Trajan Emperors

Through the history of the Roman Empire, there had been many emperors, some known for their greatness and success, others known for their insanity and debauchery. As Augustus never established rules as to dynastic succession, the many emperors varied in personalities, backgrounds, and abilities. Some emperors were known as “good emperors” and many other known only for their madness and cruelty. I would rank Augustus, Hadrian, and Trajan as the best emperors and Caligula, Nero, and Domitian as the worst emperors of Rome. Augustus would be among the best Roman emperors, if not the best. Under his rule, he turned Rome a great empire. Prior to his ascension as emperor in 27, the Roman Republic had been plagued by civil wars and other problems …show more content…
Emperor Trajan, who ruled from 98 to until his death in 117, was the first emperor of provincial origin. Trajan was listed among one of the “Five Good Emperors,” for his deeds during his reign as Emperor. Chosen as Nerva’s successor, he was, at least initially, not well received by the Senate. The people named him melior pessimo princeps, better than the worst Princeps, in the hope that Trajan would be, at least, a partially decent emperor. Trajan proved the Senate and people wrong in that he became a great emperor. Emperor Trajan had a very successful reign. One successful program created by Trajan was the alimenta. The program worked to augment relief to the population of Italy in need. It also encouraged the growth of families. Additionally, the program provided care for all freeborn children. Under Trajan, the Empire experienced the greatest expanse it would see. Despite this great expanse, it would put the Empire under greater stress and become a drain on its resources. A final success of Trajan was his adoption of Hadrian, another of the Five Good …show more content…
Many of his actions displayed his cruel and insane character. Caligula squandered much of wealth of Rome that Augustus and Tiberius accumulated. He was convinced of his divinity and demanded to be referred to as Jupiter. Caligula disrespected his esteemed predecessor, Augustus and other ancestors. To even further extremes, Caligula faced accusations of incestuous relationships with his sisters, and of them he was closest to Drusilla. The Emperor was cruel to most everyone, friends and family included. When his money began to run out, he stole from and taxed the people further. These numerous actions and crimes, in addition to others, did not endear him to the Roman people or Senate. In the fourth year of his reign, the Praetorian Guard assassinated Caligula and named his uncle, Claudius, emperor. Although his reign was not especially long, Caligula did more harm than good to