Overview of all Roman Emperors

This page provides a chronological overview of every Roman emperor, from Augustus in 27 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. Each ruler is listed with their reign period and a concise note on their historical role, offering readers a structured look at the leadership that shaped Roman civilization across centuries of expansion, crisis, and transformation. Ideal for students, researchers, or anyone interested in imperial Rome.

Title	Date	Excerpt
Augustus: Architect of the Roman Empire’s Foundation	16 January 27 BC - 19 August AD 14	Augustus, Rome's first emperor, transformed the Roman state through political reform, military reorganization, and cultural patronage, establishing a lasting imperial system that shaped the ancient world.
Tiberius: Roman Emperor and Architect of Imperial Stability	18 September AD 14 - 16 March AD 37	Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 14 to AD 37, consolidating imperial institutions, managing finances prudently, and maintaining Rome's frontiers through diplomacy and military oversight. His reign shaped the early empire's endurance despite political controversies and personal withdrawal.
Caligula: The Roman Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Rome	18 March AD 37 - 24 January AD 41	Caligula ruled as Roman emperor from AD 37 to AD 41, influencing the development of imperial authority through his public works, political actions, and controversial reign that shaped early imperial Rome's governance and society.
Claudius: Roman Emperor and Administrator of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty	25 January AD 41 - 13 October AD 54	Claudius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 41 to 54, stabilizing and expanding it through military conquest, administrative reforms, and infrastructure projects. His reign marked a shift toward a professional bureaucracy and left lasting impacts on Roman governance and territorial control.
Nero: The Roman Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Rome	13 October AD 54 - 9 June AD 68	Nero ruled the Roman Empire from AD 54 to 68, overseeing cultural patronage, building projects, and diplomatic efforts while facing internal strife and political violence that shaped Rome's history.
Servius Sulpicius Galba: Roman Emperor and Political Figure in the Year of the Four Emperors	8 June AD 68 - 15 January AD 69	Servius Sulpicius Galba ruled Rome briefly from 68 to 69 AD, marking a pivotal moment in imperial history by highlighting tensions between the Senate, military, and central authority during a turbulent succession period.
Marcus Salvius Otho: Roman Emperor During the Year of the Four Emperors	15 January AD 69 - 16 April AD 69	Marcus Salvius Otho briefly ruled as Roman emperor in 69 CE, playing a pivotal role in the Year of the Four Emperors. His reign highlights the complex interplay of military loyalty, political intrigue, and provincial governance during a critical period of imperial succession.
Vitellius: The Roman Emperor of AD 69 and His Role in Imperial Transition	19 April AD 69 - 20 December AD 69	Vitellius ruled briefly during the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors, illustrating the power of provincial armies in imperial succession and initiating reforms that influenced the Roman administration beyond his reign.
Vespasian: Roman Emperor and Founder of the Flavian Dynasty	1 July AD 69 - 23 June AD 79	Vespasian ruled the Roman Empire from 69 to 79 AD, restoring stability after civil war and initiating major fiscal, military, and architectural reforms that shaped Rome's future.
Titus Caesar Vespasianus: Roman Emperor and Flavian Leader	24 June AD 79 - 13 September AD 81	Titus Caesar Vespasianus ruled the Roman Empire from 79 to 81 CE, known for his military leadership, public relief efforts during disasters, and completion of major architectural projects that shaped Rome’s urban landscape.
Domitian: The Last Flavian Emperor and His Impact on Roman Imperial Rule	14 September AD 81 - 18 September AD 96	Domitian ruled Rome from 81 to 96 CE, centralizing imperial authority, advancing administrative reforms, and initiating major building projects that shaped the city and frontier defenses. His reign combined effective governance with political repression, leaving a complex legacy in Roman history.
Nerva: Transitional Roman Emperor and His Role in Imperial Succession	18 September AD 96 - 27 January AD 98	Nerva ruled as Roman emperor from 96 to 98 AD, restoring senatorial privileges, introducing social relief, and establishing a peaceful succession that influenced the stability of the Roman Empire in the following decades.
