The first answer is simple: hereditary rule. For most of this period, emperors were not chosen on the basis of their ability or honesty, but simply because they were born in the right family.

Who were the worst Roman emperors? Rome's transition from Republic ... as you'll see through today's list. Would you please let us know what you think about our content? Agree?

Never the preferred heir, Tiberius (42 BC – 37 AD / reigned 14 – 37 AD) soon showed why Augustus had wanted someone else. His political inability, poor judgment and jealousy led Rome into a ...

The two most powerful people in the senate were the consuls. The emperor ruled over the Roman Empire, a bit like a king. Find out below about some of the emperors who influenced Britain.

The coins are marked with faces of nine Roman emperors who reigned during the fourth and fifth centuries—including Eugenius, an illegitimate usurper who ruled the Western Roman Empire for just ...