The Julio-Claudian Emperors

The Roman Empire

Principal Roman Emperors

Augustus Caesar 1st emperor of Rome ruled 27 BC-14AD Lived from 63 BC-14 AD Birth name: Gaius Octavius Thurinus Octavian was winner of 18 years’ civil war Designated heir of Julius Caesar in his will (grand-nephew of Caesar) Given the name “Augustus” by the Senate

“I found a Rome of bricks; I leave to you a Rome of marble”---last public words, referring to his many building projects. Reformed taxation system Established the Praetorian Guard: bodyguard unit of the emperors Established city firefighting/ police brigades Established an official courier system

Wrote Res Gestae Divi Augusti: “The Accomplishments of the Divine Augustus” Married 3 times, one daughter by his 2nd wife 3rd wife: Livia Drusilla, the Empress Livia Augustus was said to be short, with curly hair “inclining toward golden,” a medium complexion, and a unibrow. 

Died Aug. 19, AD 14 Last words: “"Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit."

Julio-Claudians Emperors who succeeded Caesar for 50 years: Tiberius Caligula Claudius Nero

Tiberius Step-son of Augustus, named heir in Augustus’ will Son of Empress Livia Lived 42 BC- AD 37 Ruled AD 14-AD 37 Forced by Augustus to divorce his first wife Vipsania and marry Augustus’ daughter Julia instead (not a happy marriage)

Tiberius Very successful general during Augustus’ reign in places like Germany As emperor, Tiberius was not well-liked by the people or the Senate He lived his last years on the island of Capri His death may have been murder by suffocation

Caligula Lived from AD 12- AD 41 Ruled from AD 37-41 Son of Germanicus, Tiberius’ nephew and adopted son Germanicus was a popular general Caligula’s real name: Gaius caligula= “little boot” (nickname soldiers gave him as a child)

Caligula Best remembered for being an an insane and cruel emperor Tried to make his horse a consul Rumored that he committed incest with his sisters Was murdered by Cassius Chaerea (a centurion of the Praetorian Guard) and a group of others

Claudius Lived 10 BC- AD 54 Ruled AD 41- AD 54 Lame and stuttered, shunned by the royal family Loved history and writing Uncle of Caligula Proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula’s assassination

Very good administrator Conquered Britain Many building projects Married several times: last wife was Agrippina (his niece) adopted Agrippina’s son Nero as his heir (over his own son Britannicus) May have been murdered by his wife Very good administrator Conquered Britain Many building projects Tried to add 3 letters to the alphabet Fun Fact: Issued an edict promoting passing gas for good health 

Nero Lived AD 37- AD 68 Ruled AD 54- AD 68 Grand-nephew and stepson of Claudius Started his rule well, but became increasingly cruel and tyrannical Loved music and the arts Murdered his step-brother Britannicus and his own mother Agrippina

Great Fire of Rome in AD 64: blamed the Christians and killed many of them Built his “Golden House” on land claimed after the fire Overthrown in AD 68 and committed suicide Last words: “What an artist dies in me!”

Year of the 4 Emperors AD 68- AD 69 Four men claimed the throne after Nero’s death Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian All generals Vespasian defeated the others and became emperor Vespasian founded the Flavian Dynasty