List of Roman emperors facts for kids

Augustus (Octavian), the first Roman Emperor, who ended the Roman Republic.

Roman Emperors were the powerful leaders of the Roman Empire. They held control over all citizens and the army. The Roman Empire grew as the Roman Republic conquered and took over much of Europe, parts of North Africa, and Western Asia. Before emperors, the Republic was ruled by governors who answered to the Senate and the people of Rome.

The Republic ended when one person, Augustus, gained more power than all other leaders. Augustus became the first emperor. He was careful to pretend that the Republic still existed. He didn't take a special title for his position. Instead, he called himself Princeps Senatus, meaning "the first man of the senate."

This way of ruling lasted for about 300 years. It is known as the Principate era.

Later, in the late 200s AD, after a difficult time called the Crisis of the Third Century, Emperor Diocletian changed how the empire was run. This new period is called the 'Dominate'. During this time, the emperor's power became much more obvious. They even used the title 'Dominus Noster', which means 'Our Lord'.

As strong barbarian tribes grew along the empire's borders, defending the vast lands became harder. Diocletian decided to try sharing power. He split the imperial titles and duties among several people. For almost 200 years after that, there was often more than one emperor at a time. They often divided the huge empire to manage it better.

The Roman Empire and its line of emperors continued for a very long time. It finally ended with the death of Constantine XI. This happened when the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople in 1453. Today, people often use the terms "Byzantium" or "Byzantine Empire" to talk about the Roman Empire during its medieval period. This is still a topic that experts discuss.

The Principate: Early Emperors
The Dominate: Later Emperors
Eastern Emperors: The Byzantine Empire
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See also

The Principate: Early Emperors

Julio-Claudian Dynasty (27 BC–68 AD)

This was the first family of emperors. They were all related to Augustus.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Augustus IMPERATOR CAESAR DIVI FILIVS AVGVSTVS	September 23, 63 BC, Rome, Italy	He was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. He became the real emperor after making a deal with the Roman Senate.	January 16, 27 BC – August 19, 14 AD	August 19, 14 AD (aged 75) Natural causes	40 years, 7 months and 3 days
Tiberius TIBERIVS CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI FILIVS AVGVSTVS	November 16, 42 BC, Rome	He was the natural son of Livia Drusilla, Augustus's third wife. He was adopted by Augustus as his son and heir.	September 18, 14 AD – March 16, 37 AD	March 16, 37 AD (aged 77) Probably natural causes, possibly murdered by others.	22 years, 5 months and 27 days
Caligula GAIVS IVLIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS	August 31, 12 AD, Antium, Italy	He was the great-nephew and adopted grandson of Tiberius. He was also the great-grandson of Augustus.	March 18, 37 AD – January 24, 41 AD	January 24, 41 AD (aged 28) Murdered in a plot by senators and Praetorian Guards.	3 years, 10 months and 6 days
Claudius TIBERIVS CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS	August 1, 10 BC, Lugdunum, Gallia Lugdunensis	He was Caligula's uncle and Tiberius's nephew. The Praetorian Guard made him emperor.	January 25/26, 41 AD – October 13, 54 AD	October 13, 54 AD (aged 63) Probably poisoned by his wife Agrippina the Younger, so her son Nero could become emperor.	13 years, 8 months and 18/19 days
Nero NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS	December 15, 37 AD, Antium, Italy	He was Claudius's great-nephew, stepson, and adopted son. He was also Augustus's great-great-grandson.	October 13, 54 AD – June 9, 68 AD	June 9, 68 AD (aged 30) He took his own life after the Senate declared him an enemy of the state.	13 years, 7 months and 27 days

Year of the Four Emperors and Flavian Dynasty (68–96 AD)

This period saw several emperors in a short time, followed by a new family.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Galba SERVIVS SVLPICIVS GALBA CAESAR AVGVSTVS	December 24 3 BC, Near Terracina, Italy	He took power after Nero's death, with the support of the Spanish armies.	June 8, 68 AD – January 15, 69 AD	January 15, 69 AD (aged 70) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard during a takeover led by Otho.	7 months and 7 days
Otho MARCVS SALVIVS OTHO CAESAR AVGVSTVS	April 28, 32 AD, Ferentinum, Italy	The Praetorian Guard appointed him.	January 15, 69 AD – April 16, 69 AD	April 16, 69 AD (aged 36) He took his own life after losing a battle to Vitellius.	3 months and 1 day (91 days)
Vitellius AVLVS VITELLIVS GERMANICVS AVGVSTVS	September 24, 15 AD, Rome	He took power with the support of the German armies, against Galba and Otho.	April 17, 69 AD – December 20, 69 AD	December 20, 69 AD (aged 54) Murdered by Vespasian's troops.	8 months and 3 days
Vespasian TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS	November 17, 9 AD, Falacrine, Italy	He took power with the support of the eastern armies, against Vitellius.	December 21, 69 AD – June 24, 79 AD	June 24, 79 AD (aged 69) Natural causes	9 years, 6 months and 3 days
Titus TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS	December 30, 39 AD, Rome	He was the son of Vespasian.	June 24, 79 AD – September 13, 81 AD	September 13, 81 AD (aged 41) Natural causes (fever)	2 years, 2 months and 20 days
Domitian TITVS FLAVIVS CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS	October 24, 51 AD, Rome	He was the son of Vespasian.	September 14, 81 AD – September 18, 96 AD	September 18, 96 AD (aged 44) Murdered by officials in the palace.	15 years and 4 days

Nerva–Antonine Dynasty (96–192 AD)

