The 7 greatest Roman emperors in history

An emperor is considered 'great' based on a combination of factors that showcase their exceptional leadership, vision, and influence on their empire. Here are some key aspects that contribute to the greatness of an emperor:

Leadership and governance:

A great emperor demonstrates strong leadership skills and effective governance. They create and implement policies that benefit the empire, ensure stability, and maintain a just and efficient administration.

Military prowess and territorial expansion:

The ability to lead military campaigns, protect the empire from external threats, and expand its territories is another crucial aspect of a great emperor. Successful military leaders often bring wealth, resources, and prestige to their empires.

Infrastructure and public works:

A great emperor invests in infrastructure and public works that improve the quality of life for their subjects. This can include the construction of roads, aqueducts, monuments, and public buildings that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Cultural and intellectual contributions:

Emperors who contribute to the development of art, literature, philosophy, and science are often remembered as great leaders. By fostering a thriving intellectual and cultural scene, they help create a lasting legacy for their empire.

Stability and longevity of reign:

A great emperor often enjoys a long and stable reign, providing continuity and maintaining order within the empire. A long and stable reign can lead to a period of growth, prosperity, and overall well-being for the citizens.

Diplomacy and alliances:

The ability to create and maintain strong diplomatic relationships with neighboring states and forge strategic alliances is an important aspect of a great emperor. Successful diplomacy can prevent wars, enhance trade, and contribute to the empire's stability and prosperity.

Popularity and respect:

A great emperor earns the respect and admiration of their subjects through fair and just rule, as well as through their personal qualities, such as wisdom, courage, and charisma.

It is important to note that greatness is subjective and can vary depending on the historical context and the values of the time. However, emperors who excel in most or all of these aspects are typically considered 'great' by historians and scholars.

Augustus Caesar, born Gaius Octavius, was the first Roman emperor who ruled from 27 BCE to 14 CE.

He is often regarded as one of the greatest Roman emperors due to his significant contributions to the empire's stability, expansion, and cultural development.

Augustus Caesar played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

After Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, a power struggle ensued, culminating in the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Augustus emerged victorious, defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and consolidating his power.

He also ushered in the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability that lasted for more than two centuries. This era was marked by reduced military conflicts, increased trade, and prosperity within the empire.

Augustus implemented various political, social, and economic reforms to strengthen the empire.

He reorganized the Roman provinces, improved the tax system, and expanded the road network. He also established a professional standing army and created the Praetorian Guard to maintain order and security.

In addition, he was a great patron of the arts, supporting artists, writers, and poets, such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. Under his reign, Rome saw the construction of iconic buildings and monuments, including the Ara Pacis, the Forum of Augustus, and the Mausoleum of Augustus.

However, it must be said that Augustus effectively used propaganda to strengthen his image as the empire's savior and restorer of the Roman Republic's values.

He promoted the concept of the "Golden Age," linking his reign with a return to Rome's past glory.

His impact on the empire was so profound that the title "Augustus" became synonymous with the role of emperor in later years.

Trajan, born Marcus Ulpius Traianus, was the Roman emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 CE.

He is considered one of the best Roman emperors due to his military successes, territorial expansion, and significant contributions to the empire's infrastructure and public welfare.

Trajan was a highly skilled military leader, and his reign saw the Roman Empire reach its greatest territorial extent. His most notable military campaigns were against the Dacians and Parthians.

The Dacian Wars (101-102 and 105-106 CE) resulted in the conquest of Dacia, which brought vast wealth and resources to the empire. The Parthian campaign (113-117 CE) expanded Roman territory in the East, though it proved less enduring.

Also, Trajan invested in numerous public works projects that improved the quality of life for Roman citizens.

One of his most famous constructions is Trajan's Forum, which included a grand public square, a market complex, and a monumental column commemorating his victory in the Dacian Wars. He also built roads, bridges, aqueducts, and harbors throughout the empire.

As well as this, Trajan was known for his philanthropic efforts and concern for the well-being of his subjects.

He established the "alimenta," a welfare program that provided food and financial assistance to poor children. This innovative initiative showcased Trajan's commitment to social responsibility and improving the lives of Roman citizens.

