Emperors of the Roman World
In 27 BC, the Roman Senate granted Octavian the title “Augustus”, meaning “the illustrious one” and was referred to as “Imperator” by Roman soldiers. To be called such by the people was significant because history tells us of great men, but never of Rome’s kings. That is simply because Rome never had a king, instead they were ruled by Emperors. Since the first emperor, Rome has experienced being ruled by a variety of emperors; the good, the bad, and the evilest of emperors. Although the empire expanded under these emperors, the people experienced constant war, faced death, were tormented, and mistreated. Roman citizens did not witness virtuous leadership until the reign of the Five Good Emperors. Although these emperors …show more content…
Nerva was born on November 8, 35 AD in Narnia, Umbria, approximately fifty miles north of Rome. He was born into a distinguished family as his father was a lawyer, and his grandfather was a member of the imperial entourage. In addition, his great-grandfather was a consul in 36 BC. Nerva became a Roman emperor after the assassination of Domitian in 96 AD. As Domitian left no heirs to the throne, Rome appointed Nerva as the Roman emperor on September 18, 96 AD to prevent civil disorder and violence (Wasson “Nerva”). Nerva was viewed as the perfect temporary emperor because he was already old and ill, not expected to maintain the position long. Since the Praetorians were not consulted in the appointment of Nerva as an emperor, they showed him no favor whatsoever. In attempt to gain favor of the Praetorians and the people, Nerva quickly began making changed within the empire. Nerva ordered to stop all trials for high treason, officials were granted pardons, and taxes were lowered (“Nerva”). The people quickly accepted Nerva, as there was a clear distinction between his ruling style and that of …show more content…
As seen in the Roman Empire, with several horrific emperors, the empire and people suffered the consequences of dealing with war, poverty, and growing numbers of those in need. The empire continued to suffer until the period of Good emperors. Although these emperors had mush repair to do and wrongs to right, they worked to improve the empire in one way or another. Maybe they focused on the people, on defense, or simple staying out of war. Each of the Five Good Emperors made a lasting impression and contributed to almost 200 years of peaceful reign. The effects of bad leadership were easily seen after the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 AD. The empire quickly faced an economic downfall, spiraled into chaos as civil wars broke out across the lands, and people desperately fought for the title of emperor (Five Good Emperors). Without stable and effective leadership who puts the people first, an empire will cease to exist, it will surely fall…just as the Roman Empire
In 27 BC, the Roman Senate granted Octavian the title “Augustus”, meaning “the illustrious one” and was referred to as “Imperator” by Roman soldiers. To be called such by the people was significant because history tells us of great men, but never of Rome’s kings. That is simply because Rome never had a king, instead they were ruled by Emperors. Since the first emperor, Rome has experienced being ruled by a variety of emperors; the good, the bad, and the evilest of emperors. Although the empire expanded under these emperors, the people experienced constant war, faced death, were tormented, and mistreated. Roman citizens did not witness virtuous leadership until the reign of the Five Good Emperors. Although these emperors …show more content…
Nerva was born on November 8, 35 AD in Narnia, Umbria, approximately fifty miles north of Rome. He was born into a distinguished family as his father was a lawyer, and his grandfather was a member of the imperial entourage. In addition, his great-grandfather was a consul in 36 BC. Nerva became a Roman emperor after the assassination of Domitian in 96 AD. As Domitian left no heirs to the throne, Rome appointed Nerva as the Roman emperor on September 18, 96 AD to prevent civil disorder and violence (Wasson “Nerva”). Nerva was viewed as the perfect temporary emperor because he was already old and ill, not expected to maintain the position long. Since the Praetorians were not consulted in the appointment of Nerva as an emperor, they showed him no favor whatsoever. In attempt to gain favor of the Praetorians and the people, Nerva quickly began making changed within the empire. Nerva ordered to stop all trials for high treason, officials were granted pardons, and taxes were lowered (“Nerva”). The people quickly accepted Nerva, as there was a clear distinction between his ruling style and that of …show more content…
As seen in the Roman Empire, with several horrific emperors, the empire and people suffered the consequences of dealing with war, poverty, and growing numbers of those in need. The empire continued to suffer until the period of Good emperors. Although these emperors had mush repair to do and wrongs to right, they worked to improve the empire in one way or another. Maybe they focused on the people, on defense, or simple staying out of war. Each of the Five Good Emperors made a lasting impression and contributed to almost 200 years of peaceful reign. The effects of bad leadership were easily seen after the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 AD. The empire quickly faced an economic downfall, spiraled into chaos as civil wars broke out across the lands, and people desperately fought for the title of emperor (Five Good Emperors). Without stable and effective leadership who puts the people first, an empire will cease to exist, it will surely fall…just as the Roman Empire