List of Roman emperors
Emperor Augustus served as the first Roman emperor. His Principate ended republican rule in Rome and began Pax Romana.
The Roman emperors were the rulers of the Roman Empire dating from the granting of the title of Augustus to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus by the Roman Senate in 27 BC. Augustus maintained a façade of Republican rule, rejecting monarchical titles but calling himself princeps senatus (first man of the council)[1] and princeps civitatis (first citizen of the state). The title of Augustus was conferred on his successors to the imperial position. The style of government instituted by Augustus is called the Principate and continued until reforms by Diocletian. The modern word 'emperor' derives from the title imperator, which was granted by an army to a successful general; during the initial phase of the empire, the title was generally used only by the princeps. For example, Augustus' official name was Imperator Caesar Augustus.
The territory under command of the emperor had developed under the period of the Roman Republic as it invaded and occupied most of Europe and portions of northern Africa and western Asia. Under the republic, regions of the empire were ruled by provincial governors answerable to and authorised by the Senate and People of Rome. During the republic, the chief magistrates of Rome were two consuls elected each year; consuls continued to be elected in the imperial period, but their authority was subservient to that of the emperor, and the election was controlled by the emperor.
In the late 3rd century, after the Crisis of the Third Century, Diocletian formalised and embellished the recent manner of imperial rule, establishing the so-called Dominate period of the Roman Empire. This was characterised by the explicit increase of authority in the person of the Emperor, and the use of the style Dominus Noster ("Our Lord"). The rise of powerful Barbarian tribes along the borders of the empire and the challenge they posed to defense of far-flung borders and unstable imperial succession led Diocletian to divide the administration geographically of the Empire in 286 with a co-Augustus. In 330, Constantine the Great established a second capital in Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. For most of the period from 286 to 480, there was more than one recognised senior emperor, with the division usually based in geographic terms. This division was consistently in place after the death of Theodosius I in 395, which historians have dated as the division between the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.[2] However, formally the Empire remained a single polity, with separate co-emperors in the separate courts. The fall of the Western Roman Empire, and so the end of a separate list of emperors below, is dated either from the de facto date of 476 when Romulus Augustulus was deposed by the Germanic Herulians led by Odoacer or the de jure date of 480, on the death of Julius Nepos, when Eastern Emperor Zeno ended recognition of a separate Western court. In the period that followed, the Empire is usually treated by historians as the Byzantine Empire governed by the Byzantine Emperors, although this designation is not used universally, and continues to be a subject of specialist debate today.[3]
The line of emperors continued until the death of Constantine XI Palaiologos during the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, when the remaining territories were captured by the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed II.[4]
Contents
1 Legitimacy
1.1 Emperors after 395
2 The Principate
2.1 27 BC–68 AD: Julio-Claudian dynasty
2.2 68–96: Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian dynasty
2.3 96–192: Nerva–Antonine dynasty
2.4 193–235: Year of the Five Emperors and Severan dynasty
2.5 235–285: Gordian dynasty and Crisis of the Third Century
3 The Dominate
3.1 284–364: Tetrarchy and Constantinian dynasty
3.2 364–392: Valentinian dynasty
4 Western Emperors
4.1 392–455: Theodosian dynasty
4.2 455–476: Last emperors of the Western Empire
5 Eastern Emperors
5.1 379–457: Theodosian dynasty
5.2 457–518: Leonid dynasty
5.3 518–602: Justinian dynasty
5.4 610–695: Heraclian dynasty
5.5 695–717: Twenty Years' Anarchy
5.6 717–802: Isaurian dynasty
5.7 802–813: Nikephorian dynasty
5.8 820–867: Amorian dynasty
5.9 867–1056: Macedonian dynasty
5.10 1059–1081: Doukid dynasty
5.11 1081–1185: Komnenid dynasty
5.12 1185–1204: Angelid dynasty
5.13 1204–1261: Laskarid dynasty
5.14 1261–1453: Palaiologan dynasty
6 See also
7 Notes
8 References
8.1 Citations
8.2 Sources
9 External links
Legitimacy
The emperors listed in this article are those generally agreed to have been 'legitimate' emperors, and who appear in published regnal lists.[5][6][7] The word 'legitimate' is used by most authors, but usually without clear definition, perhaps not surprisingly, since the emperorship was itself rather vaguely defined legally. In Augustus' original formulation, the princeps was selected by either the Senate or "the people" of Rome, but quite quickly the legions became an acknowledged stand-in for "the people." A person could be proclaimed as emperor by their troops or by "the mob" in the street, but in theory needed to be confirmed by the Senate. The coercion that frequently resulted was implied in this formulation. Furthermore, a sitting emperor was empowered to name a successor and take him on as apprentice in government and in that case the Senate had no role to play, although it sometimes did when a successor lacked the power to inhibit bids by rival claimants. By the medieval (or Byzantine) period, the very definition of the Senate became vague as well, adding to the complication.[8]
Lists of legitimate emperors are therefore partly influenced by the subjective views of those compiling them, and also partly by historical convention. Many of the 'legitimate' emperors listed here acceded to the position by usurpation, and many 'illegitimate' claimants had a legitimate claim to the position. Historically[by whom?], the following criteria have been used to derive emperor lists:
- Any individual who undisputedly ruled the whole Empire, at some point, is a 'legitimate emperor'(1).
- Any individual who was nominated as heir or co-emperor by a legitimate emperor (1), and who succeeded to rule in his own right, is a legitimate emperor (2).
- Where there were multiple claimants, and none were legitimate heirs, the claimant accepted by the Roman Senate as emperor is the legitimate emperor (3), at least during the Principate.
So for instance, Aurelian, though acceding to the throne by usurpation, was the sole and undisputed monarch between 270 and 275, and thus was a legitimate emperor. Gallienus, though not in control of the whole Empire, and plagued by other claimants, was the legitimate heir of (the legitimate emperor) Valerian. Claudius Gothicus, though acceding illegally, and not in control of the whole Empire, was the only claimant accepted by the Senate, and thus, for his reign, was the legitimate emperor. Equally, during the Year of the Four Emperors, all claimants, though not undisputed, were at some point accepted by the Senate and are thus included; conversely, during the Year of the Five Emperors neither Pescennius Niger nor Clodius Albinus were accepted by the Senate, and are thus not included. There are a few examples where individuals were made co-emperor, but never wielded power in their own right (typically the child of an emperor); these emperors are legitimate, but are not included in regnal lists, and in this article are listed together with the senior emperor.
Emperors after 395
After 395, the list of emperors in the East is based on the same general criteria, with the exception that the emperor only had to be in undisputed control of the Eastern part of the empire, or be the legitimate heir of the Eastern emperor.
The situation in the West is more complex. Throughout the final years of the Western Empire (395–480) the Eastern emperor was considered the senior emperor, and a Western emperor was only legitimate if recognized as such by the Eastern emperor. Furthermore, after 455 the Western emperor ceased to be a relevant figure and there was sometimes no claimant at all. For the sake of historical completeness, all Western Emperors after 455 are included in this list, even if they were not recognized by the Eastern Empire;[9] some of these technically illegitimate emperors are included in regnal lists, while others are not. For instance, Romulus Augustulus was technically a usurper who ruled only the Italian peninsula and was never legally recognized. However, he was traditionally considered the "last Roman Emperor" by 18th and 19th century western scholars and his overthrow by Odoacer used as the marking point between historical epochs, and as such he is usually included in regnal lists. However, modern scholarship has confirmed that Romulus Augustulus' predecessor, Julius Nepos continued to rule as emperor in the other Western holdings and as a figurehead for Odoacer's rule in Italy until Nepos' death in 480. Since the question of what constitutes an emperor can be ambiguous, and dating the "fall of the Western Empire" arbitrary, this list includes details of both figures.
