List of Roman emperors

The Roman emperors were rulers of the Roman Empire, wielding power over its citizens and military, 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 senate)[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, it still
had to be earned by theprinceps.

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
.

Emperor Augustus served as the

In the late 3rd century, after the Crisis of the Third Century, Diocletian formalised and embellished the recent
first Roman emperor. His
manner of imperial rule, establishing the so-called Dominate period of the Roman Empire. This was
Principate ended republican rule
characterised by the explicit increase of authority in the person of the Emperor, and the use of the style in Rome and began Pax Romana.
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 inByzantium, 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 Odoacer who became King of Italy, 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 .[3]
, and continues to be a subject of specialist debate today

The line of emperors continued until the death ofConstantine XI Palaiologosduring the fall of Constantinople in 1453, when the remaining territories were
captured by the Ottoman Empire.[4]

Contents
Legitimacy
Emperors after 395
The Principate
27 BC–68 AD: Julio-Claudian dynasty
68–96: Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian dynasty
96–192: Nerva–Antonine dynasty
193–235: Year of the Five Emperors and Severan dynasty
235–285: Gordian dynasty and Crisis of the Third Century
The Dominate
284–364: Tetrarchy and Constantinian dynasty
364–392: Valentinian dynasty
Western Emperors
392–455: Theodosian dynasty
455–476: Last emperors of the Western Empire
Eastern Emperors
379–457: Theodosian dynasty
457–518: Leonid dynasty
518–602: Justinian dynasty
610–695: Heraclian dynasty
 695–717: Twenty Years' Anarchy
717–802: Isaurian dynasty
802–813: Nikephorian dynasty
820–867: Amorian dynasty
867–1056: Macedonian dynasty
1059–1081: Doukid dynasty
1081–1185: Komnenid dynasty
1185–1204: Angelid dynasty
1204–1261: Laskarid dynasty (Empire of Nicaea)
1261–1453: Palaiologan dynasty
See also
Notes
References
Citations
Sources
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, 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 heiror co-emperor by a legitimate emperor (1), and who succeeded to rulein 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 thePrincipate.
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

Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Great-nephew and
adopted son of Julius
Augustus Caesar; became de
September January 16, 27 40 years, 7 August 19, 14 AD
IMPERATOR facto emperor as a
23, 63 BC, BC – August months and (aged 75)
CAESAR DIVI result of the 'first
Rome, Italia 19, 14 AD 3 days Natural causes
FILIVS AVGVSTVS settlement' between
himself and the
Roman Senate.

Natural son of Livia

March 16, 37 AD
Drusilla, Augustus'
(aged 77)
third wife, by a
Probably natural
Tiberius previous marriage;
November September 18, 22 years, 5 causes, possibly
TIBERIVS CAESAR stepbrother and third
16, 42 BC, 14 AD – March months and assassinated by
DIVI AVGVSTI husband of Julia the
Rome 16, 37 AD 27 days Caligula or
FILIVS AVGVSTVS Elder, daughter of
praetorian prefect
Augustus; adopted by
Naevius Sutorius
Augustus as his son
Macro
and heir.

January 24, 41 AD
Caligula Great-nephew and (aged 28)
CAIVS IVLIVS August 31, 12 adoptive grandson of March 18, 37 3 years, 10 Assassinated in a
CAESAR AD, Antium, Tiberius; natural son of AD – January months and conspiracy
AVGVSTVS Italia Germanicus; great- 24, 41 AD 6 days involving senators
CERMANICVS grandson of Augustus. and Praetorian
Guards.

October 13, 54 AD
Uncle of Caligula;
(aged 63)
brother of Germanicus;
Claudius August 1, 10 Probably poisoned
nephew of Tiberius; January 25/26,
TIBERIVS BC, 13 years, 8 by his wife
great-nephew and 41 AD –
CLAVDIVS CAESAR Lugdunum, months and Agrippina the
step-grandson of October 13, 54
AVGVSTVS Gallia 18/19 days Younger, in favour
Augustus; proclaimed AD
CERMANICVS Lugdunensis of her son Nero,
emperor by the
possibly natural
Praetorian Guard.
causes.
Great-nephew,
stepson, son-in-law
June 9, 68 AD
and adopted son of
Nero (aged 30)
Claudius; nephew of
NERO CLAVDIVS December October 13, 54 13 years, 7 Committed suicide
Caligula; great-great-
CAESAR 15, 37 AD, AD – June 9, months and after being
nephew of Tiberius;
AVGVSTVS Antium, Italia 68 AD 27 days declared a public
grandson of
CERMANICVS enemy by the
Germanicus; great-
Senate.
great-grandson of
Augustus

68–96: Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

January 15, 69 AD
December
Galba Seized power after (aged 70)
24, 3 BC, June 8, 68 AD
IMPERATOR Nero's suicide, with 7 months Murdered by
Near – January 15,
SERVIVS CALBA support of the Spanish and 7 days Praetorian Guard
Terrancilium, 69 AD
CAESAR AVGVSTVS legions in coup led by
Italia
Otho

April 16, 69 AD
Otho
April 28, 32 (aged 36)
IMPERATOR January 15, 69 3 months
AD, Appointed by Committed suicide
MARCVS SALVIVS AD – April 16, and 1 day
Ferentinum, Praetorian Guard after losing Battle
OTHO CAESAR 69 AD (91 days)
Italia of Bedriacum to
AVGUSTVS
Vitellius

Vitellius
Seized power with April 17, 69 December 20, 69
IMPERATOR AVLVS September
support of German AD – 8 months AD (aged 54)
VITELLIVS 24, 15 AD,
Legions (in opposition December 20, and 3 days Murdered by
CERMANICVS Rome
to Galba/Otho) 69 AD Vespasian's troops
AVGVSTVS

Vespasian
IMPERATOR November Seized power with the
December 21, 9 years, 6 June 24, 79 AD
CAESAR TITVS 17, 9 AD, support of the eastern
69 AD – June months and (aged 69)
FLAVIVS Falacrine, Legions (in opposition
24, 79 AD 3 days Natural causes
VESPASIANVS Italia to Marcillinus)
AVGVSTVS

Titus
IMPERATOR June 24, 79 September 13, 81
December 2 years, 2
CAESAR TITVS AD – AD (aged 41)
30, 39 AD, Son of Vespasian months and
FLAVIVS September 13, Natural causes
Rome 20 days
VESPASIANVS 81 AD (fever)
AVGVSTVS

Domitian
IMPERATOR September 14, September 18, 96
CAESAR October 24, 81 AD – 15 years AD (aged 44)
Son of Vespasian
DOMITIANVS 51 AD, Rome September 18, and 4 days Assassinated by
AVGVSTVS 96 AD court officials
CERMANICVS

96–192: Nerva–Antonine dynasty

Note: all dates AD hereafter.
 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Nerva
IMPERATOR September
November 1 year, 4
MARCVS Appointed by the 18, 96 – January 27, 98 (aged 67)
8, 30, months and
COCCEIVS Senate January 27, Natural causes
Narni, Italia 9 days
NERVA CAESAR 98
AVGVSTVS

Trajan
September
IMPERATOR
18, 53, January 28, 19 years, 6
CAESAR NERVA Adopted son and August 7, 117 (aged 63)
Italica, 98 – August months and
TRAIANVS DIVI heir of Nerva Natural causes
Hispania 7, 117 10 days
NERVAE FILIVS
Baetica
AVGVSTVS

Hadrian
IMPERATOR January 24,
20 years,
CAESAR 76, Italica, August 11,
Adopted son and 10 months July 10, 138 (aged 62)
PVBLIVS AELIVS Hispania 117 – July
heir of Trajan and 30 Natural causes
TRAIANVS Baetica (or 10, 138
days
HADRIANVS Rome)
AVGVSTVS

Antoninus
Pius
September
IMPERATOR
19, 86, July 10, 138 22 years, 6
CAESAR TITVS Adopted son and March 7, 161 (aged 74)
Near – March 7, months and
AELIVS heir of Hadrian Natural causes
Lanuvium, 161 28 days
HADRIANVS
Italia
ANTONINVS
AVGVSTVS PIVS

Adopted son and

Lucius Verus heir of Antoninus
IMPERATOR Pius and son-in-
December March 7, 161
CAESAR LVCIVS law of Marcus March 169 (aged 39)
15, 130, – ? March 8 years
AVRELIVS Aurelius; Co- Natural causes (Plague)
Rome 169
VERVS emperor with
AVGVSTVS Marcus Aurelius
until his death

Marcus
Aurelius Adopted son, son-
IMPERATOR in-law and heir of
March 7, 161 19 years
CAESAR April 26, Antoninus Pius; March 17, 180 (aged 58)
– March 17, and 10
MARCVS 121, Rome Co-emperor with Natural causes
180 days
AVRELIVS Lucius Verus until
ANTONINVS 169
AVGVSTVS

Commodus
IMPERATOR 3 years as December 31, 192 (aged 31)
August 31, Natural son of
CAESAR LUCIVS 177 – joint
161, Marcus Aurelius; Assassinated in palace,
AELIVS December emperor,
Lanuvium, joint emperor from strangled in his bath
AVRELIVS 31, 192 12 as sole
Italia 177
COMMODVS emperor
AVGVSTVS

