Beginning with the rise of the Roman Empire, many emperors of differing abilities would rule Rome. Some would become men of great renown in Roman history, such as Trajan, but others were despicable leaders, such as Nero and Caligula. However, all of them changed the course of the Roman Empire, with many of them becoming known for their great accomplishments. One of these emperors was Aurelian. Aurelian was a great military leader, strong emperor, and a strict administrator. Also, unlike most of the emperors, his common birth did not suggest his future destiny with greatness.
Aurelian was born in the province of Rome in 214 AD. Unlike prior emperors of Rome, his father was a commoner, and had no ties to politics. Like most commoners did during the time, Aurelian joined the legion. The legion was Rome’s version of the army. He quickly showed his military talent and served most of his career as a cavalry commander. His military success led to his first introduction to the politics of Rome. Due to his prowess as a cavalry commander, he became Gallenus’ escort. Gallienus was the 41st emperor of Rome. However, his service to the emperor didn’t last long. Gallienus died at the hands of an assassin while laying siege against the Roman general Claudius. It is reputed that Aurelian may have taken part in the plot. Soon after the emperor's death, Claudius became emperor. During his reign, Aurelian soared through the ranks of the military. Then, in 270 AD, Claudius fell ill to the
The later Roman Republic and early Roman Empire controlled most of modern day Europe through Northern Africa to Asia Minor. This time of complete dominance over much of the known world propelled Rome into a new era of wealth and prosperity that allowed Romans to look past military expansion. The Roman state now turned towards betterment of society and the “craving for a good education.” Education was seen not only as a tool for the furthering of personal careers, but as a way to improve Rome. Education passed along virtue and the skills necessary to run the Republic and early Empire. This knowledge began in the home, transferring from father to son through the role of fathers as paterfamilias or head of household. Fathers were in charge of ensuring the best possible education for their sons in hope that they would further the ideals and goals of a glorious Rome. Education, through the different steps of the informal Roman education structure and through the influence of the father, furthered the ideal of Roman virtue and ensured generations of virtuous leaders.
Emperor Nero, who was infamously known as one of the worst emperors, had a huge impact on the Roman Empire in many different ways throughout his lifetime. Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, but known by most people as Nero, was born on December 15, 37 A.D. to Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger. He was then adopted by his Uncle Claudius, who at that time was Emperor. Nero did have a couple obstacles in his way to becoming Emperor, though. Eventually, Nero did gain the throne, and finally, it was his time to dominantly rule over Rome, by being a cruel and oppressive tyrant, which established him just not only as one of the worst emperors throughout history, but as the worst emperor throughout history. The historical impact that came from Emperor Nero was through what his “accomplishments” were throughout his rule.
Everyone knows of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. There is a whole month named after him. Augustus was a great leader favored by the people and by neighboring countries. But most people don’t know that he also banished his daughter and granddaughter, that his potential heirs kept mysteriously dying, and that he was extremely egotistical. Even though he expanded his empire more than any other leader had before and reformed the entire government of Rome, he still had many pitfalls that kept him from being a perfect leader.
Throughout the period of Roman emperors, there were many good emperors who brought wealth and prosperity, but there were bad emperors who brought terror and poverty. Emperor Titus Augustus was one of the emperors who brought wealth and prosperity. He had one of the most popular rules, even though he only ruled for about 3 years. He was, also, nicknamed the “darling of the human race” by Suetonius (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). Although Emperor Titus had a short rule, he brought wealth and prosperity, thus making his rule have a positive impact on the Roman Empire.
Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, notoriously known as the Roman Emperor Trajan was born September 18, most likely in the year 52 AD of Spanish origin. He was an educated man with a powerful, masculine figure. A bronze sculpture at Harvard University showcases his physique in ceremonial armor standing as if addressing his troops. He possessed a true sense of dignity and humbleness which to the Romans made him an emperor of true virtue. He was an emperor who truly enjoyed war; his passion for war came from the fact that he was very good at it. He was a brilliant general, as shown by his military achievements. He was naturally very popular with the troops, especially due to his willingness to share in the hardships alongside his soldiers.
This bronze statuette, which has been said to be of Charlemagne, was found by Alexandre Lenoir in the treasury at Metz Cathedral in 1807 and is enlivened by equestrian statues from times long past, for example, that of Marcus Aurelius in Rome. The representation of Charlemagne or Charles the Bald as a stallion riding figure highlights the Carolingian sovereigns' enthusiasm for the topical collection of obsolescent craftsmanship. The ruler, holding a globe and a sword (now missing), affirms his power as a vanquisher.
