Diocletian

Diocletian (c. 244–c. 311) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 284 to 305 AD. Known for his efforts to stabilize the Roman Empire during a period of crisis, Diocletian implemented a series of reforms known as the Tetrarchy, dividing the empire into four administrative regions with two co-emperors. He also initiated persecutions against Christians, … Read more

Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie (1892–1975) was the last Emperor of Ethiopia, ruling from 1930 to 1974. Born as Ras Tafari Makonnen, he became regent and then emperor, taking the name Haile Selassie I. A prominent figure in African and global politics, he was a strong advocate for African unity and played a key role in the establishment … Read more

Commodus

Commodus (161–192 AD) was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 180 to 192 AD. Notably, he was the son of Marcus Aurelius. Commodus’ reign is characterized by a departure from the virtues associated with his father’s rule, as he engaged in extravagant and self-indulgent behavior. His leadership marked a decline in the stability of the … Read more

Lucius Verus

Lucius Verus (130–169 AD) was a Roman Emperor who co-ruled with Marcus Aurelius from 161 to 169 AD. As a co-emperor, Lucius Verus faced significant challenges, including the Parthian War and the Antonine Plague. His reign is marked by military campaigns in the East and the co-management of the Roman Empire during a period of … Read more

Hadrian

Hadrian (76-138 AD) was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 117 to 138 AD. Noted for his extensive travels and keen interest in architecture, Hadrian left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. He is best known for ordering the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in Britain and the completion of the Pantheon in Rome. Hadrian’s … Read more

Nerva

Nerva (30-98 AD) was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 96 to 98 AD, representing a pivotal transition between the Flavian and Antonine dynasties. His reign marked the beginning of the “Five Good Emperors” era. Nerva is notable for his efforts to restore political stability and address social issues, such as granting amnesty to those … Read more

Vespasian

Vespasian (9-79 AD) was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 69 to 79 AD. As the founder of the Flavian dynasty, he emerged as a stabilizing force after the Year of the Four Emperors, a period of civil war. Vespasian is renowned for his military successes, including the conquest of Jerusalem in 70 AD. His … Read more

Titus

Titus (39-81 AD) was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 79 to 81 AD, succeeding his father Vespasian. Known for his military accomplishments, including the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Titus played a crucial role in the Flavian dynasty. Despite his short reign, he is often remembered for his efforts to rebuild Rome after … Read more

Galba

Servius Sulpicius Galba (3 BCE–69 CE) was a Roman general and statesman who briefly served as the Roman Emperor from June 68 CE until his assassination in January 69 CE. Galba, born into an aristocratic family, had a military and political career that culminated in his brief rule as emperor during the tumultuous Year of … Read more

Nero

Nero (37–68 CE) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 54 CE until his death. Born as Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, he ascended to the throne at a young age after the death of his stepfather, Emperor Claudius. Nero is infamous for his tyrannical rule and extravagance. His reign saw events like the Great … Read more

Claudius

Claudius (10 BCE–54 CE) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 41 CE until his death. Born as Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, he faced skepticism due to physical disabilities, but he eventually ascended to the throne after the assassination of his nephew, Caligula. Claudius is often remembered for his administrative reforms, including the expansion … Read more

Caligula: Life, Reign, & Death

Caligula, born Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus in 12 AD, was the third Roman emperor, reigning from 37 AD until his assassination in 41 AD. Initially celebrated for his promise of restoring democratic processes and public welfare, Caligula’s rule quickly descended into notoriety due to his erratic and despotic behavior. Historical accounts describe him as … Read more

Pertinax

Pertinax (126-193 AD) was a Roman emperor who briefly held the throne in the tumultuous “Year of the Five Emperors” in 193 AD. Born Publius Helvius Pertinax, he had a distinguished military and administrative career before ascending to the imperial throne. Pertinax’s reign, however, lasted only a few months, as he faced challenges from the … Read more

Domitian

Domitian (AD 51–96) was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 81 to 96. The younger son of the emperor Vespasian, Domitian succeeded his brother Titus. His reign is characterized by both administrative efficiency and a harsh autocratic rule. Domitian implemented economic reforms, strengthened the Roman military, and commissioned various construction projects. However, his authoritarian … Read more

Majorian

Flavius Majorianus, commonly known as Majorian, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 457 to 461 AD. A military commander of merit, he ascended to the throne during a challenging period marked by internal strife and external threats to the Western Roman Empire. Majorian implemented reforms to restore discipline in the Roman army and worked … Read more

Caracalla

Caracalla, whose full name was Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Augustus, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 198 to 217 AD. Born in 188 AD, he was the eldest son of Emperor Septimius Severus. Caracalla is perhaps best known for his role in the assassination of his younger brother Geta, after which he ruled as … Read more

Alexander II of Russia

Alexander II of Russia (1818-1881) was the Emperor of Russia from 1855 until his assassination in 1881. Often referred to as the “Tsar Liberator,” he is best known for his significant reforms, including the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, which aimed to modernize and liberalize Russia. Despite these efforts, his reign faced challenges, and … Read more

Charles V

Charles V (1500-1558) was a powerful ruler who held the title of Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 until his abdication in 1556. Born into the Habsburg dynasty, he ruled over an extensive empire, including Spain, the Netherlands, and vast territories in the Americas. Charles faced challenges such as the Protestant Reformation, conflicts with France, and … Read more

Frederick III

Frederick III, German Emperor (1831-1888), was a short-reigned monarch who ascended to the German throne in 1888. His reign, however, lasted only 99 days, as he succumbed to throat cancer. Married to Victoria, Princess Royal, and influenced by liberal ideas, Frederick III’s brief tenure was marked by unrealized aspirations for political reforms in Germany. Despite … Read more

Michael VIII Palaiologos

Michael VIII Palaiologos (1223–1282) was a Byzantine emperor who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Byzantine Empire in the 13th century. He founded the Palaiologos dynasty and became the ruler of Byzantium in 1259 after the reconquest of Constantinople from the Latin Empire. Michael VIII faced political challenges and conflicts with other … Read more