193–235: Year of the Five Emperors and Severan dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

March 28, 193

Pertinax 2 months
August 1, Proclaimed January 1, (aged 66)
IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS and 27
126, Alba, emperor by 193 – March Murdered by
HELVIVS PERTINAX days (86
Italia Praetorian Guard 28, 193 Praetorian
AVGVSTVS days)
Guard

June 1, 193
Didius Julianus Won auction held (aged 56 or
March 28, 2 months
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS 133 or 137, by the Praetorian 60)
193 – June and 4 days
DIDIVS SEVERVS IVLIANVS Milan, Italia Guard for the Executed on
1, 193 (65 days)
AVGVSTVS position of emperor orders of the
Senate

Septimius Severus
April 11, 145, Seized power with February 4,
IMPERATOR CAESAR LVCIVS April 9, 193 17 years, 9
Leptis support of 211 (aged 65)
SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS – February months and
Magna, Pannonian Natural
EVSEBES PERTINAX 4, 211 26 days
AVGVSTVS
Libya legions[a] causes

Son of Septimius
13 years as April 8, 217
Severus; co-
joint (aged 29)
emperor with
Caracalla April 4, 188, emperor Murdered by a
Severus from 198;
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS Lugdunum, 198 – April 10 months soldier as part
with Severus and
AVRELIVS ANTONINVS Gallia 8, 217 with Geta of a
Geta from 209 until
AVGVSTVS Lugdunensis 6 years as conspiracy
February 211; co-
sole involving
emperor with Geta
emperor Macrinus
until December 211
Son of Septimius
Severus; co-
2 years as
emperor with December 19,
joint
Geta Severus and 209 – 211 (aged 22)
March 7, emperor
IMPERATOR CAESAR PVBLIVS Caracalla from 209 December Murdered on
189, Rome 10 months
SEPTIMIVS CETA AVGVSTUS until February 211; 26, 211 the orders of
with
co-emperor with Caracalla
Caracalla
Caracalla until
December 211
Macrinus Praetorian Prefect
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS to Caracalla,
OPELLIVS SEVERVS probably conspired
MACRINVS AVGVSTVS to have Caracalla
June 8, 218
murdered and
with c. 165, April 11, 217 1 year, 1 (aged 53)
proclaimed himself
Diadumenian Caesarea, – June 8, month and Both executed
emperor after
Mauretania 218 28 days in favour of
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS Caracalla's death;
Elagabalus
made his son
OPELLIVS ANTONINVS Diadumenian co-
DIADVMENIANVS AVGVSTVS emperor in May
218

Grandnephew of
Septimius Severus,
first cousin once March 11, 222
Elagabalus
removed and June 8, 218 3 years, 9 (aged 18)
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS c. 203,
alleged illegitimate – March 11, months and Murdered by
AVRELIVS ANTONINVS Emesa, Syria
son of Caracalla; 222 3 days Praetorian
AVGVSTVS
proclaimed Guard
emperor by Syrian
legions

Severus Alexander c. 207, Arca Grandnephew of March 13, 13 years March 18, 235
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS Caesarea, Septimius Severus, 222 – March and 5 days (aged 28)
AVRELIVS SEVERVS Syria cousin and 18, 235 Murdered by
ALEXANDER AVGVSTVS adoptive heir of the army
Elagabalus
235–285: Gordian dynasty and Crisis of the Third Century
 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Proclaimed
emperor by
Maximinus Thrax
c. 173, German June 238 (aged 65)
IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS March 20, 235 – 3 years,
Thrace or legions after Assassinated by
IVLIVS VERVS MAXIMINVS June 238 3 months
Moesia the murder of Praetorian Guard
AVGVSTVS
Severus
Alexander

Proclaimed
emperor,
whilst Pro-
consul in
Africa, during
a revolt
against
Gordian I Maximinus.
IMPERATOR CAESAR Ruled jointly April 238 (aged 79)
MARCVS ANTONIVS c. 159, with his son March 22, 238 – Committed suicide
21 days
CORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS Phrygia? Gordian II, April 12, 238 upon hearing of the
ROMANVS AFRICANVS and in death of Gordian II.
AVGVSTVS opposition to
Maximinus.
Technically a
usurper, but
retrospectively
legitimised by
the accession
of Gordian III

Proclaimed
Gordian II emperor,
April 238 (aged 46)
IMPERATOR CAESAR alongside
Killed during the
MARCVS ANTONIVS father Gordian March 22, 238 –
c. 192, ? 21 days Battle of Carthage,
CORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS I, in opposition April 12, 238
fighting a pro-
ROMANVS AFRICANVS to Maximinus
Maximinus army
AVGVSTVS by act of the
Senate.

Proclaimed
joint emperor
with Balbinus July 29, 238 (aged
Pupienus
by the Senate 3 months 68 or 73)
IMPERATOR CAESAR April 22, 238 – July
c. 178, ? in opposition and 7 Assassinated by
MARCVS CLODIVSPVPIENVS 29, 238
to Maximinus; days the Praetorian
MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS
later co- Guard
emperor with
Balbinus.

Proclaimed
joint emperor
with Pupienus
by the Senate
after death of
Balbinus July 29, 238 (aged
Gordian I and 3 months
IMPERATOR CAESAR April 22, 238 – July 60)
? II, in and 7
DECIMVS CAELIVS CALVINVS 29, 238 Assassinated by
opposition to days
BALBINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS Praetorian Guard
Maximinus;
later co-
emperor with
Pupienus and
Gordian III
Gordian III January 20, Proclaimed April 22, 238 – 5 years, February 11, 244
IMPERATOR CAESAR 225, Rome emperor by February 11, 244 9 months (aged 19)
MARCVS ANTONIVS supporters of and 20 Unknown; possibly
CORDIANVS PIVS AVGVSTVS Gordian I and days murdered on
II, then by the orders of Philip I
Senate; joint
emperor with
Pupienus and
Balbinus until
July 238;
grandson and
nephew of
 Gordian I and
II, respectively
Philip the Arab
IMPERATOR CAESAR
MARCVS IVLIVS PHILIPPVS Praetorian
AVGVSTVS Prefect to
Gordian III,
September/October
with took power
c. 204, February 244 – 249 (aged 45)
after his
Philip II Shahba, September/October 5 years Killed in the Battle
death; made
Syria 249 of Verona by
his son Philip
IMPERATOR CAESAR Decius
II co-emperor
MARCVS IVLIVS SEVERVS in summer
247
PHILLIPVS AVGVSTVS

Decius Governor
IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS under Philip
MESSIVS QVINTVS TRAIANVS the Arab;
DECIVS AVGVSTVS proclaimed
emperor by
with Danubian
June 251 (aged 50)
c. 201, legions then
Herennius Etruscus September/ Both killed in the
Budalia, defeating and
October 249 – 2 years Battle of Abrittus
Pannonia killing Philip in
June 251 fighting against the
IMPERATOR CAESAR Inferior the Battle of
Goths
Verona; made
QVINTVS HERENNIVS
his son
ETRVSCVS MESSIVS DECIVS Herennius
Etruscus co-
AVGVSTVS
emperor in
early 251
Hostilian Son of
September/October
IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS Decius,
June 251 – late 4–5 251 (aged 21)
VALENS HOSTILIANVS Sirmium accepted as
251 months Natural causes
MESSIVS QVINTVS heir by the
(plague)
AVGVSTVS Senate
Trebonianus Gallus Governor of
IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS Moesia
VIBIVS AFINIVS Superior,
TREBONIANVS GALLVS proclaimed
AVGVSTVS emperor by
Danubian August 253 (aged
with legions after 47)
June 251 – August
206, Italia Decius's 2 years Assassinated by
Volusianus 253
death (and in their own troops, in
opposition to favour of Aemilian
IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS Hostilian);
VIBIVS VOLVSIANVS made his son
Volusianus
AVGVSTVS co-emperor in
late 251.
Governor of
Moesia
Superior,
proclaimed
September/October
emperor by
Aemilian 253 (aged 40 or
Danubian
IMPERATOR CAESAR c. 207 or August 253 – 46)
legions after 2 months
MARCVS AEMILIVS 213 Africa October 253 Assassinated by
defeating the
AEMILIANVS AVGVSTVS his own troops, in
Goths;
favour of Valerian
accepted as
emperor after
death of
Gallus
Valerian c. 195 Governor of October 253 – 260 7 years After 260 (aged at
IMPERATOR CAESAR Noricum and least 65)
PVBLIVS LICINIVS Raetia, Captured in Battle
VALERIANVS AVGVSTVS proclaimed of Edessa against
emperor by Persians, died in
Rhine legions captivity
after death of
Gallus;
accepted as
emperor after
 death of
Aemilian
Gallienus
IMPERATOR CAESAR
PVBLIVS LICINIVS EGNATIVS
Son of
GALLIENVS AVGVSTVS
Valerian,
made co-
with emperor in
September 268
Saloninus 253; his son
(aged 50)
Saloninus is October 253 –
218 15 years Murdered at
IMPERATOR CAESAR
very briefly September 268
Aquileia by his own
co-emperor in
CORNELIVS LICINIVS commanders.
c. July 260
SALONINVS VALERIANVS before
assassination
PIVS FELIX INVICTVS by Postumus.
AVGVSTVS

