What was daily life like for a Roman emperor?

Before dawn, servants quietly entered the emperor’s chambers, preparing his garments and bringing fresh water for his ablutions.

The emperor often washed his face and hands, which was a gesture of purification to ensure spiritual readiness for the tasks of the day.

Then, a barber would carefully shave him, and his hair might be styled, as even the emperor’s appearance was a way to convey authority. 

Afterward, the emperor frequently took time for reflection or a brief meal of bread, cheese, and honey.

By this time, key advisors and officials of the imperial court awaited their summons.

These men included trusted figures like the Praetorian Prefect and members of the imperial secretariat, who brought urgent matters to the emperor’s attention.

With documents and reports in hand, they could enter the emperor’s private study, where discussions on military strategy, provincial unrest, or financial matters would take place.

In some cases, the emperor would consult astrologers or religious leaders, in order to seek divine guidance before making any significant decisions. 

On certain mornings, the emperor’s family, particularly his wife or sons, might join him briefly, though the affairs of state quickly took precedence.

By late morning, the emperor was dressed in his official robes, ready to face the public or attend formal meetings. 

The vast Roman Empire demanded constant attention from the emperor for political and administrative matters.

At the centre of this responsibility was his relationship with the Senate: a body that once held supreme authority but had, by the imperial period, become more of an advisory council.

Though emperors like Augustus maintained the appearance of consulting the Senate, true power rested in the emperor’s hands.

Laws, decrees, and judicial appointments flowed from his pen, and senators often found themselves seeking favor rather than wielding influence.

In some cases, emperors like Tiberius engaged more actively with Senate proceedings, but even then, ultimate decisions belonged to the emperor alone. 

Most importantly, the emperor acted as the supreme judge of the empire in regard to legal matters.

His word could overturn any ruling, and he held the power to pardon or condemn with a single command.

When disputes arose between cities or provinces, they were often brought directly to the emperor for resolution.

Under emperors such as Hadrian, the legal system became more formalized. As such, the emperor’s decrees set precedents that shaped Roman law for generations. 

To manage the empire’s vast bureaucracy, the emperor relied on a network of advisors, clerks, and provincial governors.

These officials, such as the equestrian class who often handled financial matters, played a crucial role in maintaining order: from tax collection to the oversight of public works.

For instance, during the reign of Diocletian, the bureaucracy expanded significantly, to the point that these officials became indispensable. 

One of the most important roles for the emperor was as supreme commander of the Roman legions.

He was ultimately responsible for securing the empire’s borders and expanding its territory when necessary.

To do this effectively, the emperor had to maintain constant communication with his generals.

A typical legion numbered around 5,000 soldiers, and the empire could field over 30 legions during times of crisis.

The emperor often met personally with his top commanders to discuss potential threats from neighboring kingdoms or rebellious provinces.

Campaigns were planned by taking into account both the military strength of the enemy and the logistical challenges of moving large armies across difficult terrain. 

The emperor was expected to decide where to deploy troops to respond to a range of potential external threats.

For instance, under Marcus Aurelius, the empire faced fierce resistance along the Danube River, with Germanic tribes threatening to overrun key Roman territories.

What made matters worse, was that the emperor had to balance military engagements on multiple fronts while ensuring the defense of critical regions like Gaul and Egypt.

With over 300,000 soldiers in service during periods of war, the emperor had to manage vast logistical operations, from providing rations to ensuring the maintenance of supply lines.

In times of war, decisions regarding troop movements or the siege of enemy cities could make or break an emperor’s rule. 

At the same time, the emperor had to ensure that the empire’s defenses remained strong, such as the Roman fortifications along borders such as Hadrian’s Wall in Britain or the Rhine River.

Emperors like Trajan even personally participated in military campaigns, personally leading troops during the Dacian Wars, where over 150,000 Roman soldiers fought to subdue the kingdom of Dacia.

The emperor’s presence would allow him to monitor the progress of the campaign firsthand. 

The various ceremonies, games, and religious festivals that filled the Roman calendar provided crucial opportunities for the emperor to be seen by the people.

In the days before social media, the location of Roman Forum became the most important place people could be when they wanted to catch the ear of the ruler.

