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 stemma Map of Roman empire mid-2nd century CE

Images of the Emperors, 96-192

M. Cocceius Nerva, 96-98

M. Cocceius Nerva, 96-98

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

M. Ulpius Traianus, 98-117

M. Ulpius Traianus, 98-117 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)

P. Aelius Hadrianus, 117-138

P. Aelius Hadrianus, 117-138 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;

Pantheon

T. Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus, 138-61

T. Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus, 138-61 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

M. Annius Aurelius, 161-80

M. Annius Aurelius, 161-80 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 177-80

Lacked foresight; left stable and safe, but stagnant and overcentralized empire

Ruled during inflation, devastating plague

L. Aelius Aurelius Commodus, 180-92

L. Aelius Aurelius Commodus, 180-92

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