This dynasty is known for choosing skilled leaders, often by adoption.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Nerva MARCVS COCCEIVS NERVA CAESAR AVGVSTVS	November 8, 30 AD, Narni, Italy	The Senate chose him.	September 18, 96 AD – January 27, 98 AD	January 27, 98 AD (aged 67) Natural causes	1 year, 4 months and 9 days
Trajan CAESAR MARCVS VLPIVS NERVA TRAIANVS AVGVSTVS	September 18, 53 AD, Italica, Hispania Baetica	He was the adopted son and heir of Nerva.	January 28, 98 AD – August 7, 117 AD	August 7, 117 AD (aged 63) Natural causes	19 years, 6 months and 10 days
Hadrian CAESAR PVBLIVS AELIVS TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS	January 24, 76 AD, Italica, Hispania Baetica (or Rome)	He was the adopted son and heir of Trajan.	August 11, 117 AD – July 10, 138 AD	July 10, 138 AD (aged 62) Natural causes	20 years, 10 months and 30 days
Antoninus Pius CAESAR TITVS AELIVS HADRIANVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS	September 19, 86 AD, Near Lanuvium, Italy	He was the adopted son and heir of Hadrian.	July 10, 138 AD – March 7, 161 AD	March 7, 161 AD (aged 74) Natural causes	22 years, 6 months and 28 days
Lucius Verus CAESAR LVCIVS AVRELIVS VERVS AVGVSTVS	December 15, 130 AD, Rome	He was the adopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius. He ruled as co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius until his death.	March 7, 161 AD – ? March 169 AD	March 169 AD (aged 39) Natural causes (possibly plague)	8 years
Marcus Aurelius CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS	April 26, 121 AD, Rome	He was the adopted son and heir of Antoninus Pius. He was co-emperor with Lucius Verus until 169 AD.	March 7, 161 AD – March 17, 180 AD	March 17, 180 AD (aged 58) Natural causes	19 years and 10 days
Commodus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS	August 31, 161 AD, Lanuvium, Italy	He was the natural son of Marcus Aurelius. He became joint emperor in 177 AD.	177 AD – December 31, 192 AD	December 31, 192 AD (aged 31) Murdered in the palace.	3 years as joint emperor, 12 as sole emperor

Year of the Five Emperors and Severan Dynasty (193–235 AD)

Another period of quick changes, followed by the Severan family.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Pertinax CAESAR PVBLIVS HELVIVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS	August 1, 126 AD, Alba, Italy	The Praetorian Guard declared him emperor.	January 1, 193 AD – March 28, 193 AD	March 28, 193 AD (aged 66) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard.	2 months and 27 days (86 days)
Didius Julianus CAESAR MARCVS DIDIVS SEVERVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS	133 or 137 AD, Milan, Italy	He won an auction held by the Praetorian Guard for the emperor's position.	March 28, 193 AD – June 1, 193 AD	June 1, 193 AD (aged 56 or 60) Executed by order of the Senate.	2 months and 4 days (65 days)
Septimius Severus CAESAR LVCIVS SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS PERTINAX AVGVSTVS	April 11, 145 AD, Leptis Magna, Libya	He took power with the support of the Pannonian armies.	April 9, 193 AD – February 4, 211 AD	February 4, 211 AD (aged 65) Natural causes	17 years, 9 months and 26 days
Caracalla CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ANTONINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS	April 4, 188 AD, Lugdunum, Gallia Lugdunensis	He was the son of Septimius Severus. He was co-emperor with his father from 198 AD, and with his brother Geta from 209 AD.	198 AD – April 8, 217 AD	April 8, 217 AD (aged 29) Murdered by a soldier as part of a plot.	13 years as joint emperor 10 months with Geta 6 years as sole emperor
Geta CAESAR PVBLIVS SEPTIMIVS GETA AVGVSTUS	March 7, 189 AD, Rome	He was the son of Septimius Severus. He was co-emperor with his father and Caracalla from 209 AD.	209 AD – December 26, 211 AD	December 19, 211 AD (aged 22) Murdered by order of Caracalla.	2 years as joint emperor 10 months with Caracalla
Macrinus MARCVS OPELLIVS SEVERVS MACRINVS AVGVSTVS PIVS FELIX with Diadumenian MARCVS OPELLIVS ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS	c. 165 AD, Iol Caesarea, Mauretania	He was a high-ranking officer to Caracalla. He probably planned Caracalla's murder and then declared himself emperor. He made his son Diadumenian co-emperor.	April 11, 217 AD – June 8, 218 AD	June 8, 218 AD (aged 53) Both were executed in favor of Elagabalus.	1 year, 1 month and 28 days
Elagabalus MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS	c. 203 AD, Emesa, Syria	He was the grandson-in-law of Septimius Severus. Syrian armies declared him emperor.	June 8, 218 AD – March 11, 222 AD	March 11, 222 AD (aged 18) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard.	3 years, 9 months and 3 days
Severus Alexander CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS SEVERVS ALEXANDER AVGVSTVS	October 1, 208 AD, Arca Caesarea, Syria	He was the cousin and adopted heir of Elagabalus.	March 13, 222 AD – March 18, 235 AD	March 18, 235 AD (aged 26) Murdered by the army.	13 years and 5 days

Crisis of the Third Century and Gordian Dynasty (235–285 AD)

