Do you agree with our list? Who would be your choice for the greatest Roman Emperor? Let us know and don't forget to subscribe - bit.ly/32qv7fU
@menzimabuza3304
2 жыл бұрын
My list goes like this. 1. Augustus Ceasar, 2. Trojan, 3. Dioclecian 4 Aeralian. 5. Constantine 6. Marcus Auralus, 7 Heidran, 8. Claudius, 9. Flavius. 10. Justinian.
@lukapavlovic1066
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, just you forgot one of the most important and greatest emperors, with Aurelian true savior of the Roman Empire, who's reign marks the final end of the so called "Crisis of the 3rd century" ---- Diocletian -----
@thepubgguy595
2 жыл бұрын
Vibia Sabina was the wife of Hadrian. Pompaea Plotina was the wife of Trajan.
@aureliengdt5932
Жыл бұрын
Good choice, for me the first is Augustus Ceasar
@iainreed9424
Жыл бұрын
Marcus Aurelius.
@LIBREPUB
2 жыл бұрын
Trajan is my favorite, but this is a great list. I’m so glad I was able to go to Rome and see the remaining treasures of the empire. I was there in November and literally had Trajans market all to myself…it was goose bumps.
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw
2 жыл бұрын
I wish the tv series Rome was longer than two seasons. It was beautiful and gave the blue print to GOT.
@DoctorEnigma01
2 жыл бұрын
You can thank the suits at HBO, it was supposed to be six seasons
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
I prefered spartacus it ends with the beginning of the first triumvirate. Theres a lot of story to tell, its the perfect period for a long running tv series.
@nicholasturner7931
2 жыл бұрын
Yes I thought it was better
@richardscanlan3167
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed,really disappointed when it ended after only 2 seasons.
@gregbader3041
2 жыл бұрын
And it was almost 100% fiction! Read a history book to find out the truth. I know that takes more time than watching a TV series. Great acting and zero facts.
@distantlight4527
Жыл бұрын
Absurd to put Marcus Aurelius at number 2 when his decision to make his terrible son his heir had such an enormous negative impact on the empire.
@michaellear6904
5 ай бұрын
Agreed !
@GooseGumlizzard
3 ай бұрын
for real. Overrated emperor
@vladlenin2698
2 жыл бұрын
Good list, but I think Vespasian deserves to be higher. The guy virtually saved Rome from imploding and picked up the pieces from the mess of Nero's rule. Also restored honour to the position of Emperor.
@wiltel2409
2 жыл бұрын
Indeed vespasian needs to be in the top 3 imo. He is the first selfmade emperor worked from the bottem to the top and did a great job at it. Without him there would be no 5 great emperors. Maybe not the greatest, but certainly my favourite
@dwaynethecuckjohnson2.08
Жыл бұрын
I don't think he belongs in the top 10 tbh. Not that he was a bad emperor or anything, it's just that there are 10 other emperors that I think did a better job than he did.
@connorgolden4
2 жыл бұрын
My list is 10. Majorian. Dude defied the odds! Smacked barbarians around and would’ve restored the empire if not for his betrayal! We were so close! 9. Gallienus. Despite setbacks he dealt with it contained countless issues and started reforms that would change the empire from the principate to the dominate. It’s a shock that assassins got to him before the stress and depression did. 8. Domitian. Brilliant administrator. Fixed inflation and the economy. Sadly his relations with the senate, while justifiable, got him killed. 7. Trajan. Brought the empire to its greatest extent. Had great success. But his conquests proved to be too much for the empire and they needed to be abandoned. 6. Marcus Aurelius. Had success in both Parthia and germania. A very intelligent and competent ruler. Although his son was meh. His conquests were arguably unsustainable. And personal his intellect gets inflated with being a great ruler. Still a damn good emperor. 5. Diocletian. Ended the crisis of the third century and brought order back to the empire. Made massive reforms to both the army and government that did a lot to keep the crisis from continuing. Promoted competent co emperors who alongside him ruled very capably in tackling the various issues at hand. Sadly some of his reforms backfired or died with him. Or had long term bad effects. 4. Hadrian. Consolidated the empire after Trajan went a bit too far. Built lots of great works. Ruled over a mostly peaceful empire. 3. Constantine. Besides introducing Christianity he also made reforms. Had numerous military successes. Ended a period of renewed civil war. Founded Constantinople and made it the new capital. 2. Aurelian. The empire likely would’ve collapsed without him. He reunited the empire and saved the day before his early death. Defeated countless foes. Made needed fixes to deal with the economy and deal with corruption and waste. Promoted very competent men who would later on rule the empire. Sadly a bit too harsh and that would lead to his death. 1. Augustus. Come on. No brainer. Former the empire. Genius politician and administrator. Reformed the army into a professional one. Multiple tax and administrative reforms. Military success (except Germania sadly). Long stable rule. Sadly shit luck with heirs.
@alexh2947
2 жыл бұрын
I'd disagree with domitian, I've been informed he was a pretty horrible guy, treason trials and all that. Like genuinely awful. Although you can't really judge an emperor on their character alone, I really wouldn't want to personally know many of them.
@rodneybarton-hall3867
2 жыл бұрын
@@alexh2947 But he did introduce elephant tightrope walking to the Circus Maximus.
@rodneybarton-hall3867
2 жыл бұрын
It is difficult not to have a sympathy for those worthy rulers struggling against the tide of history and who might have shone in a more congenial era, and there were plenty of them in the last two and a half centuries of the western Roman empire. I enjoy your inclusion but have my doubts.
@denorjigalaxen9230
2 жыл бұрын
@@alexh2947 he was the ONLY ONE out of 77 (im counting only emperors that ruled the hole rome not) to fix inflation, he was dealt Hard on corruption and most of that time historians where senaters and the senaters where MOSTLEY the corrupt ones
@sceplicur8817
2 жыл бұрын
Aurelian died because his soldiers were tricked into thinking he put them on a kill list
@stevenleslie8557
2 жыл бұрын
Augustus was the first and most successful Roman emperor. It is uncertain the empire could have survived if had not had been.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
@Θεόδωρος Trajan was handed an empire in good condition. Augustus was handed a republic about to collapse. Nothing against Trajan but theres more to success than km2.
@josemanuelvarelapuig5064
2 жыл бұрын
the only bad thing he did was create the praetgorian guard
@thil2894
2 жыл бұрын
@@josemanuelvarelapuig5064 It was probably not a bad idea at the time, it became one very fast however, and we know what hell is paved with.
@napoleon7107
Жыл бұрын
@@jessefisher1809 Augustus was a good politican and Great administrator. But he was quite bad in military mathers. Without Agrippa he wouldnt even become emperor. It was Agrippa who defeated Sextus Pomejus. And it was Agrippa who defeated Marc Anthony. Agrippa was more or less co ruler and Augustus would have been weak without him by his side. Trajan on the other hand had all the traits of both Augustus and Agrippa. So its Trajan for me.
@jessefisher1809
Жыл бұрын
@@napoleon7107 I do not disagree. I'm not sure who I prefer out of the two. Just don't think size and or conquests should be the only metric for judging.
@thomasingarra3162
2 жыл бұрын
Antoninus Pius,the 'Eisenhower' of the Roman Empire, preserved the Pax Romana and wonderfully stabilized the government. His reign was solid and he was just and able.
@TonyFontaine1988
2 жыл бұрын
Marcus Aurelius has no business being at 2. What did he accomplish over Aurelian, Trajan, and Hadrian?
@marcusaurelius8030
2 жыл бұрын
My TOP 10 Greatest Roman Emperors: 10. Romulus Augustulus 9. Maximinus Thrax 8. Balbinus 7. Pupienus 6. Caracalla 5. Didius Julianus 4. Caligula 3. Elagabalus 2. Commodus 1. Honorius
@mickeydecock1342
2 жыл бұрын
Oh fuck ...
