beheaded.
|
Olybrius
Born: Anicius Olybrius
Date:
|
472 AD
|
|
(West) Died of 'dropsey' after a reign of less than one year.
|
Glycerius
Born:
Date:
|
473 - 474
|
|
(West) Never officailly recognized by Constantinople and Leo I, Glycerius was eventually dethroned by Julius Nepos and allowed to retire to Dalmatia. Soon after he was ordained a Bishop. Rumor has it that he was behind the murder of Nepos in 480.
|
Julius Nepos
Born:
Date:
|
474 - 475
(to 480 in exile)
|
|
(West) Deposed Glycerius and ruled from Ravenna until 475, Nepos fled before the army or Orestes (father of Romulus). He ruled in exile from Dalmatia from 477 until 480 when he was murdered by a pair of servants.
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Imperial Index
The End of Imperial Rome
|
Emperor
|
Reigned
|
Rating
|
Notes
|
| Historic end of the Roman Empire
|
476
|
|
The historic end of the Roman occured in 476. However, a gray area
exists as as to the Numismatic start of the Byzantine empire. The emperors
that ruled during this period are shown below.
|
Zeno
Born:
Date:
|
474 - 475
476 - 491
|
|
(East) Emperor 474 - 475, Zeno fled for his life upon the discovery of serious plots against him. He returned in 476, exiled Basilicus and proceeded to rule in the east until the end. One account has him dying of epilepsy.
|
Basilicus
Born:
Date:
|
475 - 476
|
|
(East) Assumed the imperial reign after Zeno fled, Basilicus was iin turn brought down by Zeno and exiled. One account states that he and his family were immured and starved to death.
|
Romulus 'Augustulus'
Born: Romulus Augustus
Date:
|
475 - 476
|
|
(West) A boy emperor. He was dethroned by Odoacer in '76 and allowed to retire to Campania in exile.
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Imperial Index
Graphics Key:
|
|
Ruled as Emperor |
|
Good emperor |
|
Bad emperor |
|
Mixed Reviews |
|
Little is Known |
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| Murdered, Executed or Suicide |
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Died or Captured in Battle |
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Died Due to Sickness or Accident |
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An Act of the Gods, ie. Lightning, etc. |
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