Roman Emperors - Their Triumphs and Failures

Sibika
Tiberius
Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus
Born: November 16, 43 BC

Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus was born on November 16, 43 BC was the Second
Roman Emperor. In his first few years of reign, it was described as moderate and fair,
while his policies were not that drastic. Tiberius was quick to quell any rebellion
within the boundaries of the empire and used brutal methods to suppress them, When
Tiberius' son Drasus died in 24 AD, Tiberius became less interested in running the
empire, instead gave more duties to his close associate Lucius Aelius Sejanus. By 26
AD, Tiberius' designated heirs Germanicus and Drusus died, it became difficult for
Tiberius to search for an heir so he decided to take a break from the fields of politics
and retired temporarily to his imperial villa.
Around the period of Tiberius' late reign, it made a turn for the worse as his rule
became more tyrannical. Economically, Tiberius was stingy with finances and did not
fire close friends in court even if they were known corrupt.
Tiberius died on March 16, 37 AD.
Augustus
Caesar Augustus "Octavian"
Born: Sept. 23, 64 B.C

Augustus was the first Roman emperor, founding the Roman Empire and was primarily
responsible for the Pax Romana period. Economically, Augustus established a very
effective financial system in the empire, imposing consistent and direct taxation of
the citizens; this system was far more effective than previous systems. Speaking of
economies, Augustus' monetary reforms made way for the expansion of trade, with the
new additions and reforms in the Roman coinage.
Augustus also instituted protection for his citizens by establishing police and
firefighting services, of whom patrolled the city. Administratively, Augustus' created a
prefect a permanent office to more effectively administer Rome.
While Augustus did good things for the empire, as with all leaders, there will be some
moves that are not good. Augustus ruled with an iron fist and forced the people to
agree with him on everything and the expanded government Augustus headed was
difficult to sustain.
Augustus would die on August 19, 63 BCE.
Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar
Born: July 12, 101 BCE

Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman, Caesar led the Roman empire
armies in the Gallic wars before defeating his political rival Pompey.
Caesar rose through the ranks to become consul of Rome in 59 BCE, though Caesar
came from a minor family of which was not very politically influential, this did not
stop Caesar from rising through the ranks and became the Consul by 59.
Caesar became the most powerful man in Rome, becoming a dictator by 45 BCE and
held the tribunician power which prevented other tribunes from interfering with his
actions.
Caesar was a brilliant general, and his greatest achievement was considered his
conquest of Gaul in which he triumphed over the Gauls; it was of utmost significance
because it allowed the Romans to secure its natural border over the river Rhine.
However, Caesar held tyrannical rule and was brutal in his reign, aristocratic Romans
disliked Caesar and was not supported by the public opinion of the time.

Nero
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
Born: December 15, 37 AD

Nero was renowned for being tyrannical, self-indulgent, and debauched according to
contemporary sources. Nero contributions to Rome mainly were focused on trade,
diplomacy, promoted sports, and made public appearances in theatres thus making
Nero popular among lower-class citizens but was deeply resented by Roman senators.
Considered as one of the controversial figures of Rome, Nero was a fair leader during
the first part of his reign, even giving slaves the right to put complaints on their
masters and banned capital punishment in the empire.
And then all hell broke loose on 59 A.D, Nero ordered the execution of his mother for
her interference with his leadership in Rome, this marked the beginning of a very
tyrannical rule. Nero began using the funds for Rome for his own indulges, and exiled
Roman senators who disliked them. In the Great Fire of Rome which decimated 75% of
Rome, while there is no such evidence, it was believed that Nero himself burnt down
Rome to make room for his new Villa and then put the blame on Christians and began
a campaign of heavy persecution of Christians following his suicide on 68 A.D. Nero
commited suicide as he was declared as an public enemy of Rome.
Marius
Gaius Marius
Born: 157 BCE

Marius was a Roman general and statesman, very much renowned for his contributions
to the Roman army. His reforms of the Roman Army fixed a massive problem for the
army of Rome, it was expected of soldiers to provide their own equipment and must
come from landholders, this policy limited the poor from joining the army and it would
be difficult to replace the landholders since they were rare. This would be forever
changed by Marius.
Marius also changed the enlistment requirements, so now poor citizens can now
enlist in the army, this created a living for the poor and started making a living and
Marius also convinced the Roman state to provide weapons for the poor masses, this
would create the first standing army in Rome.
While a renowned general and made many great reforms for the military as for
politics, Marius suffered many political setbacks which made him semi-retire, in fact,
he failed politics disastrously. Marius was notorious for lacking political acumen, as
well lacking connections or generally just skill.
Marius died at the age of 70 in 86 BCE.