Victorious
general at
Claudius Gothicus Battle of January 270 (aged
May 10,
IMPERATOR CAESAR Naissus, September 268 – 1 year, 4 60)
210,
MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS seized power January 270 months Natural causes
Sirmium
CLAVDIVS AVGVSTVS after (plague)
Gallienus's
death

Quintillus Brother of 270 (aged around

IMPERATOR CAESAR c.210, Claudius II, January 270 – 60)
Unknown
MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS Sirmium seized power September(?) 270 Unclear; possibly
QVINTILLVS AVGVSTVS after his death suicide or murder

Proclaimed
emperor by
Aurelian Danubian September 275
September
IMPERATOR CAESAR LVCIVS legions after September(?) 270 (aged 60-61)
9, 214/215, 5 years
DOMITIVS AVRELIANVS Claudius II's – September 275 Assassinated by
Sirmium
AVGVSTVS death, in Praetorian Guard
opposition to
Quintillus

Elected by the
Tacitus c. 200, Senate to June 276 (aged 76)
IMPERATOR CAESAR Interamna replace September 25, 275 Natural causes
9 months
MARCVS CLAVDIVS TACITVS Nahars, Aurelian, after – June 276 (possibly
AVGVSTVS Italia a short assassinated)
interregnum

Brother of
September? 276
Florianus Tacitus,
(aged ?)
IMPERATOR CAESAR elected by the June 276 –
? 3 months Assassinated by
MARCVS ANNIVSFLORIANVS army in the September? 276
his own troops, in
AVGVSTVS west to
favour of Probus
replace him

Governor of
the eastern
September/
provinces,
Probus October 282 (aged
proclaimed September? 276 –
IMPERATOR CAESAR 232, 50)
emperor by September/ 6 years
MARCVS AVRELIVS PROBVS Sirmium Assassinated by
Danubian October 282
AVGVSTVS his own troops, in
legions in
favour of Carus
opposition to
Florian

Carus c. 230, Praetorian September/ 10–11 Late July/August

IMPERATOR CAESAR Narbo, Prefect to October 282 – late months 283 (aged 61)
MARCVS AVRELIVS CARVS Gallia Probus; July/ early August Probably natural
AVGVSTVS Narbonensis seized power 283 causes (Possibly
either before killed by lightning)
or after
Probus was
 murdered;
made his son
Carinus co-
emperor in
early 283

Son of Carus,
ruled shortly 285 (aged ?)
Carinus
with him and Probably died in
CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ? Early 283 – 285 2 years
then with his battle against
CARINVS AVGVSTVS
brother Diocletian
Numerian

Son of Carus,
Numerian
succeeded
IMPERATOR CAESAR 284 (aged ?)
him jointly Late July/early
MARCVS AVRELIVS ? 1 year Unclear; possibly
with his August 283 – 284?
NVMERIVS NVMERIANVS assassinated
brother
AVGVSTVS
Carinus

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".
 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office
Diocletian
IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS
AVRELIVS VALERIVS Proclaimed
DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS emperor by army
3 December
after death of
20 years, 311 (aged 67)
Numerian, and in November
c. December 5 months Abdicated; died
(EAST and WEST) opposition to 20, 284 –
22, 244, Salona and 11 of natural
Carinus; adopted May 1, 305
days causes in
then, after 286 Maximian as
Aspalatos
senior co-
emperor in 286
(EAST)

310 (aged 60)

Abdicated with
Maximian
Diocletian; twice
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS
Adopted as tried to regain
AVRELIVS VALERIVS
senior co- throne with, and
MAXIMIANVS HERCVLIVS c. 250, near 19 years
emperor April 1, 286 – then from
AVGVSTVS Sirmium, and 1
('Augustus') in May 1, 305 Maxentius;
Pannonia month
the west by captured by
(WEST) Diocletian in 286 Constantine I
and committed
suicide at his
behest

Galerius
Adopted as junior
IMPERATOR CAESAR GAIVS
co-emperor
GALERIVS VALERIVS c. 250, Felix
('Caesar') and
MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS Romuliana, May 1, 305 – 311 (aged 61)
heir by Diocletian 6 years
Moesia May 311 Natural causes
in 293. Also son-
Superior
(EAST) in-law of
Diocletian.

Constantius Chlorus
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS
FLAVIVS VALERIVS Adopted as junior
1 year, 2
CONSTANTIVS HERCVLIVS March 31, c. co-emperor
May 1, 305 – months 306 (aged 56)
AVGVSTVS 250, Dardania, ('Caesar') and
July 25, 306 and 24 Natural causes
Moesia heir by Maximian
days
in 293
(WEST)

Adopted as junior
co-emperor
Valerius Severus
('Caesar') and September 16,
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
heir by 307 (aged ?)
VALERIVS SEVERVS
Constantius Summer 306 Captured by
AVGVSTVS
? Chlorus in 305; – March/ 1 year Maxentius and
succeeded as April 307 forced to
(WEST) Augustus in 306; commit suicide
opposed by (or murdered)
Maxentius and
Constantine I
Son of
Constantius I
Constantine the Great Chlorus,
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS proclaimed
VALERIVS AVRELIVS emperor by his
CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS father's troops;
accepted as
February 27, c. 30 years,
Caesar (west) by July 25, 306 May 22, 337
272, Naissus, 9 months
(WEST) Galerius in 306; – May 22, (aged 65)
Moesia and 27
promoted to 337 Natural causes
Superior days
then, after 324 Augustus (west)
in 307 by
Maximian after
(EAST and WEST) death of Severus
II; refused
relegation to
Caesar in 309
Maxentius c. 278 Son of Maximian, October 28, 6 years October 28, 312
IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS seized power in 306 – (aged 34)
AVRELIVS VALERIVS 306 after death of October 28, Died at the
MAXENTIVS AVGVSTVS Constantius I 312 Battle of the
Chlorus, in Milvian Bridge,
opposition to against
(WEST) Severus and Constantine I
Constantine I;
made Caesar
(west) by
Maximian in 307
after the death of
Severus
Son-in-law of
Constantius
Chlorus,
Licinius I appointed
IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS Augustus in the
VALERIVS LICINIANVS west by Galerius
LICINIVS AVGVSTVS in 308, in
opposition to
Maxentius;
(EAST) became
325 (aged
Augustus in the
61/62)
east in 311 after
with Defeated in civil
the death of
15 years, war against
c. 250, Felix Galerius (shared November
10 Constantine I in
Valerius Valens Romuliana, with Maximinus 11, 308 –
months 324 and
Moesia II); defeated September
and 7 captured;
Superior Maximinus II in 18, 324
AVRELIVS VALERIVS VALENS days executed on the
civil war to
orders of
become sole
and Constantine the
eastern Augustus
next year
in 313; appointed
Martinian Valerius Valens
in 317, and
SEXTVS MARCIVS Martinian in 324
as western
MARTININANVS Augustus, in
opposition to
Constantine, both
being executed
within weeks.
Nephew of July/August 313
Maximinus II
Galerius, (aged 42)
IMPERATOR CAESAR CAIVS
adopted as Defeated in civil
CALERIVS VALERIVS
November 20, Caesar and his May 1, 311 – war against
MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS
c. 270, Dacia heir in 305; July/August 2 years Licinius;
Aureliana succeeded as 313 probably
(EAST) Augustus (shared committed
with Licinius I) in suicide
311 thereafter
Son of
Constantine II
Constantine I;
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
appointed
CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS 340 (aged 24)
316, Arelate, Caesar in 317,
AVGVSTVS May 22, 337 Died in battle
Gallia succeeded as 3 years
– 340 against
Narbonensis joint Augustus
Constans I
(WEST) with his brothers
Constantius II
and Constans I
Constantius II
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
IVLIVS CONSTANTIVS Son of
AVGVSTVS Constantine I;
succeeded as
24 years,
August 7, 317, joint Augustus May 22, 337
5 months 361 (aged 44)
(EAST) Sirmium, with his brothers – November
and 12 Natural causes
Pannonia Constantine II 3, 361
days
then, after 356 and Constans I;
sole emperor
from 350
(EAST and WEST)

Constans I c. 323 Son of May 22, 337 13 years 350 (aged 27)
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Constantine I; – 350 Assassinated
IVLIVS CONSTANS AVGVSTVS succeeded as on the orders of
joint Augustus the usurper
with his brothers Magnentius
 Constantine II
and Constantius
(MIDDLE) II

then, after 340

(WEST)

