Most of the first 6 emperors of the Roman Empire fall into two dynasties: the five Julio-Claudians (27 BCE–68 CE, including Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero) and the three Flavians (69–79 CE, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian). Others on the list provided to us by the Roman historian Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly known as Suetonius (ca. 69–after 122 CE) include Julius, the last leader of the Roman Republic, who was not properly an emperor although his predilections in that direction got him assassinated; and three leaders who were not around long enough to establish dynasties: Galba, Otho, and Vitellius, all of whom ruled briefly and died in the "Year of the Four Emperors," 69 CE.
Julius Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar was a great Roman leader at the end of the Roman Republic. Julius Caesar was born three days before the Ides of July, on July 13 in c. 100 BCE. His father's family was from the patrician gens of the Julii, which traced its lineage to the first king of Rome, Romulus, and the goddess Venus. His parents were Gaius Caesar and Aurelia, daughter of Lucius Aurelius Cotta. Caesar was related by marriage to Marius, who supported the populares, and opposed Sulla, who supported the optimates.
In 44 BCE conspirators claiming they feared Caesar was aiming to become king assassinated Caesar on the Ides of March.
Of note:
Note that although the word Caesar signifies the ruler of the Roman emperor, in the case of the first of the Caesars, it was just his name. Julius Caesar was not an emperor.
Octavian (Augustus)
Gaius Octavius—known as Augustus—was born on September 23, 63 BCE, to a prosperous family of knights. He was Julius Caesar's great-nephew.
Augustus was born in Velitrae, southeast of Rome. His father (d. 59 BCE) was a Senator who became Praetor. His mother, Atia, was the niece of Julius Caesar. Augustus' rule of Rome ushered in an era of peace. He was so important to Roman history that the age which he dominated is called by his title—the Augustan Age.
Tiberius
Tiberius, the second emperor of Rome (born 42 BCE, died 37 CE) reigned as Emperor between 14–37 CE.
Tiberius was neither the first choice of Augustus nor popular with the Roman people. When he went into self-imposed exile to the island of Capri and left the ruthless, ambitious Praetorian Prefect, L. Aelius Sejanus, in charge back at Rome, he sealed his everlasting fame. If that weren't enough, Tiberius angered the senators by invoking treason (maiestas) charges against his enemies, and while in Capri he may have engaged in sexual perversions that were unsavory for the times and would be criminal in the U.S. today.
Tiberius was the son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother divorced and remarried Octavian (Augustus) in 39 BCE. Tiberius married Vipsania Agrippina in about 20 BCE. He became consul in 13 BCE. and had a son Drusus. In 12 BCE, Augustus insisted that Tiberius get a divorce so he could marry Augustus' widowed daughter, Julia. This marriage was unhappy, but it put Tiberius in line for the throne for the first time. Tiberius deserted Rome for the first time (he did again at the end of his life) and went to Rhodes. When Augustus' succession plans had been foiled by deaths, he adopted Tiberius as his son and had Tiberius adopt as his own son his nephew Germanicus. The last year of his life, Augustus shared the rule with Tiberius and when he died, Tiberius was voted emperor by the senate.
Tiberius trusted Sejanus and appeared to be grooming him for his replacement when he was betrayed. Sejanus, his family and friends were tried, executed, or committed suicide. After the betrayal of Sejanus, Tiberius let Rome run itself and stayed away. He died at Misenum on March 16, 37 CE.
Caligula "Little Boots"
Known as "Caligula" ('Little Boots'), Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was born August 31, CE 12, died 41 CE, and ruled as emperor 37–41 CE. Caligula was the son of Augustus' adopted grandson, the very popular Germanicus, and his wife, Agrippina the Elder who was Augustus' granddaughter and a paragon of womanly virtue.
Soldiers nicknamed the boy Caligula 'little boots' for the small army boots he wore when with his father's troops.
When Emperor Tiberius died, on March 16, 37 CE, his will named Caligula and his cousin Tiberius Gemellus heirs. Caligula had the will voided and became sole emperor. Initially Caligula was very generous and popular, but that quickly changed. He was cruel, indulged in sexual aberrations that offended Rome, and was considered insane. The Praetorian Guard had him killed on January 24, 41 CE.