This was a very unstable time with many different emperors.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Maximinus Thrax CAESAR GAIVS IVLIVS VERVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS	c. 173 AD, Thrace or Moesia	German armies declared him emperor after Severus Alexander was murdered.	March 20, 235 AD – June 238 AD	June 238 AD (aged 65) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard.	3 years, 3 months
Gordian I CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS AFRICANVS AVGVSTVS	c. 159 AD, Phrygia?	He was declared emperor during a revolt against Maximinus. He ruled with his son Gordian II.	March 22, 238 AD – April 12, 238 AD	April 238 AD (aged 79) He took his own life after hearing of his son's death.	21 days
Gordian II CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS SEMPRONIANVS ROMANVS AFRICANVS AVGVSTVS	c. 192 AD, ?	He was declared emperor alongside his father Gordian I by the Senate.	March 22, 238 AD – April 12, 238 AD	April 238 AD (aged 46) Killed in battle against an army supporting Maximinus.	21 days
Pupienus CAESAR MARCVS CLODIVS PVPIENVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS	c. 178 AD, ?	The Senate declared him joint emperor with Balbinus against Maximinus.	April 22, 238 AD – July 29, 238 AD	July 29, 238 AD (aged 68 or 73) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard.	3 months and 7 days
Balbinus CAESAR DECIMVS CAELIVS CALVINVS BALBINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS	?	The Senate declared him joint emperor with Pupienus after the deaths of Gordian I and II.	April 22, 238 AD – July 29, 238 AD	July 29, 238 AD (aged 60) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard.	3 months and 7 days
Gordian III CAESAR MARCVS ANTONIVS GORDIANVS AVGVSTVS	January 20, 225 AD, Rome	He was declared emperor by supporters of Gordian I and II, then by the Senate. He was the grandson of Gordian I.	April 22, 238 AD – February 11, 244 AD	February 11, 244 AD (aged 19) Unknown; possibly murdered by order of Philip I.	5 years, 9 months and 20 days
Philip the Arab CAESAR MARCVS IVLIVS PHILIPPVS AVGVSTVS with Philip II	c. 204 AD, Shahba, Syria	He was a high-ranking officer to Gordian III. He took power after Gordian's death and made his son Philip II co-emperor.	February 244 AD – September/October 249 AD	September/October 249 AD (aged 45) Killed in battle by Decius.	5 years
Decius CAESAR GAIVS MESSIVS QVINTVS TRAIANVS DECIVS AVGVSTVS with Herennius Etruscus	c. 201 AD, Budalia, Pannonia Inferior	Armies declared him emperor. He defeated and killed Philip in battle. He made his son Herennius Etruscus co-emperor.	September/ October 249 AD – June 251 AD	June 251 AD (aged 50) Both killed in battle against the Goths.	2 years
Hostilian CAESAR CAIVS VALENS HOSTILIANVS MESSIVS QVINTVS AVGVSTVS	Sirmium	He was the son of Decius. The Senate accepted him as heir.	June 251 AD – late 251 AD	September/October 251 AD (aged 21) Natural causes (possibly plague).	4–5 months
Trebonianus Gallus CAESAR GAIVS VIBIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS AVGVSTVS with Volusianus	206 AD, Italy	Armies declared him emperor after Decius's death. He made his son Volusianus co-emperor.	June 251 AD – August 253 AD	August 253 AD (aged 47) Murdered by their own troops.	2 years
Aemilianus CAESAR MARCVS AEMILIVS AEMILIANVS AVGVSTVS	c. 207 AD Africa	Armies declared him emperor after defeating the Goths. He was accepted as emperor after Gallus's death.	August 253 AD – October 253 AD	September/October 253 AD (aged 40 or 46) Murdered by his own troops.	2 months
Valerian CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS VALERIANVS AVGVSTVS	c. 195 AD	Armies declared him emperor after Gallus's death. He was accepted as emperor after Aemilian's death.	October 253 AD – 260 AD	After 260 AD (aged 60) Captured by the Persians and died while imprisoned.	7 years
Gallienus CAESAR PVBLIVS LICINIVS EGNATIVS GALLIENVS AVGVSTVS with Saloninus	218 AD	He was the son of Valerian and became co-emperor in 253 AD. His son Saloninus was briefly co-emperor.	October 253 AD – September 268 AD	September 268 AD (aged 50) Murdered by his own commanders.	15 years
Claudius Gothicus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS AVGVSTVS	May 10, 213 AD/214 AD, Sirmium	He was a successful general who took power after Gallienus's death.	September 268 AD – January 270 AD	January 270 AD (aged 60) Natural causes (possibly plague).	1 year, 4 months
Quintillus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CLAVDIVS QVINTILLVS AVGVSTVS	?, Sirmium	He was the brother of Claudius Gothicus. He took power after his brother's death.	January 270 AD – September(?) 270 AD	270 AD (aged 58) Unclear; possibly took his own life or was murdered.	Unknown
Aurelian CAESAR LVCIVS DOMITIVS AVRELIANVS AVGVSTVS	September 9, 214 AD/215 AD, Sirmium	Armies declared him emperor after Claudius II's death, against Quintillus.	September(?) 270 AD – September 275 AD	September 275 AD (aged 60-61) Murdered by the Praetorian Guard.	5 years
Tacitus CAESAR MARCVS CLAVDIVS TACITVS AVGVSTVS	c. 200, Interamna Nahars, Italy	The Senate chose him to replace Aurelian after a short time without an emperor.	September 25, 275 AD – June 276 AD	June 276 AD (aged 76) Natural causes (possibly murdered).	9 months
Florianus CAESAR MARCVS ANNIVS FLORIANVS AVGVSTVS	?	He was the brother of Tacitus. The army in the west chose him to replace Tacitus.	June 276 AD – September? 276 AD	September? 276 AD Murdered by his own troops.	3 months
Probus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS PROBVS AVGVSTVS	232 AD, Sirmium	Armies declared him emperor against Florian.	September? 276 AD – September/ October 282 AD	September/ October 282 AD Murdered by his own troops.	6 years
Carus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARVS AVGVSTVS	c. 230 AD, Narbo, Gallia Narbonensis	He was a high-ranking officer to Probus. He took power around the time Probus was murdered. He made his son Carinus co-emperor.	September/ October 282 AD – late July/ early August 283 AD	Late July/early August 283 AD Natural causes? (Possibly killed by lightning).	10–11 months
Numerian CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS NVMERIVS NVMERIANVS AVGVSTVS	?	He was the son of Carus. He became emperor jointly with his brother Carinus.	Late July/early August 283 AD – 284 AD?	284 AD Unclear; possibly murdered.	1 year
Carinus CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS CARINVS AVGVSTVS	?	He was the son of Carus. He ruled briefly with his father and then with his brother Numerian.	Early 283 AD – 285 AD	285 AD Died in battle against Diocletian?	2 years

The Dominate: Later Emperors

Tetrarchy and Constantinian Dynasty (284–364 AD)

