Art Movements

Assassination of Roman Emperors

Summary

Beneath the opulent facade of ancient Rome, a complex interplay of ambition and power struggles unfolded. As the empire expanded its dominion, the imperial throne became a highly coveted and perilous position. Emperors, though endowed with immense authority, were perpetually embroiled in political maneuvering and factional disputes. Their elevated status made them targets for disloyal guards, scheming senators, and even disgruntled family members. Despite their formidable power, these rulers were frequently victims of calculated betrayals and coups, plunging the empire into periods of instability.

Introduction

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of Roman Emperors who met untimely ends through assassination. The table includes the year of death, duration of reign, age at the time of assassination, and the manner of death for each Emperor. A total of 37 Emperors are listed, including the joint reign of Pupienus and Balbinus. Emperor Nero, who committed suicide, is not included in this table.

Emperor Year of Death Duration on the Throne Age at Death Manner of Death Succeeded by
Gaius (Caligula) 41 AD 4 years 28 Assassinated by his Praetorian Guard Claudius
Claudius 54 AD 13 years 63 Likely poisoned by his wife Nero
Galba 69 AD <1 year 70 Assassinated by his Praetorian Guard Otho
Vitellius 69 AD <1 year 54 Executed by Vespasian's men Vespasian
Domitian 96 AD 15 years 44 Assassinated Nerva
Commodus 192 AD 15 years 31 Strangled by his wrestling partner in his bath Pertinax
Pertinax 193 AD 86 days 66 Assassinated Didius Julianus
Didius Julianus 193 AD 66 days 61 Assassinated Septimius Severus
Geta 211 AD 3 years 22 Assassinated by Caracalla -
Caracalla 217 AD 19 years 29 Assassinated by his bodyguard Macrinus
Macrinus 218 AD 1 year 55 Executed Elagabalus
Elagabalus 222 AD 4 years 18 Assassinated Alexander Severus
Alexander Severus 235 AD 13 years 26 Assassinated Maximinus Thrax
Maximinus Thrax 238 AD 3 years 65 Assassinated Gordian I & II
Pupienus and Balbinus 238 AD <1 year 70 and 60 Joint rule Gordian III
Gordian III 244 AD 6 years 19 Murdered Philip the Arab
Gallienus 268 AD 15 years 50 Assassinated Claudius Gothicus
Aurelian 275 AD 5 years 60 Assassinated Tacitus
Tacitus 276 AD 1 year 75 Likely assassinated Florianus
Florianus 276 AD <1 year uncertain Assassinated Probus
Probus 282 AD 6 years 38 Assassinated Carus
Carinus 285 AD 2 years 29 Assassinated Diocletian
Numerianus 284 AD 1 year uncertain Likely assassinated -
Licinius 324 AD 16 years 60 Executed -
Severus II 307 AD <1 year uncertain Likely assassinated -
Constans I 350 AD 13 years 27 Assassinated -
Gratian 383 AD 16 years 24 Assassinated Magnus Maximus
Valentinian II 392 AD 17 years 21 Likely assassinated -
Eugenius 394 AD 2 years uncertain Executed Theodosius I
John the Illicit 425 AD 2 years uncertain Executed Theodosius II
Valentinian III 455 AD 30 years 35 Assassinated Petronius Maximus
Petronius Maximus 455 AD <1 year 57 Stoned by mob Avitus
Avitus 456 AD 1 year uncertain Likely forced suicide Maiorianus
Maiorianus 461 AD 4 years 44 Beheaded Libius Severus
Anthemius 472 AD 5 years 56 Beheaded Olybrius
Nepos 480 AD 5 years uncertain Assassinated Romulus Augustulus

Notable Deaths

Longest Reign Before Assassination: Valentinian III stands out among the assassinated emperors, having ruled for a commendable 30 years before his assassination. Despite the longevity of his rule, he met a violent end at the hands of assailants.

Shortest Reign Before Assassination: The dubious honor of the briefest reign among those assassinated goes to Pertinax and Didius Julianus, each ruling for less than three months. Their short-lived rule in 193 AD underscores the political chaos of the Year of the Five Emperors.

The Youngest Victim: The tragic tale of Geta stands out. Assassinated at the tender age of 22; what makes his death even more shocking is that his elder brother, Caracalla, orchestrated it.

Oldest Emperor Assassinated: Tacitus, at the Age of 75, holds the title of being the oldest assassinated Emperor. It’s a stark reminder that in the turbulent world of Roman politics, Age offered no immunity from violent ends.

Brothers in Fate: The year 238 AD saw the assassination of both Pupienus and Balbinus while they held joint rule. Their dual demise showcases the extreme perils of ruling Rome during its more tumultuous periods.

A Year of Blood: The year 69 AD, often referred to as the Year of the Four Emperors, saw the end of Galba, Vitellius, and eventually the start of Vespasian’s more stable rule. This year serves as a testament to the intense power struggles that occasionally consumed the empire.

Rapid Succession of Murders: The span between 235 AD and 285 AD, often called the Crisis of the Third Century, was a period of unparalleled chaos. During this half-century, a staggering 13 emperors were assassinated, showcasing the volatility of the era.