A Day in the Life of a Roman Emperor - The Ultimate Reality Show

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A complete Rule-book on how to be a good Roman Emperor! We go over the mistakes and flaws, as well as the successes and victories of many Emperors, from Augustus to Septimius Severus, to give you a good understanding of what it was like to be an Emperor of the time. There were many pleasures and luxuries, but they came hand in hand with countless responsibilities and dangers to watch for!
Find out What it was Like To Be A Roman Emperor! Would You Survive as a Roman Emperor? Would you like to be a Roman Emperor? Let us know!
Intro (0:00)
Sponsor (0:49)
Personal Pleasures (1:49)
Keeping The People Happy (4:05)
Dealing with Senators (5:20)
Dealing with Equestrians (7:20)
Dealing with Freedmen (8:14)
Securing Popularity (9:14)
Pleasing the Army and Praetorians (10:51)
Succession Plan (11:18)

[@johnrockefeller6893]

If I was Emperor I would build as many statues of me as possible. So when archeologists discover my statues they’d think I was a great Emperor.

[@robertmiller3529]

Until you are overthrown and the masses tear them all down

[@herewegoo2677]

@@robertmiller3529 who's gonna dare overthrow you when you fell the pockets of the legions and the praetorian guards

[@viniciusgomes7215]

@@herewegoo2677the praetorians will do it.

[@jackhakken]

@@herewegoo2677 the Roman senate.

[@kaliningradtoczechrepublic8162]

@@jackhakken I AM THE SENATE

[@lrz3400]

“Nobody wanted an emperor that walked like a commoner” Marcus Aurelius: Hold my books

[@brianaguila6925]

Also Marcus Aurelius: how to make a child? *Years later: goddamn never knew doing that was fun This is a joke on my part. Marucs Aurelius did fathered many children with Faustina many also died during infancy and middlle childhood hence why they had many children to continue the line and have a male heir.

[@JawsOfHistory]

A Roman Emperor needed to be: Cold as Ice ✓ Willing to sacrifice ✓ Never take advice ✓ Some day pay the price ✓

[@pamelatanner5082]

I know I've seen it before It happens all the time.... Closing the door.

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

Octavian while being proclaimed Emperor: "I will restore to Rome the ancient moral virtues that once made it great..." *Some years later* Octavian: "IS THERE ANYONE IN ROME WHO HAS NOT SLEPT WITH MY DAUGHTER?!"

[@kevinhixson1586]

"Yes, you"-someone about to push octavian over the edge

[@daniktarnavsky9586]

I read it with Brian Blessed's voice😂

[@nothisispatrick4644]

A fellow I,Claudius enjoyer

[@louthegiantcookie]

@@daniktarnavsky9586 "Not 'slept', Caesar."

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

11:31 It is quite impressive that the once numerous Julio-Claudian dynasty nearly died out because its members spent decades ruthlessly slaughtering each other. For those of you who don't know, when Nero was deposed, the Senate appointed Galba, not because they wanted a change of dynasty, but because there were no longer members of the Family fit for the throne.

[@cloudftw113]

The only family that matched their needless ruthlessness (that I can think of) was the Constantinian Dynasty.

[@geordiejones5618]

@@cloudftw113 lot of parallels between the fall of the Republic and the fall of the Principate. Both chaotic times that were set straight by a ruthless political leader who had the best propoganda. Sulla and Caesar are similar to Auralien and Diocletian in what they did to further the course of Rome. And the last guys standing in both cases couldn't control their entitled, cut throat families, because they grew up in absurd luxury with the world at their whims.

[@CptZhu]

Wish there was a game where you could roleplay as an emperor. Awesome video by the way, love the things you speak about

[@timgroothuis1217]

Crusader kings 2 (perhaps 3, haven't tried that one) comes pretty close

[@ranthony5825]

Rome Total War 2

[@Pan_Z]

@@timgroothuis1217 CK3's even better from a role-playing aspect, though its volume of content doesn't match CK2's yet, whether it be through DLC or mods.

[@doug8982]

Imperium also by Paradox does a pretty good job

[@ranthony5825]

@@doug8982 I gave it a shot. It's in my steam library. It's very empty and tedious. They put love into CK3. Imperium is the neglected child.

[@LuLu-ip4zb]

That stronghold music, a perfect fit.

[@HistoriaMilitum]

Couldn't find a better match!

[@Angusticlavius]

@@HistoriaMilitum Could you give the names of the songs? Indeed a perfect fit.

