1. 5 “Good” Emperors, 96-180 & Commodus, 180-192 Nerva: 96-98 Trajan: 98-117 Hadrian: 117-138 Antoninus Pius: 138-161 Marcus Aurelius: 161-180 Commodus: 180-192 Family stemmastemma Map of Roman empire mid-2 nd century CE Map of Roman empire mid-2 nd century CE

2. Images of the Emperors, 96-192

3. M. Cocceius Nerva, 96-98

4. Chosen by Senate at age 66 (b. in Italy in 30) Consitutional rule Just and humane legislation Largess: land allotments Chose Trajan as co-regent, successor Ruled only 16 months

5. M. Ulpius Traianus, 98-117

6. Born in Spain in 53 Military man, not an autocrat Tolerant, courteous, economical, strict Humane and progressive Largess: alimenta (interest on loans  fund); free grain; public works Restructured provincial government, advancing equites War vs. Dacians, Parthians; annexed Dacia, Arabia, Armenia, Mesopotamia; column (1, 2, 3); market)123market

7. P. Aelius Hadrianus, 117-138

8. Born in Spain (or Rome) in 76 Closest to Julius Caesar in versatility of talent Codified laws, enhanced equites’ role in government Intellectual, literary enthusiast, accomplished artist Toured the provinces Policy of “defensive imperialism” Tivoli villa (model; remains); mausoleum; Pantheonmodelremainsmausoleum Pantheon

9. T. Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus, 138-61

10. Born in Italy in 86 Member of Senatorial class Adopted by Hadrian, acquired cognomen of Antoninus Pius Possessed integrity, loyalty, gentle nature Unsensational leader, imitative of Hadrian Beneficial, deferential to Senate Left a healthy, prosperous, harmonius empire Temple of A. Pius and Faustina; column with apotheosis Temple of A. Pius and Faustina apotheosis

11. M. Annius Aurelius, 161-80

12. Born in Spain in 121 Deep believer in Stoicism; wrote Meditations (lit., “to himself”): providence of the gods, mortality, morality, tolerance, the common good Maintained century of goodwill since Nerva, including political and social ease Fought with Parthia; conquered Danube Following Hadrian’s wishes, co-emperor with adoptive brother L. Verus 161-9, with son Commodus 177-80L. Verus Lacked foresight; left stable and safe, but stagnant and overcentralized empire Ruled during inflation, devastating plague

13. L. Aelius Aurelius Commodus, 180-92

14. Born in 161: the first born “in the purple”; co-ruler with M. Aurelius 177-180 Upon accession: M. Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Another Nero: corrupt men managed his administration Hostile to Senate, indifferent to rule Name: Hercules Romanus; obsessed with performing as gladiator; Rome = Colonia Commodiana Oversaw outbreaks of violence, mutiny, purges Strangled in bath Dec. 31, 192