General of
Constans,
Vetranio
proclaimed
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
Caesar against c. 356 (aged ?)
VETRANIO AVGVSTVS March 1, 350 9 months
Magnentius and As a private
?, Moesia – December and 24
temporarily citizen, after
25, 350 days
(WEST) accepted as abdication.
Augustus of the
west by
Constantius II.
Julian
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Cousin of
CLAVDIVS IVLIANVS Constantius II;
AVGVSTVS made Caesar of
June 26, 363
the west in 355;
331/332, February 360 (aged 31/32)
proclaimed
(WEST) Constantinople, – June 26, 3 years Mortally
Augustus by his
Thracia 363 wounded in
troops in 360;
then, after 361 battle
sole emperor
after the death of
(EAST and WEST) Constantius

Jovian
General of
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS February 17,
Julian's army;
IOVIANVS AVGVSTVS 331, June 26, 363 7 months 364 (aged 33)
proclaimed
Singidunum, – February and 22 Natural causes
emperor by the
Moesia 17, 364 days (suffocated on
troops on Julian's
(EAST and WEST) fumes)
death

364–392: Valentinian dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office
Valentinian I
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS

February 26, 11 years, 8

321, November 17,
(EAST and WEST) Elected to replace 364 – months
Cibalae, 375 (aged 54)
Jovian by the army November and 22
Pannonia Natural causes
then 17, 375 days

(WEST)

Valens
August 9, 378
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Brother of
14 years, 4 (aged 50)
IVLIVS VALENS AVGVSTVS 328, Valentinian I, March 28,
months Killed in Battle
Cibalae, appointed co- 364 – August
and 12 of Adrianople
Pannonia augustus (for the 9, 378
days against the
(EAST) east) by him
Goths

Gratian Son of Valentinian I,

IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS April appointed junior August 25, 383
GRATIANVS AVGVSTVS 18/May Augustus by him in August 4, 16 years (aged 24)
23, 359, 367, became senior 367 – August and 21 Murdered by
Sirmium, Augustus (for the 25, 383 days rebellious army
(WEST) Pannonia west) after faction
Valentinian's death.

Valentinian II Son of Valentinian I, May 15, 392

IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS proclaimed emperor (aged 21)
16 years, 5
VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS by Pannonian army November Unclear;
371, Milan, months
after Valentinian's 17, 375 – possibly
Italia and 28
death; accepted as May 15, 392 murdered or
days
(WEST) co-Augustus for the committed
west by Gratian suicide

Western Emperors

392–455: Theodosian dynasty

Note: Theodosius I was the last person to rule both halves of the Roman Empire, splitting it between his sons Arcadius and Honorius on his death.
 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office
Son-in-law of
Valentinian I,
appointed as
Augustus for the
January 11, January 1,
Theodosius I east by Gratian 16 years January 17, 395
347, 379 –
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS after the death of and 16 (aged 48)
Cauca, January 17,
THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS Valens; became days Natural causes
Hispania 395
sole senior
Augustus after
death of
Valentinian II
Magnus Maximus
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
August 28, 388
MAGNVS MAXIMVSAVGVSTVS Usurper in the
(aged 53)
West; legitimized
Executed by
along with his son
with 383/384 – Theodosius I in
c. 335, Victor by
August 28, 4/5 years Aquileia after the
Hispania Theodosius I as
388 Battle of the
Victor emperors of
Save; Victor
Britannia and
killed by
Gaul.
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Arbogast
VICTOR AVGVSTVS

Son of Theodosius
I; appointed as
junior Augustus for
the west by
30 years,
Honorius Theodosius in 393 January 23, August 15, 423
September 6 months
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS (after the death of 393 – August (aged 38)
9, 384 and 23
HONORIVS AVGVSTVS Valentinian II); 15, 423 Natural causes
days
became senior
Augustus for the
west after his
father's death
Constantine III
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Usurper who
declared himself
CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS emperor in the
AVGVSTVS west in 407,
recognized as co- August or
407/409 -
emperor by September 411
August or
with ? Honorius in 409. 2 years (aged ?)
September
Elevated his son Executed by
411
Constans II Constans II to co- Constantius III
emperor in 409,
who was not
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS recognized by
CONSTANS AVGVSTVS Honorius.

Married to
Theodosius I's
February 8,
Constantius III ?, Naissus, daughter Galla 6 months September 2,
421 –
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Moesia Placidia, elevated and 25 421 (aged ?)
September 2,
CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS Superior to co-Augustus for days Natural causes
421
the west by
Honorius
A senior civil
June or July 425
Joannes servant under
(aged ?)
Honorius,
August 27, Defeated in battle
IMPERATOR CAESAR proclaimed
? 423 – May 2 years by Theodosius II
emperor by
IOHANNES AVGVSTVS 425 and Valentinian
Castinus; not
III, captured and
recognized by the
executed
Eastern Empire
Valentinian III July 2, 419, Son of Constantius October 23, 30 years, March 16, 455
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Ravenna, III, appointed 424 – March 4 months (aged 35)
PLACIDIVS VALENTINIANVS Italia Caesar for the 16, 455 and 21 Assassinated,
AVGVSTVS west by days possibly at the
Theodosius II after behest of
the death of
 Honorius, in Petronius
opposition to the Maximus
regime of Joannes;
became Augustus
for the west after
the defeat of
Joannes

455–476: Last emperors of the Western Empire

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office
Son-in-law of
Theodosius II,
Petronius
proclaimed himself
Maximus
emperor with the May 31, 455 (aged
IMPERATOR
support of the army, 58/59)
CAESAR FLAVIVS March 17, 455 2 months
c. 396 after the death of Murdered, probably
ANICIVS – May 31, 455 and 14 days
Valentinian III. Not stoned to death by
PETRONIVS
recognized by the the Roman mob
MAXIMVS
Eastern Empire. He
AVGVSTVS
appointed his son
Palladius as caesar.
after 17 October
456 (aged 71)
Avitus Magister militum under
Deposed by his
IMPERATOR Petronius Maximus,
July 9, 455 – 1 year, 3 Magister militum,
CAESAR MARCVS proclaimed emperor by
c. 385 October 17, months and Ricimer; became
MAECILIVS FLAVIVS the Visigoth king
456 8 days bishop of
EPARCHIVS AVITVS Theoderic II after
Placentia;
AVGVSTVS Petronius's death
murdered at some
point afterwards

Majorian
Proclaimed emperor by August 7, 461
IMPERATOR
his troops. Recognized (aged 40)
CAESAR FLAVIVS November April 457 –
by the Eastern Empire 4 years Deposed and
IVLIVS VALERIVS 420 August 2, 461
at the behest of beheaded on the
MAIORIANVS
Ricimer. orders of Ricimer.
AVGVSTVS

Libius Severus
IMPERATOR Appointed emperor by August 465 (aged
CAESAR FLAVIVS ?, Lucania, Ricimer. Not November 461 45)
4 years
LIBIVS SEVERVS Italia recognized by the – August 465 Probably poisoned
SERPENTIVS Eastern Empire. by Ricimer
AVGVSTVS

July 11, 472 (aged

Anthemius
52)
IMPERATOR Son-in-law of Marcian,
5 years, 2 Executed by
CAESAR appointed emperor by April 12, 467 –
c. 420 months and Ricimer or
PROCOPIVS Leo I, with the consent July 11, 472
29 days Gundobad
ANTHEMIVS of Ricimer.
(Ricimer's
AVGVSTVS
nephew).

Son-in-law of
Olybrius
Valentinian III;
IMPERATOR July 11, 472 – November 2, 472
appointed emperor by 3 months
CAESAR ANICIVS c. 420 November 2, (aged 41)
Ricimer. Not and 22 days
OLYBRIVS 472 Natural causes
recognized by the
AVGVSTVS
Eastern Empire.

after 480 (aged ?)

Glycerius Appointed emperor by
Deposed by Julius
IMPERATOR Gundobad (Ricimer's
March 473 – Nepos, became
CAESAR FLAVIVS ? successor). Not 1 year
June 474 Bishop of Salona,
GLYCERIVS recognized by the
time and manner of
AVGVSTVS Eastern Empire.
death unknown

480 (aged 50)

Deposed in Italy by
Nephew-in-law of the June 474 – Orestes, ruled in
Julius Nepos
eastern emperor Leo I August 28, 475 balance of Western
IMPERATOR
(and nephew of (in Italy); – 1 year/6 Empire until
CAESAR FLAVIVS c. 430
Marcellinus) appointed spring 480 (in years assassination in
IVLIVS NEPOS
emperor in opposition Gaul and 480. Maintained as
AVGVSTVS
to Glycerius Dalmatia) figurehead in Italy
by Odoacer to his
death in 480.
Romulus c. 460[b] Appointed by his father, October 31, 10 months Unknown.
Augustulus Orestes. Listed as an 475 – and 4 days Deposed by
IMPERATOR emperor by historical September 4, Odoacer, who then
CAESAR FLAVIVS convention. His rule 476 (in Italy) ruled in the name
ROMVLVS never extended beyond of Julius Nepos
AVGVSTVS portions of the Italian until the latter's
peninsula. Not death in 480, which
formally ended the
 recognized by Eastern separate Western
Emperor Zeno. 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 theByzantine 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.

Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office
Son-in-law of
Valentinian I, appointed
Theodosius I
as Augustus for the east January 19,
IMPERATOR January 11, 16 years January 17, 395
by Gratian after the 379 –
CAESAR FLAVIVS 347, Cauca, and 16 (aged 48)
death of Valens; January 17,
THEODOSIVS Hispania days Natural causes
became sole senior 395
AVGVSTVS
Augustus after death of
Valentinian II

Son of Theodosius I;
Arcadius appointed as junior
IMPERATOR Augustus for the east by May 1, 408
c. 377, January 383
CAESAR FLAVIVS Theodosius in 383; 25 years (aged 31)
Hispania – May 1, 408
ARCADIVS became senior Natural causes
AVGVSTVS Augustus for the east
after his father's death

Son of Arcadius;
Theodosius II appointed as junior July 28, 450
IMPERATOR Augustus for the east by (aged 49)
April 10, 401, January 402
CAESAR FLAVIVS Arcadius in 402; 48 years Injuries suffered
Constantinople – July 28, 450
THEODOSIVS became senior during a hunting
IVNIOR AVGVSTVS Augustus for the east accident
after his father's death

Marcian
Nominated as
IMPERATOR Summer 450 January 457
396, Thrace or successor (and
CAESAR FLAVIVS – January 7 years (aged 65)
Illyria husband) by Pulcheria,
MARCIANVS 457 Gout
sister of Theodosius II
AVGVSTVS

457–518: Leonid dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Leo I the Thracian

(Λέων Αʹ ὁ Θρᾷξ)
7 February 18 January 474
IMPERATOR
c. 400, Dacia Chosen by the army 457 – 18 17 years (aged 73)
CAESAR FLAVIVS
January 474 Dysentery
VALERIVS LEO
AVGVSTVS

Leo II 17 November
(Λέων Β) 18 January – 474 (aged 7)
c. 467,
IMPERATOR Grandson of Leo I 17 November 9 months Cause unknown,
Constantinople
CAESAR FLAVIVS 474 possibly
LEO AVGVSTVS poisoned

Zeno
9 April 491 (aged
(Ζήνων) Named co-emperor by 17 November
66)
IMPERATOR c. 425, Isauria his son Leo II on 9 474 – 9 April 17 years
Dysentery or
CAESAR FLAVIVS February 474. 491
epilepsy
ZENO AVGVSTVS

Basiliscus
(Βασιλίσκος)
IMPERATOR 9 January 475 1 year, 7
? Seized throne 476/477
CAESAR FLAVIVS – August 476 months
BASILISCVS
AVGVSTVS

Anastasius I
Diocoros
(Ἀναστάσιος) 9 July 518 (aged
c. 430, 11 April 491 –
IMPERATOR Son-in-law of Leo I 27 years 87)
Dyrrhachium 9 July 518
CAESAR FLAVIVS Natural causes
ANASTASIVS
AVGVSTVS

518–602: Justinian dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Justin I c. 450 at
(Φλάβιος Ἰουστῖνος Bederiana 1 August 527
July 518 – 1
Αὔγουστος) (Justiniana Elected by army 9 years (aged 77)
August 527
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Prima), Natural causes
IVSTINVS AVGVSTVS Dardania

Justinian I
(Φλάβιος Πέτρος Σαββάτιος c. 482 at 1 August 527 13/14
Ἰουστινιανός Αὔγουστος) Tauresium – 13/14 November 565
Nephew of Justin I 38 years
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS (Taor), November (aged 83)
PETRVS SABBATIVS Dardania 565 Natural causes
IVSTINIANVS AVGVSTVS

Justin II
5 October 578
(Φλάβιος Ἰουστῖνος ὁ 14 November
Nephew of Justinian (aged 58)
νεώτερος Αὔγουστος) c. 520 565 – 5 13 years
I Natural causes,
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS October 578
after insanity
IVSTINVS IVNIOR AVGVSTVS

Tiberius II Constantine
(Φλάβιος Τιβέριος
Κωνσταντῖνος Αὔγουστος)
Adopted son of 5 October 14 August 582
3 years, 10
c. 535 Justin II, regent from 578 – 14 (aged 62)
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS months
574 August 582 Natural causes
TIBERIVS CONSTANTINVS
AVGVSTVS

Maurice
(Φλάβιος Μαυρίκιος Τιβέριος 14 August
539 at 27 November
Αὔγουστος) Son-in-law of 582 – 22
Arabissus, 20 years 602 (aged 63)
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS Tiberius II November
Cappadocia Executed
MAURICVS TIBERIVS 602
AVGVSTVS

Phocas
23 November
(Φλάβιος Φωκᾶς
602 – 5 October 610
Αὔγουστος) ? Seized throne 8 years
4 October Executed
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS
610
PHOCAS AVGVSTVS

610–695: Heraclian dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Heraclius
(Φλάβιος Ἡράκλειος 5 October 11 February, 641
c. 575,
Αὔγουστος)) Revolt 610 – 11 30 years (aged 65 or 66)
Cappadocia
IMPERATOR CAESAR FLAVIVS February 641 Natural causes
HERACLIVS AVGVSTVS

Constantine III
(Κωνσταντῖνος Γʹ)
Formally: "Heraclius New
Constantine" 11 February 24/26 May 641
3 May 612,
Son of Heraclius – 24/26 May 3 months (aged 28)
(Ἡράκλειος νέος Κωνσταντῖνος) Constantinople
641 Tuberculosis
HERACLIVS NOVVS
CONSTANTINVS

Heraklonas
(Ἡρακλωνᾶς)
11 February
Formally: "Constantine Heraclius" unknown, but
3 May 626, 641 –
Son of Heraclius 7 months probably before
(Κωνσταντῖνος Ἡράκλειος) Constantinople September
642
641
CONSTANTINVS HERACLIVS

Constans II
(Κῶνστας Βʹ) Son of Constantine
III. succeeded his September
Formally: "Constantine the 15 September
7 November uncle Heraklonas 641 – 15
27 years 668 (aged 37)
Bearded" 630 after he was September
Assassinated
deposed as 668
(Κωνσταντῖνος ὁ Πωγωνάτος) emperor.

15
Constantine IV September 14 September
652,
(Κωνσταντῖνος Δʹ ὁ Son of Constans II 668 – 14 17 years 685 (aged 33)
Constantinople
Πωγωνάτος) September Dysentery
685

11 December
Justinian II 14
668 or 669, Son of Constantine 10 years 711 (aged 42)
(Ἰουστινιανὸς Βʹ ὁ September
Constantinople IV (1st reign) Killed by the
Ῥινότμητος) 685–695
army

695–717: Twenty Years' Anarchy

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Leontios Executed in
Isauria Revolt 695–698 3 years
(Λεόντιος) February 706

Tiberios III
Apsimaros Executed in
Pamphylia Revolt 698–705 7 years
(Τιβέριος Γʹ February 706
Ἀψίμαρος)

Returned on the throne 11 December

Justinian II
668 or 669, with Bulgar support. August 705 – 6 years (2nd 711 (aged 42)
(Ἰουστινιανὸς Βʹ ὁ
Constantinople Named son Tiberius as December 711 reign) Killed by the
Ῥινότμητος)
co-emperor in 706. army

Philippikos
Bardanes December 711 1 year, 6
Pergamon Revolt 713
(Φιλιππικὸς – 3 June 713 months
Βαρδάνης)

Bureaucrat and
secretary under 718, during
Anastasios II June 713 – 2 years, 5
? Philippikos, he was attempt to regain
(Ἀναστάσιος Βʹ) November 715 months
raised to the purple by the throne
the soldiers

Theodosius III May 715 – 25 Unknown.

? Chosen by troops 2 years
(Θεοδόσιος Γʹ) March 717 Became a monk

717–802: Isaurian dynasty

 Time in
Portrait Name Birth Succession Reign Death
office

Leo III the Isaurian c. 685,

25 March 717 June 741 (age 56)
(Λέων Γʹ ὁ Germanikeia, Rebellion 24 years
– 18 June 741 Edema
Ἴσαυρος) Commagene

Constantine V 18 June 741 – 14 September 775

July 718,
(Κωνσταντῖνος Εʹ ὁ Son of Leo III 14 September 34 years (aged 57)
Constantinople
Κοπρώνυμος) 775 Carbuncle

June 741/742
Artabasdos Son-in-law of Leo III. 1 year, 4
? – 2 November Unknown
(Ἀρτάβασδος) Usurped throne. months
743

14 September
Leo IV the Khazar
750, 775 – 8 780 (age 30)
(Λέων Δʹ ὁ Son of Constantine V 5 years
Constantinople September Tuberculosis
Χάζαρος)
780

8 September 797 (age 18)

Constantine VI 771,
Son of Leo IV 780 – August 17 years After blinding by
(Κωνσταντῖνος ΣΤʹ) Constantinople
797 Irene

Regent during minority

of Constantine VI.
August 797 –
Irene of Athens Seized throne from 9 August 803
c. 752, Athens 31 October 5 years
(Εἰρήνη ἡ Αθηναία) son in 797. First (aged 51)
802
Byzantine empress
regnant.