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Everyone loves a troll. 👺👺👺
@Edgar-sl5hh
26 күн бұрын
How could you forget the one and only best emperor Nero 😂
@Heiligesbrot1
6 ай бұрын
1. Augustus 2. Trajan 3. Hadrian 4. Vespasian 5. Aurelian 6. Domitian 7. Marcus Aurelius 8. Diocletian 9. Claudius 10. Titus I would put Marcus Aurelius higher but I can’t forgive him for Commodus
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
My Top 10: 10. Justinian 9. Claudius 8. Domitian 7. Marcus Aurelius 6. Hadrian 5. Diocletian 4. Constantine 3. Aurelian 2. Trajan 1. Augustus
@robertthompson9574
2 жыл бұрын
Aurelian was stone cold and merciless. He didn't suffer fool's & that's why he was successful.
@rodneybarton-hall3867
2 жыл бұрын
@@robertthompson9574 He was a man of his time, and, like his predecessor Claudius II and his successor Probus, restored the Roman Empire's respectability. The Illyrian emperors were a dour but heroic lot struggling in difficult times.
@robertthompson9574
2 жыл бұрын
Domitian was a good administrator but at the cost of alienating himself from the Senate.
@Smudgeroon74
2 жыл бұрын
Where's Titus?
@teresagramm188
Жыл бұрын
very close to mine, but I'd swap Domitian for Probus
@kensingcd
2 жыл бұрын
Tiberius was proof that you could be personally abhorrent, but also an exceptional government administrator
@Eazy-ERyder
2 жыл бұрын
After further thought and research I respect more this last but I put Constantine THE GREAT at #3 5. AURELIAN 4. Marcus Aurelius 3. Constantine (THE GREAT) 2. Augustus 1. Trajan
@johkkarkalis8860
2 жыл бұрын
I certainly won't take issue with your list, Eazy-E Ryder. I go with Edward Gibbon's characterization that the period from the reign of Nerva to the death of Marcus Aurelius was the happiest time in human history, when affairs of state were wisely managed. It's a fun game to be sure. Now, how about a list of the most eccentric, wacky emperors-the ones who could only could have dreamt up by central casting?
@parrotbird7900
2 жыл бұрын
Honestly if I could give a list it would be this: 10: Majorian (WE WERE THIS CLOSE) 9: Valentinian I (Very capable general and strong ruler during the 4th century) 8: Domitian (Fixed inflation, amazing administration) 7: Vespasian (Great general, decent ruler, maintained stability after the year of four emperors) 6: Antoninus Pius (Played on easy mode) 5: Marcus Aurelius (Very smart, capable general, fought off the Antonine Plague, and dealt with Parthia) 4: Hadrian (Stabilized the empire after Trajan, consolidated defenses, kept the military in top shape, and public monuments galore) 3: Trajan (I mean cmon, it’s pretty obvious, with Parthia and Dacia being some of the most impressive conquests done by Rome) 2: Aurelian (Although it’s pretty well known, it’s again fairly obvious why the restutor orbis is up so high, especially after doing all of that work within 5 years. 1: Augustus (Yeah pretty much predicted, set up an empire that would last for nearly 1500 years, crafty, expanded the empire, and pretty much the best you could get) Honorable mentions: Diocletian, Constantine, Claudius, Claudius Gothicus, Probus, Gallienus, Basil II, Justinian, and Heraclius
@thatonelad4594
2 жыл бұрын
Gallenius has always been my favourite emperor even if he wasn’t the most efficient, this is mostly since I admire what he managed to achieve in the crisis of the 3rd century like managing to stay in power for 15 years
@georgehall570
2 жыл бұрын
Constantine not being on your list hurts me
@parrotbird7900
2 жыл бұрын
@@georgehall570 The main reason why was the fact that his family was super bad in terms of keeping the empire stable, and his administration was pretty shit iirc. He would be 11th on my list, but Majorian was basically a Gallienus in even worse circumstances.
@rockstar450
2 жыл бұрын
This is a fkn great list. As underrated as Domition tends to be, Constantine and Diocletian simply cannot fall outside of a top 10. Two of the most influential men in world history.
@parrotbird7900
2 жыл бұрын
@@rockstar450 I would have put Diocletian in place of Vespasian if hadn’t been for how fast the Tetrarchy fell apart, as well as the establishment of proto-serfdom. The military reforms were very well thought out and executed, and the man was a badass, but it was really those that didn’t let him get in the top 10.
@alexh2947
2 жыл бұрын
My top 10 would be: 10: Marcus Aurelius 9:Vespasian 8: Tiberius 7: Diocletian 6: Claudius 5: Hadrian 4: Constantine 3: Augustus 2: Aurelian 1: Trajan Now If we are talking favourites then Majorian and Aurelian all the way.
@amirkhonyusupov7718
2 жыл бұрын
Very uncontroversial list but I would say: 10:Claudius 9:Majorian 8:Marcus Aurelius 7:Domitian 6:Diocletian 5:Hadrian 4:Constantine 3:Trajan 2:Aurelian 1:Augustus
@rockstar450
2 жыл бұрын
Hadrian > Trajan A true former
@rockstar450
2 жыл бұрын
TOP 20 from Augustus till 1204 1. Augustus 2. Diocletian 3. Constantine 4. Justinian 5. Hadrian 6. Trajan 7. Basil II 8. Vespasian 9. Aurelian 10. Heraclius 11. Marcus Aurelius 12. Claudius 13.Alexios I Komnenos 14. Domitian 15. Maurice 16. Antonines Pius 17. Tiberius 18. Valentinian I 19. Majorian 20. Basil I
@ticketschreiber3326
2 жыл бұрын
@@rockstar450 AURELIAN ON 9 are you out of your mind
@legionarybooks13
2 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't say "uncontroversial", as you have Domitian on the list. Although, as I posted above, I am glad to see him making a few lists, as he's long had an undeserved reputation as a "bad" emperor. While researching him for my current series, The Artorian Dynasty, I kept scratching my head while thinking, "Okay, why exactly was he bad?" True, he was deeply flawed and never groomed to be Caesar, though the same can be said for Claudius, who makes almost every list of the best emperors.
@rest1tutor693
2 жыл бұрын
@@rockstar450 Justinian is arguably the most overrated Roman Emperor. He did a lot more bad than good for the Empire.
@FeppyWeppy
2 жыл бұрын
My list is 1. Augustus (obvious reasons) 2. Basil II (made the empire rich and strong) 3. Trajan (brought the empire to its height but he overextended it a tad bit) 4. Hadrian (he fixed all of trajans big problems) 5. Heraclius (restored the empires borders after succeeding phocas) 6. Constantine (meh Roman emperor great emperor for Byzantium) 7. Aurelian (restored the empire but the economy inflated even more preventing him from going up) 8. Domitian (the only emperor who controlled inflation) 9. Marcus Aurelius (came up to a challenge when he needed to) 10. John II (the best of the kommennian dynasty) 11. Antoninus pius (he had it easy but he did not fail at all) 12. Anastazius I (he helped gain the empire a massive surplus of money) 13. Justinian I (he gave the empire North Africa and made law more efficient but he was reckless) 14. Vespasian (he restabilized the empire and gave it money) 15. Diocletian (he had the empire become stable during his reign ending a massive crisis) 16. Alexios I (he started a period of restoration after a massive crisis) 17. Theodore I (he kept the empire alive after 1204) 18. Gallienus (he had to go through so much and he somehow managed to keep the empire alive while dealing with plague, countless usurpers,and countless invasions) 19. Maurice (I like home but he kinda caused the revolt that caused phocas to be emeperor) 20. Titus (Did not last enough time) 21. Claudius (he was overall pretty good) 22. Majorian (he almost had a miraculous restoration of the Western Roman Empire) 23. Probus (continued rebuilding the empire during the crisis of the third century) 24. Tiberius (he was like Domitian but worse 25. Michael VIII (he retook Constantinople from the Latin empire) 26. Gaius Julius Ceaser (lol) 11-25 are in no specific order
@sceplicur8817
2 жыл бұрын
Greatest emperor is tied between Hanorius and Caligula
@sceplicur8817
Жыл бұрын
@eclipsianflav128 what
@_ShaDynasty
Жыл бұрын
Marcus Aurelius was the greatest.