This could be done when emperors presided over ceremonies, or addressing the crowd from platforms.

They would people gathered in vast numbers to witness these occasions, with the emperor often wearing opulent robes to convey his divine favor and imperial dignity. 

At the Colosseum in particular, where over 50,000 citizens could gather to watch gladiatorial contests or animal hunts, the emperor's attendance was a sign of his commitment to entertaining and satisfying the masses.

During these games, the emperor’s decisions carried great weight. He had the power to spare or condemn a defeated gladiator through a single gesture of his hand.

For the Roman people, the emperor’s presence in such a vivid display of Roman superiority and the strength of the empire itself. 

As the Pontifex Maximus, the highest religious office in Rome, every major religious ceremony required his presence.

Through his religious duties, the emperor maintained the pax deorum, the peace with the gods that was believed to secure the empire’s prosperity and stability.

For instance, emperors like Augustus took special care to restore temples and revive traditional rituals that had fallen into neglect.

At certain times of the year, such as during the Ludi Romani, the emperor presided over games and festivals dedicated to Jupiter and other gods.   

In his religious capacity, the emperor oversaw the Collegium Pontificum, the council of high-ranking priests who managed religious matters, temples, and festivals.

It was the emperor’s duty to ensure that Rome’s complex religious calendar, with its many festivals, sacrifices, and observances, was strictly followed.

Also, as Pontifex Maximus, the emperor also had the power to appoint priests and oversee the Vestal Virgins, who were charged with keeping the sacred fire of Vesta burning.

The emperor’s influence over religious appointments gave him significant control over the spiritual life of Rome.

However, this role came with immense responsibility, as any failure to uphold religious obligations could be seen as inviting divine wrath upon the empire.

Emperors like Tiberius, who paid less attention to religious matters, faced criticism for neglecting their duties. 

Roman emperors, despite the weight of their responsibilities, were able to indulge in a variety of leisure activities.

One of the most popular choices for many rulers was banquets. These lavish and indulgent gatherings often featured exotic foods from across the empire, such as peacock, ostrich, and imported spices.

The emperor dined alongside senators and foreign dignitaries, and conversation flowed freely.

Entertainment could come in the form of musicians, dancers, or poets reciting epic tales.

At times, these feasts lasted for hours, with an endless array of delicacies and fine wines. 

For a more private escape, emperors like Hadrian or Augustus often retreated to their expansive gardens or country estates.

Here, the emperor strolled through beautifully manicured gardens, enjoying the peace that nature provided.

In quiet moments, he might reflect on matters of state or simply take pleasure in the beauty of his surroundings.

They were even decorated with private lakes, stone sculptures, and carefully designed landscapes, all to provide a serene refuge from the stresses of ruling.

When the emperor sought physical activity, he sometimes engaged in hunting, a pastime that connected him to the military roots of Roman leadership. 

Another favored activity was bathing in either private or public baths, such as the luxurious Baths of Caracalla.

These complexes featured hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and spaces for socializing.

In the warmth of the baths, the emperor could engage in conversation with close friends or advisors while also tending to his health.

After hours of work and public engagements, these moments of relaxation were a vital part of maintaining both his physical and mental well-being. 

Marriages among emperors were rarely matters of personal affection; instead, they served political purposes, often cementing alliances or securing the line of succession.

For instance, Augustus married Livia Drusilla, a union that strengthened his position, though it was rumored she exerted significant influence over his decisions.

Regardless, emperors frequently relied on their wives not only as partners but as trusted advisors.

However, relationships within the imperial family could be difficult. 

Children of the emperor, especially sons, were expected to be future rulers.

Although, imperial children lived under immense pressure, expected to uphold their family's legacy while facing constant scrutiny.

Augustus, who had no biological sons, adopted Tiberius to ensure a stable transition of power.

This practice of adoption to secure an heir became common in the imperial period.

In some cases, however, these familial ties bred fierce rivalries. Under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his son Commodus’s rise to power created uncertainty and dissatisfaction, leading to a period of instability.  

Emperors could also keep personal confidants and allies close. These relationships were essential for maintaining the emperor’s mental and emotional well-being, as even the most powerful ruler needed trusted companions to share the burdens of leadership.