[@HistoriaMilitum]

@@Angusticlavius It’s called “Castle Jam” and is from an old game called Stronghold.

[@SkylineFTW97]

As is often said, absolute power usually corrupts absolutely. Although I'd say it reveals more than corrupts. If you had a very diligent emperor like Augustus, Claudius, Domitian, or the Antonines, then the administration and it's policies would usually be sensible and rational. If not, then the same will usually be true of policy. And as is said, bad people underneath you can taint your reign as well. The best example there is Tiberius and Sejanus. By all accounts, Tiberius was a better and more diligent emperor than he's given credit for, but his prefect abused his position and ran a reign of terror behind the naturally reclusive Tiberius' back.

[@jacobcantrell82]

Even Nero was pretty good for the first half of his reign.

[@SkylineFTW97]

@@jacobcantrell82 Nero is underrated as well, although definitely not to the same extent as Tiberius. He was at least a half decent administrator, albeit one who's vanity was often a hindrance. And that's to say nothing of his persecution of the christians, but other emperors who are remembered fondly did the same (Diocletian was more cruel and to a larger population and he's remembered as a good emperor). While Nero definitely isn't a good emperor, I don't think he's one of the worst.

[@TaRAAASHBAGS]

Caligula never appointed his horse consul. It was a famous rumor that spurred from him telling a senator "my horse would make a better consul than you."

[@aldrinmilespartosa1578]

Its always wise to let people agree to your plan (or better yet let them think they first come up with it) even though you have the power to just not consult them at all as to when shit is going down, it is not only you will be hit by the brunt of the blame.

[@kingspore5000]

Roman Emperor: *Exists* Praetorians: It's a treason then

[@johntheimpaler8975]

Loved the stronghold 1 background music lol great video, keep it up!

[@legioxequestris811]

YES YES YES MY FAVORITE HISTORY CHANNEL, KEEP UP A GOOD WORK SIR🤙👍

[@Hello-ig1px]

you were also here when this channel was tiny, i recognize your name

[@legioxequestris811]

@@Hello-ig1px🤙🤙🤙

[@Brazylizsek]

Excellent choice of music, Sir.

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

Seneca after Nero's cruel reign: "Don't blame me...I did what I could" 😢 Me: "We know, Seneca. We know. That pretentious artist of yours preferred vulgar pyrotechnics to the refined art of Stoicism."

[@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez]

The sculpture of Seneca left the pun in a silver plate. We simply couldn't resist 🤣

[@charliecarr2675]

Emperors life do good get stabbed to death, do bad get stabbed to death.

[@knockoutnorko7500]

Thank you so much for such an informative video! It’s always this very stuff about how people used to actually live their everyday lives that really shape my view on the times of past and so of the present.

[@HistoriaMilitum]

You are very welcome! The next couple videos will provide you with a similar insight, and they will be out this week!

[@knockoutnorko7500]

@@HistoriaMilitum :DD

[@MansaHere]

The Howie Long scream gets me every time 🤣

[@albiceleste101]

Imagine if there was a game that allowed you to travel the whole empire, so precise that even the lesser wonders like this 4:38 were present

[@mesa9724]

In a few decades I think AI will create anything you want.

[@runningriot9814]

Nice use of headshots from Rome: Totalwar haha!

[@jeffersontbraga]

Great Job on these videos!

[@philly83]

Always glad to see a new video from you

[@Kazen169]

YAY NEW VIDEO!!! that was a very enlightening video. No I'd rather be a Legionnaire, Ruling and politicking is much to dangerous for the likes of me. this was a fantastic video thank you for your hard work :)

[@HistoriaMilitum]

Thank you for the comment. We have 2 move videos to be released this week, so get ready!

[@Kazen169]

@@HistoriaMilitum you are most welcome :). Two more video?! this is the best week ever. I'm super excited! it's always a pleasure seeing your video. Thank you again for your hard work!

[@jonbaxter2254]

Same, to travel to some far flung part of the empire would be amazing.

[@mattata-san]

Love the music choice in the intro

[@urmomshouse1678]

Great video

[@RENATVS_IV]

And the topic is so attractive because, I always thought Emperors had different feelings about ruling. You read our minds 😉

[@davidec.4021]

Always a great day when you release a video

[@HistoriaMilitum]

Hope you enjoy!

[@islemghira5497]

i love the stronghold music

[@AgeofPC]

Stronghold music

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

Nice work! I especially enjoyed your analysis of the Senators vs. the equestrians.

