Roman Leaders
The Romans in their prime were an empire led by an emperors. That had advantages and disadvantages. Did you know the Romans had had over 140 emperors?
The first Emperor of Rome was Caesar Augustus. He actually had a lot of names including Octavius, but was called Augustus once he became emperor. He was the adopted heir of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar paved the way for the Roman Republic to become an Empire. Caesar had a very strong army and became very powerful in Rome. When Caesar defeated Pompey the Great in a civil war, the Roman Senate made him dictator. However, some Romans wanted the republic government back in power. In 44 BC, just a year after Caesar was made dictator, Marcus Brutus assassinated Caesar. However, the new republic did not last long as Caesar's heir, Octavius, was already powerful. He took Caesar's place and eventually become the first Emperor of the new Roman Empire. At first you may think that the Roman republic moving to an empire led by an Emperor was a bad thing. In some cases, this was absolutely true. However, in other cases the Emperor was a good, strong leader who brought peace and prosperity to Rome. Here are a few of the better emperors of Rome:
As well as an emperor Rome was run by the senate which was a group of roman politicians who advised the emperor.
- Caesar Augustus - The first Emperor, Augustus, set a good example for future leaders. After years of civil war in Rome, his rule was a time of peace called the Pax Romana (Roman peace). He established a standing Roman army, a network of roads, and rebuilt much of the city of Rome.
- Claudius - Claudius conquered several new areas for Rome and started the conquest of Britain. He also built many roads, canals, and aqueducts.
- Trajan - Trajan is considered by many historians to be the greatest of Rome's Emperors. He ruled for 19 years. During that time, he conquered many lands increasing the wealth and size of the empire. He also was an ambitious builder, constructing many lasting buildings throughout Rome.
- Marcus Aurelius - Aurelius is called the Philosopher-King. Not only was he Emperor of Rome, but he is also considered one of history's foremost stoic philosophers. Aurelius was the last of the "Five Good Emperors".
As well as an emperor Rome was run by the senate which was a group of roman politicians who advised the emperor.