This era began with shared rule (Tetrarchy) and then saw the rise of Constantine the Great.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Diocletian CAESAR GAIVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS	c. December 22, 244 AD, Salona	The army declared him emperor after Numerian's death. He made Maximian a senior co-emperor.	November 20, 284 AD – May 1, 305 AD	December 3, 311 AD He gave up his power and died of natural causes.	20 years, 5 months and 11 days
Maximian CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS	c. 250 AD, near Sirmium, Pannonia	Diocletian made him senior co-emperor in the west.	April 1, 286 AD – May 1, 305 AD	310 AD He gave up his power, but tried to get it back. He was captured and took his own life.	19 years and 1 month
Constantius I CAESAR GAIVS FLAVIVS VALERIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS	March 31 c. 250 AD, Dardania, Moesia	Maximian adopted him as a junior co-emperor and heir.	May 1, 305 AD – July 25, 306 AD	306 AD Natural causes	1 year, 2 months and 24 days
Galerius CAESAR GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS	c. 260 AD, Felix Romuliana, Moesia Superior	Diocletian adopted him as a junior co-emperor and heir. He was also Diocletian's son-in-law.	May 1, 305 AD – May 311 AD	311 AD Natural causes	6 years
Valerius Severus FLAVIVS VALERIVS SEVERVS AVGVSTVS	?	Constantius I adopted him as a junior co-emperor and heir. He became Augustus in 306.	Summer 306 AD – March/ April 307 AD	September 16, 307 AD Captured by Maxentius and forced to take his own life (or murdered).	1 year
Constantine the Great CAESAR FLAVIVS VALERIVS AVRELIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS	February 27 c. 272 AD, Naissus, Moesia Superior	He was the son of Constantius I. His father's troops declared him emperor.	July 25, 306 AD – May 22, 337 AD	May 22, 337 AD Natural causes	30 years, 9 months and 27 days
Maxentius MARCVS AVRELIVS VALERIVS MAXENTIVS AVGVSTVS	c. 278 AD, ?	He was the son of Maximian. He took power in 306 after Constantius I's death.	October 28, 306 AD – October 28, 312 AD	October 28, 312 AD Died in battle against Constantine I.	6 years
Maximinus II CAESAR GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS	November 20 c. 270 AD, Dacia Aureliana	He was the nephew of Galerius. He was adopted as Caesar and heir in 305 AD.	May 1, 311 AD – July/August 313 AD	July/August 313 AD Defeated in civil war; probably took his own life.	2 years
Licinius I CAESAR GAIVS VALERIVS LICINIVS AVGVSTVS with Valerius Valens Martinian	c. 250 AD, Felix Romuliana, Moesia Superior	He was the son-in-law of Constantius Chlorus. Galerius appointed him Augustus in the west.	November 11, 308 AD – September 18, 324 AD	325 AD Defeated in civil war against Constantine I and executed.	15 years, 10 months and 7 days
Constantine II CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS	316 AD, Arelate, Gallia Narbonensis	He was the son of Constantine I. He became Caesar in 317 AD and then joint Augustus with his brothers.	May 22, 337 AD – 340 AD	340 AD Died in battle against Constans I.	3 years
Constantius II CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS	August 7, 317 AD, Sirmium, Pannonia	He was the son of Constantine I. He became joint Augustus with his brothers.	May 22, 337 AD – November 3, 361 AD	361 AD Natural causes	24 years, 5 months and 12 days
Constans I CAESAR FLAVIVS IVLIVS CONSTANS AVGVSTVS	320 AD, ?	He was the son of Constantine I. He became joint Augustus with his brothers.	May 22, 337 AD – 350 AD	350 AD Murdered by order of a rebel leader.	13 years
Vetranio CAESAR FLAVIVS VETRANIO AVGVSTVS	?, Moesia	He was a general of Constans I. He was declared Caesar against a rebel and temporarily accepted as Augustus.	March 1, 350 AD – December 25, 350 AD	c. 356 Died as a private citizen after giving up his power.	9 months and 24 days
Julian CAESAR FLAVIVS CLAVDIVS IVLIANVS AVGVSTVS	331 AD/332 AD, Constantinople, Thracia	He was the cousin of Constantius II. He became Caesar in 355 AD and then Augustus.	February 360 AD – June 26, 363 AD	June 26, 363 AD Seriously wounded in battle.	3 years
Jovian CAESAR FLAVIVS IOVIANVS AVGVSTVS	331 AD, Singidunum, Moesia	He was a general in Julian's army. The troops declared him emperor after Julian's death.	June 26, 363 AD – February 17, 364 AD	February 17, 364 AD Natural causes (suffocated on fumes).	7 months and 22 days

Valentinian Dynasty (364–392 AD)

This family ruled both the Western and Eastern parts of the Empire.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Valentinian I FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS	321 AD, Cibalae, Pannonia	The army chose him to replace Jovian.	February 26, 364 AD – November 17, 375 AD	November 17, 375 AD Natural causes	11 years, 8 months and 22 days
Valens FLAVIVS IVLIVS VALENS AVGVSTVS	328 AD, Cibalae, Pannonia	He was the brother of Valentinian I. Valentinian made him co-Augustus for the east.	March 28, 364 AD – August 9, 378 AD	August 9, 378 AD Killed in battle against the Goths.	14 years, 4 months and 12 days
Gratian FLAVIVS GRATIANVS AVGVSTVS	April 18/May 23, 359 AD, Sirmium, Pannonia	He was the son of Valentinian I. His father made him a 'junior' Augustus.	August 4, 367 AD – August 25, 383 AD	August 25, 383 AD Murdered by a rebellious army group.	16 years and 21 days
Valentinian II FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS INVICTVS AVGVSTVS	371 AD, Milan, Italy	He was the son of Valentinian I. The Pannonian army declared him emperor after his father's death.	November 17, 375 AD – May 15, 392 AD	May 15, 392 AD Unclear; possibly murdered or took his own life.	16 years, 5 months and 28 days

Theodosian Dynasty (379–457 AD)

This family oversaw the final division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern parts.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Theodosius I FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS	January 11, 347 AD, Cauca, Hispania	He was the son-in-law of Valentinian I. Gratian appointed him Augustus for the east.	January 1, 379 AD – January 17, 395 AD	January 17, 395 AD Natural causes	16 years and 16 days
Arcadius FLAVIVS ARCADIVS AVGVSTVS EAST	c. 377 AD, Hispania	He was the son of Theodosius I. His father appointed him 'junior' Augustus for the east.	January 383 AD – May 1, 408 AD	May 1, 408 AD Natural causes	25 years
Magnus Maximus with Flavius Victor WEST	c. 335 AD, Hispania	He was a rebel leader in the West. Theodosius I later recognized him and his son Victor as emperors of Britain and Gaul.	383/384 AD – August 28, 388 AD	August 28, 388 AD Executed by Theodosius I. Victor was killed by Arbogast.	4/5 years
Honorius FLAVIVS HONORIVS AVGVSTVS WEST	September 9, 384 AD, ?	He was the son of Theodosius I. His father appointed him 'junior' Augustus for the west.	January 23, 393 AD – August 15, 423 AD	August 15, 423 AD Natural causes	30 years, 6 months and 23 days
Theodosius II FLAVIVS THEODOSIVS AVGVSTVS EAST	April 10, 401 AD, Constantinople?	He was the son of Arcadius. His father appointed him 'junior' Augustus for the east.	January 402 AD – July 28, 450 AD	July 28, 450 AD Injuries from a hunting accident.	48 years
Constantine III with Constans II WEST	?	He was a rebel leader who declared himself emperor in the west. Honorius later recognized him as co-emperor. He made his son Constans II co-emperor.	407/409 AD - August or September 411 AD	August or September 411 AD Executed by Constantius III.	2 years
Constantius III FLAVIVS CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTVS WEST	?, Naissus, Moesia Superior	He married Theodosius I's daughter. Honorius made him co-Augustus for the west.	February 8, 421 AD – September 2, 421 AD	September 2, 421 AD Natural causes	6 months and 25 days
Joannes WEST	?	He was a high-ranking civil servant. He was declared emperor by a supporter, but the Eastern Empire did not recognize him.	August 27, 423 AD – May 425 AD	June or July 425 AD Defeated in battle and executed.	2 years
Valentinian III FLAVIVS PLACIDIVS VALENTINIANVS AVGVSTVS WEST	July 2, 419 AD, Ravenna, Italy	He was the son of Constantius III. Theodosius II appointed him Caesar for the west.	October 23, 424 AD – March 16, 455 AD	March 16, 455 AD Murdered, possibly by order of Petronius Maximus.	30 years, 3 months and 24 days
Marcian FLAVIVS MARCIANVS AVGVSTVS EAST	396, Thrace or Illyria	Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius II, chose him as her husband and successor.	Summer 450 AD – January 457 AD	January 457 AD Natural causes	7 years

The Last Emperors of the Western Empire (455–476 AD)

These emperors ruled the Western Roman Empire during its final years.

Name	Born	How they became Emperor	Time as Emperor	Died	Years in power
Petronius Maximus FLAVIVS ANICIVS PETRONIVS MAXIMVS AVGVSTVS	c. 396 AD, ?	He was the son-in-law of Theodosius II. He declared himself emperor with army support after Valentinian III's death.	March 17, 455 AD – May 31, 455 AD	May 31, 455 AD Murdered	2 months and 14 days
Avitus EPARCHIVS AVITVS AVGVSTVS	c. 385 AD, ?	A military commander, he was declared emperor by the Visigoth king Theodoric II after Petronius's death.	July 9, 455 AD – October 17, 456 AD	after October 17, 456 AD Removed from power; later murdered.	1 year, 3 months and 8 days
Majorian IVLIVS VALERIVS MAIORIANVS AVGVSTVS	November 420 AD, ?	His troops declared him emperor. The Eastern Empire recognized him.	April 457 AD – August 2, 461 AD	August 7, 461 AD Removed from power and executed.	4 years
Libius Severus LIBIVS SEVERVS AVGVSTVS	?, Lucania, Italy	Ricimer appointed him emperor. The Eastern Empire did not recognize him.	November 461 AD – August 465 AD	August 465 AD Probably poisoned.	4 years
Anthemius PROCOPIVS ANTHEMIVS AVGVSTVS	c. 420 AD	He was the son-in-law of Marcian. Leo I appointed him emperor.	April 12, 467 AD – July 11, 472 AD	July 11, 472 AD Executed by Ricimer or his nephew.	5 years, 2 months and 29 days
Olybrius FLAVIVS ANICIVS OLYBRIVS AVGVSTVS	c. 420 AD	He was the son-in-law of Valentinian III. Ricimer appointed him emperor.	July 11, 472 AD – November 2, 472 AD	November 2, 472 AD Natural causes	3 months and 22 days
Glycerius FLAVIVS GLYCERIVS AVGVSTVS	?	Gundobad appointed him emperor. The Eastern Empire did not recognize him.	March 473 AD – June 474 AD	after 480 AD Removed from power; time and manner of death unknown.	1 year
Julius Nepos FLAVIVS IVLIVS NEPOS AVGVSTVS	c. 430 AD	He was the nephew-in-law of the eastern emperor Leo I. He was appointed emperor against Glycerius.	June 474 AD – August 28, 475 AD (in Italy); – spring 480 AD (in Gaul and Dalmatia)	480 AD Removed from power in Italy, but continued to rule in other areas until his murder.	1 year/6 years
Romulus Augustulus ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS	c. 460 AD, ?	His father, Orestes, appointed him. The Eastern Empire did not recognize him.	October 31, 475 AD – September 4, 476 AD (in Italy)	Unknown. He was removed from power by Odoacer. He likely lived out his life quietly.	10 months and 4 days

Eastern Emperors: The Byzantine Empire

After the Western Roman Empire ended, the Eastern part continued for another thousand years. This is often called the Byzantine Empire.

Leonid Dynasty (457–518 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Leo I "the Thracian" (Flavius Valerius Leo)	February 7, 457 – January 18, 474	Leo became emperor after a general chose him. He was the first emperor crowned by the Patriarch of Constantinople. He helped bring peace to the borders and tried to take back land in the west.
Leo II "the Little" (Flavius Leo)	January 18 – November 17, 474	He was the grandson of Leo I. He made his father, Zeno, co-emperor. He died shortly after, possibly poisoned.
Zeno (Flavius Zeno)	November 17, 474 – April 9, 491	Zeno was a military leader who married Leo I's daughter. He became co-emperor with his son and then sole ruler. He made peace with some groups and saw the end of the Western Roman Empire.
Basiliscus (Flavius Basiliscus)	January 9, 475 – August 476	He was a general and Leo I's brother-in-law. He took power from Zeno but was later removed by him.
Anastasius I (Flavius Anastasius)	April 11, 491 – July 9, 518	He was a palace official chosen to be emperor by the empress. He improved the tax system and left the empire with extra money. His religious views caused some problems.

Justinian Dynasty (518–602 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Justin I (Flavius Iustinus)	July 518 – August 1, 527	He was an officer and commander of the bodyguard. The army and people chose him as emperor.
Justinian I "the Great" (Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus)	August 1, 527 – November 13/14, 565	He was Justin I's nephew. He became emperor after Justin I's death. His general, Belisarius, reconquered much of Europe.
Justin II (Flavius Iustinus Iunior)	November 14, 565 – October 5, 578	He was Justinian I's nephew. He took the throne after Justinian's death. He later became unwell, and his wife and then Tiberius Constantine ruled for him.
Tiberius II Constantine (Flavius Tiberius Constantinus)	October 5, 578 – August 14, 582	He was a commander and friend of Justin. He was named a junior emperor and then became emperor after Justin II's death.
Maurice (Flavius Mauricius Tiberius)	August 14, 582 – November 22, 602	He was an official and general. He married Tiberius II's daughter and became emperor. He named his son Theodosius co-emperor. He was removed from power and executed.

Non-dynastic (602–610 AD)

Name		Time as Emperor	Important Facts
	Phocas (Φωκᾶς, Flavius Phocas)	November 23, 602 – October 4, 610	He was a low-ranking officer who led a rebellion to remove Maurice. He became very unpopular and was removed from power and executed by Heraclius.

