Expert: Irulan Serena - 11/14/2004

Question
If you had to name the 'top 3' mad emperors of Rome, who would they be?  And I seem to remember a story about one particular Roman rulers wife or aritocrat who's venal depravity was legendary, but I can't remember her name.  Also, if you have a favorite web resource where I can further research your answers, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Thanks

Answer
Adam,


There more than three mad emperors, each as unpredictable as the other, each as egotistical and as nutty as the other….they were:   

Caligula, Nero, Domitian, Commodus and Elagabalus

As to depraved wives there were quite a few so cannot pin point the one you are referring to.

Best sites on Roman emperors are:

http://www.roman-emperors.org/

http://www.roman-empire.net/index.html

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/infamousemperors/


Hope this has helped.

Iru