Roman emperor

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Augustus depicted as a Magistrate, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen (14747345348)

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Kameo Augustus mit Tritonengespann KHM IXa 56

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Silver Denarius of Augustus (CNG)

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Dedicatory inscription Ostia Antica 2006-09-08

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Statua di Costantino ai musei capitolini

The concession of privileges mosaic

Roman Emperor was the ruler of the Roman Empire during the imperial period (starting in 27 BC). The emperors used a variety of different titles throughout history. Often, when a Roman emperor is mentioned, it refers to the classical period of the Roman Empire from 27 BC to 476 AD in the West and until 1453 AD in the East.

Origins and Title

The first Roman Emperor was Augustus, born Gaius Octavius Thurinus. He was the adopted heir of Julius Caesar and gained power after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, eventually defeating all rivals in a series of civil wars. The title "Emperor" derives from the Latin imperator, which was a title granted by the Senate to victorious generals. Over time, it became associated exclusively with the Roman sovereign.

Powers and Responsibilities

The Roman Emperor had absolute power over the empire. His responsibilities included military command, judicial authority, control of imperial finances, and religious duties as Pontifex Maximus. Despite the autocratic nature of the position, emperors were expected to uphold the illusion of a functioning republic, with institutions like the Roman Senate maintaining some level of influence, particularly in the early Empire.

Succession

Succession was not based on a fixed system like primogeniture. Instead, emperors were chosen through a variety of methods, including adoption by the reigning emperor, designation as heir, or through military force. This often led to periods of instability and civil war, most notably the Year of the Four Emperors in 69 AD.

Decline of the Western Roman Empire

The Western Roman Empire saw a decline in the 3rd century, marked by internal instability, economic decline, and pressure from invading tribes. The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed in 476 AD by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Byzantine Emperors

The Eastern Roman Empire, known historically as the Byzantine Empire, continued after the fall of the West. Its emperors maintained Roman traditions and considered themselves Roman emperors. The Byzantine Empire lasted until 1453 AD, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks.

Legacy

The concept of the Roman Emperor influenced the development of monarchical and imperial systems in Europe and beyond. The title "Emperor" in various forms was adopted by many successors, including the Holy Roman Emperors and the Russian Tsars.