Trajan: Roman Emperor and Architect of Imperial Expansion	28 January AD 98 - 8 August AD 117	Trajan ruled the Roman Empire from AD 98 to 117, overseeing its greatest territorial extent through military conquests and extensive public works, including social welfare programs and infrastructure improvements that shaped Rome and its provinces.
Hadrian: Roman Emperor and Architect of Imperial Consolidation	10 August AD 117 - 10 July AD 138	Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire from 117 to 138 CE, focusing on securing borders, legal reforms, and cultural patronage, leaving a lasting impact on Roman governance and architecture.
Antoninus Pius: Roman Emperor and Administrator of the Nerva–Antonine Era	10 July AD 138 - 7 March AD 161	Antoninus Pius ruled the Roman Empire from 138 to 161 CE, overseeing a period of peace and administrative refinement that influenced imperial governance and legal practices for generations.
Marcus Aurelius: Roman Emperor and Philosopher of the Second Century	7 March AD 161 - 17 March AD 180	Marcus Aurelius ruled Rome from 161 to 180 CE, guiding the empire through military conflicts and a devastating plague while leaving a lasting impact on Roman law, philosophy, and governance.
Lucius Verus: Co-Emperor of Rome and Military Leader in the Antonine Era	7 March AD 161 - 169	Lucius Verus co-ruled the Roman Empire alongside Marcus Aurelius from 161 to 169, overseeing military campaigns in the East and shaping imperial governance through shared authority. His reign included notable military successes, administrative efforts, and challenges such as the Antonine Plague, leaving a complex legacy in Roman history.
Commodus: The Roman Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Rome	17 March AD 180 - 31 December AD 192	Commodus ruled Rome from 177 to 192, marking a shift in imperial leadership through his personal style, political purges, and economic policies that influenced the empire's later history.
Pertinax: The Brief Roman Emperor and His Role in Imperial Reform	1 January AD 193 - 28 March AD 193	Pertinax ruled Rome briefly in 193 CE, attempting to restore fiscal discipline, legal order, and military control after Commodus’s reign. His efforts highlighted the challenges of reforming an empire reliant on military support and marked a pivotal moment in the crisis of imperial succession.
Marcus Didius Julianus: The Controversial Roman Emperor of 193 AD	28 March AD 193 - 1 June AD 193	Marcus Didius Julianus briefly ruled as Roman emperor during a critical period of political turmoil in 193 AD, illustrating the fragile nature of imperial succession and the rising influence of military power in Rome's late second century.
Lucius Septimius Severus: Roman Emperor and Military Reformer	9 April AD 193 - 4 February AD 211	Lucius Septimius Severus, born in North Africa, transformed the Roman Empire through military reforms, frontier campaigns, and administrative changes that shaped imperial rule in the third century.
Publius Septimius Geta: Co-Emperor of the Severan Dynasty in Roman History	AD 209 - 26 December AD 211	Publius Septimius Geta briefly ruled as Roman co-emperor in 211 alongside his father and brother, illustrating the challenges of shared imperial power and the use of dynastic propaganda. His violent death and subsequent erasure from public memory highlight the political struggles of the Severan era.
Caracalla: Roman Emperor and Architect of Imperial Change	4 February AD 211 - 8 April AD 217	Caracalla ruled the Roman Empire from 198 to 217, known for extending citizenship across the empire, ambitious building projects like the Baths of Caracalla, and military reforms that reshaped imperial governance and finances.
Macrinus: The Roman Emperor from the Equestrian Order and His Role in Early 3rd Century Imperial History	11 April AD 217 - 8 June AD 218	Macrinus ruled as Roman emperor from 217 to 218, notable for being the first emperor from the equestrian class and for his efforts to stabilize the empire's finances and diplomacy amid military and political challenges.
Elagabalus: The Controversial Roman Emperor and His Religious Reforms	16 May AD 218 - 11 March AD 222	Elagabalus ruled Rome from 218 to 222 CE, known for promoting his native Syrian sun-god and introducing eastern religious practices into Roman public life. His reign highlighted tensions between provincial traditions and Roman civic religion, ending abruptly with his assassination and a reversal of his policies.