Octavian, the heir to Rome’s previous leader Julius Caesar, was given the title of Augustus, meaning “Revered One” in 27 B.C. He took power of Rome in 43 B.C and formed the Second Triumvirate which consisted of Marc Antony, Lepidus, and himself. Octavian and Marc Antony quickly shut Lepidus out of power and then later had a civil war over control of Rome which Octavian won. Octavian was humble and generous to the Roman citizens, he kept peace, and restored damages in Rome. Due to his effective leadership qualities, Octavian earned his new title of Augustus.
Octavian Augustus is one of the fiercest leaders in the history of the Roman Empire because of his successful military expansion, his Control of Finance, and his political leadership.
A successful emperor is a leader who is willing to place Rome above their own desires and needs, like the emperors Julius and Augustus. Julius was the first emperor of Rome. He was a very ambitious man, and he had many visions for the empire of Rome. Julius has built up the Roman military by “careful
Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire at the time it was considered the greatest empire in the history of the world. According to Elizabeth Speller, Hadrian was the first Roman Emperor who went beyond the common stereotype of good and bad Roman leaders (Speller 230-288). She describes his regime as that which had a wavering beginning, a celebrated middle and a disastrous ending. He is known for having made several travels and visiting almost all the provinces during his regime. However, his travels were not pleasure oriented but rather driven by his determination to see the Roman Empire get to the top by constantly keeping in check the discipline of the army around the provinces and ensuring that the provinces had the right administration. Being the fourteenth Roman Emperor, Hadrian is ranked third among the five best emperors who ever ruled the Roman Empire and emerged as the few leaders who ruled justly. Speller also cites his great public speaking ability and his excellent philosophical knowledge as some of the reasons which made him more powerful and projected his authority. Therefore, it is important to note that there are several attributes, deeds and projects that Hadrian used to project his authority and power.
Octavian enabled the long, nonviolent time of the Pax Romana, (Latin for Roman peace) by changing Rome from a frail, collapsing republican government to a powerful empire. He is known as the first, and one of the greatest, Roman Emperors ever. Octavian was born on September 23, 63 BC, and died in 14 AD. Born with the name Gaius Octavius Thurinus, he was adopted posthumously by his great-uncle Gaius Julius Caesar via his will, and then was named Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. This happened in 44 BC when his great uncle, Julius Caesar, was assassinated by a group of conspirators. Additionally, he received the name “Augustus” a term meaning “the revered one” from the Roman Senate in 27 BC. Because of the various names he had, it is
	After nineteen years of ruling Rome, Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180 in Vindobona, which is currently Vienna. He died of a plague while in the middle of yet another war to defend the territory of Rome. Aurelius was succeeded by his son, Commodus, who was the polar opposite of his father. Commodus was a corrupt and evil ruler. Apparently, his father was never aware of this fact, for Commodus fooled him into believing they were of the same mind when it came to ruling. Commodus was the first of the bad emperors to Aurelius’ last of the good emperors. This lack of an able ruler cemented the descent of the Roman empire.
Ever wondered what it takes to be a good king or ruler? Julius Caesar is one of the most famous rulers of all time. He was one of Rome’s greatest and most powerful leaders. His changes to the empire helped take Rome to new levels of success. The life of Caesar was short, yet great. It is important to learn about this great man and his many accomplishments.
Julius Caesar, a man born in around 12 to 13, 100 BC, was considered the start of a new legacy in the history of Rome. Participating in several wars, becoming dictator after forming multiple military alliances, to being assassinated on the Ides of March, Julius Caesar was a politically-flexible, popular leader of the Roman Empire. (Julius Caesar Biography, April 23, 2014) Although Caesar’s birth was never confirmed on the exact date, he was born and raised by his mother, Aurelia, and by his father, Gaius Julius Caesar. (Julius Caesar: Historical Background, April 23, 2014)
Ancient Rome, the period between the 8th and 1st centuries B.C. in which Rome grew from a little colony to an emerging empire. "Roman imperialism introduced extremes of wealth and poverty that honed social and economic conflict within the Roman state ." The enormous army and their countless loots, as well as their captured slaves, produced many changes along the countryside such as small farms becoming large plantations, and peasants left without lands decided to journey to Rome and other cities. "Immense wealth inflamed the ambitions of Roman nobles who struggled for personal domination rather than collective rule ." This dominant emergence of power and rule thus led to the conquering and control of other societies. The