However, in the dangerous world of Roman politics, betrayal by close allies was a constant fear.

For example, Caligula’s trust in his Praetorian Guard commander, Cassius Chaerea, ended in his assassination, showing how fragile personal loyalty could be in the imperial court.

Sadly, the constant threat of treachery, even from within his own family, made trust a rare commodity.

Despite their immense power, emperors frequently faced isolation, relying on a small circle of confidants who could be trusted in an otherwise perilous world. 

For a Roman emperor, the throne brought immense power but also constant danger.

Assassination threats loomed large, and no emperor could ignore the deadly ambition of rivals, discontented elites, or even trusted allies.

To guard against these threats, emperors relied on the Praetorian Guard, an elite force tasked with protecting the emperor and his family.

They were established by Augustus and the Guard acted as both bodyguards and enforcers of imperial will.

Stationed within Rome, they remained close to the emperor, serving as a powerful deterrent to would-be assassins.

The Guard, which numbered around 9,000 soldiers at its peak, became a critical part of the emperor's security apparatus.

However, the Praetorians could also become a source of danger. They wielded immense power, and on several occasions, they turned against the very rulers they were sworn to protect, such as when they murdered Caligula in 41 CE. 

Emperors took additional precautions to ensure their safety beyond relying on the Guard.

Some, like Tiberius, withdrew to fortified residences or remote locations, isolating themselves from potential threats.

Others used food tasters to guard against poisoning, a constant fear in an empire where treachery lurked in the shadows.

In some cases, emperors like Domitian became deeply paranoid, conducting purges against senators and other elites they suspected of plotting their downfall.

These purges created a climate of fear in Rome, as no one knew who the next target of imperial suspicion might be. 

Unfortunately, with power came enemies, and no amount of protection could guarantee safety.

In a volatile political environment, plots often emerged from within the imperial family or the emperor’s inner circle.

Even emperors as popular as Marcus Aurelius lived under the threat of conspiracy, knowing that their rule could end with a single knife stroke or poisoned cup.

The constant need for vigilance defined imperial life, as the boundaries between trusted ally and potential enemy blurred. 

As the day drew to a close, the emperor’s evening often began with a private dinner, attended by close friends, family, or trusted advisors.

These dinners, while smaller than the grand banquets, were still rich affairs, featuring fine foods and wines.

The emperor enjoyed conversation in a more intimate setting, discussing matters both trivial and serious. 

After dinner, council meetings might take place, where the emperor reviewed the events of the day or made decisions on urgent matters.

Advisors, secretaries, and military commanders often joined him to discuss the pressing issues of the empire.

Due to the empire’s vast territories, messages from distant provinces frequently arrived late and required immediate attention.

Often, these meetings ran late, especially if important diplomatic matters or military crises were involved. 

For some emperors, like Augustus, they would often spend time alone, reading or writing correspondence.

Emperors like Marcus Aurelius, who was also a philosopher, used these quiet hours to reflect on the moral and philosophical questions that weighed on them.

In the privacy of their chambers, away from the demands of the public, emperors found space to contemplate the burdens of leadership. 

The life of a Roman emperor was defined by both immense privilege and heavy burdens.

Every day, the emperor faced decisions that could alter the fate of an empire, weighing the demands of the Senate, the military, and the people.

Yet, the rewards of power were unmatched. Emperors like Nero reveled in the grandeur of public ceremonies and games, enjoying the adoration of the masses.

The Praetorian Guard provided protection, but it also allowed emperors to command loyalty through displays of wealth and strength.  

Nevertheless, emperors had access to the best comforts of the ancient world, from lavish banquets to exquisite baths, and the personal attention of advisors, artists, and scholars.

In contrast, the weight of responsibility often led emperors like Tiberius or Caligula to paranoia, withdrawing from public life as they struggled with the pressure of maintaining control.

Others, such as Commodus, lost themselves in indulgence, unable to balance personal desires with the duties of the throne.

The legacy of each emperor, whether remembered as a tyrant, philosopher, or warrior, was deeply tied to how they handled the daily trials of rule.