Faces we know
Emperors definitely had a large impact on Roman Society. They were the leaders of the empire! Below are some famous emperors, what each did with the power, and why this was important.
Image found at Famous Romans.This is a picture of a statue of Emperor Octavian. I used this picture to add a better visual affect to the website and so that readers would have a better idea of what he looked like.
Octavian (a.k.a Augustus)
WHY WE REMEMBER HIM
Octavian left many marks on the Roman Empire. His new constitution greatly affected the Roman Empire. He also left some physical marks as well. As stated above he build many structures in Rome, such as roads and buildings. Octavian also tried to restore the national religion and bring power back to the head of the house, which affected Roman families. Octavian was Julius Caesars nephew and was careful about the accumulation of power for his new role. He made it seem like the senate and the people still had the majority of the power, when he actually had taken most of these peoples power, expanding the rights of the Emperor. Octavian also introduced the Julian marriage laws. These laws encouraged forcefully the marriage of Roman citizens. It made it a responsibility for Roman men to get married, taking away their previous right to remain single. People who remained single, were greatly taxed. Those who married, were also greatly rewarded.
WHY WE REMEMBER HIM
- First emperor of Rome
- Created a new constitution for the Roman Empire
- Built many structures for the Roman Empire
Octavian left many marks on the Roman Empire. His new constitution greatly affected the Roman Empire. He also left some physical marks as well. As stated above he build many structures in Rome, such as roads and buildings. Octavian also tried to restore the national religion and bring power back to the head of the house, which affected Roman families. Octavian was Julius Caesars nephew and was careful about the accumulation of power for his new role. He made it seem like the senate and the people still had the majority of the power, when he actually had taken most of these peoples power, expanding the rights of the Emperor. Octavian also introduced the Julian marriage laws. These laws encouraged forcefully the marriage of Roman citizens. It made it a responsibility for Roman men to get married, taking away their previous right to remain single. People who remained single, were greatly taxed. Those who married, were also greatly rewarded.
Image found at Famous Romans.This is a picture of Emperor Nero's statue. I used this to give readers a better idea of who they were reading about.
Nero
WHY WE REMEMBER HIM
In the earlier days of Rome, Nero was less crazy. He had expanded the independence of the Senate, lowered taxes, and he gave aid to the Jews. He also increased the rights of slaves and let them sue unkind owners. However he had a dark side to him that manifested as his reign continued. People blamed Emperor Nero for the fire in Rome. Largely because this fire had opened space for his new palace in Rome. In order to stop these rumors he blamed the Christian population. This led to large persecution of the Christians and many were put to death. During his reign, he didn't add rights or responsibilities to the Emperor's position, but he showed how it could be negatively used. He had murdered Brictannicus ( Nero blamed epilepsy), his mother, and his wife Octavia.
WHY WE REMEMBER HIM
- Came to power because his mom murdered his step-dad
- While in power, Rome had a large fire. It is said that while watching Rome burn, he sang.
- Built a large palace for himself in the ashes of Rome.
In the earlier days of Rome, Nero was less crazy. He had expanded the independence of the Senate, lowered taxes, and he gave aid to the Jews. He also increased the rights of slaves and let them sue unkind owners. However he had a dark side to him that manifested as his reign continued. People blamed Emperor Nero for the fire in Rome. Largely because this fire had opened space for his new palace in Rome. In order to stop these rumors he blamed the Christian population. This led to large persecution of the Christians and many were put to death. During his reign, he didn't add rights or responsibilities to the Emperor's position, but he showed how it could be negatively used. He had murdered Brictannicus ( Nero blamed epilepsy), his mother, and his wife Octavia.
Image found at Famous Romans.This is a picture of Constantine the Great's statue. In this photo you can notice a difference in the eyes from the earlier statues of Octavian and Nero, as this was created in the later years of the empire. I used this image to give readers an image of what Constantine looked like.
Constantine the Great
WHY WE REMEMBER HIM
Looking back on Emperor Nero, Constantine being a Christian was a major thing. He reunited the Empire after it had been divided under many rulers. He also created the Council of Nicnaea, another large step away from the past Christian persecution as it was a council of church Bishops. He had moved the Empires capitol to Byzantium, and renamed it Constantinople. He expanded the rights of the roman people by granting religious freedom to all in the Edict of Milan
WHY WE REMEMBER HIM
- First Christian Emperor
- Moved Romes Capital to Constantinoplis
- Re-united the Empire
Looking back on Emperor Nero, Constantine being a Christian was a major thing. He reunited the Empire after it had been divided under many rulers. He also created the Council of Nicnaea, another large step away from the past Christian persecution as it was a council of church Bishops. He had moved the Empires capitol to Byzantium, and renamed it Constantinople. He expanded the rights of the roman people by granting religious freedom to all in the Edict of Milan
ALL IMAGES (EXCLUDING THE BACKGROUND OF THE COLOSSEUM) AND MOST INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE FOUND AT: Famous Romans.