The Principate
27 BC–68 AD: Julio-Claudian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Augustus IMPERATOR CAESAR DIVI FILIVS AVGVSTVS | September 23, 63 BC, Rome, Italia | Great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar; became de facto emperor as a result of the 'first settlement' between himself and the Roman Senate. | January 16, 27 BC – August 19, 14 AD | 40 years, 7 months and 3 days | August 19, 14 AD (aged 75) Natural causes |
 | Tiberius TIBERIVS CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI FILIVS AVGVSTVS | November 16, 42 BC, Rome | Natural son of Livia Drusilla, Augustus' third wife, by a previous marriage; stepbrother and third husband of Julia the Elder, daughter of Augustus; adopted by Augustus as his son and heir. | September 18, 14 AD – March 16, 37 AD | 22 years, 5 months and 27 days | March 16, 37 AD (aged 77) Probably natural causes, possibly assassinated by Caligula or praetorian prefect Naevius Sutorius Macro |
 | Caligula CAIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS CERMANICVS | August 31, 12 AD, Antium, Italia | Great-nephew and adoptive grandson of Tiberius; natural son of Germanicus; great-grandson of Augustus. | March 18, 37 AD – January 24, 41 AD | 3 years, 10 months and 6 days | January 24, 41 AD (aged 28) Assassinated in a conspiracy involving senators and Praetorian Guards. |
 | Claudius TIBERIVS CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS CERMANICVS | August 1, 10 BC, Lugdunum, Gallia Lugdunensis | Uncle of Caligula; brother of Germanicus; nephew of Tiberius; great-nephew and step-grandson of Augustus; proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. | January 25/26, 41 AD – October 13, 54 AD | 13 years, 8 months and 18/19 days | October 13, 54 AD (aged 63) Probably poisoned by his wife Agrippina the Younger, in favour of her son Nero, possibly natural causes. |
 | Nero NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS CERMANICVS | December 15, 37 AD, Antium, Italia | Great-nephew, stepson, son-in-law and adopted son of Claudius; nephew of Caligula; great-great-nephew of Tiberius; grandson of Germanicus; great-great-grandson of Augustus | October 13, 54 AD – June 9, 68 AD | 13 years, 7 months and 27 days | June 9, 68 AD (aged 30) Committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate. |
68–96: Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Galba IMPERATOR SERVIVS GALBA CAESAR AVGVSTVS | December 24, 3 BC, Near Terrancilium, Italia | Seized power after Nero's suicide, with support of the Spanish legions | June 8, 68 AD – January 15, 69 AD | 7 months and 7 days | January 15, 69 AD (aged 72) Murdered by Praetorian Guard in coup led by Otho |
 | Otho IMPERATOR MARCVS SALVIVS OTHO CAESAR AVGUSTVS | April 28, 32 AD, Ferentinum, Italia | Appointed by Praetorian Guard | January 15, 69 AD – April 16, 69 AD | 3 months and 1 day (91 days) | April 16, 69 AD (aged 36) Committed suicide after losing Battle of Bedriacum to Vitellius |
 | Vitellius IMPERATOR AVLVS VITELLIVS CERMANICVS AVGVSTVS | September 24, 15 AD, Rome | Seized power with support of German Legions (in opposition to Galba/Otho) | April 17, 69 AD – December 20, 69 AD | 8 months and 3 days | December 20, 69 AD (aged 54) Murdered by Vespasian's troops |
 | Vespasian IMPERATOR TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS | November 17, 9 AD, Falacrine, Italia | Seized power with the support of the eastern Legions (in opposition to Marcillinus) | December 21, 69 AD – June 24, 79 AD | 9 years, 6 months and 3 days | June 24, 79 AD (aged 69) Natural causes |
 | Titus IMPERATOR TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS | December 30, 39 AD, Rome | Son of Vespasian | June 24, 79 AD – September 13, 81 AD | 2 years, 2 months and 20 days | September 13, 81 AD (aged 41) Natural causes (fever) |
 | Domitian IMPERATOR TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS CERMANICVS | October 24, 51 AD, Rome | Son of Vespasian | September 14, 81 AD – September 18, 96 AD | 15 years and 4 days | September 18, 96 AD (aged 44) Assassinated by court officials |
96–192: Nerva–Antonine dynasty
Note: all dates AD hereafter.
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nerva IMPERATOR MARCVS COCCEIVS NERVA CAESAR AVGVSTVS | November 8, 30, Narni, Italia | Appointed by the Senate | September 18, 96 – January 27, 98 | 1 year, 4 months and 9 days | January 27, 98 (aged 67) Natural causes |
 | Trajan IMPERATOR CAESAR NERVA TRAIANVS DIVI NERVAE FILIVS AVGVSTVS | September 18, 53, Italica, Hispania Baetica | Adopted son and heir of Nerva | January 28, 98 – August 7, 117 | 19 years, 6 months and 10 days | August 7, 117 (aged 63) Natural causes |
 | Hadrian IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS AELIVS TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS | January 24, 76, Italica, Hispania Baetica (or Rome) | Adopted son and heir of Trajan | August 11, 117 – July 10, 138 | 20 years, 10 months and 30 days | July 10, 138 (aged 62) Natural causes |
 | Antoninus Pius IMPERATOR CAESAR TITVS AELIVS HADRIANVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS | September 19, 86, Near Lanuvium, Italia | Adopted son and heir of Hadrian | July 10, 138 – March 7, 161 | 22 years, 6 months and 28 days | March 7, 161 (aged 74) Natural causes |
 | Lucius Verus IMPERATOR CAESAR LVCIVS AVRELIVS VERVS AVGVSTVS | December 15, 130, Rome | Adopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius and son-in-law of Marcus Aurelius; Co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius until his death | March 7, 161 – ? March 169 | 8 years | March 169 (aged 39) Natural causes (Plague) |
 | Marcus Aurelius IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS | April 26, 121, Rome | Adopted son, son-in-law and heir of Antoninus Pius; Co-emperor with Lucius Verus until 169 | March 7, 161 – March 17, 180 | 19 years and 10 days | March 17, 180 (aged 58) Natural causes |
 | Commodus IMPERATOR CAESAR LUCIVS AELIVS AVRELIVS COMMODVS AVGVSTVS | August 31, 161, Lanuvium, Italia | Natural son of Marcus Aurelius; joint emperor from 177 | March 17, 180 – December 31, 192 | 3 years as joint emperor, 12 as sole emperor | December 31, 192 (aged 31) Assassinated in palace, strangled in his bath |
193–235: Year of the Five Emperors and Severan dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pertinax IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS HELVIVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS | August 1, 126, Alba, Italia | Proclaimed emperor by Praetorian Guard | January 1, 193 – March 28, 193 | 2 months and 27 days (86 days) | March 28, 193 (aged 66) Murdered by Praetorian Guard |
 | Didius Julianus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS DIDIVS SEVERVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS | 133 or 137, Milan, Italia | Won auction held by the Praetorian Guard for the position of emperor | March 28, 193 – June 1, 193 | 2 months and 4 days (65 days) | June 1, 193 (aged 56 or 60) Executed on orders of the Senate |
 | Septimius Severus IMPERATOR CAESAR LVCIVS SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS EVSEBES PERTINAX AVGVSTVS | April 11, 145, Leptis Magna, Libya | Seized power with support of Pannonian legions[a] | April 9, 193 – February 4, 211 | 17 years, 9 months and 26 days | February 4, 211 (aged 65) Natural causes |
 | Caracalla IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS | April 4, 188, Lugdunum, Gallia Lugdunensis | Son of Septimius Severus; co-emperor with Severus from 198; with Severus and Geta from 209 until February 211; co-emperor with Geta until December 211 | February 4, 211 – April 8, 217 | 13 years as joint emperor 10 months with Geta 6 years as sole emperor | April 8, 217 (aged 29) Murdered by a soldier as part of a conspiracy involving Macrinus |
 | Geta IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS SEPTIMIVS CETA AVGVSTUS | March 7, 189, Rome | Son of Septimius Severus; co-emperor with Severus and Caracalla from 209 until February 211; co-emperor with Caracalla until December 211 | February 4, 211 – December 26, 211 | 2 years as joint emperor 10 months with Caracalla | December 19, 211 (aged 22) Murdered on the orders of Caracalla |
 | Macrinus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS OPELLIVS SEVERVS MACRINVS AVGVSTVS with Diadumenian IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS OPELLIVS ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS AVGVSTVS | c. 165, Caesarea, Mauretania | Praetorian Prefect to Caracalla, probably conspired to have Caracalla murdered and proclaimed himself emperor after Caracalla's death; made his son Diadumenian (born on 14 September 208) co-emperor in May 218 | April 11, 217 – June 8, 218 | 1 year, 1 month and 28 days | June 8, 218 (aged 53) Both executed in favour of Elagabalus |
 | Elagabalus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS | c. 204, Emesa, Syria | Grandnephew of Septimius Severus, first cousin once removed and alleged illegitimate son of Caracalla; proclaimed emperor by Syrian legions | June 8, 218 – March 11, 222 | 3 years, 9 months and 3 days | March 11, 222 (aged 18) Murdered by Praetorian Guard |