802–813: Nikephorian dynasty

Name Reign Comments

Nikephoros I 31 October
General Logothete (finance minister) under Irene, led initially successful campaigns
(Νικηφόρος Αʹ ὁ 802 –
against the Bulgars but was killed at theBattle of Pliska.
Λογοθέτης) 26 July 811

26 July 811 – Only son of Nikephoros I, crowned co-emperor in December 803. Succeeded on his
Staurakios
2 October father's death; however, he had been heavily wounded at Pliska and left paralyzed.
(Σταυράκιος)
811 He was forced to resign, and retired to a monastery where he died soon after
.

Michael I
2 October Son-in-law of Nikephoros I, he succeeded Staurakios on his abdication. Resigned
Rangabe
811 – after the revolt under Leo the Armenian and retired to a monastery
, where he died
(Μιχαὴλ Αʹ
22 June 813 on 11 January 844. Reigned with eldest sonTheophylact as co-emperor.
Ῥαγγαβέ)

Name Reign Comments

Leo V the General of Armenian origin, born c. 775. He rebelled against Michael I and became
11 July 813 –
Armenian emperor. Appointed his son Symbatios co-emperor under the name ofConstantine on
25 December
(Λέων Εʹ ὁ Christmas 813. RevivedByzantine Iconoclasm. Murdered by a conspiracy led by
820
Ἀρμένιος) Michael the Amorian.

820–867: Amorian dynasty

 Name Reign Comments

25 December Born in 770 at Amorium, he became an army officer. A friend of Leo V, he was raised
Michael II
820 – to high office but led the conspiracy that murdered him. Survived the rebellion of
(Μιχαὴλ Βʹ ὁ ἐξ
2 October Thomas the Slav, lost Crete to the Arabs and faced the beginning of theMuslim
Ἀμορίου)
829 conquest of Sicily, reinforced iconoclasm.

2 October
Theophilos 829 – Born in 813, as the only son of Michael II. Co-emperor since 821, he succeeded on
(Θεόφιλος) 20 January his father's death.
842

20 January
Born on 19 January 840, he succeeded on Theophilos' death. Under the regency of
Michael III 842 –
his mother Theodora until 856, and under the effective control of his uncle Bardas in
(Μιχαὴλ Γʹ ὁ 23
862–866. Ended iconoclasm. Murdered by Basil the Macedonian. A pleasure-loving
Μέθυσος) September
ruler, he was nicknamed "the Drunkard" by later, pro-Basil chroniclers .
867

867–1056: Macedonian dynasty

 Name Reign Comments

Born in the Theme of Macedonia ca. 811, he rose in prominence through

palace service, becoming a favourite of Michael III. He overthrew
Basil I the Macedonian 867 –
Michael and established the Macedonian dynasty . He led successful
(Βασίλειος Αʹ ὁ Μακεδών) 2 August 886
wars in the East against the Arabs and thePaulicians, and recovered
southern Italy for the Empire.

Born on 19 September 866, likely either son of Basil I or Michael III, Leo
was known for his erudition. His reign saw a height inSaracen (Muslim)
Leo VI the Wise 886 –
naval raids, culminating in theSack of Thessalonica, and was marked by
(Λέων ΣΤʹ ὁ Σοφός) 11 May 912
unsuccessful wars against the Bulgarians underSimeon I. He was the
last emperor to hold theConsulate.

Son of Basil I, Alexander was born in 870 and raised to co-emperor in

Alexander 11 May 912 –
879. Sidelined by Leo VI, Alexander dismissed his brother's principal
(Ἀλέξανδρος) 6 June 913
aides on his accession. He died of exhaustion after a polo game.

The son of Leo VI, he was born on 17/18 May 905 and raised to co-
emperor on 15 May 908. His early reign was dominated by successive
regencies, first by his mother, Zoe Karbonopsina, and Patriarch Nicholas
Mystikos, and from 919 by the admiral Romanos Lekapenos, who
wedded his daughter to Constantine and was crowned senior emperor in
920. Constantine was sidelined during the Lekapenos regime, but
Constantine VII 6 June 913 –
asserted his control by deposing Romanos's sons in early 945. His reign
(Κωνσταντῖνος Ζʹ ὁ 9 November
was marked by struggles withSayf al-Dawla in the East and an
Πορφυρογέννητος) 959
unsuccessful campaign against Crete, and pro-aristocratic policies that
saw a partial reversal of Lekapenos' legislation against thedynatoi. He is
notable for his promotion of the M" acedonian Renaissance", sponsoring
encyclopaedic works and histories. He was a prolific writer himself, best
remembered for the manuals on statecraft De ( administrando imperio)
and ceremonies (De ceremoniis) he compiled for his son, Romanos II.[10]
An admiral of lowly origin, Romanos rose to power as a protector of the
young Constantine VII against the generalLeo Phokas the Elder. After
becoming the emperor's father-in-law, he successively assumed higher
17 December
offices until he crowned himself senior emperor. His reign was marked by
Romanos I Lekapenos 920 –
the end of warfare with Bulgaria and the great conquests ofJohn
(Ῥωμανὸς Αʹ Λεκαπηνός) 16 December
Kourkouas in the East. Romanos promoted his sonsChristopher,
944
Stephen and Constantine as co-emperors over Constantine VII, but was
himself overthrown by the latter two and confined to an island as a monk.
He died there on 15 June 948.

The only surviving son of Constantine VII, he was born on 15 March 938
Romanos II 9 November and succeeded his father on the latter's death. He ruled until his own
(Ῥωμανὸς Βʹ ὁ 959 – death, although the government was led mostly by the eunuchJoseph
Πορφυρογέννητος) 15 March 963 Bringas. His reign was marked by successful warfare in the East against
Sayf al-Dawla and the recovery of Crete by generalNikephoros Phokas.

The most successful general of his generation, Nikephoros II was born

ca. 912 to the powerfulPhokas clan. After the death of Romanos II, he
16 August
rose to the throne with the support of the army and people as regent for
Nikephoros II Phokas 963 –
the young emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII, marrying the empress-
(Νικηφόρος Βʹ Φωκᾶς) 11 December
dowager Theophano. Throughout his reign he led campaigns in the East,
969
conquering much of Syria. He was murdered by his nephew and one-
time associate John Tzimiskes.

Nephew of Nikephoros Phokas, Tzimiskes was born ca. 925. A

11 December successful general, he fell out with his uncle and led a conspiracy of
John I Tzimiskes 969 – disgruntled generals who murdered him. Tzimiskes succeeded
(Ἰωάννης Α΄ Τζιμισκής) 10 January Nikephoros as emperor and regent for the young sons of Romanos II. As
976 ruler, Tzimiskes crushed the Rus' in Bulgaria and ended the Bulgarian
tsardom before going on to campaign in the East, where he died.

Basil II 10 January Eldest son of Romanos II, Basil was born in 958. The first decade of his
(Βασίλειος Βʹ ὁ 976 – reign was marked by rivalry with the powerfulBasil Lekapenos, an
Βουλγαροκτόνος) 15 December unsuccessful war against Bulgaria, and rebellions by generals in Asia
1025 Minor. Basil solidified his position through a marriage alliance with
"the Bulgar-Slayer"
Vladimir I of Kiev, and after suppressing the revolts, he embarked on his
conquest of Bulgaria. Bulgaria was finally subdued in 1018 after over 20
years of war, interrupted only by sporadic warfare in Syria against the
 Fatimids. Basil also expanded Byzantine control over most of Armenia.
His reign is widely considered as the apogee of medieval Byzantium.

The second son of Romanos II, Constantine was born in 960 and raised
to co-emperor in March 962. During the rule of Basil II, he spent his time
15 December
Constantine VIII in idle pleasure. During his short reign he was an indif
ferent ruler, easily
1025 –
(Κωνσταντῖνος Ηʹ ὁ influenced by his courtiers and suspicious of plots to depose him,
15 November
Πορφυρογέννητος) especially among the military aristocracy , many of whom were blinded
1028
and exiled. On his deathbed, he chose Romanos Argyros as husband for
his daughter Zoe.[11]

The daughter of Constantine VIII, she succeeded on her father's death,

15 November
Zoe Porphyrogenita as the only surviving member of the Macedonian dynasty
, along with her
1028 –
(Ζωὴ ἡ Πορφυρογέννητος) sister Theodora. Her three husbands, Romanos III (1028–1034), Michael
June 1050
IV (1034–1041) and Constantine IX (1042–1050) ruled alongside her .

15 November Born in 968, the elderly aristocrat Romanos was chosen by Constantine
Romanos III Argyros
1028 – VIII on his deathbed as Zoe's husband and succeeded on the throne
(Ῥωμανὸς Γʹ Ἀργυρός)
11 April 1034 after Constantine's death a few days later
.

Born in 1010, he became a lover of Zoe even while Romanos III was
11 April 1034
Michael IV the alive, and succeeded him upon his death as her husband and emperor .
–
Paphlagonian Aided by his older brother, the eunuch John the Orphanotrophos, his
10 December
(Μιχαὴλ Δʹ ὁ Παφλαγών) reign was moderately successful against internal rebellions, but his
1041
attempt to recover Sicily failed. He died after a long illness.