Severus Alexander: Roman Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Governance	13 March AD 222 - 21/22 March AD 235	Severus Alexander ruled the Roman Empire from 222 to 235, overseeing legal reforms, urban improvements, and military challenges during a turbulent period that ended with his assassination and ushered in decades of instability.
Maximinus Thrax: Military Emperor of the Roman Empire	20 March AD 235 - May AD 238	Maximinus Thrax ruled the Roman Empire from 235 to 238 CE, marking a shift toward military-based imperial authority. His reign featured frontier campaigns, fiscal reforms, and challenges with the senatorial elite, illustrating the growing role of the army in imperial politics during a turbulent period.
Gordian I: Senatorial Emperor During Rome’s Crisis of 238	March AD 238 - 12 April AD 238	Gordian I briefly ruled as Roman emperor in 238, embodying a senatorial and provincial challenge to military authority during a turbulent period of imperial instability. His short reign highlights the political tensions of the era and set the stage for his grandson Gordian III's later rule.
Gordian II: Roman Co-Emperor and Senatorial Challenger in 238 AD	March AD 238 - 12 April AD 238	Gordian II briefly co-ruled as Roman emperor during the Year of the Six Emperors, leading a revolt that exposed tensions between the Senate and military power, and set the stage for his nephew Gordian III's rise.
Pupienus: Roman Emperor and Senatorial Leader in 238 CE	22 April AD 238 - 29 July AD 238	Pupienus briefly ruled as Roman emperor during a turbulent period marked by military revolts and political instability, representing the Senate's attempt to restore civilian authority amid the crisis of the third century.
Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus: Roman Senator and Emperor in 238 AD	22 April AD 238 - 29 July AD 238	Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus briefly ruled as Roman emperor during the turbulent Year of the Six Emperors in 238 AD, representing the Senate's attempt to restore civilian authority amid military upheaval. His short co-reign with Pupienus highlights the challenges faced by senatorial leadership against the dominant military forces of the time.
Gordian III: Roman Emperor and Military Leader of the Third Century	29 July AD 238 - 11 February AD 244	Gordian III ruled Rome from 238 to 244 CE during a turbulent period marked by political upheaval and external threats. His reign involved military campaigns against the Sassanid Persians and efforts to stabilize the empire's frontiers, alongside administrative reforms and cultural patronage.
Philip the Arab: Roman Emperor and Provincial Leader	February AD 244 - September AD 249	Philip the Arab ruled the Roman Empire from 244 to 249, noted for negotiating peace with the Sasanian Empire and presiding over Rome's thousandth anniversary celebrations. His reign combined military, political, and cultural efforts that reflected the complexities of the mid-third century imperial challenges.
Decius: Roman Emperor and His Role in Third-Century Imperial History	September AD 249 - June AD 251	Decius ruled the Roman Empire from 249 to 251 CE, known for efforts to restore traditional Roman religion and authority amid military challenges, culminating in a fatal battle against Gothic invaders. His reign influenced religious policies and imperial military strategies during a turbulent period.
Trebonianus Gallus: Roman Emperor During the Third-Century Crisis	June AD 251 - August AD 253	Trebonianus Gallus ruled as Roman emperor from 251 to 253 amid invasions, internal strife, and a devastating epidemic, choosing negotiation and consolidation to stabilize the empire temporarily. His reign highlights the challenges faced by provincial generals managing multiple crises and the fragile loyalty of the legions.
Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus: Soldier-Emperor of the Third Century Crisis	July AD 253 - September AD 253	Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus briefly claimed the Roman imperial throne in 253 AD after a military victory against Gothic raiders, illustrating the volatile nature of power during the third-century crisis marked by rapid leadership changes and external threats.
Valerian: Roman Emperor During the Third Century Crisis	October AD 253 - 260	Valerian ruled as Roman emperor from 253 to 260, notable for sharing power with his son Gallienus and for being the first emperor captured in battle by a foreign power, an event that deeply affected Roman imperial stability during a turbulent era.