In his Caligula: The Corruption of Power, British historian Anthony A. Barrett lists several consequential events during Caligula's reign. Among others, he developed the policy that would soon be implemented in Britain. He was also the first of the men who would serve as full-fledged emperors, with unlimited power.
Claudius
Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus (10 BCE–54 CE), ruled as emperor, January 24, 41 CE–October 13, 54 CE) and known as Claudius, suffered from various physical infirmities which many thought reflected his mental state. As a result, Claudius was secluded, a fact that kept him safe. Having no public duties to perform, Claudius was free to pursue his interests. His first public office came at the age of 46. Claudius became emperor shortly after his nephew was assassinated by his bodyguard, on January 24, 41 CE. The tradition is that Claudius was found by some of the Praetorian Guard hiding behind a curtain. The guard hailed him as emperor.
It was during the reign of Claudius that Rome conquered Britain (43 CE). Claudius' son, born in 41, who had been named Tiberius Claudius Germanicus, was re-named Britannicus for this. As Tacitus describes in his Agricola, Aulus Plautius was Britain's first Roman governor, appointed by Claudius after Plautius had led the successful invasion, with a Roman force that included the future Flavian emperor Vespasian whose older son, Titus, was a friend of Britannicus.
After adopting his fourth wife's son, L. Domitius Ahenobarbus (Nero), in 50 CE, Claudius made it clear that Nero was preferred for the succession over Britannicus. Tradition has it that Claudius' wife Agrippina, now secure in her son's future, killed her husband by means of a poison mushroom on October 13, 54 CE. Britannicus is thought to have died unnaturally in 55.
Nero
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (December 15, 37 CE–June 9, 68 CE, ruled the Roman Empire between October 13, 54 and June 9, 68.
"Although Nero's death had at first been welcomed with outbursts of joy, it roused varying emotions, not only in the city among the senators and people and the city soldiery, but also among all the legions and the generals; for the secret of empire was now disclosed, that an emperor could be made elsewhere than at Rome."
-Tacitus Histories I.
The boy who would become Nero was born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, on Dec. 15, 37 CE, the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Caligula's sister Agrippina the Younger at Antium, which is also where Nero was staying when the famous fire broke out. His father died in 40. As a young boy, Lucius received many honors, including leading youth in the Trojan Games in 47 and being prefect of the city (probably) for the 53 spring Latin games. He was allowed to wear the toga virilis at a young age (probably 14) instead of at the normal 16. Lucius' stepfather, the Emperor Claudius, died, probably at the hands of his wife Agrippina. Lucius, whose name had been changed to Nero Claudius Caesar (showing lineage from Augustus), became the Emperor Nero.
A series of unpopular treason laws in 62 CE and the fire in Rome in 64 helped seal Nero's reputation. Nero used the treason laws to kill whomever Nero considered a threat and the fire gave him the opportunity to build his golden palace, the "domus aurea." Between 64 and 68 a colossal statue of Nero was built that stood in the vestibule of the domus aurea. It was moved during the reign of Hadrian and was probably destroyed by the Goths in 410 or by earthquakes. Unrest throughout the empire eventually led Nero to commit suicide himself on June 9, 68 in Rome.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/coins-of-the-12-caesars-4126834
The first period in Roman history is known as the Period of Kings, and it lasted from Rome’s founding until 510 BC. During this brief time Rome, led by no fewer than six kings, advanced both militaristically and economically with increases in physical boundaries, military might, and production and trade of goods including oil lamps. Politically, this period saw the early formation of the Roman constitution. The end of the Period of Kings came with the decline of Etruscan power, thus ushering in Rome’s Republican Period.
Source: Click HERE.
The Regal Period of Rome: A Journey Through the Reigns of Seven Kings
Ancient Rome, a civilization that has captivated the imaginations of historians and enthusiasts alike, was not built in a day. Its foundations were laid during the regal period, a time when seven kings ruled over the city and shaped its destiny. In this exploration, we will delve into the contributions of these monarchs, from the legendary Romulus to the enigmatic Etruscan Tarquinius Superbus.
Romulus: The Founder and the Wolf
Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome, is a figure shrouded in legend and tradition. According to the tales, he and his twin brother Remus were abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf. As they grew, they founded the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill, with Romulus emerging as the first king.
