Although Rome reached the pinnacle of its power from approximately 27 BCE to 476 CE, it wasn’t always easy for emperors during this period. The rulers of this time faced threats from invaders and allies who plotted to gain power for themselves They also faced the countless challenges of maintaining order among the disparate cultures of an empire that touched three continents and encompassed nearly 1.7 million square miles at its peak.
Some of these emperors proved they had the vision and resolve to adjust as needed and thrust the empire forward for the next generation. Here are seven Roman emperors who excelled in the role, helping ensure that the memory of Rome would endure for posterity.
· Augustus (27 BCE-14 CE)
Julius Caesar’s grandnephew and adopted son Augustus marked a new era as Rome’s first emperor. Rich from the spoils of victory over Egypt, Augustus embarked on a building program that included new roads and aqueducts, as well as awe-inspiring marvels including the Temple of Apollo Palatinus and the Theater of Marcellus.
He also founded a postal system, installed a police and firefighting force, and secured the ever-expanding empire’s borders by establishing a standing army. It’s no exaggeration to say that Augustus’ impressive 40-year rule began the two centuries of prosperity known as the Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace.”
· Vespasian (69-79 CE)
The end of Emperor Nero's reign in 68 CE may have led the Roman Empire into further chaos, as a string of successors failed to establish stability in what became known as the "Year of the Four Emperors." Vespasian quelled the bloody uprisings that had accompanied him to the top and established the Flavian dynasty that endured for the next three decades.
Known for his thrifty ways, Vespasian raised taxes to replenish money that had been drained during Nero's rule. While he used the cash to fund massive construction projects such as the Colosseum, the emperor also drew praise for showing restraint when it came to indulging in personal luxuries. Although his reign wasn't a long one, Vespasian left enough of an impression that the Roman senator and historian Tacitus noted he was "the only emperor who had changed for the better."
· Trajan (98-117 CE)
Trajan ruled from 96-180 CE and is considered one of the greatest Roman rulers during Rome's glory days. The conquest of Dacia (modern-day Romania) filled his treasury, and Trajan funneled the bounty toward the building of new roads, bridges, and aqueducts, as well as a magnificent forum with its towering Trajan's Column in the city of Rome.
He wisely shared wealth with the people, and he was beloved for reducing taxes and expanding social welfare programs that included assistance for poor and orphaned children. Trajan continued his military campaigns through his final years, and by the end of his rule, Rome had expanded to the largest territory the empire ever seen. His accomplishments were of such magnitude that future emperors were inaugurated with the words, "Sis felicior Augusto, melior Traiano," meaning "May you be more fortunate than Augustus, and better than Trajan."
· Hadrian (117-138 CE)
Hadrian focused on consolidating and strengthening the empire's borders, a strategy underscored by the construction of the 73-mile Hadrian's Wall across England, which still stands today. Hadrian also commissioned major structures such as the Pantheon, codified Roman law with the creation of the Perpetual Edict, and was a devoted patron of the arts. Although he annoyed some by embracing Greek culture and flouting his companionship with a Greek youth named Antinous, Hadrian's policies kept the empire running at full throttle through the heydays of the second century CE.
· Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE)
A devotee of Stoicism, a Hellenistic school of philosophy emphasizing the pursuit of virtue, Marcus Aurelius is best known for the collection of self-reflections that comprise his famed work Meditations. Considered Rome's philosopher-king, his two-decade reign was marked by armed conflict with Parthians to the east and invading Germanic tribes from the north, as well as a devastating plague that wiped out millions of Roman citizens.
Despite the hardships, Marcus Aurelius was largely successful at maintaining the prosperity forged by his predecessors. However, historians criticize him for passing the empire to his son Commodus, whose inept reign is considered to have brought an end to the Pax Romana.
· Diocletian (284-305 CE)
The Roman Empire was floundering to overcome the half-century of infighting and territorial loss called the "Crisis of the Third Century"? By installing an emperor with the confidence to distribute power across its far-flung boundaries. Known as the tetrarchy, this system featured two senior leaders known as Augusti and a pair of junior leaders called caesars who ostensibly ruled their respective jurisdictions, though Diocletian held sway above the others.
More of an administrative than a battlefield genius, Diocletian increased the size of Rome's army, doubled the number of provinces, separated the powers of civic and military personnel, and established a state budget based on tax revenue. Although the tetrarchy fizzled after his reign ended, the emperor's success at forging two decades of stability was exemplified by his peaceful retirement instead of a forced abdication or murderous coup.
· Constantine (306-337 CE)
After Diocletian's departure, Constantine the Great emerged to become one of the most transformative figures in the empire's history. Unlike his predecessors, Constantine wholeheartedly embraced the growing Catholic religion. He claimed to have seen the sign of the cross in the sky before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, and the following year, he officially granted tolerance to Christians by issuing the Edict of Milan.
After claiming sole control of the empire in 324 CE, Constantine moved his capital 850 miles east to the rebuilt city of Constantinople (formerly Byzantium) and lured new residents with promises of free bread and citizenship. While Rome succumbed to invaders in 476 CE, the city built by its namesake continued to flourish as the Christian-populated seat of the Eastern Roman Empire for another millennium.
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Frank Victoria is an award-winning author and screenwriter. He’s been an Amazon bestseller with his recent book, The Founders’ Plot, a political thriller for our times. He donates proceeds of his books to Tunnels to Towers and Fisher House, helping military veterans and first responders. His novella, The Ultimate Bet and The Protectors are available on his website and Amazon. Check out his new website: FrankVictoriaAuthor.com
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