The 9 worst Roman emperors in history

Nero was the fifth emperor of Rome and ascended to the throne at the tender age of 16, following the death of his adoptive father, Emperor Claudius.

His reign began with promise, but soon descended into chaos and tyranny. It was rumored that Nero's early years as emperor were heavily influenced by his overbearing mother, Agrippina the Younger. 

Under Nero's rule, the Great Fire of Rome broke out in AD 64, which devastated the city.

Many Romans believed that Nero himself had started the fire to clear space for his grand architectural projects.

However, the emperor famously blamed the Christians for the disaster, leading to their brutal persecution.

This earned him a reputation for cruelty and irrationality. During his reign, Nero also indulged in lavish and eccentric behaviors.

He participated in musical and theatrical performances, which were considered undignified for an emperor.

He also embarked on grandiose building projects, such as the extravagant Domus Aurea (Golden House).

This palace came to embody his obsession with luxury and his utter disregard for the empire's financial health. 

Unfortunately, Nero's paranoia only grew as he perceived threats to his power from many different quarters.

He ordered the execution of several prominent Romans, including his own mother in AD 59, fearing her influence and potential plots against him.

In addition, his wife, Octavia, met a similar fate in AD 62, accused of adultery and executed on dubious grounds.

Political instability across the empire increased as Nero's tyranny became more apparent.

As a result, Rebellions erupted in different provinces, including the notable revolt led by the governor of Gaul, Gaius Julius Vindex, in AD 68.

This rebellion, along with the defection of the Praetorian Guard, ultimately led to Nero's downfall. 

Facing imminent capture and execution, Nero chose to end his life. On June 9, AD 68, he committed suicide, uttering the famous last words, qualis artifex pereo ("What an artist dies in me!").

His death marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and plunged Rome into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors.

Today, Nero's legacy is one of extravagance, cruelty, and destructive ambition. 

Caligula was born with the name Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus and became the Roman emperor in 37 AD.

Like Nero, his rule was initially welcomed by the Roman people. However, it quickly turned out to be a disaster due to his erratic and cruel behavior.

Only a few months into his reign, Caligula fell seriously ill, and many believe his illness affected his mind.

His subsequent actions hinted at a disturbing shift in his personality. 

One of the first warning signs was when he suddenly ordered the execution of prominent individuals, including political rivals and family members.

This created an atmosphere of fear and instability throughout Rome.

Furthermore, he declared himself a living god and demanded to be worshipped as such.

His vanity and megalomania knew no bounds. To display his perceived divinity, he erected statues of himself in temples.

During public events, he often wore divine attire, further asserting his godlike status.

In one comical story, Caligula marched his army to the ocean and ordered his soldiers to attack the waves as a sign that he could defeat Poseidon, the god of the sea. 

Under Caligula's rule, financial mismanagement became rampant. He depleted the treasury on lavish games, luxurious palaces, and other personal extravagances.

Additionally, he imposed heavy taxes on the population to fund his excessive spending.

Public discontent grew as the financial burden on the empire increased. His degrading treatment of the Senate only exacerbated the tensions.

Caligula humiliated senators, sometimes forcing them to run beside his chariot or perform degrading tasks.

He also involved himself in bizarre acts, such as appointing his horse, Incitatus, to the highest political office in the empire instead of giving it to a senator. 

In AD 41, a group of conspirators, including members of the Praetorian Guard, assassinated Caligula.

His reign of terror ended abruptly, but the damage to the Roman political structure endured.

Caligula's assassination led to a brief period of uncertainty, but the Senate quickly declared his uncle Claudius as the new emperor. 

Commodus was the son of the well-respected Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The new emperor ascended to the Roman throne in AD 180 and it became obvious his reign was a sharp departure from his father's era.

Almost immediately, he indulged in lavish entertainments and excessive luxury. His fascination with gladiatorial combat became one of his most infamous traits.

Commodus frequently participated in the arena, fighting as a gladiator, which many Romans found disgraceful.