@Argo123_.0
Жыл бұрын
@@sceplicur8817 I am an andronikos I komnenos enjoyer. Go after me.
@sceplicur8817
Жыл бұрын
@@Argo123_.0 Nero and Hanorius we're better 🚬
@baileyfawcett2778
2 жыл бұрын
1. Diocletian 2. Augustus 3. Heraclius 4. Constantine I 5. Hadrian 6. Justinian 7. Trajan 8. Aurelian 9. Basil II 10. Marcus Aurelius 11. Anastasius I 12. Constantius III
@AngryHistorian87
2 жыл бұрын
An honorable mention: Domitian.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
would have rather seen domitian than tiberius tbh
@legionarybooks13
2 жыл бұрын
@@jessefisher1809 honestly, I think both are underrated.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
@@legionarybooks13 Fair!
@mizuha-chan4145
2 жыл бұрын
Domitian should be high up the Top 10 list, period.
@iDeathMaximuMII
2 жыл бұрын
@@mizuha-chan4145 He was the only Emperor to fully fix inflation
@DiviAugusti
2 жыл бұрын
God damn. Claudius ahead of Hadrian is a bold choice.
@alexanderthegreat4128
2 жыл бұрын
If Julius Caesar was not assassinated, he might have conquered Dacia, the Parthian empire, Germania, Britannia, Scotland, Iberia and even the northern lands of the empire, and he could be the first emperor of Rome. Caesar would likely made Octavion, his nephew as co-emperor in the east. Lastly, he himself could have established a proper succession code in for the empire to be firm against all odds.
@alexanderthegreat4128
2 жыл бұрын
Ireland instead if Iberia
@pelucrespins8562
Жыл бұрын
Most Iberia was already Roman at Julio César times man... Only Cantabria and Asturias resisted, the people from the North with the border with mountains. But the Mediterranean area and Andalusia was Roman from around 200B.C
@hirohito5399
2 жыл бұрын
1- Augustus 2- Constantine I 3- Trajan 4- Hadrian 5- Basile I or Basile II
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
Second century Emperors (Trajan to Didius Julianus): 1. Trajan (Led Rome at its apex, conquering Dacia, Armenia and Mesopotamia; was able to delegate power effectively; oversaw extensive building programs, implemented social welfare reforms) 2. Hadrian (Wisely ended Roman expansionism, consolidated Roman power over the provinces; he toured the whole Empire, and built many public buildings everywhere; had the best thought out succession plan, having Antoninus Pius and then Marcus Aurelius succeed him) 3. Marcus Aurelius (Great philosopher; kept the Empire strong and healthy in times of trouble, winning several defensive wars, and helping it through the Antonine Plague; an incredible administrator from the beginning of his reign, probably due to taking over Antoninus' duties in the former's later reign) 4. Antoninus Pius (More than 20 years of peace; great administrator, kept the treasury full, expanded welfare, improved speech rights) 5. Lucius Verus (A bit of a degenerate, but he won the war with Parthia, and Marcus Aurelius kept him in his place) 6. Pertinax (Tried to make many reforms, but angered the Praetorian Guard into killing him) 7. Didius Julianus (Doomed to fail, couldn't gain support, assassinated) 8. Commodus (Rode off of his father's successes to see a peaceful reign; but he became incredibly dictatorial and tyrannical, a huge degenerate, played Gladiators while the Palace officials and Praetorian Guard gained ever more powerful; ended the Pax Romana)
@legionarybooks13
2 жыл бұрын
Glad to see Tiberius getting some respect, as I've long felt he is terribly underrated. One of Rome's greatest generals and a competent administrator, I honestly think the stories of his supposed debaucheries on Capri were complete fabrications. While he did commit some horrific deeds, particularly during the time of Sejanus and his subsequent downfall, so too did Augustus. Tiberius' drawback was his personality, as he had none of the natural charisma of his predecessor. And while not in this video, looking through the comments I'm glad to see Domitian making a few lists, as he's long had an undeserved reputations as a "bad" emperor.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
He assasinated Germanicus tho…
@minimax9445
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 its the only wrong thing he did
@teresagramm188
Жыл бұрын
@@minimax9445 but letting sejanus take control of Rome alone would keep him out of the top ten for me
@Fhjull33
10 ай бұрын
His only critical failure is the choice of an heir. Repressions against senators or the lack of personal charisma essentially had little effect, but Caligula’s rise to power was a disaster. Although it is sad that after the death of Drusus the Younger and Germanicus there were simply no worthy candidates...
@iDeathMaximuMII
2 жыл бұрын
My personal list for the Top 20 1. Augustus (Founder) 2. Trajan (Optimus Princeps) 3. Constantine (The Great) 4. Aurelian (Restoration) 5. Marcus Aurelius (Philosopher) 6. Hadrian (Great Builder) 7. Justinian I (Partial Restoration) 8. Domitian (Incredible Administration) 9. Basil II (Bulgar Slayer) 10. Valentinian I (The Angriest Man alive) 11. Claudius (Conquerer of Britannia) 12. Heraclius (Defeated the Persian Army to reclaim all the lost territories of the East, unfortunately the Arabs came immediately after to ruin everything) 13. Anastasius I (Effective Administration) 14. Majorian (So close....) 15. Vespasian (Brought peace back to Rome) 16. Gallienus (He tried, he really did) 17. Diocletian (Affectively ended the 3rd Century Crisis) 18. Nikephorus II (Great General) 19. Alexios I (Amazing Diplomat) 20. Valerian (Good General, unfortunate end)
@iDeathMaximuMII
2 жыл бұрын
@OFARA He was essentially a badass. To quote a KZitemr I know, Constantine was the *Not Anymore Guy* he dismantled the Praetorian Guard after centuries of treachery against the Emperors, Relocated the Empire’s new capital to Byzantinum (New Rome as he called it) or Constantinople to be more simple, because Rome itself proved to be an easy Target to get to for enemies, rivals & was pretty unstable, full of degenerates looking to grab power whenever. Made Christianity a legal religion in Rome in 312. Effectively moving the Empire away from Paganism & towards Christianity, great General & ended the terrible civil wars that went on in the aftermath of Diocletian’s abdication. He is deserving of the title in all these accomplishments. He has possibly done even more that I haven’t been able to remember at the moment but just know that he is deserving of “The Great”
@bladdnun3016
Жыл бұрын
Valentinian: More like the angriest man dead, amirite?
@davidjp07
2 жыл бұрын
ROME had been been the most powerfull country in Europe. The European history was shaped by ROME starting from code of Law, Collosium, Gladiators, and at last the POPES ...DR DAVID JOSEPH
@paolopaolo731
2 жыл бұрын
as an Italian I can say that only the British can describe the Roman Empire at its best, the Raise and Fall of the roman empire by Gibbon is an example of that, a great empire can recognize another one
@forg4308
Жыл бұрын
No post-Theodosian emperors allowed. If there were, then Majorian would be somewhere on here, but Justinian certainly would not be. 1. Trajan 2. Augustus 3. Aurelian (interchangeable with 4) 4. Constantine 5. Hadrian 6. Marcus Aurelius 7. Claudius 8. Tiberius 9. Domitian 10. Vespasian (begrudgingly)
@Palaelogus
2 жыл бұрын
If we're talking pre-Byzantine the top ten are: 1. Diocletian 2. Augustus 3. Aurelian 4. Hadrian 5. Marcus Aurelius 6. Constantine 7. Trajan 8. Vespasian 9. Theodosius 10. Claudius 1 and 2 are real close, maybe a tie. Same with 4 and 5, there are pros and cons. 8-10 are considerably below the rest. If we're including the Byzantines then Justinian should be top 3 and probably Heraclius and Basil should be in there somewhere. The worst ones are the usurpers Maximinus Thrax and Phocas.
@robertthompson9574
2 жыл бұрын
If Pertinax wasn't murdered by the praetorian assholes he would've been a good Caesar.
@rotisseriesoup
Жыл бұрын
My list: (including the eastern empire) 10. Domitian One of the only emperors to ever fix the Roman economy and really good administration, only big issue is that the senate did not like and assassinated him. 9. Majorian and Gallienus Both are tied for me because in spite of the crises they faced in their time, not only did they push through and actually defied the odds, they actually had some semblance of fixing the problems of the Empire, sadly though, they got assassinated. 8. Diocletian Despite ending the crisis of the third century, I actually think he did one thing EXTREMELY wrong when it comes to longevity, the tetrarchy; It’s one of those ideas that sounded good on paper but as it goes with Roman politics, give anyone a glimpse that they could control something and they will use it to their advantage. But beyond that his reforms helped the Empire, though backfiring in the end because Rome just likes backhanding the efforts of good emperors with the incompetent and self indulging emperors after the successes of the ones before them. 7. Justinian The greatest Eastern Roman emperor, but undisputably one who drained all of the empire’s funds and resources. His successes and reforms helped the empire majorly, with eventually the reconquest of Italia and Roma in his name. He did some things wrong but the goods outweigh the wrongs a little bit. As for the plague, it was by circumstance and time, that and the 500s in general were the WORST years to live in with all the natural disasters happening at the same time. 6. Marcus Aurelius Success all around when it comes to military and reforms. Though his son, Commodus is pretty bad; He was a smart and great emperor all things considered. 5. Hadrian Hadrian had it easier than most, though I wouldn’t call an overstretch of an empire easy he took it, consolidated it and overall is one of the only emperors to rule over a peaceful Roma. Says a lot doesn’t it? 4. Trajan Though contributing to the overextension of the empire he was overall a great emperor and person. Someone who can disarm those who oppose him and someone who brought the empire to it’s greatest extent, though zenith of power was whenever Augustus was running around. 3. Antoninus Pius Odd to rank him over the likes of Trajan and Hadrian eh? But again like Hadrian he had it easy and ruled over a peaceful empire, with all the chaos surrounding the empire even back in his time it was surprising he ruled in peace. 2. Constantine the Great Ending the tetrarchy he ended what was one of the more chaotic times of the empire. He was a great emperor and overall did great things to strengthen a once dying empire, moving the capital to Constantinopole too because Roma was a little bit of a problem in contrast to the strategic location of Roma. 1. Aurelian and Augustus I rank them the same as they both are the greatest emperors in Roman history, I’ll split this into two sections because they are pretty contrasting. Augustus. Where do I start with the man who started the empire? The man who defied all odds and lived to his 70s despite the living standards back then and his underlying health problems. The man who killed the republic and started Pax Romana. The man who is the reason why so many of us exist today, Augustus us no doubt one the greatest emperor because of this, though having competition for first his successes, reforms and administration shaped what emperors AND kings would style themselves as for the next millennia. And now for Aurelian, Restitutor Orbis. The man who in spite of the greatest crisis the empire had faced in his time, took the throne and reconquered most of the Empire. The person who restored Rome and the world, conquering and killing off many of his foes. His reforms also made sure the Roman Empire even had a slither of survival for the next century; Had he lived any longer and he would’ve been a second Augustus, but what he did still constitutes him to be tied with Augustus for the greatest emperor in Roman history.
@Eazy-ERyder
2 жыл бұрын
I will NEVER understand how and why Constantine THE GREAT gets so UNfairly censured sometimes
@skeeterhoney
2 жыл бұрын
Well, his succession plan was a destablizing dumpster fire, he offed the best replacement (Crispus), he killed the Tetrarchy, etc.
@mikered1974
11 ай бұрын
@@skeeterhoney Buddy almost all roman succession are all shits & remember even in Principate there already Family Dynasty that the founder are great but the successors are disaster ( one of the list here Marcus Aurelius Successor Commodus the one Catalyst that ended the Pax Romana or the Roman Golden Age Era) but it not Stop historian to make Marcus Aurelius one the Good Emperor That Argument of yours is Fuckingly Stupid . That is the same Case of Constantine I in his Succssor he thought Tetrachy is Good but it did not Worked out because the Co-Augustus & Co-Ceasars are bunch of Strangers/Rivals that forced to like each other so Constantine I thought it maybe better if all his Successor are His Sons but it has 2 Flaw of that. 1.) He executed his eldest son ( Crispus ) & the most Competent Successor both in Administration & Military Leaderships among his Successor . 2.) When Constantine I finally succumbed & succeeded by his 3 surviving sons they too young too rule yer the empire not helping also the difference in religious faith of both brothers (Constantine II is a arian christian) while his brother (Constantius II is a semi -arian christian) then there youngest brother ( Constans is a nicene christian). Also i don't consider deduction for Constantine I Greatness his patronage of Christianity because it was also practice of other Roman Emperor just look the Severan Dynasty & Aurelian Attempt too make the Semi-Monotheist Religion of Sol Invictus the Official Religion of the Roman Empire( which interestingly what was called Sol Invictus is based in Elagabalus cult which is popular in Syria & originally called in Syrian Arabized " ilah al-jabal " or God of the Mountain which is bring with the Jewish God( Yahweh ) in its other name which is (El shaddai) which means the "God of the Mountain" SEE THE CONNECTION .
@skeeterhoney
11 ай бұрын
@@mikered1974 I had previously posted an unflattering comment on Marcus Aurelius as well, so referring to him in your counter-argument isn't particularly effective. I'm well aware of the Arian v Nicean rift in the house of Constantine, which I see as even further proof of the poor succession plan of Constantine, so again, not sure what the point is. Also well aware of the monotheist trend that ran through Aurelian, and that it was power following culture up to and through Constantine, which (given the trend) makes baking a schism into succession iven more silly. I was wondering why there was such venom in your reply to me to begin with, but then I remembered that these were KZitem comments, so they are "fuckingly stupid" as a baseline to begin with. I shared my opinion--as is what the channel creator wants to feed the algorithm--and was reminded why it's so often not worth supporting creators with this kind of engagement. So, to put this in appropriate KZitem comment form, respectfully...go fuck yourself.
@Fhjull33
10 ай бұрын
1. He is often assessed only for his role in Christianization (ignoring his brilliant military talent and administrative achievements, etc.). 2. He was a rather nasty person. Hypocritical, treacherous, cruel. He killed his wife and his son, constantly lied, often killed people to whom he had previously promised mercy. However, I don’t think that a different type of person could have won the civil wars of the tetrarchy.
@mikered1974
10 ай бұрын
@@Fhjull33 about #2 about his wife & son there is speculation that Fausta & Crispus had affair Constantine I being a ego person acted in impulse or maybe order while under the influence of alcohol the death of his son Crispus, but he later rescided the order but it was too late he deeply regretted what happen to his son even his mother empress Helena chastise & never forgiven Constantine & Fausta in the death of his grandson to Constantine for murdering his son & Fausta for the main reason of the tragedy of the family im not suprise that later Fausta is put too death both Constantine I & empress Helene has deep grudge against her in what happened too Crispus . i think this incident push Constantine I towards Christianity fully because when he ask pagans for spiritual salvation they rejected him because pagans consider the act of Constantine I towards his eldest Son as unforgivable act only Christianity do ie: Arian Christians accepted & absorb his Sin thats why 2 of his 3 surviving Christian sons are Arian Christian and he choose too be baptise by Arian Bishop ie: Eusebius of Nicomedia.
@gregbader3041
2 жыл бұрын
There is a great novel about Octavian, called “Augustus.” Fiction based on lots of facts. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Just get it and read it, so I won’t have to explain the unusual way in which it’s written.
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a great suggestion. Thanks Greg! amzn.to/3yXB5VP
@peterthesneakybastar
Жыл бұрын
Personally, I’ve always been more impressed generally with Eastern Roman emperors considering they had far less resources and a lot more enemies. For example, when the empire was on its last legs Constantine took over and ended all conflicts, and made so many changes and reforms to the empire that he bought the west another 150 years and the East an additional 1000+ years. Justinian fought more enemies and conquered more land than any other emperor despite having much less resources to do so. He conquered parts of France, Spain, Italy, the Balkans, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Crimea; defeating Sassanids, Vandals, Franks, Crimeans, Goths, Visigoths, Moors, etc. making him the most powerful man Medieval Europe ever saw. Basil II is the only Roman Emperor to singlehandedly double the size of the empire. Similarly to Constantine, he inherited a dying empire that was being chipped away from all sides. Somehow he managed to defeat all its foes and completely reformed & enriched the empire marking a great resurgence and third golden age for the Romans. He’s also the only emperor whose reign was longer than Augustus’s.
@Argo123_.0
Жыл бұрын
Basil ii didn’t inherit a dying empire. It was already on a resurgence thanks to the Macedonian dynasty
@kronoscamron7412
2 жыл бұрын
1.Marcus Aurelius 2.Marcus Aurelius 3.Marcus Aurelius 4.Marcus Aurelius 5.Marcus Aurelius 6.Marcus Aurelius 7.Marcus Aurelius 8.Marcus Aurelius 9.Marcus Aurelius 10.last but not least... Marcus Aurelius
@kronoscamron7412
2 жыл бұрын
No joke there, Marcus Aurelius is the only good one, because the rest pale in comparison, the guy was the embodiment of greatness, he was very selfless he lived by what he preached, held himself to a very high standard of being, something close to divine, he was the embodiment of stoicism. its very rare that a human would be able to become that great, selfless, not seeking wealth, fame or pride or power. its a mystery that a human be able to falter in seeking an ethical and high moral standard.
@rodneybarton-hall3867
2 жыл бұрын
What a wonderful topic to throw into the debating hall! I have to admit that I rate Augustus as not only the greatest Roman emperor but, with his relentless diligence, vision and statesmanship, the greatest autocratic ruler in history.
@Argo123_.0
Жыл бұрын
My top 20 1:Augustus (genius administrator and he has great prudence) 2:Trajan (great civil and military ruler; Rome was in her zenith) 3:Aurelian (no empire for Diocletian to save) 4:Diocletian (brought a new age of stability in relative terms) 5:Constantine (great military leader and made Byzantium the capital) 6:Basil II (great administrator and military leader) 7:John II komnenos (an emperor with no faults) 8:Alexios komnenos (savior of the empire nearing death) 9:Gallienus (a man who push through even in the darkest times) 10: Heraclius (more successful than gallienus, but he still oversaw Rome’s transformation into a local power) 11:Marcus Aurelius (great man, great ruler) 12:Majorian (similar to Aurelian but got assassinated) 13:Anastasius (Antoninus 2.0 but ruled in a more precarious time) 14:Hadrian (great ruler) 15:Antoninus pius (great ruler) 16: Justinian (great ruler, but reckless) 17:Constantine V(great ruler and administrator) 18:Maurice (great ruler, but lacks tact) 19:Claudius (great ruler) 20: Domitian (great ruler) Honorable mentions Tiberius (good ruler and general, but got weird and obscène later in his reign) Leo I (good ruler, able to root out the dangerous trend of Germanic influences in his court) Valentinian I (good military and administrative ruler) Constans II stabilized the empire during its worst century) Constantine IV and Leo III (great rulers and the “charles martel 2.0 and 3.0 of Europe”) John III vatatzes (similar to John II) Nikephoros phokas and John tzimiskes (great military generals) Theodore (similar to alexios) Basil I (started one of the best Roman dynasties and a good ruler in his own right) Manuel II (he really tried) Manuel I (pretty good but made some mistakes)
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
No Antoninus Pius??? Blasphemy.
@lewistaylor2858
2 жыл бұрын
I agree. "innocent until proven guilty" comes from his reign. That alone puts him in the top 10.
@amirkhonyusupov7718
2 жыл бұрын
Probably he would be 11
@dougs79273
2 жыл бұрын
He just kicked the can down the road and left Marcus with a big pile of work. He is top 15 though.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
He largely ignored and bribed the marcommic threat leading it to become a huge problem for Marcus Aurelius.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 That is certainly a common perspective.
@orthodox77
2 жыл бұрын
Constantine should be much higher in the list, he completely reshaped the empire. He really can be compared in greatness only with Augustus who laid the foundations of the Roman state for centuries to come. There was also an interesting point about Domitian being in the top10 as he is the only Roman emperor who successfully fight with the inflation and strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage. You also have to admit that his image was surely posthumously denigrated. My list would be 1-2. Augustus and Constantine ex aequo 3. Trajan 4. Tiberius 5. Hadrian 6. Diocletian 7. Aurelian 8. Marcus Aurelius 9. Claudius 10-11. Valentinian I and Domitian ex aequo
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Great points!
@Eazy-ERyder
2 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU
@Ken_Scaletta
2 жыл бұрын
Constantine destroyed Roman culture and inflicted the worst religious cult in history onto the world. People are still suffering now because of his cult.
@halleck3
2 жыл бұрын
Good list. Not sure why you left Diocletian out though; he should definitely be top ten. I like Claudius, but you could bump him.
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Good call!
@boomerreb4997
2 жыл бұрын
I can't disagree at all, and really appreciate the inclusion of Tiberius. He had a sad family life and a particularly treacherous aide (Sejanus) and as a result trouble with much of the Senate. But not getting along with the puffed up nobles pales in comparison to the astounding job he did of running the empire. He kept the principate going, which was not at all a certainty after the death of Augustus.
@Fhjull33
10 ай бұрын
I would add that what is often forgotten is the amazing work he did as a general and military administrator under Augustus. The Great Illyrian Uprising was one of the most difficult wars of Rome, and the fact that the same thing that later happened to Varus in Germany did not happen in Panonia and Dalmatia is the merit of Tiberius.
@LightYagami-rz6su
Жыл бұрын
Marcus Aurelius is forever the top tier. Battle the plague, war, income inequality, etc. He was a man of his philosophy and did it. His "Meditation Book". Was actually his personal journal that he carried with him. It was never meant for the publics eyes. No one in history could relate to that.
@kma6881
2 жыл бұрын
I put Trajan above Augustus because 1) he had better succession “plan” and 2) Augustus did a lot of horrible things when he came to power. Just ask Cicero. There are disputes about how Hadrian became Trajan’s successor, though.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
didnt trajan not announce his succession until his death bed?
@kma6881
2 жыл бұрын
@@jessefisher1809 some sources say his wife forged the documents announcing his successor. It’s tough to know the truth.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
@@kma6881 Right. So either way, it was not a plan that was set down before it became immediately necessary. Thats what I understand anyway. Do you see it differently?
@kma6881
2 жыл бұрын
@@jessefisher1809 I, honestly, don’t know. The sources are conflicting. Some hint that Hadrian was being groomed and others state that Trajan had number potential successors. It does, however, seem that Trajan had something in the works (Hadrian’s marriage, governorship, etc.). I don’t see it as a random, off-the-cuff, decision. I’m not entirely sure, so I put plan in quotes. Ultimately, the result likely couldn’t have turned out better, for Rome. It seems that succession was always a problem for Augustus, though.
@jessefisher1809
2 жыл бұрын
@@kma6881 I see. Well its true that Trajans successor was a lot better than Augustus' in the end.
@flaviusaetius8042
Жыл бұрын
1. Augustus 2. Trajan 3. Vespasian 4. Marcus Aurelius 5. Hadrian 6. Aurelian 7. Antoninus Pius 8. Diocletian 9. Constantine 10. Majorian 11. Claudius 12. Titus 13. Septimius Severus 14. Justinian 15. Heraclius 16. Gallienus 17. Probus 18. Theodosius I. 19. Nerva 20. Claudius Gothicus
@Smudgeroon74
2 жыл бұрын
Don't forget Emperor Titus. He destroyed the temple in Jerusalem in 70AD as an insult to the J*ews for attacking the Roman Empire, and renamed the area which was the northern Kingdom of Israel and Judah(where Jerusalem was and all the religious activity was based), he renamed the entire area Palestine. So for those who say there was no Palestine, there was, and it's been there for 2,000 years.