Finally, Trajan was a competent and just ruler, known for his fairness and integrity. He maintained a strong relationship with the Senate, reformed the legal system, and focused on the efficient administration of the empire.

His leadership contributed to a period of stability and prosperity in Roman history.

Hadrian, born Publius Aelius Hadrianus, was the Roman emperor who ruled from 117 to 138 CE.

He is considered one of the most effective and enlightened Roman emperors due to his focus on consolidating the empire, his architectural contributions, and his emphasis on cultural development.

Unlike his predecessor Trajan, Hadrian prioritized the consolidation and defense of the Roman Empire rather than aggressive expansion.

He adopted a policy of stabilizing the empire's borders, strengthening its defenses, and ensuring the efficient administration of the existing territories.

As a skilled military commander and diplomat, Hadrian personally visited the provinces to assess their needs and ensure their security.

He conducted a successful campaign in Britain, where he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall to protect the northern frontier.

He also used diplomacy to maintain peace and stability with neighboring states, such as the Parthian Empire.

Also, Hadrian was a great patron of the arts and an accomplished architect himself.

His reign saw the construction of numerous iconic buildings and monuments, such as the Temple of Venus and Roma, the Pantheon in Rome, and his villa at Tivoli. He also supported the development of literature, science, and philosophy.

It has been noted that Hadrian valued and respected the cultural diversity within the empire. He promoted religious tolerance and encouraged the preservation and integration of local customs and traditions.

This policy contributed to the flourishing of the provinces and the overall harmony of the empire.

Alos, Hadrian was known for his intelligence, curiosity, and passion for learning. He was an accomplished linguist, poet, and philosopher, and was deeply interested in Greek culture.

His reign is remembered for its focus on cultural development, architectural achievements, and the consolidation of the empire.

Known as the 'philosopher emperor', Marcus Aurelius ruled from 161 to 180 CE. He is considered one of the most exceptional Roman emperors due to his philosophical contributions, his dedication to the empire's welfare, and his ability to balance military and administrative duties. 

Marcus Aurelius had a deep interest in Stoic philosophy and his profound intellectual contributions.

His work, "Meditations," is a collection of personal reflections and thoughts on Stoicism, ethical conduct, and leadership.

This seminal work is still revered as a classic of Western philosophy and offers valuable insights into his character and beliefs.

However, his was also marked by significant military challenges, particularly the Marcomannic Wars (166-180 CE) fought against the Germanic tribes along the empire's northern borders.

Despite facing adversity, he proved to be a capable military leader, securing Rome's frontiers and maintaining the empire's stability.

As emperor, Marcus Aurelius was known for his wisdom, diligence, and fairness in governance.

He prioritized the efficient administration of the empire, working closely with the Senate and implementing legal reforms to promote justice and social welfare.

Sadly, during his reign, the Roman Empire was struck by the Antonine Plague, a devastating epidemic that severely affected the empire's population and resources.

Marcus Aurelius showed strong leadership in managing the crisis, providing relief efforts, and maintaining stability despite the difficult circumstances.

Throughout history, Marcus Aurelius has been admired for his humility, wisdom, and sense of duty.

He was deeply committed to the well-being of his subjects and was a model of Stoic virtue. His reign is remembered for its focus on ethical leadership, philosophical contributions, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Constantine the Great, born Flavius Valerius Constantinus, was the Roman emperor who ruled from 306 to 337 CE.

He is considered one of the most influential Roman emperors due to his role in the unification of the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity, and the founding of Constantinople. 

Constantine played a crucial role in the reunification of the Roman Empire, which had been divided into eastern and western halves.

After emerging victorious in a series of civil wars, including the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, Constantine consolidated his power and reunited the empire under his rule.

Constantine is best known for his support of Christianity, which played a transformative role in the religion's development and the Roman Empire's cultural landscape.

In 313 CE, Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious freedom to all citizens and effectively ended the persecution of Christians.

Constantine's support for Christianity contributed to its rapid growth and its eventual status as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

In 325 CE, Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea to address theological disputes within the Christian Church, particularly the Arian controversy.

The Council formulated the Nicene Creed, which established key tenets of Christian doctrine and contributed to the development of a unified Christian orthodoxy.