Gallienus: Roman Emperor During the Crisis of the Third Century	October AD 253 - September AD 268	Gallienus ruled the Roman Empire from 253 to 268, navigating multiple military and political crises. His reforms in military command and administration influenced the empire's later structure, while his policies marked a shift toward tolerance and cultural patronage during a turbulent era.
Claudius Gothicus: Military Leadership and Imperial Stability in the Third Century Roman Empire	September AD 268 - January AD 270	Claudius Gothicus ruled the Roman Empire from 268 to 270, halting military disasters and securing key victories against Germanic and Gothic forces. His leadership helped stabilize the empire during a turbulent period and laid groundwork for its later recovery.
Quintillus: A Brief Roman Emperor of the Third Century	January AD 270 - March AD 270	Quintillus ruled briefly in 270 CE during a turbulent period marked by military rivalries and political fragmentation. His reign illustrates the shifting power dynamics between the Roman Senate and the provincial armies, highlighting the decisive role of military support in imperial succession.
Aurelian: Restorer of Roman Unity and Reformer of the Empire	September AD 270 - September AD 275	Aurelian ruled the Roman Empire from 270 to 275, restoring its territorial integrity after a period of fragmentation. His military victories, economic reforms, and promotion of the Sol Invictus cult left lasting impacts on Rome and its institutions.
Marcus Claudius Tacitus: Roman Emperor and Senatorial Restorer	September AD 275 - June AD 276	Marcus Claudius Tacitus briefly ruled as Roman emperor during the turbulent third century, exemplifying a short revival of senatorial influence and a swift military response to eastern invasions amid political instability.
Marcus Annius Florianus: A Brief Roman Emperor of the Third Century Crisis	June AD 276 - September AD 276	Marcus Annius Florianus ruled briefly as Roman emperor in 276 CE during a turbulent period marked by rapid leadership changes and military challenges. His short reign highlights the fragile nature of imperial power and the decisive role of military loyalty in the third-century Roman Empire.
Marcus Aurelius Probus: Soldier-Emperor and Restorer of Roman Stability	September AD 276 - September AD 282	Marcus Aurelius Probus ruled the Roman Empire from 276 to 282, restoring order along multiple frontiers through military success and economic recovery efforts. His reign involved stabilising borders, rebuilding infrastructure, and implementing policies to repopulate and defend provinces affected by conflict.
Marcus Aurelius Carus: Roman Emperor and Military Leader of the Third Century	September AD 282 - July AD 283	Marcus Aurelius Carus ruled briefly as Roman emperor from 282 to 283 CE, achieving notable military victories on the Danube and in Mesopotamia that temporarily restored Roman authority and influenced the shift toward a military-centered imperial government.
Marcus Aurelius Carinus: Roman Emperor and Transitional Figure in Imperial History	July AD 283 - spring AD 285	Marcus Aurelius Carinus ruled the Western Roman Empire from 283 to 285, overseeing military campaigns on the Rhine and in Britain and navigating political challenges that led to the rise of Diocletian and major imperial reforms.
Numerian: Roman Emperor During the Third Century Crisis – Historical and Archaeological Insights	July AD 283 - November AD 284	Numerian ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 283 to 284 during a period of military and political turmoil. His brief reign and mysterious death paved the way for Diocletian's rise and the subsequent transformation of imperial governance.
Diocletian: Architect of Roman Imperial Reform and Stability	20 November AD 284 - 1 May AD 305	Diocletian, Roman emperor from 284 to 305, implemented extensive reforms that reshaped imperial administration, military organization, and fiscal policy, stabilizing the empire after a period of crisis while also provoking social and religious tensions.
Maximian: Roman Emperor and Military Leader in the Late Third Century	21 July AD 285 - 1 May AD 305	Maximian was a Roman emperor who played a key role in stabilizing the western provinces during a turbulent period, contributing to military defense and administrative reforms within the Tetrarchy system.
