Roman Emperors: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Augustus, Octavian Laws banning gambling, drinking, idleness, and divorce. A great Roman Emperor

Caligula Appointed horse consul. Killed w/o remorse. Believed himself to be above the laws of normalcy and decency.

Claudius Defeated the Celts Married his own niece, Agrippina, who had him murdered.

To maintain power, had his mother and wife murdered. Persecuted the Christians. Blamed for the burning of Rome in 64 a.d.

In the final years, was a drunk, spent tons of money, and made enemies in the Senate. Committed suicide

Vespasian Built the Roman Coliseum Destroyed the city of Jerusalem

Hadrian Built a wall in Briton separating the Romans from the barbarians. Made it illegal for master to put slaves to death.

Marcus Aurelius Loved philosophy and wrote “Meditations.” Devoted to the Roman Empire.

Commodus Poor ruler, spent all of his time at the games. Was killed at a bathhouse by a wrestler, strangled.