Romulus Augustus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Romulus Augustus |
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| Emperor of the Western Roman Empire |
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Tremissis of Romulus Augustus
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| Reign | 31 October AD 475 – 4 September AD 476 | ||||
| Predecessor | Julius Nepos | ||||
| Successor | Office Abolished | ||||
| Died | unknown, after AD 476 unknown, probably Castellum Lucullanum |
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| Father | Orestes | ||||
Flavius Romulus Augustus (born around 461 – died after 476) was a young Western Roman Emperor. People often called him Romulus Augustulus, which means "little Augustus." He ruled for less than a year, from October 31, 475, to September 4, 476.
His rule ended when a powerful leader named Odoacer removed him from power. Many historians believe this event marks the official end of the western part of the Roman Empire.
Contents
Who Was Romulus Augustus?
Romulus Augustus was one of the last emperors of the Western Roman Empire. He was very young when he became emperor, possibly only 14 or 15 years old. His father, Orestes, was a Roman general. Orestes put his son on the throne, but Orestes was the one who truly held the power.
His Family Background
Romulus Augustus's family came from a region called Pannonia. This area is now part of modern-day Hungary and Austria. His father, Orestes, had been a secretary for Attila the Hun before joining the Roman army.
Becoming Emperor
Romulus Augustus became emperor on October 31, 475. His father, Orestes, had forced the previous emperor, Julius Nepos, to leave. Orestes then made his own son the new emperor. However, Romulus Augustus was mostly a figurehead. This means he had the title, but his father made all the important decisions.
The Short Reign of a Young Ruler
Romulus Augustus's time as emperor was very short. He ruled for only 10 months. During this time, the Western Roman Empire was already very weak. It had lost much of its land and power.
The End of His Rule
In 476, a Germanic leader named Odoacer led a rebellion. Odoacer was the leader of soldiers who wanted land in Italy. When Orestes refused their demands, Odoacer attacked.
Odoacer Takes Control
Odoacer defeated and killed Orestes. On September 4, 476, Odoacer removed Romulus Augustus from the throne. Instead of killing the young emperor, Odoacer sent him to live in a place called Castellum Lucullanum near Naples. This was a fortress that used to be a villa.
The Fall of an Empire
Romulus Augustus was the last Western Roman Emperor. After he was removed, no new emperor was ever appointed in the West. This event is often seen as the official end of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist for many more centuries.
Life After Being Emperor
After being sent away, Romulus Augustus lived in Castellum Lucullanum. Not much is known about his life after 476. He was given a pension, which means he received money to live on. He likely lived a quiet life there. The exact date and place of his death are unknown.
Images for kids
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Romulus Augustus' family originated in Pannonia
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A 19th-century drawing of Romulus Augustus giving up his crown to Odoacer
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Castel dell'Ovo, or castellum Lucullanum, where Romulus Augustus lived after his rule ended in 476
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Another solidus (a type of coin) from Romulus Augustus's time
See also
In Spanish: Rómulo Augústulo para niños