To many, this act diminished the dignity of the imperial office. Despite the fact that all of his victories were clearly staged, he claimed them as genuine triumphs. 

During his rule, Commodus neglected the empire's administrative duties. He left much of the control of most regions to his favorites and sycophants, including the praetorian prefects.

These officials, like Cleander, amassed power and wealth through corruption and exploitation.

Consequently, the empire suffered from mismanagement and growing discontent.

Public disapproval grew as Commodus' behavior became increasingly erratic. He renamed Rome and several months of the year after himself, which displayed his vanity and desire for deification.

His megalomania extended to ordering numerous statues of himself in the guise of Hercules. 

On December 31, AD 192, a conspiracy led to Commodus' assassination. The plot involved his concubine Marcia, the chamberlain Eclectus, and the Praetorian Prefect Laetus.

They feared his unstable rule and the threat it posed to the empire. First, they attempted to poison him, but when that failed, they resorted to strangling him in his bath.

Once dead, the Senate immediately sought to erase his memory. They declared him a public enemy and ordered the destruction of his statues.

However, Rome then plunged into a brief period of civil strife known as the Year of the Five Emperors. 

At the age of just 14 years old, Elagabalus became emperor of Rome in AD 218.

His name at birth was Varius Avitus Bassianus, but he took the name Elagabalus when he became ruler.

This is because he used to serve as a priest of the mysterious eastern sun god Elagabal.

Many observers complained that his early rule was largely influenced by his mother, Julia Soaemias, and grandmother, Julia Maesa, who they believed orchestrated his rise to power. 

From the beginning, Elagabalus introduced radical religious changes. He replaced Jupiter, the traditional chief deity of the Roman pantheon, with Elagabal.

To honor his god, he constructed a grand temple on the Palatine Hill, known as the Elagabalium.

Many Romans were disturbed by his attempts to merge Roman religious practices with Eastern traditions.

This religious upheaval caused significant unrest among the Roman populace. 

In addition, Elagabalus' personal behavior further alienated him from the Roman elite.

He openly defied traditional Roman gender roles by dressing in women's clothing and demanding to be addressed as a woman.

He also took several husbands, including Hierocles, a charioteer. These actions were considered scandalous and brought disrepute to the imperial office. 

As a result, political instability grew as Elagabalus alienated powerful factions within the empire.

He completely disregarded experienced leaders and frequently replaced high-ranking officials with his favorite companions.

The ensuing chaos even led his grandmother, Julia Maesa, to begin to support his cousin, Alexander Severus, as a more suitable emperor.

Ultimately, in March 222 AD, a conspiracy led to Elagabalus' assassination. Julia Maesa and the Praetorian Guard orchestrated the plot which killed both Elagabalus and his mother.

Their bodies were simply thrown into the Tiber River. This was the beginning of a new era under Alexander Severus.

Caracalla was not initially meant to be emperor. Instead, he co-ruled Rome with his brother, Geta, when their father died in AD 211.

However, Caracalla had Geta murdered in December 211 AD to secure sole power.

This fratricide led to the infamous massacre of Geta's supporters, which stained Caracalla's early reign with bloodshed.

As a result, many Romans viewed him as a ruthless leader from the start. 

Then, in AD 212, Caracalla issued the Constitutio Antoniniana, granting Roman citizenship to all free men within the empire.

This decree aimed to increase tax revenue but also altered the social dynamics of Roman society.

However, it did not ease the empire's financial troubles as he had hoped, as heavy taxation continued.

In fact, the move was seen as an attempt to secure loyalty from the broader population. 

Unlike the other emperors in this list, Caracalla's military campaigns defined much of his rule.

He had sought to emulate Alexander the Great by launching aggressive campaigns in Germania and the East.

In AD 214, he invaded Parthia, hoping to achieve military glory. While he achieved some success, his campaigns actually drained the empire's resources and strained its finances.

To maintain control of his slipping power, Caracalla relied heavily on the loyalty of the military, often increasing their pay to secure their support.

Despite his efforts, Caracalla's reign experienced increasing with internal strife. He faced a number of plots against his life.