 | Severus Alexander IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ALEXANDER AVGVSTVS | c. 208, Arca Caesarea, Syria | Grandnephew of Septimius Severus, cousin and adoptive heir of Elagabalus | March 13, 222 – March 18, 235 | 13 years and 5 days | March 18, 235 (aged 27) Murdered by the army |
235–285: Gordian dynasty and Crisis of the Third Century
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Maximinus Thrax IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS IVLIVS VERVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS | c. 173, Thrace or Moesia | Proclaimed emperor by German legions after the murder of Severus Alexander | March 20, 235 – June 238 | 3 years, 3 months | June 238 (aged 65) Assassinated by Praetorian Guard |
 | Gordian I IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS CORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS ROMANVS AFRICANVS AVGVSTVS | c. 159, Phrygia? | Proclaimed emperor, whilst Pro-consul in Africa, during a revolt against Maximinus. Ruled jointly with his son Gordian II, and in opposition to Maximinus. Technically a usurper, but retrospectively legitimised by the accession of Gordian III | March 22, 238 – April 12, 238 | 21 days | April 238 (aged 79) Committed suicide upon hearing of the death of Gordian II. |
 | Gordian II IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS CORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS ROMANVS AFRICANVS AVGVSTVS | c. 192, ? | Proclaimed emperor, alongside father Gordian I, in opposition to Maximinus by act of the Senate. | March 22, 238 – April 12, 238 | 21 days | April 238 (aged 46) Killed during the Battle of Carthage, fighting a pro-Maximinus army |
 | Pupienus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS CLODIVS PVPIENVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS | c. 178, ? | Proclaimed joint emperor with Balbinus by the Senate in opposition to Maximinus; later co-emperor with Balbinus. | April 22, 238 – July 29, 238 | 3 months and 7 days | July 29, 238 (aged 68 or 73) Assassinated by the Praetorian Guard |
 | Balbinus IMPERATOR CAESAR DECIMVS CAELIVS CALVINVS BALBINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS | ? | Proclaimed joint emperor with Pupienus by the Senate after death of Gordian I and II, in opposition to Maximinus; later co-emperor with Pupienus and Gordian III | April 22, 238 – July 29, 238 | 3 months and 7 days | July 29, 238 (aged 60) Assassinated by Praetorian Guard |
 | Gordian III IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS CORDIANVS PIVS AVGVSTVS | January 20, 225, Rome | Proclaimed emperor by supporters of Gordian I and II, then by the Senate; joint emperor with Pupienus and Balbinus until July 238; grandson and nephew of Gordian I and II, respectively | April 22, 238 – February 11, 244 | 5 years, 9 months and 20 days | February 11, 244 (aged 19) Unknown; possibly murdered on orders of Philip I |
 | Philip the Arab IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS IVLIVS PHILIPPVS AVGVSTVS with Philip II IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS IVLIVS SEVERVS PHILLIPVS AVGVSTVS | c. 204, Shahba, Syria | Praetorian Prefect to Gordian III, took power after his death; made his son Philip II (born 237) co-emperor in summer 247 | February 244 – September/October 249 | 5 years | September/October 249 (aged 45) Killed in the Battle of Verona by Decius, Philip II murdered by the Praetorian Guard |
 | Decius IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS MESSIVS QVINTVS TRAIANVS DECIVS AVGVSTVS with Herennius Etruscus IMPERATOR CAESAR QVINTVS HERENNIVS ETRVSCVS MESSIVS DECIVS AVGVSTVS | c. 201, Budalia, Pannonia Inferior | Governor under Philip the Arab; proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions then defeating and killing Philip in the Battle of Verona; made his son Herennius Etruscus (born 227) co-emperor in early 251 | September/ October 249 – June 251 | 2 years | June 251 (aged 50) Both killed in the Battle of Abrittus fighting against the Goths |
 | Hostilian IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS VALENS HOSTILIANVS MESSIVS QVINTVS AVGVSTVS | Sirmium | Son of Decius, accepted as heir by the Senate | June 251 – late 251 | 4–5 months | September/October 251 (aged 21) Natural causes (plague) |
 | Trebonianus Gallus IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS VIBIVS AFINIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS AVGVSTVS with Volusianus IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS VIBIVS VOLVSIANVS AVGVSTVS | 206, Italia | Governor of Moesia Superior, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after Decius's death (and in opposition to Hostilian); made his son Volusianus co-emperor in late 251. | June 251 – August 253 | 2 years | August 253 (aged 47) Assassinated by their own troops, in favour of Aemilian |
 | Aemilian IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AEMILIVS AEMILIANVS AVGVSTVS | c. 207 or 213 Africa | Governor of Moesia Superior, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after defeating the Goths; accepted as emperor after death of Gallus | August 253 – October 253 | 2 months | September/October 253 (aged 40 or 46) Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Valerian |
 | Valerian IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS VALERIANVS AVGVSTVS | c. 195 | Governor of Noricum and Raetia, proclaimed emperor by Rhine legions after death of Gallus; accepted as emperor after death of Aemilian | October 253 – 260 | 7 years | After 260 (aged at least 65) Captured in Battle of Edessa against Persians, died in captivity |
 | Gallienus IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS EGNATIVS GALLIENVS AVGVSTVS with Saloninus IMPERATOR CAESAR CORNELIVS LICINIVS SALONINVS VALERIANVS PIVS FELIX INVICTVS AVGVSTVS | 218 | Son of Valerian, made co-emperor in 253; his son Saloninus (born c. 242) is very briefly co-emperor in c. July 260 before assassination by Postumus. | October 253 – September 268 | 15 years | September 268 (aged 50) Murdered at Aquileia by his own commanders. |
 | Claudius Gothicus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS CLAVDIVS AVGVSTVS | May 10, 210, Sirmium | Victorious general at Battle of Naissus, seized power after Gallienus's death | September 268 – January 270 | 1 year, 4 months | January 270 (aged 60) Natural causes (plague) |
 | Quintillus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS QVINTILLVS AVGVSTVS | c.210, Sirmium | Brother of Claudius II, seized power after his death | January 270 – September(?) 270 | Unknown | 270 (aged around 60) Unclear; possibly suicide or murder |
 | Aurelian IMPERATOR CAESAR LVCIVS DOMITIVS AVRELIANVS AVGVSTVS | September 9, 214/215, Sirmium | Proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions after Claudius II's death, in opposition to Quintillus | September(?) 270 – September 275 | 5 years | September 275 (aged 60-61) Assassinated by Praetorian Guard |
 | Tacitus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS CLAVDIVS TACITVS AVGVSTVS | c. 200, Interamna Nahars, Italia | Elected by the Senate to replace Aurelian, after a short interregnum | September 25, 275 – June 276 | 9 months | June 276 (aged 76) Natural causes (possibly assassinated) |
 | Florianus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS ANNIVS FLORIANVS AVGVSTVS | ? | Brother of Tacitus, elected by the army in the west to replace him | June 276 – September? 276 | 3 months | September? 276 (aged ?) Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Probus |
 | Probus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS PROBVS AVGVSTVS | 232, Sirmium | Governor of the eastern provinces, proclaimed emperor by Danubian legions in opposition to Florian | September? 276 – September/ October 282 | 6 years | September/ October 282 (aged 50) Assassinated by his own troops, in favour of Carus |
 | Carus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARVS AVGVSTVS | c. 230, Narbo, Gallia Narbonensis | Praetorian Prefect to Probus; seized power either before or after Probus was murdered; made his son Carinus co-emperor in early 283 | September/ October 282 – late July/ early August 283 | 10–11 months | Late July/August 283 (aged 61) Probably natural causes (Possibly killed by lightning) |
 | Carinus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARINVS AVGVSTVS | ? | Son of Carus, ruled shortly with him (from early 283) as co-emperor and then in his own right with his brother Numerian | Late July/early August 283 – 285 | 2 years | 285 (aged ?) Probably died in battle against Diocletian |
 | Numerian IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS NVMERIVS NVMERIANVS AVGVSTVS | ? | Son of Carus, succeeded him jointly with his brother Carinus | Late July/early August 283 – 284? | 1 year | 284 (aged ?) Unclear; possibly assassinated |
The Dominate
284–364: Tetrarchy and Constantinian dynasty
Note: To maintain control and improve administration, various schemes to divide the work of the Roman Emperor by sharing it between individuals were tried after 285. The "Tetrarchy" proclaimed by Diocletian in 293 split the empire into two halves each to be ruled separately by two emperors, a senior "Augustus", and a junior "Caesar".