Heraclian Dynasty (610–695 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Heraclius (Ἡράκλειος, Flavius Heraclius)	October 5, 610 – February 11, 641	He was the eldest son of the governor of Africa. He led a revolt against Phocas and became emperor. He won a war against the Persians but couldn't stop the Muslim conquest of Syria. He made Greek the official language.
Constantine III formally Heraclius New Constantine (Ἡράκλειος νέος Κωνσταντῖνος, Heraclius Novus Constantinus)	February 11 – May 24/26, 641	He was the eldest son of Heraclius. He became co-emperor with his younger brother after his father's death. He died of illness, possibly poisoned.
Heraklonas (Ἡρακλωνᾶς, Heraclianus) formally Constantine Heraclius (Κωνσταντίνος Ἡράκλειος, Constantinus Heraclius)	February 11, 641 – September 641	He was Heraclius's son and became co-emperor. He was forced to name Constans II co-emperor and was later removed from power.
Constans II (Κῶνστας Β', Constantus II) formally Constantine "the Bearded", (Κωνσταντίνος ὁ Πωγωνάτος)	September 641 – September 15, 668	He was the son of Constantine III. He became sole emperor after his uncle was removed. He moved his capital to Syracuse and was murdered there. He was the first emperor in a long time to visit Rome.
Constantine IV "the Bearded" (Κωνσταντίνος Δ' ὁ Πωγωνάτος)	September 15, 668 – September 685	He became emperor after his father, Constans II, was murdered. He successfully defended Constantinople from the first Arab siege.
Justinian II (Ἰουστινιανὸς Β' ὁ Ῥινότμητος)	September 685 – 695	He became sole emperor after Constantine IV's death. He was removed from power by a military revolt and sent away, but he later regained his throne.

Twenty Years' Anarchy (695–717 AD)

This was a very chaotic time with many emperors rising and falling quickly.

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Leontios (Λεόντιος)	695–698	He was a general who removed Justinian II from power. He was later overthrown in another revolt and executed.
Tiberius III Apsimar (Τιβέριος Γ' Ἀψίμαρος)	698–705	He was an admiral who rebelled against Leontios. He ruled until Justinian II removed him from power. He was executed.
Justinian II (Ἰουστινιανὸς Β' ὁ Ῥινότμητος)	August 705 – December 711	He returned to the throne with help from the Bulgars. He named his son Tiberius co-emperor. He was removed from power and killed by a military revolt.
Philippikos Bardanes (Φιλιππικὸς Βαρδάνης)	December 711 – June 3, 713	He was a general who removed Justinian II. He was later overthrown by a revolt of his own troops.
Anastasios II (Ἀναστάσιος Β')	June 713 – November 715	He was a government secretary who became emperor after Philippikos was overthrown. He was later removed by another military revolt.
Theodosios III (Θεοδόσιος Γ')	May 715 – March 25, 717	He was a tax official who was declared emperor by rebellious troops. He later gave up his power and became a monk.

Isaurian Dynasty (717–802 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Leo III "the Isaurian" (Λέων Γ΄ ὁ Ἴσαυρος)	March 25, 717 – June 18, 741	He was a general who took the throne. He defended Constantinople from an Arab siege. He also started a period of religious debate about icons.
Constantine V "the Dung-named" (Κωνσταντῖνος Ε΄ ὁ Κοπρώνυμος)	June 18, 741 – September 14, 775	He was the only son of Leo III. He continued his father's religious policies and won battles against the Arabs and Bulgars.
Artabasdos (Ἀρτάβασδος)	June 741/742 – November 2, 743	He was a general and Leo III's son-in-law. He led a revolt and took Constantinople, but Constantine V defeated him.
Leo IV "the Khazar" (Λέων Δ΄ ὁ Χάζαρος)	September 14, 775 – September 8, 780	He was the eldest son of Constantine V. He became emperor after his father's death.
Constantine VI (Κωνσταντῖνος ΣΤ΄)	September 8, 780 – August 797	He was the only child of Leo IV. His mother, Irene of Athens, ruled for him until 790. His mother later removed him from power and blinded him.
Irene of Athens (Εἰρήνη ἡ Αθηναία)	August 797 – October 31, 802	She was the wife of Leo IV and mother of Constantine VI. She ruled for her son and later removed him to become empress herself. She was removed from power in a palace takeover.

Nikephorian Dynasty (802–813 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Nikephoros I "the Logothete" (Νικηφόρος Α΄ ὁ Λογοθέτης)	October 31, 802 – July 26, 811	He was a finance minister under Irene. He led successful campaigns but was killed in battle.
Staurakios (Σταυράκιος)	July 26, 811 – October 2, 811	He was the only son of Nikephoros I. He became emperor after his father's death but was badly wounded. He was forced to give up his power and died soon after.
Michael I Rangabe (Μιχαὴλ Α΄ Ραγγαβὲ)	October 2, 811 – June 22, 813	He was Nikephoros I's son-in-law. He became emperor after Staurakios gave up power. He later gave up his power and became a monk.

Non-dynastic (813–820 AD)

Name		Time as Emperor	Important Facts
	Leo V "the Armenian" (Λέων Ε' ὁ Ἀρμένιος)	July 11, 813 – December 25, 820	He was a general who rebelled against Michael I and became emperor. He brought back the religious debate about icons. He was murdered by a plot.

Amorian Dynasty (820–867 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Michael II "the Amorian" (Μιχαὴλ Β΄ ὁ ἐξ Ἀμορίου)	December 25, 820 – October 2, 829	He was an army officer who led the plot to murder Leo V. He faced rebellions and lost some territory to the Arabs.
Theophilos (Θεόφιλος)	October 2, 829 – January 20, 842	He was the only son of Michael II. He became emperor after his father's death.
Michael III "the Drunkard" (Μιχαὴλ Γ΄ ὁ Μέθυσος)	January 20, 842 – September 23, 867	He became emperor after Theophilos's death. His mother ruled for him for a time. He ended the religious debate about icons. He was murdered.

Macedonian Dynasty (867–1056 AD)

This was a very successful dynasty that brought the empire to a high point.

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Basil I "the Macedonian" (Βασίλειος Α΄ ὁ Μακεδών)	867 – August 2, 886	He rose through palace service and became a favorite of Michael III. He removed Michael and started the Macedonian dynasty. He won wars and regained some territory.
Leo VI "the Wise" (Λέων ΣΤ΄ ὁ Σοφὸς)	886 – May 11, 912	He was known for his learning. His reign saw many naval attacks and unsuccessful wars against the Bulgarians.
Alexander (Ἀλέξανδρος)	May 11, 912 – June 6, 913	He was the son of Basil I. He became co-emperor and then sole emperor. He died after a polo game.
Constantine VII "the Purple-born" (Κωνσταντῖνος Ζ΄ ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος)	June 6, 913 – November 9, 959	He was the son of Leo VI. His early rule was controlled by others, but he later took full control. He was known for encouraging learning and writing books about how the empire worked.
Romanos I Lekapenos (Ρωμανὸς Α΄ Λεκαπηνὸς)	December 17, 920 – December 16, 944	He was an admiral who rose to power as a protector of young Constantine VII. He crowned himself senior emperor. His reign saw the end of war with Bulgaria and new conquests in the East. His sons later removed him from power.
Romanos II "the Purple-born" (Ρωμανὸς Β΄ ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος)	November 9, 959 – March 15, 963	He was the only surviving son of Constantine VII. His reign was marked by successful wars in the East and the regaining of Crete.
Nikephoros II Phokas (Νικηφόρος Β΄ Φωκᾶς)	August 16, 963 – December 11, 969	He was a very successful general. He became emperor and ruled for the young emperors. He led campaigns and conquered much of Syria. His nephew later murdered him.
John I Tzimiskes (Ἰωάννης Α΄ Κουρκούας ὁ Τσιμισκὴς)	December 11, 969 – January 10, 976	He was Nikephoros Phokas's nephew and a successful general. He led a plot to murder his uncle and became emperor. He won battles against the Rus' and campaigned in the East.
Basil II "the Bulgar-Slayer" (Βασίλειος Β΄ ὁ Βουλγαροκτόνος)	January 10, 976 – December 15, 1025	He was the eldest son of Romanos II. His reign was marked by wars against Bulgaria, which he finally conquered. He also expanded Byzantine control over Armenia. Many consider his rule the peak of the Byzantine Empire.
Constantine VIII "the Purple-born" (Κωνσταντῖνος Η΄ ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος)	December 15, 1025 – November 15, 1028	He was the second son of Romanos II. During Basil II's rule, he enjoyed a relaxed life. During his short reign, he was not a strong ruler and was easily influenced.
Zoe "the Purple-born" (Ζωὴ Πορφυρογέννητη)	November 15, 1028 – June 1050	She was the daughter of Constantine VIII. She became empress after her father's death. Her three husbands ruled alongside her.
Romanos III Argyros (Ρωμανὸς Γ΄ Ἀργυρὸς)	November 15, 1028 – April 11, 1034	He was an older noble chosen by Constantine VIII to marry Zoe and become emperor.
Michael IV "the Paphlagonian" (Μιχαὴλ Δ΄ ὁ Παφλαγὼν)	April 11, 1034 – December 10, 1041	He became Zoe's lover and then her husband and emperor after Romanos III's death. His reign had some success against rebellions. He died after a long illness.
Michael V "the Caulker" (Μιχαὴλ Ε΄ ὁ Καλαφάτης)	December 10, 1041 – April 20, 1042	He was Michael IV's nephew and adopted son. He tried to remove Zoe from power, but a public revolt forced him to restore her. He was removed from power the next day.
Theodora (Θεοδώρα)	April 19, 1042 – after August 31, 1056	She was Zoe's younger sister. She became co-ruler. After Zoe and Constantine IX died, Theodora ruled the empire fully until her death.
Constantine IX Monomachos (Κωνσταντίνος Θ΄ Μονομάχος)	June 11, 1042 – January 7/8 or 11, 1055	He was a noble chosen as Zoe's third husband. He liked intellectuals but upset the military leaders. His reign saw invasions and a major split between the churches of Rome and Constantinople.

Non-dynastic (1056–1057 AD)

Name		Time as Emperor	Important Facts
	Michael VI Bringas, "Stratiotikos" or "the Old" (Μιχαὴλ ΣΤ΄ Βρίγγας, ὁ Στρατιωτικός, ὁ Γέρων)	September 1056 – August 31, 1057	He was a court official. A military revolt removed him from power, and he retired to a monastery.

Komnenid Dynasty (1057–1059 AD)

Name		Time as Emperor	Important Facts
	Isaac I Komnenos (Ἰσαάκιος Α΄ Κομνηνὸς)	June 5, 1057 – November 22, 1059	He was a successful general who led a revolt and became emperor. He later resigned.

Doukid Dynasty (1059–1081 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Constantine X Doukas (Κωνσταντίνος Ι΄ Δούκας)	November 24, 1059 – May 22, 1067	He was a general and ally of Isaac Komnenos. He became emperor after Isaac resigned. He named his sons co-emperors.
Michael VII Doukas (Μιχαὴλ Ζ΄ Δούκας)	May 22, 1067 – March 24, 1078	He was the eldest son of Constantine X. He became emperor after his father's death. His mother ruled for him for a time. He later gave up his power and became a monk.
Romanos IV Diogenes (Ρωμανὸς Δ΄ Διογένης)	January 1, 1068 – October 24, 1071	He was a successful general who married the empress and became senior emperor. He was later removed from power and blinded.
Nikephoros III Botaneiates (Νικηφόρος Γ΄ Βοτανειάτης)	March 31, 1078 – April 4, 1081	He was a general who rebelled against Michael VII and took the capital. He was later overthrown and retired to a monastery.

Komnenid Dynasty (1081–1185 AD)

Name		Time as Emperor	Important Facts
	Alexios I Komnenos (Ἀλέξιος Α' Κομνηνὸς)	April 4, 1081 – August 15, 1118	He was a distinguished general who overthrew Nikephoros III. His reign was filled with wars against the Turks and the arrival of the First Crusade.
	John II Komnenos (Ἰωάννης Β' Κομνηνὸς)	August 15, 1118 – April 8, 1143	He was the eldest son of Alexios I. He became emperor after his father's death. His reign focused on wars with the Turks. He was known as "John the Good."
	Manuel I Komnenos (Μανουὴλ Α' Κομνηνὸς)	1143 – September 24, 1180	He was the third son of John II. His father chose him as emperor. He was an energetic ruler who launched many campaigns, but his spending weakened the empire.
[[File:Alexios II - komnenos.jpg\|80="center"\|Alexios II Komnenos (Ἀλέξιος B' Κομνηνὸς)	September 24, 1180 – October 1183	He was the only son of Manuel I. His mother ruled for him for a time. He was later removed from power and killed.
	Andronikos I Komnenos (Ἀνδρόνικος Α' Κομνηνὸς)	1183 – September 11, 1185	He was a nephew of John II. He was imprisoned for plotting against John II but escaped. He later took power from his nephew Alexios II. He was an unpopular ruler and was killed in a public uprising.