Born in 1015, he was the nephew and adopted son of Michael IV . During
10 December his reign he tried to sideline Zoe, but a popular revolt forced him to
Michael V Kalaphates
1041 – restore her as empress on 19 April 1042, along with her sisterTheodora.
(Μιχαὴλ Εʹ ὁ Καλαφάτης)
20 April 1042 He was deposed the next day, blinded, castrated and tonsured, dying on
24 August 1042.

The younger sister of Zoe, born in 984, she was raised as co-ruler on 19
19 April 1042
Theodora Porphyrogenita April 1042. After Zoe married her third husband, Constantine IX, in June
–
(Θεοδώρα ἡ 1042, Theodora was again sidelined. After Zoe died in 1050 and
after 31
Πορφυρογέννητος) Constantine in 1055, Theodora assumed full governance of the Empire
August 1056
and reigned until her death. She nominatedMichael VI as her successor.

Born ca. 1000 of noble origin, he had an undistinguished life but was
exiled to Lesbos by Michael IV, returning when he was chosen as Zoe's
third husband. Constantine supported the mercantile classes and
favoured the company of intellectuals, thereby alienating the military
Constantine IX 11 June 1042
aristocracy. A pleasure-loving ruler, he lived an extravagant life with his
Monomachos –
favourite mistresses and endowed a number of monasteries, chiefly the
(Κωνσταντῖνος Θʹ 7/8 or 11
Nea Moni of Chios and the Mangana Monastery. His reign was marked
Μονομάχος) January 1055
by invasions by the Pechenegs in the Balkans and the Seljuk Turks in
the East, the revolts ofGeorge Maniakes and Leo Tornikios, and the
Great Schism between the patriarchates of Rome and
Constantinople.[12]

Name Reign Comments

Michael VI September
A court bureaucrat andmilitary logothete (hence his first sobriquet). Deposed by
Bringas 1056 –
military revolt under Isaac Komnenos, he retired to a monastery where he died in
(Μιχαὴλ ΣΤʹ 31 August
1059.
Βρίγγας) 1057

Name Reign Comments

Isaac I 5 June 1057

Born c. 1005. A successful general, he rose in revolt leading the eastern armies and
Komnenos –
was declared Emperor; he was recognized after the abdication of Michael VI on 31
(Ἰσαάκιος Αʹ 22 November
August 1057. He resigned in 1059 and died c. 1061.
Κομνηνός) 1059

1059–1081: Doukid dynasty

 Name Reign Comments

Constantine X
24 November Born in 1006, he became a general and close ally of Isaac Komnenos, and
Doukas
1059 – succeeded him as emperor on his abdication. Named his sonsMichael, Andronikos
(Κωνσταντῖνος Ιʹ
22 May 1067 and Konstantios as co-emperors
Δούκας)

Born in 1050 as the eldest son of Constantine X. Co-emperor since 1059, he

succeeded on his father's death. Due to his minority he was under the regency of
Michael VII 22 May 1067
his mother, Eudokia Makrembolitissa, in 1067–1068, and relegated to junior
Doukas –
emperor under her second husband Romanos IV Diogenes in 1068–1071. Senior
(Μιχαὴλ Ζʹ 24 March
emperor in 1071–1078, he named his sonConstantine co-emperor alongside his
Δούκας) 1078
brothers. He abdicated before the revolt of Nikephoros Botaneiates, retired to a
monastery and died c. 1090.

Romanos IV 1 January Born in 1032, a successful general he married empress-dowagerEudokia

Diogenes 1068 – Makrembolitissa and became senior emperor as guardian of her sons by
(Ῥωμανὸς Δʹ 24 October Constantine X. Deposed by the Doukas partisans after theBattle of Manzikert,
Διογένης) 1071 blinded in June 1072 and exiled. He died soon after
.

Nikephoros III Born in 1001, he was thestrategos of the Anatolic Theme. He rebelled against
31 March
Botaneiates Michael VII and was welcomed into the capital. He weathered several revolts, but
1078 –
(Νικηφόρος Γʹ was overthrown by theKomnenos clan. He retired to a monastery where he died on
4 April 1081
Βοτανειάτης) 10 December of the same year (1081).

1081–1185: Komnenid dynasty

Name Reign Comments

Born in 1056, a nephew of Isaac I Komnenos. A distinguished general, he overthrew

Alexios I 4 April 1081
Nikephoros III. His reign was dominated by wars against theNormans and the
Komnenos –
Seljuk Turks, as well as the arrival of theFirst Crusade and the establishment of
(Ἀλέξιος Αʹ 15 August
independent Crusader states. He retained Constantine Doukas as co-emperor until
Κομνηνός) 1118
1087 and named his eldest son John co-emperor in 1092.

John II Born on 13 September 1087 as the eldest son of Alexios I. Co-emperor since 1092,
15 August
Komnenos he succeeded upon his father's death. His reign was focused on wars with the
1118 –
(Ἰωάννης Βʹ Turks. A popular and frugal ruler, he was known as "John the Good". Named his
8 April 1143
Κομνηνός) eldest son Alexios co-emperor in 1122, but he died before him.

Born on 28 November 1118 as the third and youngest son of John II, he was chosen
Manuel I 1143 – as emperor over his elder brotherIsaac by his father on his deathbed. An energetic
Komnenos 24 ruler, he launched campaigns against the Turks, humbled Hungary, achieved
(Μανουὴλ Αʹ September supremacy over the Crusader states, and tried unsuccessfully to recover Italy
. His
Κομνηνός) 1180 extravagance and constant campaigning, however , depleted the Empire's
resources.

Alexios II 24
Born on 14 September 1169 as the only son of Manuel I. In 1180–1182 under the
Komnenos September
regency of his mother, Maria of Antioch. She was overthrown by Andronikos I
(Ἀλέξιος B' 1180 –
Komnenos, who became co-emperor and finally had Alexios II deposed and killed.
Κομνηνός) October 1183

Born c. 1118, a nephew of John II by his brotherIsaac. A general, he was

Andronikos I 1183 –
imprisoned for conspiring against John II, but escaped and spent 15 years in exile in
Komnenos 11
various courts in eastern Europe and the Middle East. He seized the regency from
(Ἀνδρόνικος Αʹ September
Maria of Antioch in 1182 and subsequently the throne from his nephew Alexios II.
Κομνηνός) 1185
An unpopular ruler, he was overthrown and lynched in a popular uprising.

1185–1204: Angelid dynasty

 Name Reign Comments

Born in September 1156, Isaac came to the throne at the head of a

Isaac II Angelos popular revolt against Andronikos I. His reign was marked by revolts and
1185–1195
(Ἰσαάκιος Βʹ Ἄγγελος) wars in the Balkans, especially against a resurgentBulgaria. He was
deposed, blinded and imprisoned by his elder brother, Alexios III.

Born in 1153, Alexios was the elder brother of Isaac II. His reign was
1195 – marked by misgovernment and the increasing autonomy of provincial
Alexios III Angelos
17/18 July magnates. He was deposed by theFourth Crusade and fled
(Ἀλέξιος Γʹ Ἄγγελος)
1203 Constantinople, roaming Greece and Asia Minor , searching for support to
regain his throne. He died inNicaean captivity in 1211.

Isaac II Angelos 18 July 1203 Restored to his throne by the Crusaders, actual rule fell to his son
(Ἰσαάκιος Βʹ Ἄγγελος) – Alexios IV. Due to their failure to deal with theCrusaders' demands, he
(second reign) 27/28 was deposed by Alexios V Doukas in January 1204 and died on 28
January 1204 January 1204, perhaps of poison.

Born in 1182, the son of Isaac II. He enlisted the Fourth Crusade to
1 August
return his father to the throne, and reigned alongside his restored father
.
Alexios IV Angelos 1203 –
Due to their failure to deal with the Crusaders' demands, he was
(Ἀλέξιος Δʹ Ἄγγελος) 27/28
deposed by Alexios V Doukas in January 1204, and was strangled on 8
January 1204
February.

Born in 1140, the son-in-law of Alexios III and a prominent aristocrat, he

Alexios V Doukas 5 February deposed Isaac II and Alexios IV in a palace coup. He tried to repel the
(Ἀλέξιος Εʹ Δούκας ὁ 1204 – Crusaders, but they captured Constantinopleforcing him to flee. He
Μούρτζουφλος) 13 April 1204 joined the exiled Alexios III, but was later blinded by the latter
. Captured
by the Crusaders, he was executed in December 1205.

1204–1261: Laskarid dynasty (Empire of Nicaea)

 Name Reign Comments

Born c. 1174, he rose to prominence as a son-in-law of Alexios III. His brother

Constantine Laskaris was elected emperor by the citizens of Constantinople on the
Theodore I
1205– day the city fell to the Crusaders; he later fled toNicaea, where Theodore
Laskaris
December organized the Greek resistance to the Latins. Proclaimed emperor after
(Θεόδωρος Αʹ
1221/1222 Constantine's death in 1205, Theodore was crowned only in 1208. He managed to
Λάσκαρις)
stop the Latin advance in Asia and to repel Seljuk attacks, establishing the
Empire
of Nicaea as the strongest of the Greek successor states.