@alexanderthegreat4128
2 жыл бұрын
I feel bad for Germanicus, the grand nephew of Tiberius. Tiberius should have chosen Germanicus instead of Caligula as his heir. He was one of the best emperors the Roman empire never had; Caligula might have never been insane, if his father guided him.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
Augustus made Tiberius pick Germanicus as his heir. But Tiberius grew jealous of the popular Germanicus and likely assasinated him. Tiberius also executed Germanicus’ wife Agripinna the elder because she accused him of assasinating Germanicus. Caligula grew up with no father or mother because of Tiberius.
@iDeathMaximuMII
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 Yeah, when Germanicus died in October 19AD, Caligula was only 7 years old & when Tiberius or more so his Praetorian Prefect had most of the family exiled/murdered after Agrippina the Elder's confrontation with Tiberius, young Gaius (his actual name) had no one but the moody Tiberius to guide him. Germanicus could've whipped his son inside shape & maybe Caligula wouldn't have been Assassinated by his own Bodyguards (which began the long trend of Praetorian Guard's murdering their Emperors that they were specifically created for to protect)
@solaurelian7638
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 It was probably Tiberius' mother Livia that orchestrated that as Tiberius never really wanted the purple to begin with.
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
Caligula was option #5, after Germanicus, Drusus, Nero Julius, and Drusus Caesar.
@hongchang9370
2 жыл бұрын
Any one with a name Trajan, has got to be a great leader.
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
Enter Trajan Decius...
@ghostofaforgottenweedle
Жыл бұрын
My favorite is Hadrian. I had a school project for my finals about him and kinda grew to like him since then. Learned very much about him.
@Heiligesbrot1
6 ай бұрын
I don’t know why people overlook Vespasian he put the empire together after the shitshow that was left behind by Nero. Was a great general and even better politician, he was not corrupt in a time where corruption was the norm and paved the way for the good emperor’s after him. Top 5 at least for me
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
Third century Emperors (Septimius Severus to Carinus) 1. Aurelian (Restored army discipline, tried to fix the broken economy, improved defenses, defeated several barbarians, crushed the Palmyrenes and Gauls to restore Rome) 2. Gallienus (Defeated many barbarians, and after his father was captured, defeated several usurpers, reformed the army, religiously tolerant, vigorously promoted cultural revival) 3. Septimius Severus (Excellent general: won the civil war, defeated the Parthians and expanded Roman frontiers in Africa and Arabia, put the Praetorians in their place, stamped out corruption; started the over-militarization of Rome, severely debased the denarius) 4. Probus (Excellent general, maintained harmonius govt relations, defeated many barbarians) 5. Claudius Gothicus (Destroyed the Gothic invasion, defeated the Alemmani; died too soon) 6. Severus Alexander (Rebalanced the economy somewhat, restored Roman virtue unlike his predecessor, religiously tolerant; bad general, dependent on his mother) 7. Carus (Defeated the Sassanids and some barbarians; struck by lightning less than a year in his reign) 8. Philippus (Maintained power for SIX years, kept reasonable peace; killed by treacherous rebels) 9. Tacitus (Defeated some barbarians; got sick and died) 10. Valerian (Maintained Roman virtue, fought the Persians; captured by said Persians) 11. Macrinus (Good diplomacy, tried to fix the economy; overthrown by the still living Severans) 12. Gordian III (Almost won the Persian war; a puppet ruler, puppetmaster died suspiciously before dying in battle) 13. Numerian (Did basically nothing; got sick/was poisoned) 14. Florianus (Failed to be recognized by the army, got killed by his troops during a civil war with Probus) 15. Quintillus (Did basically nothing, stood no chance against Aurelian) 16. Aemilianus (Decided to usurp rather than continue fighting the Goths, destroyed by Valerian after a few months) 17. Gordian II (Defeated and killed by Maximinus' loyalist because he had no real army) 18. Gordian I (Forced at swordpoint to rebel, couldn't even command his troops, committed suicide) 19. Decius (Decent politician, killed by the Goths, persecuted the Christians) 20. Carinus (Got too thirsty for his own good, after he was beat by Diocletian) 21 & 22. Pupienus & Balbinus (Couldn't trust each other when their lives depended on it, generally incapable rulers, killed by the Praetorians) 23. Trebonianus Gallus (Severely debased the currency, failed to respond to barbarian attacks) 24. Maximinus Thrax (Antagonized civil authority in favor of military despotism, unbalanced the economy, opened up the possibility of Emperorship to literally everyone) 25. Geta (Tyrannical and mistrustful of his brother, lasted too short to cause damage) 26. Caracalla (Gave citizenship to all free men; Tyrannical and mistrustful of his brother, killed him, did whatever he wanted, overpatronized the army, terrible diplomat) 27. Elagabalus (Unwilling and incompetent child puppet, Syrian religious fanatic, oversaw continued stagnation of Roman military discipline and the economy in general)
@Thorvir
Жыл бұрын
As someone carrying the names of 2 roman emperors ,im happy to see them both on the list ,i believe that Tiberius's reputation is mainly due to bad PR , his debaucharies were most likely invented by people who werent even his contemporaries
@barrybarlowe5640
8 ай бұрын
Interesting that Tiberius, a good empower was followed by Caligula, a baddie, the came Claudius, followed by Nero, another baddie.
@Universal..
2 жыл бұрын
The Illyrians (🇦🇱) contributed a lot to the Roman/Byzantine Empire 🦅 (Fearsome Warriors). Here is the list of Roman Emperors 🤴 of Illyrian origin (🇦🇱): - Justinian I - Justin I - Anastasius I - Marcianus - Valentinian II - Gratian - Valens - Valentinian I - Jovian - Constantius II - Constantine the Great - Maximianus "Herculius - Diocletian - Probus - Aurelian - Quintillus - Claudius II "Gothicus - Hostilianus - Decius Source: The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire: From the First Century A.D. to the Third by Edward N. Luttwak, page 178, "high-grade cavalry (equites Illyriciani)" This region was late Romanized. It was famous for its excellent soldiers, frustrated but courageous. In Illyria (in the geographical sense) was indeed the most powerful of the Roman armies, in charge of watching over the Danube (nearly 12 legions, that is to say 130 000 men) .
@connorgolden4
2 жыл бұрын
Majorian was also of Illyrian stock iirc.
@FeppyWeppy
2 жыл бұрын
This guy is a bot
@classiclife7204
Жыл бұрын
Good list. I'm one of those Rome fans who feels any Emperors after Marcus needs to seriously justify their existences on a Top 10, and your choices fit the bill; in fact, I would add one more: Diocletian, swapping Vespasian out for him. Delighted to see Tiberius on here; he deserves it. I think you rate Marcus a bit too high; it was because of his fondness for his son that the Empire began its downward spiral. I would rate 1 and 2 as the Romans did: Augustus and Trajan. Gus as #1 is the correct choice, btw, despite the Teens of KZitem being tired of him. He invented most of it, after all.