Angelid Dynasty (1185–1204 AD)

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Isaac II Angelos (Ἰσαάκιος Β' Ἄγγελος)	1185–1195	He became emperor after a public revolt. His reign was marked by rebellions and wars. His older brother, Alexios III, removed him from power and blinded him.
Alexios III Angelos (Ἀλέξιος Γ' Ἄγγελος)	1195 – July 17/18, 1203	He was the elder brother of Isaac II. His reign was marked by poor leadership and local leaders gaining more power. The Fourth Crusade removed him from power.
Isaac II Angelos (Ἰσαάκιος Β' Ἄγγελος)	July 18, 1203 – January 27/28, 1204	The Crusaders restored him to his throne, but his son Alexios IV held the real power. He was removed from power and died shortly after.
Alexios IV Angelos (Ἀλέξιος Δ' Ἄγγελος)	August 1, 1203 – January 27/28, 1204	He was the son of Isaac II. He asked the Fourth Crusade for help to put his father back on the throne. He ruled alongside his restored father. He was removed from power and killed.
Alexios V Doukas "Mourtzouphlos" (Ἀλέξιος Ε' Δούκας ὁ Μούρτζουφλος)	February 5, 1204 – April 13, 1204	He was a prominent noble and Alexios III's son-in-law. He removed Isaac II and Alexios IV from power. He tried to fight off the Crusaders, but they captured Constantinople, forcing him to flee. He was later executed.

Laskarid Dynasty (1204–1261 AD, Empire of Nicaea)

After Constantinople fell, the empire split. This family ruled from Nicaea, trying to restore the empire.

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Theodore I Laskaris (Θεόδωρος Α΄ Λάσκαρις)	1205– December 1221/1222	He was Alexios III's son-in-law. He organized Greek resistance against the Latins after Constantinople fell. He became emperor and stopped Latin and Seljuk attacks, making Nicaea a strong Greek state.
John III Doukas Vatatzes (Ἰωάννης Γ' Δούκας Βατάτζης)	December 15, 1221/1222– November 3, 1254	He was Theodore I's son-in-law and successor. He was a skilled ruler and soldier. He expanded his state by taking land from the Latin Empire, Bulgaria, and another Greek state.
Theodore II Laskaris (Θεόδωρος Β' Λάσκαρις)	November 3, 1254– August 18, 1258	He was the only son of John III. He became emperor after his father's death. He won a victory against Bulgaria and expanded into Albania.
John IV Laskaris (Ἰωάννης Δ' Λάσκαρις)	August 18, 1258– December 25, 1261	He was the only son of Theodore II. He became emperor after his father's death. Because he was young, Michael Palaiologos ruled for him. After Constantinople was retaken, Palaiologos removed John IV from power, blinded him, and imprisoned him.

Palaiologan Dynasty (1261–1453 AD, restored to Constantinople)

This family restored the empire to Constantinople and ruled until its final fall.

	Time as Emperor	Important Facts
Michael VIII Palaiologos (Μιχαὴλ Η' Παλαιολόγος)	January 1, 1259– December 11, 1282	He was a great-grandson of Alexios III. He became senior emperor alongside John IV and then sole emperor after retaking Constantinople.
Andronikos II Palaiologos (Ἀνδρόνικος Β' Παλαιολόγος)	December 11, 1282– May 24, 1328	He was the son of Michael VIII. He became co-emperor and then sole emperor. He focused on religious matters and neglected the army, which led to the empire losing land in Asia Minor. His grandson later removed him from power.
Andronikos III Palaiologos (Ἀνδρόνικος Γ' Παλαιολόγος)	May 24, 1328– June 15, 1341	He was the son of Michael IX. He became co-emperor and then removed his grandfather to rule alone. He had some successes in Europe, but faced defeats against the Ottomans.
John V Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Ε' Παλαιολόγος)	June 15, 1341– August 12, 1376	He was the only son of Andronikos III. His claim to the throne led to a civil war. He later had to recognize Ottoman rule. His son Andronikos IV removed him from power.
John VI Kantakouzenos (Ἰωάννης ΣΤ' Καντακουζηνὸς)	February 8, 1347– December 4, 1354	He was a relative of the Palaiologoi family. He was declared co-emperor and later recognized as senior emperor after a civil war. John V later removed him from power.
Andronikos IV Palaiologos (Ἀνδρόνικος Δ΄ Παλαιολόγος)	August 12, 1376– July 1, 1379	He was the son of John V. He removed his father from power but was later overthrown himself. He was recognized as co-emperor again later.
John V Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Ε' Παλαιολόγος)	July 1, 1379– April 14, 1390	He was restored as senior emperor. His grandson, John VII, later overthrew him again.
John VII Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Ζ' Παλαιολόγος)	April 14, 1390– September 17, 1390	He was the son of Andronikos IV. He took the throne from his grandfather John V for five months. He later governed a region of the empire.
John V Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Ε' Παλαιολόγος)	September 17, 1390– February 16, 1391	He was restored as senior emperor and ruled until his death.
Manuel II Palaiologos (Μανουὴλ Β' Παλαιολόγος)	February 16, 1391 – July 21, 1425	He was the second son of John V. He became senior emperor after his father's death. He traveled to Western Europe to ask for help against the Turks.
John VIII Palaiologos (Ἰωάννης Η' Παλαιολόγος)	July 21, 1425 – October 31, 1448	He was the eldest surviving son of Manuel II. He became emperor after his father's death. He tried to get help against the Ottomans by uniting the churches. He was the last Eastern emperor to visit Rome.
Constantine XI Palaiologos (Κωνσταντῖνος ΙΑ' Παλαιολόγος)	January 6, 1449 – May 29, 1453	He was the fourth son of Manuel II. He became emperor after John VIII's death. He asked the West for help against the Ottoman sultan, Mehmed II, but it was not enough. He refused to surrender Constantinople and was killed during the final Ottoman attack.

Claimants in Exile: Palaiologan Dynasty

After the fall of Constantinople, some members of the Palaiologan family still claimed the title of emperor.

Name	Relation	Born	Claimed from	Claimed until	Died
Demetrios Palaiologos (Δημήτριος Παλαιολόγος)	Son of Manuel II, brother of John VIII and Constantine XI	c. 1407	1453	1460	1470
Thomas Palaiologos (Θωμᾶς Παλαιολόγος)	Son of Manuel II, brother of John VIII and Constantine XI	c. 1409	1453	May 12, 1465
Andreas Palaiologos (Ἀνδρέας Παλαιολόγος)	Son of Thomas	c. 1453	May 12, 1465	1502

Andreas died in poverty in 1502. He had sold his titles and royal rights to Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

Images for kids

Coin of Pescennius Niger, a Roman rebel who claimed imperial power in 193–194 AD.