How many Roman Emperors were Assassinated

In the heart of ancient Rome, beneath the grand archways and golden monuments, lay a tumultuous realm of ambition and rivalry. As the empire expanded, so did the stakes. Control over vast territories and diverse populations made the Emperor’s throne both coveted and perilous. While emperors wielded unparalleled power, they were perpetually entangled in a web of political intrigue and factional disputes.

More often than not, their lofty positions made them targets. Disloyal guards, scheming senators, or even aggrieved family members—danger lurked at every corner. Despite their might, these rulers often fell victim to calculated betrayals and coups, leaving the empire in frequent turmoil. Curious about the specifics?

List of Assassinated Roman Emperors

In the following table, we’ve cataloged each assassinated Emperor, detailing the year of their death, their reign’s duration, Age at the time of the assassination, and the nature of their untimely end. There are a total of 37 known murdered emperors in the table, including the brothers Pupienus and Balbinus. Also not included in the list is Emperor Nero, who committed suicide.

Facts about the Assassinated Roman Emperors

Here are seven intriguing facts about the assassinated Roman emperors:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

These fascinating tidbits underscore the precarious nature of imperial rule in ancient Rome, where power often came at the blade’s edge.

Author: Artur Jakucewicz

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.