@Eazy-ERyder
2 жыл бұрын
Constantine THE GREAT was given that name ( and the most powerful CITY in the world for centuries) for a REASON
@cataclysm1862
2 жыл бұрын
My top 10 from Augustus to Theodosius (before the official split): 1: Augustus (Long and excellent rule, expanded and rebuilt a crumbling republic) 2: Hadrian (embodies the later Roman empire of consolidation, defense and buildings) 3: Trajan (embodies the early Roman empire of expansion, dominance, quelling rebellions+defeated Persia, Optimus Princeps) 4: Marcus Aurelian (restored the Roman empire in 5 years, probably would have been higher if he had lived longer) 5: Tiberius (surprisingly good ruler despite not being Augustus' top choice, efficient administration and a little tyrannical. BUT WHY DID YOU PICK CALIGULA) 6: Marcus Aurelius (dealt with the Antoine Plague and Persian invasion, did not give in to powerlust and co-ruled with verus plus philosopher) 7: Domitian (Was nice to the people except the Senate, was an excellent ruler despite coming to power expectedly after Titus' early death, THE ONLY EMPEROR THAT FIXED THE COINAGE INFLATION PROBLEMS) 8: Vespasian (Brought stability to the Empire after the the Year of the 4 emperors, saved Rome from potentially an early collapse, taught his children, Titus and Domitian to be amazing rulers) 9: Constantine I (Kind of overrated due to Christianity. Had lots of good moves like moving the capital to Constantinople, laws and prestige of Rome. However, he was powerlust, weakened the late Roman empire with civil wars and terrible succession system) 10: Claudius (Built lots of things, conquered Britain, setup good bureaucracy, too bad for his choice of succession) Honorable mentions: - Diocletian (Ended the crisis of the third century, made lots of needed reforms after a long period of none. Most of them were good ideas but hard to enforce like the tetrarchy, military reforms, provincial reforms. Some bad things like coinage reforms causing inflation, telling people that emperors were chosen by the gods leading to the future rise of Monarchies and class distinctions in Europe. Basically, most of his reforms fell away quickly after he abdicated from power. He definitely tried to solve every issue though, I wonder how his reforms would have went if it happened during a more stable period) - Gallienus (was a good ruler but wasn't good enough for the crisis of the third century. SO MANY USURPERS) - Antoninus Pius (played the game on easy mode after Hadrian and Trajan, probably the best time to live in the Roman era with stability everywhere. He was the only emperor at that time that ruled longer than Augustus. He should have drilled his troops more) - Titus (Was very caring of the people, dealt with mount Vesuvius eruption very well, sacked Jerusalem, opened the coliseum. I truly believe he would have been a top 5 emperor if he had ruled for more than 2 years together with his brother, Domitian)
@nicmagtaan1132
2 жыл бұрын
as for #5 the other candidates are either dead or murdered, or acting dumb (claudius)
@dougs79273
2 жыл бұрын
Very good list - I think the best of all the comments or the video.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
He was forced by Augustus into making Germanicus his heir. Caligula was Germanicus’ son.
@Eazy-ERyder
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely TERRIBLE COMMENT. You, Cataclysm, are DEAD WRONG about Constantine (THE GREAT - get his name right). He expanded the longevity of the Entire Empire itself for nearly 2 centuries MORE, thanks to the creation of his own city and world capital that stood over 1000 YEARS
@daft_j
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 What I found out were how Tiberius’s son and grandson also passed away. There’s been talk about Drusus the Younger (Tiberius’s son) was poisoned by Sejanus. Caligula also either murdered Tiberius Gemellus (Tiberius’s grandson) or forced him to off himself
@AtheistAndMythology
2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful and informative video! Thank you!
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@milkmonster2310
10 ай бұрын
Aurelian at number 7? You must be drinking bad posca. Without him the Roman Empire would have died in the 200s.
@stevejones2052
2 жыл бұрын
How do you leave out Elagabalus???????
@FeppyWeppy
2 жыл бұрын
And Caligula
@coimbralaw
Жыл бұрын
How is emperor Marcus Aurelius not number one??
@enisredzepagic8823
10 ай бұрын
Diocletian not incorporated in the list? Wow.
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
First century Emperors: (Augustus to Nerva) 1. Augustus (founded the Empire, oversaw expansion to Asia, Egypt, Pannonia and Hispania, brilliant politician and administrator) 2. Domitian (top notch administrator, fixed inflation, improved the defenses) 3. Claudius (oversaw plenty of construction, solid administrator, expanded the empire into Mauretania and Britain) 4. Vespasian (Brought stability to Rome after a civil war, oversaw construction projects like the Colosseum) 5. Tiberius (While a jerk, he was a capable ruler and avoided wasting money; consolidated territory rather than expanding it; however his changes to the Praetorian Guard would result in countless assassinations) 6. Titus (defeated the Jewish Revolt, constructed buildings, helped relieve Rome after a fire, and Pompeiians after the eruption; however he died so soon) 7. Nerva (oversaw stagnation, but he picked Trajan) 8. Nero (actually decent in his early reign: contributed to culture and trade, chose diplomacy first, rebuilt Rome after the fire, was popular with the people; but he persecuted the Christians, wasn't really capable, and his death caused a brutal civil war) 9. Otho (not good, but killed himself rather than prolong a civil war) 10. Galba (unenergetic and tyrannical) 11. Vitellius (Incapable doofus, so weak he couldn't abdicate) 12. Caligula (degenerate fool who nearly bankrupted the Empire, tyrannical and used heavy corruption just to not die)
@lukapavlovic1066
2 жыл бұрын
My list is ---- 1. Trajan 2. Diocletian 3. Aurelian 4. Augustus 5. Marcus Aurelius 6. Antoninus Pius ( true Pax Romana) 7. Hadrian 8. Constantin 9. Justinian 10. Vespazian
@muslimcrusader3085
2 жыл бұрын
How the hell can you put aurelianus at #7? He's easily the greatest roman emperor of all time, and the only bad thing he did was die too early.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
The problem is that he died to early so we couldn’t see his full potential and accomplishments. I agree he should be higher than 7 but Augustus, Trajan, and Constantine all accomplished more during there reigns.
@muslimcrusader3085
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 Aurelianus single handedly ended the crisis of the third century, which was the worst thing to happen to rome until the fall of the west, and unified the crumbling empire which was split into three by secessionists. He was truly the only emperor that was luckier that Augustus and better that trajan.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
He would be number one if he lasted longer. He did accomplish a lot in just 5 years but overall Augustus, Trajan, and Constantine accomplished more.
@muslimcrusader3085
2 жыл бұрын
@@jacksonidonthaveone7753 I disagree. Aurelian singhadedly ended the crisis of the third century and saved the roman empire which had been split into three by sepratists. Trajan and Augustus are important but Aurelian was greater.
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
1. Aurelian didn’t single handedly end the crisis. While certainly the main contributor, the crisis would have gone on forever if it wasn’t for Diocletian. 2. Without Augustus, Rome would collapsed in the first century Bce. The fall of the republic is largely comparible to the crisis of the third century and Augustus single handedly ended that. An under looked fact about Augustus’ reign
@mdb1239
2 жыл бұрын
My list based on nothing is Augustus, Constantine, Justinian, Hadrian, Trajan.
@daniellinanmolina1044
2 жыл бұрын
idk bout this list dawg, diocletian deserves a mention, tiberius and claudius way too high, trajan is almost unanimously number 2, aurelian a bit too low, and maybe you could have considered to mention some succesful generals (say stilicho, aetius or majorian)
@josemanuelvarelapuig5064
2 жыл бұрын
aurelian the restitur orbis a bit too low? i would put him 3 behind trajan
@daniellinanmolina1044
2 жыл бұрын
@@josemanuelvarelapuig5064 yeah, its either him or hadrian for the top 3
@BritishRepublicsn
2 жыл бұрын
Generals aren’t emperors
@jacksonidonthaveone7753
2 жыл бұрын
In the crisis of the third century, they are.
@frankmaeder4358
2 жыл бұрын
The trajan column: "a testimony to his faith even two centuries after his death..." wrong! even almost two MILLENIALS after his death
@LorolinAstori
10 ай бұрын
Augustus remains the sole holder of the first rank of political genius.
@twanschrover3
2 жыл бұрын
Lets be honest the top 7/8 should be the same names, just in different orders for people.
@SHB2000-p
Жыл бұрын
"felicior Augustus, Melior Triano"
@Fhjull33
10 ай бұрын
great list. I would remove Justinian as Eastern Roman Emperor and Claudius (he was between mediocre and good emperor, but overrated in popular culture thanks to Graves), changing them, for example, to Constantius II and Valentinian I. But I would have all the other people on the list.
@leorocko2843
2 жыл бұрын
Please do a separate video on Augustus.
@carausiuscaesar5672
2 жыл бұрын
Where would Elagabus rank?
@rawheadrex1972
2 жыл бұрын
In the insane asylum? First.
@Quality982
4 ай бұрын
it was a respectable list until you put Marcus aurelius above Trajan
@radupislaru8337
2 жыл бұрын
I found this to be weirdest list of emperors... I really don't get your reasoning behind it. You never gave a personal reason behind this. I don't get it. I've been a tour guide in Rome for 12 years and my question to you is: how can you leave out Antonino from the list?!
@DiegoNogue
2 жыл бұрын
Perhaps one of the greatest rulers of mankind. A "Monster of virtue", as Marcus Aurelius called him...
