The Caesars were the rulers of the Roman Empire. The name Caesar was first the family name of Julius Caesar, who lived 100–44 BC.
Later Roman leaders used "Caesar" as a title, even if they were not from Julius Caesar’s family. This is where the words Kaiser (in German), Keizer (in Dutch), and Czar (in Russian) come from.
The Bible mentions Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) and Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1). In the book of Acts, the title "Caesar" refers to Nero (Acts 25:11–12, 21; 26:32; 27:24; 28:19). During the time of the New Testament, 12 Caesars ruled. Six of them were part of the original Caesar family.
Emperors from Caesar’s Lineage
The following rulers belonged to the family line or political legacy associated with Julius Caesar:
Julius Caesar (100–44 BC). He was not officially an emperor, but his name and leadership began the line of rulers known as the Caesars.
Tiberius (42 BC–AD 37). He ruled from AD 14 to 37.
Claudius (10 BC–AD 54). He ruled from AD 41 to 54.
Nero (AD 37–68). He ruled from AD 54 to 68.
Some Later Emperors
The following Roman emperors ruled after the emperors from Caesar’s line:
Galba (3 BC–AD 69). He ruled AD 68–69.
Vespasian (AD 9–79). He ruled AD 69–79.
Titus (AD 39–81). He ruled AD 79–81.
Domitian (AD 51–96). He ruled AD 81–96.
Trajan (AD 53–117). He ruled AD 98–117.
Diocletian (AD 245–313). He ruled AD 284–305.
Constantine the Great (AD 272 or 273–337). He ruled AD 306–337.
See also City of Rome.