Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Ancient History Sourcebook: Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Ancient History Sourcebook offers the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antonius, the "philosopher emperor" of Rome. This is one of the few pieces of literature written by a world leader; even more striking is the fact that it is a work of...
Loyola University Chicago
De Imperatoribus Romanis: Marcus Cocceius Nerva
This article about the first of the Five Good Emperors looks at the reign of Nerva who brought about positive change after a period of chaos.
Franco Cavazzi
The Early Emperors: 'Augustus' Gaius Julius Octavius (63 Bc Ad 14)
This is a detailed and highly informative biography of Octavian, later known as Augustus.
Other
The Romans: The Empire
The "Five Good Emperors" temporarily abandoned the hereditary principle - each was chosen on his merit by the senate. They were: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius.
Franco Cavazzi
The Roman Empire: 'Theodosius the Great'
This site provides a biography of Flavius Theodosius (Theodosius the Great), a man who became emperor for a brief time following the Battle of Adrianople.
Robin Chew
Lucid Cafe: Augustus First Roman Emperor
A brief overview of the life and accomplishments of Augustus (Octavian).
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Marble Statue of the Emperor Hadrian
The Roman emperor Hadrian is shown here in the himation (a Greek mantle). This unique and well known statue is made up of fragments found in 1861 in the ruins of a temple in the city of Cyrene, in northern Africa.
Loyola University Chicago
De Imperatoribus Romanis: Constantine I
An essay on the life of Constantine, his relationship with Christianity, the founding of Constantinople, his death, and more.
PBS
Pbs: Claudius
This site contains an interesting account of the life of Claudius. Includes quotes from ancient and modern historians, as well as a scathing description of his second wife, Agrippina.
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: Emperor Nero
History for kids provides an overview of the life and controversial leaderhip of the Roman emperor Nero who served in the 1st Century AD.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: Ancient Rome Timeline for Kids
Students can study the events and timeline of Ancient Rome on this site. Learn about how this powerful civilization ruled much of Europe for many centuries.
Forum Romanum
Outlines of Roman History: The Reign of Marcus Aurelius (Ad 161 180)
Read this entry from William Morey's 1901 text to find out about Marcus Aurelius, one of the five good emperors, who was known as a philosopher.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Power Point: The Five Good Emperors
Tom Richey uses humor in his slide presentation to informa and enlighten students on the history of Rome and the Five Good Emperors.
Forum Romanum
Outlines of Roman History: Julian Emperors: Reign of Caligula
Read about the insanity of Caligula in William Morey's 1901 textbook.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Imperial Fora
A series of public spaces in Rome called fora were built by Roman emperors and contained monumental art and architecture. View examples and read descriptions of Imperial fora built by Julius Caesar and Augustus.
PBS
Pbs Frontline: Letters of Pliny the Younger & Emperor Trajan
The actual letters written between Pliny and the Emperor about the issue of early Christianity. It was the first time the Romans recognized the religion as separate from Judaism.
University of Calgary
University of Calgary: Germanic Invasions of Europe
This resource provides a description of the relationship between Germania and the Roman Empire from the days of the Early Republic, and how these relationships changed as Germanic tribes began to exert pressure and eventually invaded the...
Read Works
Read Works: Ancient Rome and Byzantium the Birth of the Byzantine Empire
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about beginning of the Byzantine empire. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Ancient History Sourcebook: Eutropius
Fordham University gives a brief selection by Eutropius about the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Describes him as a very pious and generous man, despite all his power and the problems he faced.
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Augustus
Illustrated encyclopedia tells the story of Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome. Includes a timeline and links to related content.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Bronze Head From a Statue of the Emperor Hadrian
Hadrian (reigned 117-138 C.E.), once a tribune in three different legions of the Roman army and commander of a legion in one of Trajan's wars, was often shown in military uniform. He was clearly keen to project the image of an ever-ready...
Loyola University Chicago
De Imperatoribus Romanis: Stemmata of the House of Severi
A family tree of the Severan rulers of the Roman Empire. No other information is given.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Emperor or President?
Lesson helps students trace attributes of the United States government to those of ancient Greek democracy.
PBS
Timeline of Peter and Paul
A timeline that is a part of a PBS documentary about Peter and Paul. The timeline shows what is happening in the Roman Empire at the same time as events in the Jewish communities.