[@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez]

Thank you :) !! The information comes from a great article by Werner Eck about the origins of the Roman Imperial Administration

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

@@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez Fritz Heichelheim from the University of Kentucky is great too.

[@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez]

@@TheLoyalOfficer What's his speciality? Just to know for future videos :). After all it's not my field of expertise so I will gladly appreciate any suggestions or recommendations to learn more 😊

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

@@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez Oh he's just a general Roman historian. Wrote great textbooks. I think he died around 2010 or so.

[@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez]

@@TheLoyalOfficer Thanks for the info :) I have taken a first look to his writings and some titles appear interesting hahaha

[@Gulaschkanonier]

I cant really follow the video if there is stronghold music playing 😅 Best soundtrack ever ❤

[@ackchyually9461]

You are the Emperor and you can do or have everything money can buy. Diocletian: let's grow cabbage

[@shawnk7720]

but come on, have you seen his cabbages?

[@ua2894]

cabbages aren't even good. they give you horrible gas.

[@sanguiniusi8187]

Nice stronghold music ;)

[@micahistory]

this was a very good video

[@oleopathic]

I enjoy your use of Firefly Studios' soundtracks.

[@davidgiles4681]

Absolute power corrupts absolutely That is a proper statement that has been historically proven accurate. --- Rulers of an Empire: must balance duty with pleasure Duty - is obedience to the position you have. It means that Rome needs a leader (who will lead Rome). This leader must take care of "Affairs of State". Affairs of State must be done before pleasure. One must set aside pleasure (to perform the Affairs of State). --- The flip side of this is pleasure is required to balance Duty. The two are the equal sides of the same coin. Pleasure balances duty. Too much duty produces a very diligent ruler (but a very tense one). Too much pleasure produces a ruler that values the "fun side" of ruling. --- Some Imperators did balance the two. Some went too far on the duty side. Some went too far on the pleasure side. --- Either excessive side produces a mentally unbalanced person (and Roman Imperators) [From Julias Caesar] began a spiral to either side. Few Imperators balanced the two.

[@jasondoherty7497]

I don’t think I’d want to be an emperor but maybe the more mathematical types of jobs mainly to do with the treasury, taxes and trade though it would be best on a provincial budget rather than a state one

[@Hello-ig1px]

i was here since this channel was tiny

[@HistoriaMilitum]

Thank you for that, your loyalty is noted!

[@Donderu]

What song was used for the video? It was excellent!

[@HistoriaMilitum]

It’s called “Castle Jam” from an old game called Stronghold :)

[@Donderu]

@@HistoriaMilitum thank you so much! I love it

[@type-moonfag4413]

3rd century emperors be like: mission: survive

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Poetry was always valued amongst all indo european peoples. A passtime of Kings, Warrriors & indeed the gods. The gods speak in song & verse after all.

[@thatonerussiandictator5412]

I know myself well enough, that I'm confident I'd take a stab at being an Emperor. I simply love the feeling of power to much not to.

[@FlorenceSlugcat]

Please dominate me

[@gusfring8405]

Nigga

[@KatonRyu]

I'd never want to be emperor. I don't want any managerial tasks in my life NOW, other than managing strictly my own affairs, let alone having to rule an empire. There would just be too many people to appease and debate with. I'll stick to playing games where I can pretend to be an emperor instead.

[@mustafmohamed6367]

Heavy is the head that wears the Crown.

[@zawwin1846]

Damn I wish it was easy like the Egyptians, just spread your seed into the river once a year.

[@jeremiekonegni4957]

I probably would still do it if given the chance. I think the 24 hour stress would be hard to deal with but also feel personally my life was made to deal with 24 hour stress. So... at least I would control the known world, which might make things slightly bearable. Lol. Hopefully I could be one of the good one. Lol

[@stanisawzokiewski3308]

Stronghold music

[@micahistory]

Please visit Micahistory 2, it would mean a lot!

[@aeternusthegoat]

i would definitely take being an emperor. and one day i just might

[@RENATVS_IV]

Eeeeeeh new video

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

Augustus before dying: "I am not afraid of death, as my great Empire will live forever thanks to my worthy sucessors..." *Later* Caligula: *Spends the entire Treasure in games and *rgies* Nero: *Burns Rome only to gain artistic inspiration* Commodus: *Only participates in gladiatorial games, risking his life like a m*ron* Caracalla: *Kills his brother and lives as a regular soldier instead of taking care of the Empire* Elagabalus: *Like Caligula, but this time the only thing he does is trying to find a medic that could turn his p*nis into a v*gina* Honorius: *Only lives for his birds and doesn't give a sh*t when Rome is sacked* Augustus' spirit: *Swings depressed rethinking his life decisions*

[@tappajaav]

What's the po*nt of c*nsored sw*aring?