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Diocletian IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS
then, after 286 (EAST) | c. December 22, 244, Salona | Proclaimed emperor by army after death of Numerian, and in opposition to Carinus; adopted Maximian as senior co-emperor in 286 | November 20, 284 – May 1, 305 | 20 years, 5 months and 11 days | 3 December 311 (aged 67) Abdicated; died of natural causes in Aspalatos |
 | Maximian IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS HERCVLIVS AVGVSTVS
| c. 250, near Sirmium, Pannonia | Adopted as senior co-emperor ('Augustus') in the west by Diocletian in 286 | April 1, 286 – May 1, 305 | 19 years and 1 month | 310 (aged 60) Abdicated with Diocletian; twice tried to regain throne with, and then from Maxentius; captured by Constantine I and committed suicide at his behest |
 | Galerius IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS
| c. 250, Felix Romuliana, Moesia Superior | Adopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Diocletian in 293. Also son-in-law of Diocletian. | May 1, 305 – May 311 | 6 years | 311 (aged 61) Natural causes |
 | Constantius Chlorus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS FLAVIVS VALERIVS CONSTANTIVS HERCVLIVS AVGVSTVS
| March 31, c. 250, Dardania, Moesia | Adopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Maximian in 293 | May 1, 305 – July 25, 306 | 1 year, 2 months and 24 days | 306 (aged 56) Natural causes |
 | Valerius Severus IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VALERIVS SEVERVS AVGVSTVS
| ? | Adopted as junior co-emperor ('Caesar') and heir by Constantius Chlorus in 305; succeeded as Augustus in 306; opposed by Maxentius and Constantine I | Summer 306 – March/ April 307 | 1 year | September 16, 307 (aged ?) Captured by Maxentius and forced to commit suicide (or murdered) |
 | Constantine the Great IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VALERIVS AVRELIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS
then, after 324 (EAST and WEST) | February 27, c. 272, Naissus, Moesia Superior | Son of Constantius I Chlorus, proclaimed emperor by his father's troops; accepted as Caesar (west) by Galerius in 306; promoted to Augustus (west) in 307 by Maximian after death of Severus II; refused relegation to Caesar in 309 | July 25, 306 – May 22, 337 | 30 years, 9 months and 27 days | May 22, 337 (aged 65) Natural causes |
 | Maxentius IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXENTIVS AVGVSTVS
| c. 278 | Son of Maximian, seized power in 306 after death of Constantius I Chlorus, in opposition to Severus and Constantine I; made Caesar (west) by Maximian in 307 after the death of Severus | October 28, 306 – October 28, 312 | 6 years | October 28, 312 (aged 34) Died at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, against Constantine I |
 | Licinius I IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS VALERIVS LICINIANVS LICINIVS AVGVSTVS
Valerius Valens AVRELIVS VALERIVS VALENS and Martinian SEXTVS MARCIVS MARTININANVS | c. 250, Felix Romuliana, Moesia Superior | Son-in-law of Constantius Chlorus, appointed Augustus in the west by Galerius in 308, in opposition to Maxentius; became Augustus in the east in 311 after the death of Galerius (shared with Maximinus II); defeated Maximinus II in civil war to become sole eastern Augustus in 313; appointed Valerius Valens in 317, and Martinian in 324 as western Augustus, in opposition to Constantine, both being executed within weeks. | November 11, 308 – September 18, 324 | 15 years, 10 months and 7 days | 325 (aged 61/62) Defeated in civil war against Constantine I in 324 and captured; executed on the orders of Constantine the next year |
 | Maximinus II IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS CALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS
| November 20, c. 270, Dacia Aureliana | Nephew of Galerius, adopted as Caesar and his heir in 305; succeeded as Augustus (shared with Licinius I) in 311 | May 1, 311 – July/August 313 | 2 years | July/August 313 (aged 42) Defeated in civil war against Licinius; probably committed suicide thereafter |
 | Constantine II IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS
| 316, Arelate, Gallia Narbonensis | Son of Constantine I; appointed Caesar in 317, succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantius II and Constans I | May 22, 337 – 340 | 3 years | 340 (aged 24) Died in battle against Constans I |
 | Constantius II IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS
then, after 356 (EAST and WEST) | August 7, 317, Sirmium, Pannonia | Son of Constantine I; succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantine II and Constans I; sole emperor from 350 | May 22, 337 – November 3, 361 | 24 years, 5 months and 12 days | 361 (aged 44) Natural causes |
 | Constans I IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANS AVGVSTVS
then, after 340 (WEST) | c. 323 | Son of Constantine I; succeeded as joint Augustus with his brothers Constantine II and Constantius II | May 22, 337 – 350 | 13 years | 350 (aged 27) Assassinated on the orders of the usurper Magnentius |
 | Vetranio IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VETRANIO AVGVSTVS
| ?, Moesia | General of Constans, proclaimed Caesar against Magnentius and temporarily accepted as Augustus of the west by Constantius II. | March 1, 350 – December 25, 350 | 9 months and 24 days | c. 356 (aged ?) As a private citizen, after abdication. |
 | Julian IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS
then, after 361 (EAST and WEST) | 331/332, Constantinople, Thracia | Cousin of Constantius II; made Caesar of the west in 355; proclaimed Augustus by his troops in 360; sole emperor after the death of Constantius | February 360 – June 26, 363 | 3 years | June 26, 363 (aged 31/32) Mortally wounded in battle |
 | Jovian IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IOVIANVS AVGVSTVS
| 331, Singidunum, Moesia | General of Julian's army; proclaimed emperor by the troops on Julian's death | June 26, 363 – February 17, 364 | 7 months and 22 days | February 17, 364 (aged 33) Natural causes (suffocated on fumes) |
364–392: Valentinian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Valentinian I IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS
then (WEST) | 321, Cibalae, Pannonia | Elected to replace Jovian by the army | February 26, 364 – November 17, 375 | 11 years, 8 months and 22 days | November 17, 375 (aged 54) Natural causes |
 | Valens IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS VALENS AVGVSTVS
| 328, Cibalae, Pannonia | Brother of Valentinian I, appointed co-augustus (for the east) by him | March 28, 364 – August 9, 378 | 14 years, 4 months and 12 days | August 9, 378 (aged 50) Killed in Battle of Adrianople against the Goths |
 | Gratian IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS GRATIANVS AVGVSTVS
| April 18/May 23, 359, Sirmium, Pannonia | Son of Valentinian I, appointed junior Augustus by him in 367, became senior Augustus (for the west) after Valentinian's death. | August 4, 367 – August 25, 383 | 16 years and 21 days | August 25, 383 (aged 24) Murdered by rebellious army faction |
 | Valentinian II IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS
| 371, Milan, Italia | Son of Valentinian I, proclaimed emperor by Pannonian army after Valentinian's death; accepted as co-Augustus for the west by Gratian | November 17, 375 – May 15, 392 | 16 years, 5 months and 28 days | May 15, 392 (aged 21) Unclear; possibly murdered or committed suicide |
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Magnus Maximus IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS MAGNVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS (WEST)
Victor IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VICTOR AVGVSTVS | c. 335, Hispania | Usurper in the West; legitimized along with his son Victor by Theodosius I as emperors of Britannia and Gaul. | 383/384 – August 28, 388 | 4/5 years | August 28, 388 (aged 53) Executed by Theodosius I in Aquileia after the Battle of the Save; Victor killed by Arbogast |
Western Emperors
392–455: Theodosian dynasty
Note: Theodosius I was the last person to rule both halves of the Roman Empire, dividing the administration between his sons Arcadius and Honorius on his death.
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Theodosius I IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS | January 11, 347, Cauca, Hispania | Son-in-law of Valentinian I, appointed as Augustus for the east by Gratian after the death of Valens; became sole senior Augustus after death of Valentinian II (Eastern Emperor since 379) | May 15, 392 – January 17, 395 | 2 years, 8 months and 2 days | January 17, 395 (aged 48) Natural causes |
