The greatest empire in the history of the world was the Roman Empire. It stretched across the whole of Europe and the North of Africa at its peak. Many of the great accomplishments of this empire are a result of the strong personalities that lead it thru its greatest periods. Ancient Rome’s greatest emperors are some of the most important personalities in history. Their decisions shaped the Ancient world and by effect, our own. Their accomplishments can’t only be measured in the realm of their military victories. Some of the most important discoveries and the biggest leaps forward in cultural domains have been made under the patronage of these great leaders.
1. Augustus: He is considered to be the first emperor of Rome. He is also known by many other names because of the changes it suffered along with different titles he held. Most historians refer to him as Octavian. He was the step son of Gaius Julius Caesar, after he named him as a successor in his will, following his assassination in 44 BC. This succession was contested by Octavian’s political rivals, including Marc Anthony, who accused him of offering Caesar sexual favors, in order to be included in the will. This lead to a civil war that lasted for a year and was finally won by Octavian after defeating Marc Anthony and Cleopatra’s armies in Egypt. Although many remember Octavian as a military genius, managing to expand the empire by conquering large provinces such as Dalmatia, Pannonia, Raetia, and Egypt, and others, he also made a lot of changes reforming the Roman state. These included developing of a road network with an official currier system, the restructuring of the Roman taxation system, establishing official fire-fighting and police services for Rome, and the creation of the Praetorian Guard, and of a standing army. The reign of Octavian is known in history as the age of the Pax Romana, or Roman peace. This is despite of the numerous border wars, but because of the fact that he ensured peace in the Mediterranean basin throughout his reign. Octavian, who is known by his honorific name of Augustus, was declared a god to be worshiped by the Roman people after his death in 14 AD. He is the first, and in my opinion one of ancient Rome’s greatest emperors.
2. Trajan: Trajan was born in the province of Hispania, and rose to the rank of general after proving his worth in battle. He became emperor, after the revolt of the Praetorian Guard forced the unpopular emperor Nerva to adopt Trajan as his son. After the death of Nerva, Trajan became emperor. Hiss military skills helped him win some great battles that enlarged the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. One of the greatest win was in the rich province of Dacia, with its numerous gold mines. It leads to many days of lavish celebrations in Rome and the construction of Trajan’s column which depicted thru bas-reliefs the war. Trajan is also known for some of the greatest landmarks of ancient Rome which stood the test of time, such as Trajan’s market, Trajan’s forum, and Trajan’s column. He was a military genius, but he proved to be a good administrator as well. He is considered one of ancient Rome’s greatest emperors.
3. Hadrian: Best known for the building of the Hadrian wall in the province of Britain, Hadrian was one of ancient Rome’s greatest emperors. He became emperor after the death of Trajan who adopted him, according to his wife. Hadrian was very careful in keeping a good relationship with the army, always wearing military attire, and usually dining and sleeping amongst the soldiers. Also he is known for using false reports of attack in order to keep his army mobilized and alert at all times. He was also a great admirer of Greek culture and throughout his reign he tried to make out of Athens the cultural capital of the empire. He ordered the building of many great temples in the city. Historians have suggested that Hadrian was very interested in architecture, drawing up plans for some of his houses by himself.
These three emperors are in my book ancient Rome’s greatest emperors. Not only great military victories make an emperor great, but also cultural achievements that were made during his reign or the reshaping of the city of Rome. Rome’s emperors were also necessary to be very good politicians, performing a juggling act in order to keep the military, the Senate, Rome’s citizens, and the roman provinces happy. Most of the great emperors relied heavily on the military in order to ensure that they will not be overturned. If you managed to maintain control and obtain the respect of the legions, than you would have little problems with the Senate. This is something that the greatest emperors of Rome learned very quickly.
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