[@igrim4777]

When did Commodus ever risk his life in gladiatorial combat? All his opponents surrendered. Sounds like zero risk.

[@PipinhoSnow]

not bad, not bad :)

[@FlorianMorata]

If I was a roman emperor, I would give free iPhones to my best soldiers, and Netflix + McDonald's to my loyal citizen.

[@mikehicks2283]

Yes. I'd like to be an emperor or atleast a senator. ;)

[@jgil848]

I feel like an Emperor and I want to be one

[@CarrowMind]

This is obviously incredibly easy to say in hindsight thanks to the historical accounts, but if I were emperor, thhis is what I'd do: 1. Abolish the Praetorian Guard. instead replace them with elite soldiers who had distinquished themselves in combat. This serves as a method of promoting bravery and skill, as well as establishing loyalty as even the most common of soldiers from the humblest of backgrounds has a shot of becoming the personal guards of the Emperor, thus elevating them to a position of presitge and honour that would cement their dedication to protecting my life, and actually having the skill to do so! 2. Keep the senate happy. Giving them positions as governor and a command of legions when needed would ensure that the aristocrats and wealthiest citizens know that I support them and recognise their special status (deserved or not). Keep them satisfied with governorships of important provinces of the empire and her legions. However, I would also demand a level of responsible behavior from them, to keep the rich snobs in line, by maintaining that blatant corruption and lax governorship would be seen as foolish and lazy in the eyes of the people and the senate due to such lazy governorship being seen as diminishing the glory of Rome and their own families. Let presitge and personal honour be their own judge. If they embrass Rome, they embarass themselves and their families thus lowering their status in the senate... If they get caught. I would be realisting enough to expect some degree of doccuption, just as long as it doesn't jeapordise the stability of the Empire. 3. I would establish a secret police made up entirely of ex-slaves who were granted freedom by me personally. Slaves who distinguish themselves in personal responsibility, intelligence and cunning would be handpicked to be purchased from their former masters and personally freed in secret to serve as my eyes and ears throughout the Empire. They would have the power to command a century from any legion if needed, arrest citizens (ANY citizen, even senators) and have the authority to subvert governmental procedure such as tax collection as needed to oversee their duties. They would operarate under a legal grey area and the exact number and identities of the secret police would be known only by me and my chosen heir, to be revealed at a private reading of my will after my death. 4. I would frequrntly host games and events to please the masses, ensure relgious festivals went down without any issues, upkeep temples and maintain a cult of personality as the man responsible for making sure things run smoothley. Religion is extremely important to both the poor and soldiers so I would make sure to keep them satisfied and seem me as an Emperor who cares about it. Depending when I am elected Emperor that would either mean Roman Paganism or Christianity, either way, it is important that they see me as someone who cares about what the divine thinks of me, and subsequently all of Rome. This also includes upkeep of infrastructure such as sewers and aqueducts. I would ensure that such things are always up-to-date and never mismanaged by incompetants. 5. I would keep my private life as free from scandal as possible. This is obviously easier said than done, eventually, and no matter what I do to avoid it, something will happen to cause the people to dislike me, that is acceptable, as long as it is kept to a (visible) limit. I would marry a dull and unambitious woman from a dull and unambitous patrician family, and her job would be to just give me heirs and not embrass me publically... That's it. To avoid spoiled and entiled brats inheriting the Empire I would send them to be fostered by loyal Equestrian families who have provenn their loyalty to me. They would be raised harshly but fairly, tought the basics of statecraft as well as humble soldiery until the age of 16 when they would be sent back to Rome and meet me, their true father. Yes, this might be cruel and alienating, but better that than have the likes of Commodus and Caligula rule the Empire! 6. Finally, I would save the empires treasury by not spending exsessive wealthy on coins and statues, instead comissioning a single portrait for all coins during my reign, as well as a single statue to be displayed in Rome. Let my deeds be remembered, not my image. If my performance as Emperor was exemplorary, then the people can decide to bestoy further honors upon me with more statues and the like. And that's pretty much it, hopefully it would be enough to ensure me a long and healthy lifestyle!

