Early Imperial Romans

After Julius Caesar's assassination, the Senate tried to re-establish the Republic, but its leaders were defeated by Caesar's lieutenant Marcus Antonius and Caesar's heir, Octavian. A 12 year power-struggle between Antonius and Octavius (later known as Augustus) ended in victory for Octavian in 31 BC, finally marking the end of the Republic.

The Early Roman Empire (27 BC to 284 AD) saw a succession of Emperors including Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero.