Who was the greatest of the Roman Emporers and why?

Answer 1

Augustus (63 BC - AD 14) was the first and, to my mind, the greatest because of the stability he brought to the empire.

Augustus was born Gaius Octavius on 23 September 63 BC in Rome. In 43 BC his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, was assassinated and in his will, Octavius, known as Octavian, was named as his heir. He fought to avenge Caesar and in 31 BC defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. He was now undisputed ruler of Rome.

Instead of following Caesar's example and making himself dictator, Octavian in 27 BC founded the principate, a system of monarchy headed by an emperor holding power for life. His powers were hidden behind constitutional forms, and he took the name Augustus meaning 'lofty' or 'serene'. Nevertheless, he retained ultimate control of all aspects of the Roman state, with the army under his direct command.

At home, he embarked on a large programme of reconstruction and social reform. Rome was transformed with impressive new buildings and Augustus was a patron to Virgil, Horace and Propertius, the leading poets of the day. Augustus also ensured that his image was promoted throughout his empire by means of statues and coins.

Abroad, he created a standing army for the first time, and embarked upon a vigorous campaign of expansion designed to make Rome safe from the 'barbarians' beyond the frontiers, and to secure the Augustan peace. His stepsons Tiberius and Drusus undertook the task (Augustus had married their mother Livia in 38 AD). Between 16 BC and AD 6 the frontier was advanced from the Rhine to the Elbe in Germany, and up to the Danube along its entire length. But Drusus died in the process and in AD 9 the annihilation of three Roman legions in Germany (out of 28 overall), in the Varian disaster, led to the abandonment of Germany east of the Rhine.

Augustus was determined to be succeeded by someone of his own blood, but he had no sons, only a daughter, Julia, the child of his first wife. His nephew Marcellus and his beloved grandsons Gaius and Lucius pre-deceased him, so he reluctantly made Tiberius his heir.

Military disaster, the loss of his grandsons and a troubled economy clouded his last years. He became more dictatorial, exiling the poet Ovid (AD 8), who had mocked his moral reforms. He died on 19 August AD 14.

Answer 2

Charlemagne because he was my 42-great-grandfather.

OK, he was a great emperor but not because he was my ancestor. By his foreign conquests and internal reforms, Charlemagne helped define Western Europe and the Middle Ages. His rule is also associated with the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of the arts and education in the West.

Answer 3

I like to think it was the great Octavian or Augustus .Caesar because of thePAX Romani and the establishment of a form of stabilization occuring after his uncle, Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Answer 4

He change right into a Frank noted as Charlemagne in France later, yet he change into extremely Germanic, so he change into Karl der Grosse. Romans noted as him Carolus Magnus. Now, you already know his call in 4 languages. Miyuki can allow you to already know in eastern.

Answer 5

Tiberius.
Under his rule the Roman Empire expanded like it had never done before

Answer 6

marcus aurelius,julius caesar,augustus,charlemagne-emperor of the frankish empire.he's not a roman emperor per se. he united d barbaric europe during his reign.augustus for currency n unifying Rome.Caesar for his Senate n laws. Constantine for his christian influence.

Answer 7

Marcus Aurelius. A true philosopher king.

Answer 8

Ceasar Augustine
He kinda stopped the wars and stuff.

Answer 9

maximus out of gladiator,because he rose from being a slave to killing a Cesar pretty good effort you must admit............(ridiculous answer i know) :)