06-27-2009, 06:35 PM
I'm surprised nobody's nominated Caracalla. He massacred the Alexandrians, killed his brother and college emperor, outfitted a legion in Macedonian style, debased the currency yet further, and started an unneccesary war against the dying Parthian empire. To top it off he was assassinated by his own Prefect of the Guard. His outlandish tastes for Celtic / Germanic clothing are well known. Certainly he was the most boorish man to become emperor up to that time. The most lasting damage of his reign was the debasement of the currency (which would continue still well beyond his reign) to finance his wild spending.
But even if he isn't the worst emperor his dynastly, I think, was the worst. No one after Septimius died a natural death and none equaled or surpassed his abilities.
About Tiberius, he was one of Rome's most capable emperors. No one else was more prepared for the office than he. In some ways he made a better emperor than Augustus who lacked military leadership skills. But I agree with Dennis about his faults (eg. ruling from Capua, enabling Sejanus to become so influential, etc..)
~Theo
But even if he isn't the worst emperor his dynastly, I think, was the worst. No one after Septimius died a natural death and none equaled or surpassed his abilities.
About Tiberius, he was one of Rome's most capable emperors. No one else was more prepared for the office than he. In some ways he made a better emperor than Augustus who lacked military leadership skills. But I agree with Dennis about his faults (eg. ruling from Capua, enabling Sejanus to become so influential, etc..)
~Theo
Jaime
