Roman Emperor

"Roman Emperor" is the title historians use to refer to rulers of the Roman Empire, after the epoch conventionally named the Roman Republic. In ancient Rome there was no actual title of "Roman Emperor", and there was never a single office corresponding to it. Rather, the title "Roman Emperor" is a convenient shorthand for a complicated collection of offices and powers.

Related Topics:
Roman Empire - Roman Republic

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Discussion of Roman Emperors involves a high degree of historian's editorial discretion, for the Romans themselves did not share the modern understanding of the monarchical concepts of "empire" and "emperor". The Roman Empire had kept all the political institutions and traditions of the Roman Republic, including the Senate and assemblies.

Related Topics:
Empire - Emperor - Senate - Assemblies

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In general, the Emperors cannot truly be described as "de jure" rulers (nominally the Emperor was merely primus inter pares), and many were not "de facto" rulers either (Emperors were frequently themselves figureheads for powerful bureaucrats, functionaries, women, and generals).

Related Topics:
Primus inter pares - Figurehead

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The present article discusses the nature of the imperial dignity, and its dynastic development throughout the history of the Empire.

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• For a discussion of the Emperor's claimed godhead, see "imperial cult".
• For a more comprehensive listing of names of emperors, see "List of Roman Emperors".
 
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