In addition, Constantine founded the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 330 CE, which served as the new capital of the Roman Empire.

The city was strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and became a center of culture, commerce, and political power.

Constantinople's founding marked the beginning of the Byzantine Empire, which continued as a major world power for centuries after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Finally, Constantine implemented several military and administrative reforms to strengthen the Roman Empire.

He reorganized the army, expanded the bureaucracy, and reformed the tax system to improve efficiency and resource distribution.

Vespasian, born Titus Flavius Vespasianus, was the Roman emperor who ruled from 69 to 79 CE.

He is considered one of the more effective Roman emperors due to his role in restoring stability after the Year of the Four Emperors, his military successes, and his contributions to the empire's infrastructure. Here are some key aspects of Vespasian's reign:

Vespasian emerged as the ruler of the Roman Empire after the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors in 69 CE, which saw the successive reigns of Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.

His ascension marked the end of this chaotic period and the beginning of the Flavian dynasty, bringing much-needed stability to the empire.

Most famously, Vespasian was an experienced and successful military commander. Before becoming emperor, he played a crucial role in the Roman conquest of Britain and the suppression of the Jewish Revolt in Judaea.

These victories enhanced his reputation and contributed to his eventual rise to power.

Vespasian invested in infrastructure projects that improved the quality of life for Roman citizens.

He initiated the construction of the Flavian Amphitheater, also known as the Colosseum, which became an iconic symbol of ancient Rome.

He also funded the building of roads, aqueducts, and public baths, and implemented measures to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the city of Rome.

Vespasian inherited an empire in financial disarray after the reigns of Nero and the three short-lived emperors.

He implemented financial reforms to restore stability and replenish the imperial treasury, such as increasing taxes, reducing unnecessary spending, and promoting trade and commerce.

Finally, Vespasian worked to restore the authority and influence of the Roman Senate, which had been weakened during the reign of Nero.

He consulted the Senate on important matters and sought to strike a balance between imperial and senatorial power.

Our next emperor, Nerva, ruled from 96 to 98 CE. He is considered an important figure in Roman history due to his role in initiating the Nerva-Antonine dynasty and his focus on civil liberties and social welfare.

Although his reign was relatively short, Nerva's actions as emperor had a lasting impact. Here are some key aspects of Nerva's reign:

Nerva's ascension to the throne marked the beginning of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, which is often regarded as the "golden age" of the Roman Empire.

This period was characterized by a series of effective, stable, and benevolent rulers, including Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius.

He is best known for his decision to adopt Trajan, a highly competent and respected military commander, as his successor.

This decision was a break from the tradition of biological succession and established the precedent of selecting emperors based on their merits and qualifications.

The practice of adoptive succession contributed to the stability and prosperity of the empire during the Nerva-Antonine dynasty.

Nerva focused on promoting civil liberties and social welfare during his reign. He reformed the legal system to ensure fairness, pardoned political prisoners, and revoked charges of treason.

He also implemented measures to alleviate financial burdens on the empire's citizens, such as reducing taxes and providing financial support to the poor.

Although Nerva's reign was brief, he initiated several important infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and aqueducts.

These projects improved the quality of life for Roman citizens and contributed to the empire's overall development.

As a final note, Nerva's reign, albeit short, was marked by stability and good governance. He restored the relationship between the emperor and the Senate, ensuring that the empire functioned effectively and harmoniously during his time in power.

Julius Caesar is not included in the list of best Roman emperors because he never held the title of emperor.

Although he was an influential and prominent figure in Roman history, Julius Caesar was a military general, statesman, and dictator, rather than an emperor.

Caesar played a crucial role in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.

His military conquests, particularly in Gaul, and his political maneuvers greatly expanded Rome's territory and influence. However, his increasing power and ambitions led to tensions within the Roman political establishment.

In 44 BCE, Caesar was assassinated by a group of Roman senators who feared his growing authority threatened the republic's traditional institutions.

It was Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, later known as Augustus, who became the first Roman emperor after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. This marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

While Julius Caesar's impact on Roman history is undeniable, he is not included in the list of best Roman emperors because he never held the title or ruled during the Roman Empire. Instead, his life and actions significantly contributed to the events leading to the establishment of the empire under Augustus.