@v.g.r.l.4072
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent, very enjoyable. I hope to see more of this channel.
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
More to come!
@brumbar8485
Жыл бұрын
10.Тиберий 09.Адриан 08.Веспасиан 07.Константин Великий 06.Диоклетиан 05.Траян 04 Марк Аврелий 03.Октавиан Август 02.Аврелиан 01.Септимий Север
@MultiEvil85
2 жыл бұрын
Diocletian too
@sidhumoosewalalegacy2052
2 жыл бұрын
This channel is criminally underrated
@classicmasterworks
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@sidhumoosewalalegacy2052
2 жыл бұрын
@@classicmasterworks yes found your channel just a few hours ago and im binging on your videos. appreciate the effort put into them 👏👏
@user-ql3lf4jt6q
Жыл бұрын
i love this video ❗️❤
@classicmasterworks
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@alicekarimi6168
2 жыл бұрын
Costatine may your soul rest well till we meet in heaven,hope you're there bro.
@evemiam
Жыл бұрын
Traianus (Trajan) was born in a Turdetanian noble family. Turdetanians were an Iberian people, from the Baetica, and by that time, very romanized (in fact, with Latin/Roman citizeship). He's considered as Turdetanian originary. In fact, after Dion Casio and Herodiano, he was an alloethnes (a man of another race) and an externus (a foreginer). And that's the difference with Claudius, since the last was born out of Rome/ Italy "by accident" (so to say), but he was absolutely from a Roman noble family (the Julio-Claudian dinasty), while Traianus was absolutley non-Italic/Roman originary, and that's why he's considered the first "non-Roman" Roman emperor, if that makes sense. However, back then all the Baetica had the Latin citizenship, and many cities had even the Roman citizenship, which had nothing to do with anything. *His family was of ancient Romanized Turdetana lineage, descendant of the Trahil, belonging to the indigenous elites. The father was a Trahius, who could've been later adopted by his father-in-law, an 'Ulpius, but this is openly disputed and there's no strong evidence for it.* So, to say, he didn't have any Ulpii influences in him but this is commonly known by now. Anyways the Iberian people Trajan comes from and his native Iberian lineage is highly underrated.
@matkocubelic7438
2 жыл бұрын
No Diocletian ?
@Nikephorus
2 жыл бұрын
While he definitely brought stability to the Empire for a time ultimately all his policies failed once his guiding hand was no longer there to enforce them.
@matkocubelic7438
2 жыл бұрын
@@Nikephorus well some of his policies failed but some of major once were fully implemented and suscessful like inhanced tax colection efficiency which allowed that roman army to be nearly dubled in size whithout much of a stress for state threasury. He implemented tons of new laws which where at power even throughout byzantine empire. Also he established the base for feudalism on which all of europe were based in middle ages. He suscessfuly defended borders against barbarians and even was victorius against parthians in the campaign. Aurelian saved the empire by the sword but Diocetian saved it by quill and paper. The guy managed to remain 20 years in office and even willingly abdicate while his predecessors were killed in few months or years afther they took the throne. He ended the crisis of the third century which lasted 50 years and that has nearly destroyed the empire. When we are talking about if some emperor was good or bad, we must evaluate in which shape was the empire when some emperor took the throne and in which shape the empire was when he left it. Emperors like Tiberius and Marcus Aurelius all inhereted stable empire with threasury full of gold and army at top strenght. Their only job was to keep the empire in thate state. So at the end I found this list a bit of ridiculous.
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
Edict on Maximum Prices was terrible for the economy, creating a large black market. His restrictions of plebeian rights would eventually create the medieval peasantry. And taxes rose considerably to support a vastly increased bureaucracy. And the merit-based tetrarchy fell apart as soon as he left. Diocletianus was a very good Emperor, but these show he wasn't as great as people paint him.
@PayC-no4qj
2 жыл бұрын
Man really put Tiberius before Constantine, Aurelian and Justinian?
@alcabellog
2 жыл бұрын
Felicior Augusto, melior Traiano
@pukalo
2 жыл бұрын
Domitian is pretty underrated imo
@user-vz8ik2jm7o
2 жыл бұрын
Tiberius?!
@Nikephorus
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed. He had the advantage of ruling over the Empire after Augustus had established everything for him. He is well known to have done almost nothing. He exiled himself to his island of Capri to let others rule for him.
@rockstar450
2 жыл бұрын
Tiberius is a top 20, not top 10. He was a good administrator but avoided innovation. Diocletian wants to know your location
@user-vz8ik2jm7o
2 жыл бұрын
@@Nikephorus thanks
@user-vz8ik2jm7o
2 жыл бұрын
@@rockstar450 thanks
@tomnewyorker3749
2 жыл бұрын
The ascending and descending music is horrible. What makes the makers think that dramatic music, which has nothing to do woth the scene on screen, will be attractive to viewers? I would say lack of common sense.
@michaeldriskell2038
5 ай бұрын
An " honorable mention " should be Constantine XI ,who led the valiant defense in the fall of Constantinople and the FINAL end of the Roman Empire. He'd made all listed here proud !!
@Freedom2111
4 ай бұрын
I agree with 8 of the 10 choices, but I would add Basil II and Antoninus Pius, and change the order. Trajan would be #1 and Aurelian #2 on my list. I would not have Augustus so high - he made some decisions that were unwise: marriage to Livia, who was 6 months pregnant, and so brought the Claudians into the dynasty; his unforgiving and cruel treatment of his daughter Julia and his grand-daughter; and forcing Tiberius to divorce the wife he dearly loved to marry Julia. Augustus was not a good military commander and was lucky to have Agrippa and later Nero Drusus and Tiberius to fight his battles.
@aadityapratap007
Жыл бұрын
Aurelian should have a month after his name.
@patrickregan3302
2 жыл бұрын
Glad to c Marcus in the forefront there!
@mariapopa1890
2 жыл бұрын
As a Romanian, I'm happy to see Trajan here
@darkllama123456789
2 жыл бұрын
We just gonna pretended that Majorian wasn't an S tier emperor
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
An Almost S tier. But alas, the Roman elites despised him, and destroyed the Emperor's grand armada when Gaiseric bribed them. And Ricimer was a parasite.
@riccardoalcaro8483
2 жыл бұрын
What’s the criterion here? The most successful militarily? The one whose actions have been most consequential? The one who pursued a balanced government? Or the wisest? It really depends. If consequential government is the criterion, then Augustus, Aurelian, Constantine and Justinian as well as Heraclius (610-641 AD) are hardly beatable, but the most interesting characters ever to rule the empire we’re probably Hadrian and most of all Julian
@aaronTGP_3756
Жыл бұрын
@OFARA If it was popularity, Nero would be #1.
@christopheraliaga-kelly6254
2 жыл бұрын
I always compare Vespasian with the US president Truman. Two men of humble birth who rose to the Top through their skills and had a salty, self-deprecating sense of humour. He also left us the best "Last Words" ever: Oh Dear! I'm Becoming a God!
@ANANDKUMAR-qy2kb
2 жыл бұрын
Good narration.tq
@finniantreherne
2 жыл бұрын
Claudius, it is very important to mention that the main reason he was a successful emperor was thanks to his freedmen Callistus, Narcissus and Pallas, who were the actual men in power and set up the bureaucracy themselves, which lead to a very effective and centralised government. Claudius was actually extremely weak and foolish, as he later was completely manipulated by his third wife Messalina and later by his forth wife Agrippina, the mother of Nero
@robertthompson9574
2 жыл бұрын
He also liked to watch people poisoned to death. He had women he employed called Locusta who would make the poisons. Most of the victims were slaves. Nero and his mom got a hold of her & guess how Claudius died.
@finniantreherne
2 жыл бұрын
@@robertthompson9574 thanks for the info, didn't know he employed the slave who eventually poisoned him
@robertthompson9574
2 жыл бұрын
No, Locusta wasn't a slave. She was a "employee" of Claudius court.
@emcoulter4459
Жыл бұрын
Bit of a shame Tiber Septim wasn’t given an honorable mention here.
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