His paranoia led to purges within the Senate and the execution of perceived enemies.

Such actions only deepened the mistrust and instability within the empire.  

While engaged on his military campaigns, Caracalla met his end in 217 AD. On April 8, while traveling to Carrhae in modern-day Turkey, he was assassinated by a disgruntled soldier named Justin Martialis, who was reportedly ordered to do so by his praetorian prefect, Macrinus, who would succeed as emperor.

Caracalla's legacy remains one of ambition and brutality. His attempts to centralize power and secure loyalty through citizenship and military reforms had lasting impacts on the empire.

However, his ruthless methods and relentless pursuit of personal glory overshadowed his achievements. 

Tiberius was only the second emperor of Rome in AD 14, following the death of the well-respected Augustus.

Initially, he proved to be a capable and effective ruler, managing the vast empire with a surprising level of diligence.

However, his reign gradually became marred by his increasing suspicion and autocracy.

To many, Tiberius appeared distant and aloof, preferring the company of his inner circle. 

This is because he spent much of his rule away from Rome, particularly on the island of Capri.

While there, he became infamous for his hedonistic and cruel behavior. According to historical accounts, particularly those of Suetonius and Tacitus, his actions on Capri were both bizarre and brutal.

He allegedly indulged in sexual debauchery. Such behavior shocked even the Romans, who were known for their liberal attitudes toward sexuality.

In addition, Tiberius is said to have tortured and executed those who displeased him, often on the slightest pretext. 

Unfortunately, his long absences from the capital allowed the ambitious Praetorian Prefect Sejanus to accumulate power.

Under Sejanus' influence, the political atmosphere in Rome grew increasingly oppressive.

Many senators and nobles faced accusations of treason, leading to a climate of fear.

Despite these issues, Tiberius managed to maintain stability within the empire through continuing the administrative and financial policies of Augustus.

Furthermore, his military campaigns in Germania and along the Danube bolstered Rome's frontiers. 

However, Tiberius' later years were overshadowed by his murderous paranoia. He suspected numerous plots against him, which resulted in a number of brutal purges.

This led to the execution of many perceived enemies, including Sejanus in 31 AD.

The removal of Sejanus, however, did little to alleviate the pervasive mistrust within the administration.

Tiberius' health deteriorated in his final years, and he became increasingly reclusive.

In March 37 AD, he died at the age of 77, passing the throne to his grand-nephew Caligula.

His death marked the end of an era, closing a reign filled with both achievements and turmoil. 

Domitian ruled as Roman emperor from AD 81 to 96 AD after succeeding his brother, Titus.

Initially, he focused on consolidating power and implementing reforms. However, his rule soon turned oppressive.

He imposed heavy taxation to fund his building projects and lavish entertainments.

The construction of the Domus Flavia, his new palace on the Palatine Hill, which exemplified his desire for grandeur.

Meanwhile, Domitian's strict control extended to the Senate, where he curtailed their power and independence. 

Under Domitian's reign, persecution of perceived enemies became common. He targeted philosophers, Christians, and Jews, viewing them as threats to his authority.

With his paranoia growing, he employed informers to uncover plots against him. In AD 89, Lucius Antonius Saturninus, the governor of Germania Superior, led a revolt against him.

Though quickly suppressed, the rebellion intensified Domitian's suspicion of the Senate and military commanders.

As a result, he intensified his repressive measures, which only further alienated the ruling class. 

According to historical accounts, Domitian would often isolate himself in his private quarters and pass the time by stabbing flies with a stylus.

In another infamous event, Domitian hosted a macabre ‘funeral dinner’, where he invited prominent guests to a feast held in an entirely black room.

Each guest was given a gravestone with their name on it. The intent was clear: Domitian sought to intimidate and instill fear in his guests, reminding them of his absolute power over life and death. 

He reportedly executed his cousin, Flavius Clemens, on charges of atheism and Jewish sympathies.

Domitian also demanded to be addressed as dominus et deus (lord and god).

Similarly, his domestic policies remained unpopular. In AD 93, Domitian launched a series of purges known as the "Reign of Terror."

