The Five Good Emperors

The five Good Emperors refers to the succession of Nerva (96–98 CE), Trajan (98–117), Hadrian (117–138), Antoninus Pius (138–161), and Marcus Aurelius (161–180). They presided over the most majestic days of the mighty Roman Empire.

After the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180, the empire quickly descended into chaos which was not ended until the assassination of Commodus (December 31, 192 AD) and the triumph of Septimius Severus. With Commodus' murder, the Nerva–Antonine dynasty came to an end. Turmoil continued until the 'Year of the Five Emperors'. The Roman Empire would never be as great again.

193 AD was a period of intense civil war and political chaos in the Roman Empire following the assassination of Commodus. Five men, Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus, and Septimius Severus claimed the throne, ultimately leading to the rise of the Severan dynasty.

Nerva

Trajan

Hadrian

Antoninus Pius

Marcus Aurelius