Numa Pompilius: The Lawgiver
Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, is remembered as a wise and pious ruler. He is credited with establishing religious institutions, reforming the calendar, and promoting peace and stability. Numa's reign is often seen as a time of prosperity and cultural development.
Tullus Hostilius: The Warrior King
Tullus Hostilius, the third king of Rome, was a military leader who expanded the city's territory through conquest. He is known for his battles against neighboring tribes and his destruction of the city of Alba Longa, a rival settlement.
Ancus Marcius: The Builder
Ancus Marcius, the fourth king of Rome, is remembered for his construction projects. He built the first bridge across the Tiber River, the Pons Sublicius, and expanded the city's fortifications. Ancus also established the port of Ostia, which became a vital trade hub.
Tarquinius Priscus: The Etruscan Influence
Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, was an Etruscan who brought significant cultural and architectural influences to the city. He is credited with building the Circus Maximus, a large arena for chariot races, and the Cloaca Maxima, an impressive sewer system.
Servius Tullius: The Reformer
Servius Tullius, the sixth king of Rome, is known for his reforms and social changes. He introduced a new system of taxation based on wealth and divided the population into different classes. Servius also expanded the city's boundaries and built the Servian Wall, a defensive structure that protected Rome for centuries.
Tarquinius Superbus: The Last King
Tarquinius Superbus, the seventh and final king of Rome, is remembered for his tyrannical rule. He is associated with the construction of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline Hill, but his reign was marked by oppression and conflict. Tarquinius's expulsion from Rome in 509 BC marked the end of the regal period and the beginning of the Roman Republic.
Exploring the Regal Period
The regal period of Rome is a fascinating era that shaped the city's identity and laid the foundation for its future greatness. By examining archaeological sites, monuments, and depictions in Roman art, we can gain insights into the lives and contributions of these seven kings. From the legendary Romulus to the enigmatic Tarquinius Superbus, each ruler played a role in shaping the destiny of Rome.
Conclusion
The regal period of Rome is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. By exploring the contributions of its seven kings, we can appreciate the complexity and richness of Roman history and culture. From the founding of the city to the establishment of key institutions, the regal period set the stage for Rome's rise as a global power.
The Roman army was huge. It was divided up into groups called ‘legions’. Each legion had between 4,000 and 6,000 soldiers.
A legion was further divided into groups of 80 men called ‘centuries’. The man in charge of a century was known as a ‘centurion’. He carried a short rod, to show his importance.
Some soldiers shot bows and arrows, flung stones from slingshots, or could swim rivers to surprise an enemy.
Roman soldiers lined up for battle in a tight formation. After a burst of arrows, the Roman soldiers marched towards the enemy. At the last minute, they hurled their javelins and drew their swords, before charging into the enemy. Then the cavalry (soldiers riding horses) chased anyone who tried to run away.
Source: bbc.co.uk/bitesize
For the full four pages of this lesson, click HERE.
Start by searching Britannica Encyclopedia for an overview of gladiators.
See below for further information:
How gladiators were recruited, the rules and regulations of fights, fighting styles, life in the gladiators' barracks, criticism and popularity of the combats as entertainment.
Includes a recount by the roman philosopher Seneca of an arena fight
A description of the arena and an event, and the different types of gladiators.
The Inforgraphics Show 2019. The horrible life of an average Roman Empire slave, online video, 25 May 2021. Duration: 9 min.
An imagined interview with a female slave named Fortunata, describing life as a slave and the working conditions of slavery.
Why Rome depended on slaves, where slaves came from, how they were traded and their legal status. Also, how slavery was affected by a changing empire.
This article explains the conditions of slavery in Ancient Rome, and the attempts by slaves to oppose slavery and their masters, either through organised rebellion or by individual actions.
The dangers of being a Christian in Ancient Rome.
Gods and goddesses, worship practices in the family, the priestly colleges, emperors as gods, and the emergence of Roman religion and Christianity.
Persecution with periods of toleration, the conversion of Constantine (left) to Christianity, and its subsequent gradual spread.
Description of public and private worship, Judaism in Ancient Rome and the rise of Christianity.