Constantius Chlorus: Roman Emperor and Father of Constantine the Great	1 May AD 305 - 25 July AD 306	Constantius Chlorus played a crucial role in stabilizing the western Roman Empire during the late third and early fourth centuries through military campaigns, provincial administration, and limited enforcement of Christian persecution, setting the stage for his son Constantine's transformative reign.
Galerius: Roman Emperor and Architect of the Tetrarchy	1 May 305 – May 311	Galerius was a Roman emperor who strengthened Rome's eastern frontiers through military campaigns against Persia and influenced imperial religious policy by ending the persecution of Christians. His reign marked a pivotal period in the political and religious transformations of the late Roman Empire.
Constantine the Great: Architect of the Roman Empire’s Transformation	25 July 306 - 22 May 337	Constantine the Great reunified the Roman Empire, established Constantinople as a new capital, and elevated Christianity to a central role, shaping the political and religious landscape of late antiquity.
Maxentius: The Roman Emperor Who Sought to Restore Rome’s Authority	28 October 306 – 28 October 312	Maxentius ruled parts of the Roman Empire from 306 to 312, focusing on Rome and its territories during a time of political fragmentation. His reign is notable for efforts to revive Rome's traditional institutions and urban prominence, as well as for his defeat by Constantine, which influenced the empire's future direction.
Flavius Valerius Severus: A Brief Roman Emperor of the Late Tetrarchy	August 306 – March/April 307	Flavius Valerius Severus ruled as Roman emperor from 306 to 307 during the decline of the Tetrarchic system. His short reign reveals the challenges of maintaining imperial authority amid shifting military loyalties and dynastic conflicts in the early fourth century.
Licinius: Roman Emperor and Key Figure in Early 4th Century Imperial Transition	11 November 308 – 19 September 324	Licinius ruled as Roman emperor from 308 to 324, playing a crucial role in ending Christian persecutions and shaping the shift from a divided imperial system to Constantine's sole rule.
Maximinus Daza: The Last Roman Pharaoh and Eastern Emperor	310 – c. July 313	Maximinus Daza was a Roman ruler in the eastern provinces during the final phase of the Tetrarchy, known for his military struggles, shifting religious policies, and being the last emperor honored with traditional Egyptian pharaonic titles.
Constantius II: Roman Emperor and Architect of Mid-Fourth Century Imperial Governance	9 September 337 - 3 November 361	Constantius II ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 337 to 361, overseeing military campaigns, administrative reforms, and religious policies that shaped the empire's political and ecclesiastical landscape during a turbulent period.
Constantine II: The Roman Emperor and Dynastic Figure of the Fourth Century	9 September 337 – April 340	Constantine II, son of Constantine the Great, ruled the western Roman Empire from 337 to 340, illustrating the complexities of imperial succession, military command, and fraternal rivalry during a turbulent period of Roman history.
Constans I: Roman Emperor and Ruler of the Western Provinces	9 September 337 – January 350	Constans I governed the western Roman Empire from 337 to 350, overseeing Italy, Illyricum, and Africa. His reign featured military campaigns securing frontiers, religious support for Nicene Christianity, and political challenges culminating in his overthrow, reflecting the complexities of mid-fourth century imperial rule.
Julian the Apostate: Roman Emperor and Restorer of Classical Traditions	3 November 361 - 26 June 363	Julian the Apostate ruled the Roman Empire from 361 to 363, striving to revive classical paganism and reform imperial administration during a time of rising Christian influence. His military campaigns, cultural patronage, and religious policies left a lasting impact on late antiquity despite his brief reign.
Jovian: Roman Emperor and Restorer of Christian Privileges	27 June 363 - 17 February 364	Jovian ruled the Roman Empire briefly from 363 to 364, securing a crucial peace with Persia and reinstating Christian privileges after Julian's pagan reforms, shaping the empire's eastern frontier and religious landscape.
Valentinian I: Emperor of the Western Roman Empire and His Role in Frontier Defense and Administration	25/26 February 364 - 17 November 375	Valentinian I ruled the western Roman Empire from 364 to 375, focusing on strengthening military frontiers, improving administration for ordinary citizens, and managing religious policies during a turbulent period of external threats and internal challenges.