John III Doukas

15 December
Vatatzes Born c. 1192, he became the son-in-law and successor of Theodore I in 1212. A
1221/1222–
(Ἰωάννης Γʹ capable ruler and soldier, he expanded his state in Bithynia, Thrace and Macedonia
3 November
Δούκας at the expense of the Latin Empire, Bulgaria and the rival Greek state ofEpirus.
1254
Βατάτζης)

Theodore II 3 November
Born in 1221/1222 as the only son of John III, he succeeded on his father's death.
Laskaris 1254–
His reign was marked by his hostility towards the major houses of the aristocracy
,
(Θεόδωρος Βʹ 18 August
and by his victory against Bulgaria and the subsequent expansion into and Albania.
Λάσκαρις) 1258

Born on 25 December 1250 as the only son of Theodore II, he succeeded on his
John IV 18 August father's death. Due to his minority, the regency was exercised at first byGeorge
Laskaris 1258– Mouzalon until his assassination, and then byMichael Palaiologos, who within
(Ἰωάννης Δʹ 25 December months was crowned senior emperor. After the recovery of Constantinople in
Λάσκαρις) 1261 August 1261, Palaiologos sidelined John IV completely , had him blinded and
imprisoned. John IV died c. 1305.

1261–1453: Palaiologan dynasty

Name Reign Comments

Michael VIII 1 January

Palaiologos 1259– Born in 1223, great-grandson of Alexios III, grandnephew of John III by marriage.
(Μιχαὴλ Ηʹ 11 December Senior emperor alongside John IV in 1259, sole emperor since 25 December 1261.
Παλαιολόγος) 1282

Son of Michael VIII, he was born on 25 March 1259. Named co-emperor in

September 1261, crowned in 1272, he succeeded as sole emperor on Michael's
Andronikos II
11 December death. Favouring monks and intellectuals, he neglected the army , and his reign
Palaiologos
1282– saw the collapse of the Byzantine position in Asia Minor. He named his son
(Ἀνδρόνικος Βʹ
24 May 1328 Michael IX co-emperor. In a protracted civil war, he was first forced to recognize
Παλαιολόγος)
his grandson Andronikos III as co-emperor and was then deposed outright. He
died on 13 February 1332.

Son of Michael IX, he was born on 25 March 1297 and named co-emperor in 1316.
Andronikos III
24 May Rival emperor since July 1321, he deposed his grandfather Andronikos II in 1328
Palaiologos
1328– and ruled as sole emperor until his death. Supported byJohn Kantakouzenos, his
(Ἀνδρόνικος Γʹ
15 June 1341 reign saw defeats against theOttoman emirate but successes in Europe, where
Παλαιολόγος)
Epirus and Thessaly were recovered.

Only son of Andronikos III, he had not been crowned co-emperor or declared heir
at his father's death, a fact which led to the outbreak of adestructive civil war
between his regents and his father's closest aide,John VI Kantakouzenos, who
John V 15 June
was crowned co-emperor. The conflict ended in 1347 with Kantakouzenos
Palaiologos 1341–
recognized as senior emperor, but he was deposed by John V in 1354, during
(Ἰωάννης Εʹ 12 August
another civil war. Matthew Kantakouzenos, raised by John VI to co-emperor, was
Παλαιολόγος) 1376
also deposed in 1357. John V appealed to the W est for aid against the Ottomans,
but in 1371 he was forced to recognize Ottoman suzerainty . He was deposed in
1376 by his son Andronikos IV.

John VI 8 February A maternal relative of thePalaiologoi, he was declared co-emperor on 26 October

Kantakouzenos 1347– 1341, and was recognized as senior emperor for ten years after the end of the
civil
(Ἰωάννης ΣΤʹ 4 December war on 8 February 1347. Deposed by John V in 1354, he became a monk, dying
Καντακουζηνός) 1354 on 15 June 1383.

Andronikos IV Son of John V and grandson of John VI, he was born on 2 April 1348 and raised to
12 August
Palaiologos co-emperor c. 1352. He deposed his father on 12 August 1376 and ruled until
1376–
(Ἀνδρόνικος Δʹ overthrown in turn in 1379. He was again recognized as co-emperor in 1381 and
1 July 1379
Παλαιολόγος) given Selymbria as an appanage, dying there on 28 June 1385.

John V
Restored to senior emperor, he was reconciled with Andronikos IV in 1381, re-
Palaiologos 1 July 1379–
appointing him co-emperor. He was overthrown again in 1390 by his grandson,
(Ἰωάννης Εʹ 14 April 1390
John VII.
Παλαιολόγος)

Son of Andronikos IV, he was born in 1370, and named co-emperor under his
14 April father in 1377–79. He usurped the throne from his grandfather John V for five
John VII
1390– months in 1390, but with Ottoman mediation he was reconciled with John V and
Palaiologos
17 his uncle, Manuel II. He held Constantinople against the Ottomans in 1399–1402,
(Ἰωάννης Ζʹ
September and was then given Thessalonica as an appanage, which he governed until his
Παλαιολόγος)
1390 death on 22 September 1408. His sonAndronikos V Palaiologosruled alongside
him as co-emperor.

17
John V
September
Palaiologos
1390– Restored to senior emperor, he ruled until his death in February 1391.
(Ἰωάννης Εʹ
16 February
Παλαιολόγος)
1391

Manuel II 16 February Second son of John V, he was born on 27 June 1350. Raised to co-emperor in
Palaiologos 1391– 1373, he became senior emperor on John V's death and ruled until his death. He
21 July 1425 journeyed to the West European courts seeking aid against the Turks, and was
 (Μανουὴλ Βʹ able to use the Ottoman defeat in theBattle of Ankara to regain some territories
Παλαιολόγος) and throw off his vassalage to them.

John VIII 21 July Eldest surviving son of Manuel II, he was born on 18 December 1392. Raised to
Palaiologos 1425– co-emperor c. 1416, he succeeded his father on his death. Seeking aid against the
(Ἰωάννης Η' 31 October resurgent Ottomans, he ratified theUnion of the Churches in 1439. He was the last
Παλαιολόγος) 1448 Eastern emperor to visit Rome in 1423.

The fourth son of Manuel II, he was born on 8 February 1405. AsDespot of the
Morea since 1428, he distinguished himself in campaigns that annexed the
Principality of Achaea and brought the Duchy of Athens under temporary
Constantine XI
6 January Byzantine suzerainty, but was unable to repel Turkish attacks under Turahan Bey.
Palaiologos
1449– As the eldest surviving brother, he succeeded John VIII after the latter's death.
(Κωνσταντῖνος
29 May 1453 Facing the designs of the new Ottoman sultan,Mehmed II, on Constantinople,
ΙΑʹ Παλαιολόγος)
Constantine acknowledged the Union of the Churches and made repeated appeals
for help to the West, but in vain. Refusing to surrender the city, he was killed during
the final Ottoman attack on 29 May 1453.[13]

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
a. The other claimants for the throne in theYear of the Five Emperorswere 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.
b. Romulus Agustulus biographic details.

References

Citations
1. Rubicon. Holland, T. Abacus, 978-0349115634
2. Chester G. Starr, A History of the Ancient World, Second Edition.Oxford University Press, 1974. pp. 670–678.
3. Herrin, Judith (2011-03-12)."The Glories of Byzantium"(https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704615504576172512424600
444). Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0099-9660). Retrieved 2017-12-10.
4. Asimov, [title?], p. 198.
5. Lee, pp. 163–164.
6. Goldsworthy, pp. 425–440
7. Breeze & Dobson, pp. 251–255
8. Moss, Henry, The Birth of the Middle AgesClarendon Press (London) 1935; Folio Society reprint (London) 1998; pp. 24-28, 281-284.
9. "Roman Emperors After Theodosius I"(http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_lateemps.htm). Retrieved 30 September 2014.
10. Kazhdan, Alexander; Cutler, Anthony (1991). "Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos".In Kazhdan, Alexander P. Oxford Dictionary of
Byzantium. New York; Oxford: Oxford University Press.pp. 502–503. ISBN 978-0-19-504652-6.
11. Brand, Charles M.; Cutler, Anthony (1991). "Constantine VIII". In Kazhdan, Alexander P. Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium. New York;
Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 503–504.ISBN 978-0-19-504652-6.
12. Brand, Charles M.; Cutler, Anthony (1991). "Constantine IX Monomachos".In Kazhdan, Alexander P. Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium.
New York; Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 504. ISBN 978-0-19-504652-6.
13. Talbot, Alice-Mary (1991). "Constantine XI Palaiologos". In Kazhdan, Alexander P. Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium. New York; Oxford:
Oxford University Press. p. 505.ISBN 978-0-19-504652-6.
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 DobsonHadrian'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
Biographies of Roman Emperors.
List of the Roman Emperors 27 BC – 395 AD
Portraits and fact files
The Roman Law Libraryby Yves Lassard and Alexandr Koptev.
Timeline of Roman Emperors and Empresses

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Roman_emperors&oldid=871504745

"

This page was last edited on 1 December 2018, at 14:56(UTC).

Text is available under theCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of theWikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.