 | Honorius IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS HONORIVS AVGVSTVS | September 9, 384 | Son of Theodosius I; appointed as junior Augustus for the west by Theodosius on January 23, 393 (after the death of Valentinian II); became senior Augustus for the west after his father's death | January 17, 395 – August 15, 423 | 28 years, 6 months and 29 days | August 15, 423 (aged 38) Natural causes |
 | Constantine III IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS Constans II IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS CONSTANS AVGVSTVS | ? | Usurper who declared himself emperor in the west in 407, recognized as co-emperor by Honorius in 409. Elevated his son Constans II to co-emperor in 409, who was not recognized by Honorius. | 407/409 - August or September 411 | 2 years | August or September 411 (aged ?) Executed by Constantius III |
 | Constantius III IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS | ?, Naissus, Moesia Superior | Married to Theodosius I's daughter Galla Placidia, elevated to co-Augustus for the west by Honorius | February 8, 421 – September 2, 421 | 6 months and 25 days | September 2, 421 (aged ?) Natural causes |
 | Joannes IMPERATOR CAESAR IOHANNES AVGVSTVS | ? | A senior civil servant under Honorius, proclaimed emperor by Castinus; not recognized by the Eastern Empire | August 27, 423 – May 425 | 2 years | June or July 425 (aged ?) Defeated in battle by Theodosius II and Valentinian III, captured and executed |
 | Valentinian III IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS PLACIDIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS | July 2, 419, Ravenna, Italia | Son of Constantius III, appointed Caesar for the west by Theodosius II after the death of Honorius, in opposition to the regime of Joannes; became Augustus for the west after the defeat of Joannes | October 23, 424 – March 16, 455 | 30 years, 4 months and 21 days | March 16, 455 (aged 35) Assassinated, possibly at the behest of Petronius Maximus |
455–476: Last emperors of the Western Empire
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Petronius Maximus IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS ANICIVS PETRONIVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS | c. 396 | Son-in-law of Theodosius II, proclaimed himself emperor with the support of the army, after the death of Valentinian III. Not recognized by the Eastern Empire. He appointed his son Palladius as caesar. | March 17, 455 – May 31, 455 | 2 months and 14 days | May 31, 455 (aged 58/59) Murdered, probably stoned to death by the Roman mob |
 | Avitus IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS MAECILIVS FLAVIVS EPARCHIVS AVITVS AVGVSTVS | c. 385 | Magister militum under Petronius Maximus, proclaimed emperor by the Visigoth king Theoderic II after Petronius's death. Not recognized by the Eastern Empire. | July 9, 455 – October 17, 456 | 1 year, 3 months and 8 days | after 17 October 456 (aged 71) Deposed by his Magister militum, Ricimer; became bishop of Placentia; murdered at some point afterwards |
 | Majorian IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS VALERIVS MAIORIANVS AVGVSTVS | November 420 | Proclaimed emperor by his troops. Recognized by the Eastern Empire at the behest of Ricimer. | April 457 – August 2, 461 | 4 years | August 7, 461 (aged 40) Deposed and beheaded on the orders of Ricimer. |
 | Libius Severus IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS LIBIVS SEVERVS SERPENTIVS AVGVSTVS | ?, Lucania, Italia | Appointed emperor by Ricimer. Not recognized by the Eastern Empire. | November 461 – August 465 | 4 years | August 465 (aged 45) Probably poisoned by Ricimer |
 | Anthemius IMPERATOR CAESAR PROCOPIVS ANTHEMIVS AVGVSTVS | c. 420 | Son-in-law of Marcian, appointed emperor by Leo I, with the consent of Ricimer. | April 12, 467 – July 11, 472 | 5 years, 2 months and 29 days | July 11, 472 (aged 52) Executed by Ricimer or Gundobad (Ricimer's nephew). |
 | Olybrius IMPERATOR CAESAR ANICIVS OLYBRIVS AVGVSTVS | c. 420 | Son-in-law of Valentinian III; appointed emperor by Ricimer. Not recognized by the Eastern Empire. | July 11, 472 – November 2, 472 | 3 months and 22 days | November 2, 472 (aged 41) Natural causes |
 | Glycerius IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS GLYCERIVS AVGVSTVS | ? | Appointed emperor by Gundobad (Ricimer's successor). Not recognized by the Eastern Empire. | March 473 – June 474 | 1 year | after 480 (aged ?) Deposed by Julius Nepos, became Bishop of Salona, time and manner of death unknown |
 | Julius Nepos IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS NEPOS AVGVSTVS | c. 430 | Nephew-in-law of the eastern emperor Leo I (and nephew of Marcellinus) appointed emperor in opposition to Glycerius | June 474 – August 28, 475 (in Italy); – spring 480 (in Gaul and Dalmatia) | 1 year/6 years | 480 (aged 50) Deposed in Italy by Orestes, ruled in balance of Western Empire until assassination in 480. Maintained as figurehead in Italy by Odoacer to his death in 480. |
 | Romulus Augustulus IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS | c. 460[b] | Appointed by his father, Orestes. Listed as an emperor by historical convention. His rule never extended beyond portions of the Italian peninsula. Not recognized by Eastern Emperor Zeno. | October 31, 475 – September 4, 476 (in Italy) | 10 months and 4 days | Unknown. Deposed by Odoacer, who then ruled in the name of Julius Nepos until the latter's death in 480, which formally ended the separate Western Empire; most likely lived out his life in obscurity on a private villa. |
Note: The classical Roman Empire is usually said to have ended with the deposition of Romulus Augustulus, with its continuation in the East referred to by modern scholars as the Byzantine Empire.
Eastern Emperors
379–457: Theodosian dynasty
Note: Theodosius I was the last person to rule both halves of the Roman Empire, dividing the administration between his sons Arcadius and Honorius on his death.
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theodosius I IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS | January 11, 347, Cauca, Hispania | Son-in-law of Valentinian I, appointed as Augustus for the east by Gratian after the death of Valens; became sole senior Augustus after death of Valentinian II | January 19, 379 – January 17, 395 | 16 years and 16 days | January 17, 395 (aged 48) Natural causes |
 | Arcadius IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS ARCADIVS AVGVSTVS | c. 377, Hispania | Son of Theodosius I; appointed as junior Augustus for the east by Theodosius in January 383; became senior Augustus for the east after his father's death | January 17, 395 – May 1, 408 | 13 years | May 1, 408 (aged 31) Natural causes |
 | Theodosius II IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS IVNIOR AVGVSTVS | April 10, 401, Constantinople | Son of Arcadius; appointed as junior Augustus for the east by Arcadius in 402; became senior Augustus for the east after his father's death | January 402 – July 28, 450 | 48 years | July 28, 450 (aged 49) Injuries suffered during a hunting accident |
 | Pulcheria IMPERATRIX AELIA PVLCHERIA AVGVSTA | January 19, 398, Constantinople | Daughter of Arcadius and sister of Theodosius II; reigned as co-empress with the younger Theodosius II through his reign from 414 onwards, sole ruler of the empire upon his death as Augusta and Imperatrix | July 28, 450 – July, 453 | 3 years | July, 453 (aged 55) Cause unknown |
 | Marcian IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS MARCIANVS AVGVSTVS | 396, Thrace or Illyria | Nominated as successor (and husband) by Pulcheria, ruled alongside her 450-453 and later alone | November 25, 450 – January 25, 457 | 7 years | January 457 (aged 65) Gout |
457–518: Leonid dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Leo I the Thracian (Λέων Αʹ ὁ Θρᾷξ) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS VALERIVS LEO AVGVSTVS | c. 400, Dacia | Chosen by the army | 7 February 457 – 18 January 474 | 17 years | 18 January 474 (aged 73) Dysentery |
 | Leo II (Λέων Βʹ) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS LEO AVGVSTVS | c. 467, Constantinople | Grandson of Leo I | 18 January – 17 November 474 | 9 months | 17 November 474 (aged 7) Cause unknown, possibly poisoned |
 | Zeno (Ζήνων) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS ZENO AVGVSTVS | c. 425, Isauria | Named co-emperor by his son Leo II on 9 February 474. | 17 November 474 – 9 April 491 | 17 years | 9 April 491 (aged 66) Dysentery or epilepsy |
 | Basiliscus (Βασιλίσκος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS BASILISCVS AVGVSTVS
Marcus IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS MARCVS AVGVSTVS | ? | Seized throne from Zeno, Basiliscus appointed his son Marcus co-emperor at some point in 475. | 9 January 475 – August 476 | 1 year, 7 months | 476/477 Starved to death in Limnae (in Cappadocia) by Zeno |
 | Anastasius I Dicorus (Ἀναστάσιος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS ANASTASIVS AVGVSTVS | c. 430, Dyrrhachium | Son-in-law of Leo I | 11 April 491 – 9 July 518 | 27 years | 9 July 518 (aged 87) Natural causes |