[@louthegiantcookie]

Point number three is a good strategy. Promote from the lower classes, as they will owe EVERYTHING to you as their benefactor. Vlad The Impaler used this strategy very effectively when he purged the old Boyars. Replaced them with common folk, who had him to thank for their elevation.

[@igrim4777]

You: Assassinated by "former" Praetorian Guard who didn't mind killing emperors.

[@SkyFly19853]

It's good to be emperor, isn't it?... 😏

[@rhysnichols8608]

The foremost role for the emperor is to serve his people as best he can, power should be viewed as a responsibility not a privilege. An emperor should work to always ensure the best life for his subjects and seek to improve every aspect of his empire. However if an emperor is doing a good job, having some grand luxuries like a new palace, or material wealth isn’t a problem in my mind as he needs such luxuries to relax as his position is highly stressful. As long as he does his job well and there is plenty spare resources to indulge in some luxuries then it’s not a problem, but if the emperors primary concern is self gain then they should not waste time building thing for their own luxury. Personally I would allow the public access to my palace gardens and facilities on certain days, I would also train physically to stay healthy and strong and always try to learn to expand my wisdom to better serve my people. A nice swim in my private lake would relax me enough after a days work. A balance

[@mesa9724]

And still people would come to threaten your position and life. It’s not that easy.

[@Corporatizm]

The info is crystal clear as always, but maybe that's a bit too much side-text on the screen now. I'm not the fastest brain in the bunch and I clearly can't read stuff continuously while discovering so many new information at the same time ! Also, I'm not a native english speaker, which should be part of your audience I guess ? Just my 2 cents, but I really think the sweet spot for your own good is a bit less text on the screen when it's overlapping with your voice talking about other stuff. Things like sounds, though, are usually welcome (I smirked at the raging sound when the tyrant emperor is said to have been slain for his deeds, that was a perfect timing :)). Also the sound quality is slightly lower than some older videos, I think. I just watched the one on personal economy (with 3 characters) just before and it sounded better. Not trying to nitpick or be a pain in the ass, I just think that *excellent* content should have *excellent* presentation so that more people can be reached ! All that being said, you're doing an awesome job !! Cheers.

[@JonEtxebeberriaRodriguez]

The video animation was done by another person this time and yes we acknowledge that the video maybe was a bit fast. The idea was to ease the text with humorous takes because otherwise there wasn't enough material (pictures, artwork...) to animate the whole video. So we decided to take this direction. About the sound we've been using a new software for recordings to speed up the production of videos. Also the recording location is different, so the quality of the sound might changed a bit. Not trying to find excuses, just sharing with you the inside information so you can know everything is taken into consideration. Hope that at least you liked the video

[@HistoriaMilitum]

Thanks for the constructive comment. I am already thinking of a solution for the audio quality, as this one was recorded in a bigger room with some echo. We will also be putting more visuals than text next time. Cheers!

[@jonbaxter2254]

Yeah, but I can get oranges anytime I want from the shops, so who's the real victor?

[@eimantasbutkus5324]

Why use ape emotes like the bicep flex? 4:50

[@yourtrappedinmygenjutsu]

ape emotes?

[@vanjasoskic9454]

Name of the music?

[@HistoriaMilitum]

It’s called “Castle Jam” from a game called Stronghold :)

[@vanjasoskic9454]

@@HistoriaMilitum thx man

[@andneomatmj23]

One thing you forgot: They built Rome with their personal money. Every man that become emperor must finance Rome republic with his own money.

[@cariyaputta]

With a decent PC I can out-pleasure any past Emperor in the human history while having none of the shits that they have to face.

[@jellydamgood]

Sword of Damocles dude

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

It is pretty ironic that the Senate would gladly accept having an Emperor but never Kings, considering that, during the electoral Roman Monarchy, the King was chosen by the Senators, while the Emperor was always appointed by his predecessor. It seems that deep down they like to lose rights 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@blugaledoh2669]

lol

[@rodi8266]

truly, servile in nature

[@mjb2416]

So emperor was a slave to rules and obligation. It is a matter od preference to be perceived to have power and be slave to all obligations or to be slave without any power, but with litte bit of wealth. Fortunately those days are over, at least we believe they are gone.

[@elshebactm6769]

🤠👍🏿

[@shichilaofa]

1st to say 1st

[@cindyhuang7021]

meanwhile chinase emperors:actully pathic

[@ua2894]

if i were the emperor i would live like a king

[@mickwest2650]

IT WAS OKAY