Biblical Profile: Roman Emperors

Roman Emperors (27 BC–AD 96)

Augustus (Octavian) (27 BC–AD 14) Became the first Roman emperor after defeating Marc Antony at the battle of Actium (31 BC); ruled with wisdom and good administration; given the title “Augustus” (27 BC), initiating emperor worship. See Luke 2:1.

Tiberius (AD 14–37) Augustus’s adopted son and chosen successor; a wise and humble ruler; appointed Pontius Pilate as governor of Judea. See Luke 3:1; John 19:12.

(Gaius) Caligula (AD 37–41) Son of Augustus’s general Germanicus, nicknamed Caligula (“Little Boot”) for his military attire; went insane, squandered the treasury, ruled as a despot, and was assassinated.