Flavius Valens: Roman Emperor of the Eastern Provinces and His Historical Impact	28 March 364 - 9 August 378	Flavius Valens governed the eastern Roman Empire from 364 to 378, implementing administrative reforms and urban improvements while facing military challenges that culminated in the pivotal Battle of Adrianople, which reshaped late fourth-century imperial dynamics.
Gratian: Roman Emperor and Christian Reformer of the Late Fourth Century	17 November 375 – 25 August 383	Gratian ruled the western Roman Empire from 367 to 383, overseeing key religious reforms that established Nicene Christianity and navigating military and political challenges that revealed the era's fragile imperial authority.
Theodosius I: Roman Emperor and Architect of Late Antiquity	19 January 379 - 17 January 395	Theodosius I ruled the Roman Empire from 379 to 395, reuniting its eastern and western halves, establishing Nicene Christianity as the state religion, and implementing military and administrative reforms that shaped the late Roman world.
Magnus Maximus: Usurping Emperor of the Late Western Roman Empire	25 August 383 – 28 August 388	Magnus Maximus ruled parts of the western Roman Empire from 383 to 388, controlling Britain, Gaul, and Spain. His reign highlights the influence of military commanders in imperial politics, the evolving relationship between church and state, and left a lasting cultural legacy in Britain and Brittany.
Valentinian II: The Western Roman Emperor and His Role in Late Antiquity	28 August 388 – 15 May 392	Valentinian II ruled the western Roman Empire from 375 to 392, exemplifying the challenges faced by child emperors amid military and religious power struggles during the late fourth century.
Arcadius and the Eastern Roman Empire: Governance and Legacy on Ancient History and Archaeology	17 January 395 - 1 May 408	Arcadius ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 383 to 408 during a critical period of transition, influencing the empire's administration, religious policies, and relations with barbarian groups, setting foundations for the Byzantine state.
Honorius: Emperor of the Western Roman Empire and His Historical Impact	17 January 395 – 15 August 423	Honorius ruled the Western Roman Empire from 395 to 423 during a turbulent era marked by migrations, internal strife, and the sack of Rome in 410, shaping the late Roman world through his reliance on generals and administrative reforms.
Constantine III: Roman Emperor and Military Leader in Britain and Gaul	407 – 411	Constantine III was a Roman soldier who declared himself emperor in Britain in 407, briefly controlling parts of Gaul and Hispania before his defeat in 411. His actions influenced the final loss of Roman rule in Britain and reshaped political dynamics in the Western Empire during its decline.
Theodosius II: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Legacy	1 May 408 - 28 July 450	Theodosius II ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from childhood until 450, overseeing key legal reforms, the fortification of Constantinople, and pivotal religious disputes that shaped the church and imperial governance.
Constantius III: Military Leader and Emperor of the Western Roman Empire	8 February – 2 September 421	Constantius III played a crucial role in restoring imperial control over parts of Gaul and Hispania during the early fifth century, using military skill and diplomacy to stabilize the Western Roman Empire amid internal and external challenges.
Valentinian III: Western Roman Emperor and the Transformation of the Late Roman West	23 October 425 – 16 March 455	Valentinian III ruled the Western Roman Empire from 425 to 455, overseeing a period marked by territorial losses, military challenges, and shifting power dynamics that shaped the empire's final decades.
Marcian and the Eastern Roman Empire: Governance, Church, and Military in the 5th Century	25 August 450 - 27 January 457	Marcian ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 450 to 457, restoring imperial finances, shaping Christian doctrine through the Council of Chalcedon, and managing military and religious challenges that influenced the empire's mid-fifth century trajectory.
Petronius Maximus: The Brief Reign of a Roman Emperor in 455	17 March – 31 May 455	Petronius Maximus briefly ruled the Western Roman Empire during a critical period marked by political instability and external threats. His short tenure highlights the challenges faced by the late empire, including fragile imperial authority, diplomatic failures, and the devastating Vandal sack of Rome.