518–602: Justinian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Justin I (Φλάβιος Ἰουστῖνος Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVSTINVS AVGVSTVS | c. 450 at Bederiana (Justiniana Prima), Dardania | Elected by army | July 518 – 1 August 527 | 9 years | 1 August 527 (aged 77) Natural causes |
 | Justinian I (Φλάβιος Πέτρος Σαββάτιος Ἰουστινιανός Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS PETRVS SABBATIVS IVSTINIANVS AVGVSTVS | c. 482 at Tauresium (Taor), Dardania | Nephew of Justin I | 1 August 527 – 13/14 November 565 | 38 years | 13/14 November 565 (aged 83) Natural causes |
 | Theodora (Θεοδώρα) THEODORA AVGVSTA | c. 500, Cyprus | Wife of Justinian I, in some sources described as his co-regent. Theodora had her own court and imperial seal,[10] participated in state councils and Justinian described her as "partner in my deliberations".[11] | 9 August 527 – 28 June 548 | 21 years | 28 June 548 (aged 48) Cancer |
 | Justin II (Φλάβιος Ἰουστῖνος ὁ νεώτερος Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS IVSTINVS IVNIOR AVGVSTVS | c. 520 | Nephew of Justinian I | 14 November 565 – 5 October 578 | 13 years | 5 October 578 (aged 58) Natural causes, after insanity |
 | Tiberius II Constantine (Φλάβιος Τιβέριος Κωνσταντῖνος Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS TIBERIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS | c. 535 | Adopted son of Justin II, regent from 574 | 5 October 578 – 14 August 582 | 3 years, 10 months | 14 August 582 (aged 62) Natural causes |
 | Maurice (Φλάβιος Μαυρίκιος Τιβέριος Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS MAURICVS TIBERIVS AVGVSTVS
Theodosius (Θεοδόσιος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS | 539 at Arabissus, Cappadocia | Son-in-law of Tiberius II, appointed his son Theodosius (born in August 4 583/585) co-emperor in 590 | 14 August 582 – 22 November 602 | 20 years | 27 November 602 (aged 63) Executed, Theodosius executed a few days later by supporters of Phocas |
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Phocas (Φλάβιος Φωκᾶς Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS PHOCAS AVGVSTVS | ? | Seized throne | 23 November 602 – 4 October 610 | 8 years | 5 October 610 Executed |
610–695: Heraclian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Heraclius (Φλάβιος Ἡράκλειος Αὔγουστος) IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS HERACLIVS AVGVSTVS | c. 575, Cappadocia | Revolt | 5 October 610 – 11 February 641 | 30 years | 11 February, 641 (aged 65 or 66) Natural causes |
 | Constantine III (Κωνσταντῖνος Γʹ) Formally: "Heraclius New Constantine" | 3 May 612, Constantinople | Son of Heraclius | 11 February – 24/26 May 641 | 3 months | 24/26 May 641 (aged 28) Tuberculosis |
 | Heraklonas (Ἡρακλωνᾶς) Formally: "Constantine Heraclius" | 3 May 626, Constantinople | Son of Heraclius | 11 February 641 – September 641 | 7 months | unknown, but probably before 642 |
 | Constans II (Κῶνστας Βʹ) Formally: "Constantine the Bearded" | 7 November 630 | Son of Constantine III. succeeded his uncle Heraklonas after he was deposed as emperor. | September 641 – 15 September 668 | 27 years | 15 September 668 (aged 37) Assassinated |
 | Constantine IV (Κωνσταντῖνος Δʹ ὁ Πωγωνάτος)
Heraclius (Ἡράκλειος) and Tiberius (Τιβέριος) | 652, Constantinople | Oldest son of Constans II, co-emperor since 654. His brothers Heraclius and Tiberius, co-emperors since 659, served as co-emperors until they were mutilated and deposed by Constantine in 681. | 15 September 668 – 14 September 685 659 – 681 (Heraclius & Tiberius) | 17 years 22 years (Heraclius & Tiberius) | 14 September 685 (aged 33) Dysentery |
 | Justinian II (Ἰουστινιανὸς Βʹ ὁ Ῥινότμητος) | 668 or 669, Constantinople | Son of Constantine IV, co-emperor since 681 | 14 September 685–695 | 10 years (1st reign) | 11 December 711 (aged 42) Killed by the army |
695–717: Twenty Years' Anarchy
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Leontios (Λεόντιος) | Isauria | Revolt | 695–698 | 3 years | Executed in February 706 |
 | Tiberios III Apsimaros (Τιβέριος Γʹ Ἀψίμαρος) | Pamphylia | Revolt | 698–705 | 7 years | Executed in February 706 |
| Justinian II (Ἰουστινιανὸς Βʹ ὁ Ῥινότμητος) (second reign)
Tiberius (Τιβέριος) | 668 or 669, Constantinople | Returned on the throne with Bulgar support. Named son Tiberius as co-emperor in 706. | August 705 – December 711 | 6 years (2nd reign) | 11 December 711 (aged 42) Both killed by the army |
 | Philippikos Bardanes (Φιλιππικὸς Βαρδάνης) | Pergamon | Revolt | December 711 – 3 June 713 | 1 year, 6 months | 713 |
 | Anastasios II (Ἀναστάσιος Βʹ) | ? | Bureaucrat and secretary under Philippikos, he was raised to the purple by the soldiers | June 713 – November 715 | 2 years, 5 months | 718, during attempt to regain the throne |
 | Theodosius III (Θεοδόσιος Γʹ) | ? | Chosen by troops | May 715 – 25 March 717 | 2 years | Unknown. Became a monk |
717–802: Isaurian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Leo III the Isaurian (Λέων Γʹ ὁ Ἴσαυρος) | c. 685, Germanikeia, Commagene | Rebellion | 25 March 717 – 18 June 741 | 24 years | June 741 (age 56) Edema |
 | Constantine V (Κωνσταντῖνος Εʹ ὁ Κοπρώνυμος) | July 718, Constantinople | Son of Leo III | 18 June 741 – 14 September 775 | 34 years | 14 September 775 (aged 57) Carbuncle |
 | Artabasdos (Ἀρτάβασδος) | ? | Son-in-law of Leo III. Usurped throne. | June 741/742 – 2 November 743 | 1 year, 4 months | Unknown |
 | Leo IV the Khazar (Λέων Δʹ ὁ Χάζαρος) | 750, Constantinople | Son of Constantine V | 14 September 775 – 8 September 780 | 5 years | 780 (age 30) Tuberculosis |
 | Constantine VI (Κωνσταντῖνος ΣΤʹ) | 771, Constantinople | Son of Leo IV | 8 September 780 – August 797 | 17 years | 797 (age 18) After blinding by Irene |
 | Irene of Athens (Εἰρήνη ἡ Αθηναία) | c. 752, Athens | Regent during minority of Constantine VI. Seized throne from son in 797. First Byzantine empress regnant. | August 797 – 31 October 802 | 5 years | 9 August 803 (aged 51) |
802–813: Nikephorian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nikephoros I (Νικηφόρος Αʹ ὁ Λογοθέτης) | ? | Rebellion | 31 October 802 – 26 July 811 | 9 years | 26 July 811 After the Battle of Pliska |
 | Staurakios (Σταυράκιος) | After 778 | Son of Nikephoros I | 26 July 811 – 2 October 811 | 4 months | January 11 812 (age ~30) Gangrene |
 | Michael I Rangabe (Μιχαὴλ Αʹ Ῥαγγαβέ)
Theophylact (Θεοφύλακτος) | c. 770 | Son-in-law of Nikephoros I, appointed his son Theophylact (born c. 793) as co-emperor on 25 December 811 | 2 October 811 – 22 June 813 | 1 year, 8 months | January 11 844 (age ~74) In a monastery on Prote Island, Theophylact died in a monastery on Plate Island on January 15 849 |
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Leo V the Armenian (Λέων Εʹ ὁ Ἀρμένιος)
Constantine (Κωνσταντῖνος) | c. 775 | Rebellion, appointed his son Symbatios as co-emperor under the name Constantine on Christmas 813 | 11 July 813 – 25 December 820 | 7 years | 25 December 820 (age ~45) Murdered by successor's conspirators, Constantine died in exile in monastery on Prote Island at a later date |
820–867: Amorian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Michael II (Μιχαὴλ Βʹ ὁ ἐξ Ἀμορίου) | c. 775 | Chosen after murder of predecessor | 25 December 820 – 2 October 829 | 9 years | 2 October 829 (age ~54) |
 | Theophilos (Θεόφιλος) | 805 | Only son of Michael II and co-emperor since 821 | 2 October 829 – 20 January 842 | 13 years | 20 January 842 (age 37) Unknown disease |
 | Michael III (Μιχαὴλ Γʹ ὁ Μέθυσος) | 19 January 840, Constantinople | Son of Theophilos | 20 January 842 – 23 September 867 | 25 years | 23 September 867 Assassinated by successor |
867–1056: Macedonian dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Basil I the Macedonian (Βασίλειος Αʹ ὁ Μακεδών) | 811, Macedonia | Previous co-emperor, full emperor upon death of predecessor. | 867 – 29 August 886 | 19 years | 29 August 886 (age 75) |
 | Leo VI the Wise (Λέων ΣΤʹ ὁ Σοφός) | 19 September 866, Constantinople | Son of Basil I (potentially in reality the son of Michael III), co-emperor since 870. | 886 – 11 May 912 | 26 years | 11 May 912 (age 45) |
 | Alexander (Ἀλέξανδρος) | 23 November 870 | Son of Basil I, co-emperor since 879. | 11 May 912 – 6 June 913 | 1 year, 1 month | 6 June 913 (age 42) Exhaustion after a game of tzykanion |
 | Constantine VII (Κωνσταντῖνος Ζʹ ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος) | 17/18 May 905 | Son of Leo VI, co-emperor since 908. | 6 June 913 – 9 November 959 | 46 years | 9 November 959 (age 54), Constantinople Possibly poisoned by his son Romanos II |
 | Romanos I Lekapenos (Ῥωμανὸς Αʹ Λεκαπηνός)
