However, there are several other emperors that changed the face of Rome, whether for better or worse.
The circumstances around Augustus’s ascension were bloody, troubled times.
Afterward, there was no one left to challenge Augustus’s title and he reigned securely.
Stock Photosfrom Bukhta Yurii/Shutterstock
Overall, Augustus is remembered as one of thegood Roman emperors.
It was through Augustus’s reign that the200-yearPAX ROMANA(Peace throughout the Roman Empire) began.
Tiberius was56 years oldwhen he finally became emperor in 14 CE.
Statue of Augustus (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Cris Foto/Shutterstock)
Overall, Tiberius has amixed reputation.
His legacy as ageneralis star-studdedand he furtherexpanded Roman territoryinto Dalmatia, Pannonia, Raetia, and parts of Germany.
In spite of this, Tiberius was described as having a dark, paranoid countenance.
Augustus aureus, circa 30 BCE (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Even Pliny the Elder referred to him as the gloomiest of men in his writings.
For the first six months, it is believed that Caligula was a benevolent young emperor.
There were also several accusations of debauchery.
Bust of Tiberius, Romisch-Germanisches Museum, Cologne (Photo: Carole Raddato viaWikimedia Commons)
Caligula’s despotism was ended after five years with hisassassinationby officers of the Praetorian Guard.
However, like Caligula, Nero had a slow start to tyranny.
Nero’s first five years were a very stable time for Rome.
Bust of Caligula (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Kizel Cotiw-an/Shutterstock)
This action drastically altered Nero, and he retreated into lavish spending anddelusions of grandeur.
All of these twists and turns culminated in theGreat Fire of Romefrom July 18-19, 64 CE.
Nero, in turn, accused Christians of starting the fire, resulting in the arrest of many.
Bust of Nero (Photo:Wikimedia Commons)
Although it was unlikely Nero ever played the fiddle while Rome burned, he may as well have.
Actually, Vespasian was the first emperor to come from anequestrian family, who steadily rose through the senate.
He began his career in the military, earning the love and respect of the Roman people.
The Fire of Rome by Hubert Robert, 1785 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
As emperor, Trajan then led the conquering of Dacia and a large part of the Parthian Empire.
Additionally, Trajan developed ambitious building projects likeTrajan’s ForumandTrajan’s Column.
Greek architecture was a life-long passion for Hadrian, which can be seen in his own building projects.
But of Vespasian (Photo: Shakko viaWikimedia Commons)
Hadrian ordered the construction of dozens of lavish temples and baths across the Roman empire.
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Bust of Trajan (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
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Trajan’s Column (Photo:Stock Photosfrom 55101/Shutterstock)
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Hadrian’s Wall (Photo:Stock Photosfrom elaine501/Shutterstock)
The Pantheon in Rome (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Phant/Shutterstock)