Eparchius Avitus: Emperor of the Western Roman Empire and His Role in Late Antiquity	9 July 455 – 17 October 456	Eparchius Avitus ruled the Western Roman Empire briefly from 455 to 457, striving to maintain imperial unity by integrating Gallic elites and allying with the Visigoths amid political and military challenges. His reign reflects the complex dynamics of power during the empire's final decades.
Leo I: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and Architect of Byzantine Authority	7 February 457 - 18 January 474	Leo I ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 457 to 474, strengthening imperial authority, shaping court politics, and introducing lasting reforms in language, ritual, and administration that influenced the Byzantine state.
Majorian: Military Leader and Reformer of the Late Western Roman Empire	28 December 457 – 2 August 461	Majorian ruled the Western Roman Empire from 457 to 461, leading military campaigns to regain territories and implementing reforms to restore fiscal and civic order. His efforts temporarily strengthened imperial control in Gaul and Hispania and sought to revive administrative stability before his assassination ended his reign.
Libius Severus: Western Roman Emperor and the Dynamics of Late Antiquity	19 November 461 – 14 November 465	Libius Severus ruled as Western Roman emperor from 461 to 465 during a period of territorial loss and military dominance, illustrating the shift of power from emperors to military leaders in the late Western Empire.
Anthemius: Western Roman Emperor and His Role in Late Antique Imperial History	12 April 467 – 11 July 472	Anthemius ruled as Western Roman emperor from 467 to 472, striving to restore imperial authority amid military and political challenges. His reign involved diplomatic efforts, military campaigns, and attempts to strengthen ties between East and West, but ended with his defeat and execution, marking a critical moment in the decline of the Western Roman Empire.
Anicius Olybrius: The Last Aristocratic Emperor of the Western Roman Empire	April 472 – 2 November 472	Anicius Olybrius briefly ruled as Western Roman emperor in 472, embodying the final phase of imperial authority shaped by aristocratic lineage, dynastic marriage, and military dominance during the empire's decline.
Glycerius: The Last Western Roman Emperor and His Role in Late Antiquity	3/5 March 473 – 24 June 474	Glycerius ruled as Western Roman emperor from 473 to 474 during a turbulent period marked by weakened imperial authority and rising Germanic influence. His reign illustrates the final phase of Western imperial power, characterized by reliance on military patrons and diplomacy, and his later role as bishop reflects the era's blending of secular and ecclesiastical authority.
Leo II: Child Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Role in Dynastic Succession	18 January - November 474	Leo II ruled briefly as a child emperor in 473–474, serving as a dynastic link between Leo I and Zeno. His elevation and early death influenced the political landscape of the eastern Roman Empire, highlighting the complexities of imperial succession and court power struggles during this turbulent period.
Zeno: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Historical Role	29 January 474 - 9 January 475 / August 476 - 9 April 491	Zeno ruled the eastern Roman Empire during a critical period of transition, preserving its stability amid the collapse of the western half and shaping relations with emerging barbarian kingdoms through diplomacy and religious policy.
Julius Nepos: The Last Eastern-Backed Western Roman Emperor	24 June 474 – 28 August 475	Julius Nepos ruled as Western Roman Emperor from 474 to 475 and continued to claim the title from Dalmatia until his assassination in 480, representing the final eastern attempt to maintain imperial authority in the west amid the empire's decline.
Basiliscus: Eastern Roman Emperor and His Impact on Late Antiquity	9 January 475 - August 476	Basiliscus ruled the Eastern Roman Empire briefly from 475 to 476, during a period marked by military defeat and religious conflict that influenced the empire's political and ecclesiastical landscape.
Romulus Augustus: The Last Western Roman Emperor and His Historical Role	31 October 475 – 4 September 476	Romulus Augustus was the final Western Roman emperor whose brief reign and deposition marked the transition from the Roman Empire to medieval Europe, illustrating the decline of imperial authority and the rise of barbarian rule in Italy.