Christopher Lekapenos (Χριστόφορος Λακαπηνός) and Stephen Lekapenos (Στέφανος Λακαπηνός) and Constantine Lekapenos (Κωνσταντίνος Λακαπηνός) | c. 870, Lakape | Regent for the young Constantine VII, crowned himself senior emperor during Constantine VII's minority. Proclaimed his three sons Christopher, Stephen and Constantine as co-emperors. Was overthrown by Stephen in 944, who briefly ruled as senior emperor (for a few weeks) until he himself was overthrown by Constantine VII. | 17 December 920 – 16 December 944 20 May 921 – August 931 (Christopher) | 24 years 10 years (Christopher) | 15 June 948 (age 77-78) In a monastery as a monk after having been overthrown. Christopher died in August of 931. Both Stephen and Constantine died in exile as monks; Stephen on Easter 963 on Lesbos and Constantine in 946-948 on Samothrace trying to escape exile and reclaim imperial power |
 | Romanos II (Ῥωμανὸς Βʹ ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος) | c. 938 | Son of Constantine VII | 9 November 959 – 15 March 963 | 4 years | 15 March 963 (age 24-25) Possibly poisoned |
 | Nikephoros II Phokas (Νικηφόρος Βʹ Φωκᾶς) | c. 912 | Chosen by the army, acted as senior emperor during the regency of young emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII | 16 August 963 – 11 December 969 | 6 years | 11 December 969 (age 56-57), Constantinople Assassinated by successor John I Tzimiskes |
 | John I Tzimiskes (Ἰωάννης Α΄ Τζιμισκής) | c. 925 | Nephew of Nikephoros II Phokas, succeeded as senior emperor and regent for the young emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII | 11 December 969 – 10 January 976 | 7 years | 10 January 976 (age 50-51), Constantinople Poisoned by Imperial chamberlain Basil Lekapenos |
 | Basil II (Βασίλειος Βʹ ὁ Βουλγαροκτόνος) "the Bulgar-Slayer" | 958, Constantinople | Eldest son of Romanos II | 10 January 976 – 15 December 1025 | 49 years | 15 December 1025 (age 67-68), Constantinople |
 | Constantine VIII (Κωνσταντῖνος Ηʹ ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος) | 960, Constantinople | Second son of Romanos II, co-emperor since 962. | 15 December 1025 – 15 November 1028 | 3 years | 15 November 1028 (age 68), Constantinople |
 | Zoe Porphyrogenita (Ζωὴ ἡ Πορφυρογέννητος) | c. 978, Constantinople | Daughter of Constantine VIII, succeeded on her father's death along with her sister Theodora. Her three husbands, Romanos III (1028–1034), Michael IV (1034–1041) and Constantine IX (1042–1050) ruled alongside her. | 15 November 1028 – June 1050 | 22 years | June 1050 (age 72), Constantinople |
 | Romanos III Argyros (Ῥωμανὸς Γʹ Ἀργυρός) | 968 | Chosen by Constantine VIII to marry his daughter Zoe and succeed him as emperor. | 15 November 1028 – 11 April 1034 | 6 years | 11 April 1034 (age 65-66), Constantinople Allegedly murdered |
 | Michael IV the Paphlagonian (Μιχαὴλ Δʹ ὁ Παφλαγών) | 1010 | Succeeded Romanos III as Zoe's husband and emperor. | 11 April 1034 – 10 December 1041 | 7 years | 10 December 1041 (age 31), Constantinople Died after a long illness. |
 | Michael V Kalaphates (Μιχαὴλ Εʹ ὁ Καλαφάτης) | 1015 | Nephew and adopted son of Michael IV. | 10 December 1041 – 20 April 1042 | 5 months | 24 August, 1042 (age 27), Constantinople Deposed, blinded, castrated and tonsured after attempting to sideline Zoe and her sister Theodora. |
 | Theodora Porphyrogenita (Θεοδώρα ἡ Πορφυρογέννητος) | c. 980 | Younger sister of Zoe, raised to co-empress in 1042. | 19 April 1042 – 31 August 1056 | 14 years | 31 August 1056 (age 75-76), Constantinople Died after sudden illness. |
 | Constantine IX Monomachos (Κωνσταντῖνος Θʹ Μονομάχος) | c. 1000 | Zoe's third husband | 11 June 1042 – 11 January 1055 | 13 years | 11 January 1055 (age ~55), Constantinople Died after illness. |
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Michael VI Bringas (Μιχαὴλ ΣΤʹ Βρίγγας) | ? | Chosen as successor by Empress Theodora | September 1056 – 31 August 1057 | 1 year | 1059, confined to a monastery after having been deposed by successor. |
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Isaac I Komnenos (Ἰσαάκιος Αʹ Κομνηνός) | c. 1005 | Rebellion | 5 June 1057 – 22 November 1059 | 2 years | c. 1061 after having voluntarily abdicated. |
1059–1081: Doukid dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Constantine X Doukas (Κωνσταντῖνος Ιʹ Δούκας) | 1006 | Chosen successor of Isaac I Komnenos | 24 November 1059 – 22 May 1067 | 8 years | 22 May 1067 (aged 61) |
 | Michael VII Doukas (Μιχαὴλ Ζʹ Δούκας)
Andronikos Doukas (Ἀνδρόνικος Δούκας) and Konstantios Doukas (Κωνστάντιος Δούκας) and Constantine Doukas (Κωνσταντίνος Δούκας) | 1050 | Son of Constantine X Doukas and co-emperor since 1059, resigned the throne in 1078. Reigned alongside his brothers Andronikos and Konstantios as co-emperors. Andronikos died in the 1070s while Konstantios briefly succeeded Michael as senior emperor before being handed over to the usurper Nikephoros III and exiled. Michael's son Constantine was also raised to co-emperor in 1074. | 22 May 1067 – 31 March 1078 1068 – 1070s (Andronikos) 1074–1078 (Constantine) | 11 years 18 years (Konstantios) | 1090 (aged ~40), Constantinople, Konstantios died in the Battle of Dyrrhachium on 18 October 1081, having been recalled as a general by Alexios I. Constantine was later raised to co-emperor again under Alexios I and died in 1095 |
 | Romanos IV Diogenes (Ῥωμανὸς Δʹ Διογένης) | 1032 | Married to Constantine X's widow and senior emperor as guardian of her sons by Constantine X | 1 January 1068 – 24 October 1071 | 3 years | 1072 (age 42), after having been deposed, blinded and exiled |
 | Nikephoros III Botaneiates (Νικηφόρος Γʹ Βοτανειάτης) | 1001 | Rebellion | 31 March 1078 – 4 April 1081 | 3 years | 10 December 1081 (age 80), after having been deposed and exiled to a monastery |
1081–1185: Komnenid dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alexios I Komnenos (Ἀλέξιος Αʹ Κομνηνός)
Constantine Doukas (Κωνσταντίνος Δούκας) (second co-emperorship) | 1056 | Rebellion, nephew of Isaac I Komnenos, appointed Constantine Doukas (a previous co-emperor under Michael VII) as co-emperor in 1081. Replaced Constantine with his own son John II in 1087. | 4 April 1081 – 15 August 1118 1081 – 1087 (Constantine) | 37 years 6 years (Constantine, 2nd co-emperorship) | 15 August 1118 (age 70) |
 | John II Komnenos (Ἰωάννης Βʹ Κομνηνός)
Alexios Komnenos (Ἀλέξιος Κομνηνός) | 13 September 1087, Constantinople | Son of Alexios I, co-emperor since 1087, appointed his son Alexios co-emperor in 1122 | 15 August 1118 – 8 April 1143 1122 – 1142 (Alexios) | 25 years 20 years (Alexios) | 8 April 1143 (age 55), Cilicia Accidentally cut himself on a poisoned arrow. Alexios died in Attaleia on 2 August 1142 of a fever |
 | Manuel I Komnenos (Μανουὴλ Αʹ Κομνηνός) | 28 November, 1118, Constantinople | Son of John II | 1143 – 24 September 1180 | 37 years | 24 September 1180 (age 61) |
 | Alexios II Komnenos (Ἀλέξιος B' Κομνηνός) | 14 September 1169, Constantinople | Son of Manuel I | 24 September 1180 – October 1183 | 3 years | October 1183 (age 14), Constantinople Deposed and killed by successor |
 | Andronikos I Komnenos (Ἀνδρόνικος Αʹ Κομνηνός)
John Komnenos (Ἰωάννης Κομνηνός) | c. 1118 | Nephew of John II (son of his brother Isaac), uncle of Alexios II, appointed his son John as co-emperor in November 1183 | October 1183 – 12 September 1185 | 2 years | 12 September 1185 (age 66-67), Constantinople Overthrown and lynched in a popular uprising, John also seized and probably killed |
1185–1204: Angelid dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Isaac II Angelos (Ἰσαάκιος Βʹ Ἄγγελος) | September 1156 | Rebellion | 1185–1195 | 10 years | 25 January 1204 (age 47), Constantinople Possibly shock or poison |
 | Alexios III Angelos (Ἀλέξιος Γʹ Ἄγγελος) | c. 1153 | Rebellion, elder brother of Isaac II | 1195 – 17/18 July 1203 | 8 years | 1211 (age 58), in captivity in the Empire of Nicaea |
| Isaac II Angelos (Ἰσαάκιος Βʹ Ἄγγελος) (second reign) | September 1156 | Restored to the throne by the Fourth Crusade alongside his son Alexios IV | 18 July 1203 – 27/28 January 1204 | 6 months | 25 January 1204 (age 47), Constantinople Possibly shock or poison |
 | Alexios IV Angelos (Ἀλέξιος Δʹ Ἄγγελος) | c. 1182 | Raised to the throne by the Fourth Crusade alongside his father Isaac II | 1 August 1203 – 27/28 January 1204 | 6 months | 8 February 1204 (age 21-22), Constantinople Strangled by successor |
 | Alexios V Doukas (Ἀλέξιος Εʹ Δούκας ὁ Μούρτζουφλος) | c. 1140 | Coup in the Imperial Palace, son-in-law of Alexios III | 5 February 1204 – 13 April 1204 | 5 months | December 1204 (age 64), Constantinople Captured by crusaders of the newly founded Latin Empire and publicly executed |
1204–1261: Laskarid dynasty
Note: Between 1204 and 1261 there was an interregnum when Constantinople was occupied by the crusaders of the Fourth Crusade and the Empire was divided into the Empire of Nicaea, the Empire of Trebizond and the Despotate of Epirus, which were all contenders for rule of the Empire. The Laskarid dynasty of the Empire of Nicaea is considered the legitimate continuation of the Roman Empire because they had the support of the (Orthodox) Patriarch of Constantinople and managed to re-take Constantinople.