Explains the importance of road and sea transport for successful trade.
This map gives information about the Roman’s road system throughout the empire and its primary maritime trading routes between the busiest and largest port cities within the empire.
A series of laws were implemented after Second Punic War in 215 BC, a period of financial crisis. Many particularly affected women.
The 2nd Punic War (218-201 B.C.E.) was especially lethal leaving at least 50,000 Roman soldiers dead and many women in charge of their property.
Find out why this ancient civilization is still important more than 2,000 years after its fall.
By Allyson Shaw
Tens of thousands of Romans take their seats in an enormous stadium made of stone and concrete. It’s the year 80, and these people are entering the newly built Colosseum for the first time. Men wearing togas and women in long dresses called stolas will spend the next hundred days watching gladiator games and wild animal fights to celebrate the opening of this amphitheater.
These ancient people were living in the center of a vast empire that spanned across Europe, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Lasting over a thousand years, the ancient Roman civilization contributed to modern languages, government, architecture, and more.
Around the ninth or tenth century B.C., Rome was just a small town on the Tiber River in what’s now central Italy. (One myth says that the town was founded by two brothers—Romulus and Remus—who were raised by a wolf.) For about 500 years, the area was ruled by a series of kings as it grew in strength and power.
But around the year 509 B.C., the last king was overthrown, and Rome became a republic. That meant that some citizens could vote for their leaders and other important matters. Only male Roman citizens could cast votes; women and enslaved people—often brought back as prisoners from military battles—could not.
Elected officials included two consuls who acted sort of like today’s U.S. presidents and kept each other from taking too much power. Both consuls worked with senators, who advised the consuls and helped create laws. Senators were appointed by other officials and could hold their positions for life.
The Roman army fought many wars during this period, first conquering all of what’s now Italy. In 146 B.C., they destroyed the city of Carthage (in modern-day Tunisia, in northern Africa), which was Rome’s greatest rival for trade in the western Mediterranean Sea. Next they conquered Greece.
For 500 years, the republic system mostly worked. But then a series of civil wars divided the people. In 59 B.C., Gaius Julius Caesar, a politician and military general, used the chaos to take power. Serving as consul, Caesar made new laws that benefitted his troops and other regular citizens. Then he conquered what’s now France and invaded Britain.
Even though his troops and many Roman citizens supported him, the Senate worried he was too powerful and wanted him gone. Knowing this, Caesar marched his loyal army into Rome. It was an illegal act that started a civil war, which Caesar would eventually win.
At first, he was named dictator for 10 years. (Before that, a dictator served during times of emergencies for only six months.) He canceled people’s debts and granted Roman citizenship to people outside of Italy so they could vote. Caesar also traveled to Egypt, making an alliance with the pharaoh Cleopatra.
In 44 B.C., Caesar named himself dictator for life. Fearing he was becoming a king, a group of senators killed him on the floor of the Senate. Caesar was gone, but his supporters chased down the assassins. His heir and nephew, Octavian, and general Mark Anthony battled for power.
Octavian eventually won and renamed himself Augustus Caesar. (The family name, Caesar, would become a title that future emperors would use to connect themselves back to Gaius Julius Caesar.) He convinced the Senate to give him absolute power and served successfully for 45 years. After his death, he was declared a god.
The Roman army was the largest fighting force in the ancient world. It conquered a huge empire that stretched from Britain all the way to the Middle East. The soldiers were the best trained, they had the best weapons and the best armour. When the Romans invaded Britain, their army was so good that it took on armies 10 times its size and won!
Source: bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Only men could be in the Roman Army, no women were allowed. There were two main types of Roman soldiers: legionaries and auxiliaries.
The legionaries were the elite (very best) soldiers. A legionary had to be over 17 years old and a Roman citizen.
Every new recruit had to be fighting fit - anyone who was weak or too short was rejected.
Legionaries signed up for at least 25 years' service. But if they survived their time, they were rewarded with a gift of land they could farm. Old soldiers often retired together in military towns, called ‘colonia’.
An auxiliary was a soldier who was not a Roman citizen. He was only paid a third of a legionary’s wage.
Auxiliaries guarded forts and frontiers but also fought in battles, often in the front lines where it was the most dangerous.