He executed several high-ranking officials and former allies, fearing conspiracies against him.

These purges decimated the ranks of Rome's elite. On September 18, AD 96, Domitian met his end through assassination.

A conspiracy involving court officials, including his wife Domitia Longina, led to his murder.

After his death, the Senate quickly moved to condemn his memory, an act known as Damnatio memoriae.

They sought to erase his legacy and restore the Republic's ideals. 

Honorius became the Western Roman Emperor in AD 395 at the age of ten. His reign, which lasted until AD 423, was constantly plagued by political instability and barbarian invasions.

Initially, his government was dominated by his father’s trusted general, Stilicho, who acted as his guardian and regent.

Stilicho's presence provided some stability, but Honorius' lack of strong leadership skills became evident over time. 

In AD 402, Honorius moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Milan to Ravenna, since he believed that Ravenna’s marshes and fortifications would offer better protection against military incursions.

While this decision may have provided temporary safety, it also signaled a retreat and weakening of Roman authority. 

The most catastrophic event of his reign occurred In AD 410, when Rome was sacked by the Visigoths under King Alaric.

This was a monumental failure in Honorius' reign. He chose to remain in Ravenna, isolated and seemingly indifferent to the plight of Rome.

The sack of Rome shocked the rest of the Roman world and Honorius' inability to respond effectively to this crisis highlighted his ineffectiveness as a ruler. 

His relationship with his generals and other powerful figures was often strained.

After the execution of Stilicho in AD 408, Honorius struggled to find competent military leadership.

His mistrust and paranoia led to further executions and political purges. This lack of strong and consistent leadership weakened the empire's ability to defend itself against ongoing threats.

Various regions of the empire, including Britain and parts of Gaul, effectively broke away from central control.

In AD 418, he authorized the settlement of the Visigoths in Aquitaine, which indicated the empire's inability to maintain territorial integrity.

Honorius died in AD 423, leaving behind an empire in disarray. 

In AD 284, Diocletian became Roman emperor following the assassination of Emperor Numerian.

His rise to power was the beginning of significant reforms aimed at stabilizing the crumbling empire.

To address the immense challenges, he introduced the Tetrarchy in AD 293, which divided the empire into four regions, each ruled by a co-emperor.

He appointed Maximian as his co-emperor, with Galerius and Constantius Chlorus as junior emperors, or Caesars.

Each ruler controlled a specific territory, allowing for quicker responses to external threats and internal issues.  

He also tried to implement significant economic changes, including the Edict on Maximum Prices in 301 AD.

This decree aimed to curb inflation by setting price limits on goods and services.

While ambitious, it proved challenging to enforce and often led to black market activities.

Additionally, Diocletian reformed the tax system, making it more systematic and predictable.

These measures were intended to stabilize the empire's finances, but their real effectiveness was limited. 

It was religious persecution that has been the long-term legacy of Diocletian's reign.

In AD 303, he initiated the Great Persecution, targeting Christians across the empire.

Churches were destroyed, scriptures burned, and many Christians faced imprisonment or execution.

His ultimate goal was to revive traditional Roman religious practices and strengthen imperial unity.

However, this persecution failed to eradicate Christianity and, instead, often strengthened the resolve of its followers. 

Despite its initial success, the Tetrarchy faced difficulties due to rivalry and ambition among the rulers.

In AD 305, Diocletian became the first Roman emperor to voluntarily abdicate the throne.

He retired to his palace in Split, modern-day Croatia, where he spent his remaining years.

His decision to step down was unprecedented and demonstrated his recognition of the limitations of his power.

The Tetrarchy soon collapsed into civil war, undermining his attempts at long-term stability. 

The Roman Empire witnessed a number of emperors whose reigns were marked by cruelty, incompetence, and excess.

The reigns of these particular nine Roman emperors are cautionary tales of the dangers of absolute power, illustrating how the worst aspects of human nature can thrive when left unchecked.

Each of them left a negative impact on the empire and contributed substantially to its eventual decline.