DK Travel : Rome : Top 10 Roman Emperors

Rome : Top 10 Roman Emperors

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1. Augustus

The first and most brilliant emperor (31 BC–AD 14) brought a reign of peace after 17 years of civil war.
2. Nero

The most notorious for his excesses, Nero (54–68) fancied himself a great singer and showman. He eventually committed suicide.
3. Vespasian

This emperor (69–79) ended civil war and the Jewish revolt, and started construction of the Colosseum.
4. Trajan

One of the most just rulers and successful generals, Trajan (98–117) pushed the Empire to its furthest reaches.
5. Hadrian

A great builder and traveller, Hadrian (117–38) revived Greek ideals, including the fashion of growing a beard.
6. Marcus Aurelius

The closest Rome came to having a philosopher-king of the Platonic ideal (161–80).
7. Septimius Severus

Brought order after civil war, promoted cultural life and left an important architectural legacy (193–211).
8. Diocletian

Diocletian (284–305) set up a governing system of multiple emperors. A virulent persecutor of the Christians.
9. Constantine

Constantine (306–37) established Christianity as the state religion and moved the capital to Constantinople.
10. Romulus Augustulus

The last of the emperors (475–6), deposed by the German warrior Odoacer.