Roman dynasties

27BC-AD68: The first emperor is considered by many to have been the best, and one to judge against all the emperors that would follow. During this period, the invasion of Britannia was started. This dynasty produced five emperors.

69-96: the second dynasty ruled from 69 to 96, and produced

96-192: this dynasty ruled from 96-192 and produced seven emperors. The period from 96-180 became known as Pax Romana (Roman Peace), the golden age of Rome. One emperor is still known for his Meditations. This dynasty would also see the first time two emperors ruled together. The seventh emperor of this dynasty preferred taking part in gladiatorial games than ruling a vast empire.

193-235: this would produce five emperors. ruling from 193-235. The founding emperor was from Leptis Magna in modern day Libya, and had to defeat two rivals, Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus, before gaining the throne. His two sons jointly succeeded him but fell out quickly, one murdering the other. There was a short interruption on this dynasty from 217-218 when Macrinus and his son Diadumenian held the purple.

238-244: a short lived dynasty, set against the Year of the Six Emperors. This dynasty lasted for six years and produced three emperors.

253-268: during the Crises of the Third Century, one of the three emperors produced by this dynasty would rule for 15 years, yielding some stability to a tumultuous period in the history of the roman empire.

268-270:a short-lived dynasty that produced two emperors, one a plague victim, and the second his brother who was quickly deposed.

282-285: this short lived dynasty produced three emperors. The first emperor was possibly struck by lightning before his sons jointly succeeded him.

305-363: this dynasty produced six emperors This dynasty had the first emperor to become Christian on his deathbed. He would re-unite the empire under his jurisdiction, moving on from the Tetrarchy created by Diocletian in 286.

364-392, 421 and 425-455. This dynasty was closely entwined with another during this age. The Roman Empire was slipping into two halves at this time. Five emperors were produced by this dynasty.

379-457. This dynasty saw the last emperor to rule both halves of the empire before its final split. Five emperors came from this dynasty.

457-475 and 476-518. This dynasty produced four emperors. The last of these emperors was so prudent with the public purse, that this would finance reconquering half of the western empire.

518-602. Under the second emperor of this dynasty Belisarius, a capable general, reconquered north Africa, Italy, Dalmatia, Italy and Rome and part of the Iberian peninsular. Five emperors were produced with this dynasty.

610-695 and 705-711. This dynasty produced six emperors.

717-802. out of the five emperors from this dynasty, he first empress ruled in her own right from 797-802.

802-811. Just three emperors ruled between 802-811.

820-867. Another three emperors produced by this dynasty.

867-1056. 191 years would see 16 emperors from this dynasty.

1057-1059 (considered an usurper) before this dynasty became established from 1081-1185. Including the usurper, this dynasty produced six emperors.

1059-1078. Four emperors from this dynasty.

1185-1204. Only three emperors came from this dynasty, one ruling twice, the second time alongside his son.

1204-1261. The Fourth Crusade forced the East Romans to flee to Nicaea (the successor state to the East Romans). Four emperors were produced by this dynasty, before the East Romans recaptured Constantinople and the seat of government returned here.

This dynasty was the last as the romans petered out to be conquered by the Ottomans. It was also the longest in years, 194 years; 1259-1453. 13 emperors ruled the final years. The Roman Republic was founded in 509BC, to be followed by the Empire in 27BC. The empire died in 1453, bringing 1962 years of astonishing history to an end.