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Theodore I Laskaris (Θεόδωρος Αʹ Λάσκαρις) | c. 1174, Constantinople | His brother Constantine Laskaris was elected emperor by the citizens of Constantinople on the day the city fell to the Crusaders; he later fled to Nicaea, where Theodore organized the Greek resistance to the Latins. Proclaimed emperor after Constantine's death in 1205, Theodore was crowned only in 1208. | 1205– November 1221 | 21 years | November 1221 (age 48) |
 | John III Doukas Vatatzes (Ἰωάννης Γʹ Δούκας Βατάτζης) | c. 1192, Didymoteicho | Son-in-law of Theodore I | 15 December 1221 – 3 November 1254 | 33 years | 3 November 1254 (age 62), Nymphaion |
 | Theodore II Laskaris (Θεόδωρος Βʹ Λάσκαρις) | c. 1222, Nicaea | Son of John III | 3 November 1254– 18 August 1258 | 4 years | 18 August 1258 (age 36), Magnesia Epilepsy |
 | John IV Laskaris (Ἰωάννης Δʹ Λάσκαρις) | 25 December 1250 | Son of Theodore II | 18 August 1258– 25 December 1261 | 3 years | c. 1305 (age 55), Constantinople Blinded and imprisoned by successor in 1261, died in captivity |
1261–1453: Palaiologan dynasty
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Succession | Reign | Time in office | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Michael VIII Palaiologos (Μιχαὴλ Ηʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 1223 | Senior emperor and regent of John IV Laskaris, grandnephew of John III by marriage and great-grandson of Alexios III | 1 January 1259– 11 December 1282 | 23 years, 11 months | 11 December 1282 (age 58), Pachomion, near Lysimachia |
 | Andronikos II Palaiologos (Ἀνδρόνικος Βʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 25 March 1259, Nicaea | Son of Michael VIII | 11 December 1282– 24 May 1328 | 45 years, 5 months | 13 February 1332 (age 72), Constantinople |
 | Michael IX Palaiologos (Μιχαήλ Θ΄ Παλαιολόγος) | 17 April 1277, Constantinople | Son of Andronikos II, reigned alongside him as co-emperor with full imperial style | 1295– 12 October 1320 | 25 years | 12 October 1320 (age 43), Thessaloniki |
 | Andronikos III Palaiologos (Ἀνδρόνικος Γʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 25 March 1297, Constantinople | Son of Michael IX, named co-emperor in 1316 and rival emperor since 1321. Deposed his grandfather Andronikos III in 1328 and reigned as sole emperor | 24 May 1328– 15 June 1341 | 13 years | 15 June 1341 (age 44), Constantinople Possibly chronic malaria |
 | John V Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Εʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 18 June 1332, Didymoteicho | Son of Andronikos III | 15 June 1341– 12 August 1376 | 38 years (1st reign) | 16 February 1391 (aged 58), Constantinople |
 | John VI Kantakouzenos (Ἰωάννης ΣΤʹ Καντακουζηνός)
Matthew Kantakouzenos (Ματθαίος Ασάνης Καντακουζηνός) | 1292, Constantinople | Maternal relative of the Palaiologi, declared co-emperor by John V in 1341 and recognized as senior emperor in 1347 following a civil war. Appointed his son Matthew as co-emperor in 1353 | 8 February 1347– 4 December 1354 1353 – 1357 (Matthew) | 7 years 4 years (Matthew) | 15 June 1383 (aged 90 or 91), deposed and in exile as a monk in the Peloponnese, Matthew was defeated in 1357 and later served as the governor of the Morea until his death on the same day as his father |
 | Andronikos IV Palaiologos (Ἀνδρόνικος Δʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 11 April 1348, Constantinople | Son of John V, co-emperor since 1352, deposed his father John V in 1376 | 12 August 1376– 1 July 1379 | 3 years | 28 June 1385 (age 37), Selymbria |
| John V Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Εʹ Παλαιολόγος) (second reign) | 18 June 1332, Didymoteicho | Restored to the throne after overthrowing his son Andronikos IV | 1 July 1379– 14 April 1390 | 11 years (2nd reign) | 16 February 1391 (aged 58), Constantinople |
 | John VII Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Ζʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 1370 | Rebellion, son and co-emperor of Andronikos IV, deposed his grandfather John V | 14 April 1390– 17 September 1390 | 5 months | 22 September 1408 (aged 38), Thessaloniki |
| John V Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Εʹ Παλαιολόγος) (third reign) | 18 June 1332, Didymoteicho | Restored to the throne after overthrowing his grandson John VII | 17 September 1390– 16 February 1391 | 5 months (3rd reign) | 16 February 1391 (aged 58), Constantinople |
 | Manuel II Palaiologos (Μανουὴλ Βʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 27 June 1350, Constantinople | Son of John V, co-emperor since 1373 | 16 February 1391– 21 July 1425 | 34 years | 21 July 1425 (age 75), Constantinople |
 | John VIII Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Η' Παλαιολόγος) | 18 December 1392 | Son of Manuel II, co-emperor since 1416 | 21 July 1425– 31 October 1448 | 23 years | 31 October 1448 (age 55), Constantinople |
 | Constantine XI Palaiologos (Κωνσταντῖνος ΙΑʹ Παλαιολόγος) | 8 February 1405, Constantinople | Son of Manuel II | 6 January 1449– 29 May 1453 | 4 years, 4 months, 23 days | 29 May 1453 (age 48), Constantinople Refused to surrender Constantinople to the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II and died fighting during the final Ottoman attack |
See also
- List of condemned Roman emperors
- List of Roman consuls
- List of Roman dictators
- List of Roman usurpers
- Roman Emperors family tree
On Weights and Measures –- contains chronology of Roman emperors
Notes
^ The other claimants for the throne in the Year of the Five Emperors were Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus, supported by the Syrian and British legions respectively. Although not completely defeated until 197, they were not formally accepted by the senate and were therefore not technically reigning emperors.
^ Romulus Agustulus biographic details.
References
Citations
^ Rubicon. Holland, T. Abacus, 978-0349115634
^ Chester G. Starr, A History of the Ancient World, Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 1974. pp. 670–678.
^ Herrin, Judith (2011-03-12). "The Glories of Byzantium". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2017-12-10..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
^ Asimov, [title?], p. 198.
^ Lee, pp. 163–164.
^ Goldsworthy, pp. 425–440
^ Breeze & Dobson, pp. 251–255
^ Moss, Henry, The Birth of the Middle Ages Clarendon Press (London) 1935; Folio Society reprint (London) 1998; pp. 24-28, 281-284.
^ "Roman Emperors After Theodosius I". Retrieved 30 September 2014.
^ Anderson & Zinsser, Bonnie & Judith (1988). A History of Their Own: Women in Europe, Vol 1. New York, NY: Harper & Row. p. 47.
^ Diehl, Charles (1963). Byzantine Empresses. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.
Sources
- Ancient sources
- Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, Penguin Classics, Michael Grant Publications Ltd, 1971, Reprinted 1985,
ISBN 0-14-044060-7
- Modern sources
- David J. Breeze, Brian Dobson Hadrian's Wall 4th Edition, Penguin, 2000,
ISBN 0-14-027182-1
- Clive Carpenter, The Guinness Book of Kings Rulers and Statesmen, Guinness Superlatives Ltd, 1978,
ISBN 0-900424-46-X
- Adrian Goldsworthy, The Fall of the West, Phoenix, 2010,
ISBN 978-0-7538-2692-8
- Min Lee (editor), Larousse Pockect Guide Kings and Queens, Larousse, 1995
ISBN 0-7523-0032-6
- Martha Ross, Rulers and Governments of the World, Vol.1 Earliest Times to 1491, Bowker, 1978,
ISBN 0-85935-021-5
- Chris Scarre, Brandon Shaw, Chronicle of the Roman Emperors, Thames & Hudson, 1995, Reprinted 2001,
ISBN 0-500-05077-5
- R. F. Tapsell, Monarchs Rulers Dynasties and Kingdoms of The World, Thames & Hudson, 1981, Reprinted 1987,
ISBN 0-500-27337-5
External links
 | Wikimedia Commons has media related to Index Imperatorum Romanorum. |
Biographies of Roman Emperors.- List of the Roman Emperors 27 BC – 395 AD
- Portraits and fact files
The Roman Law Library by Yves Lassard and Alexandr Koptev. ho ho ho merry Christmas- Timeline of Roman Emperors and Empresses
