“Black Roman Emperors” is a question that invites a complex exploration of race, ethnicity, and historical interpretation within the vast diversity of the Roman Empire. Applying modern racial categories to Roman times is a complex task. It’s difficult to definitively state that any Roman Emperor was ‘Black’ in today’s sense. However, figures such as Septimius Severus, born in Leptis Magna (modern-day Libya), may potentially fit such a category, bearing in mind our contemporary understanding of race and ethnicity.

The vastness and longevity of the Roman Empire made it one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse empires in history. From Scotland to Syria, the Atlantic coast of Spain to the edges of the Persian Gulf, Rome’s citizens and subjects spanned a range of ethnic backgrounds. This vast diversity was mirrored in the mosaic of Roman leadership. However, the question of whether any Roman emperors would be considered “Black” as understood by today’s terms is a complex one, steeped in considerations of historical context and the evolution of racial constructs.

Contrary to modern understandings, race as a concept didn’t exist in the ancient world. Instead, people were more likely to be categorized based on geographical origins, citizenship status, and social class, not skin color. This viewpoint was reflected in the multifaceted ethnic groups that made up the Roman Empire, each with their own unique set of customs and traditions.

Consider Septimius Severus, an emperor who reigned from 193 to 211 AD. Born in Leptis Magna, a place in present-day Libya, Severus is sometimes labeled an ‘African’ emperor. Some scholars propose that he may have had Berber or Punic ancestry. Yet, such categorizations as “African” or “Black,” as we interpret them today, are modern constructs and don’t necessarily translate to historical contexts.

Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 AD)
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 AD)

Similarly, Marcus Julius Philippus, better known as Philippus Arabs or Philip the Arab, came from what is now Syria. Despite his geographical origin, to label him an Arab in the modern ethnic or racial sense would be an oversimplification and historical misrepresentation.

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1 / 20

Which Native American tribe was involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890?

2 / 20

What writing system did the Ancient Egyptians use?

3 / 20

Who is the author of the painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware", which is kept in the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

4 / 20

What is the meaning of "Amor vincit omnia" in English?

5 / 20

Who was the first European to sail into New York Harbor?

6 / 20

Which Native American tribe is known for building large earthen mounds?

7 / 20

What was the name of the Inca Empire's capital?

8 / 20

Who was the famous historian who chronicled the Peloponnesian War?

9 / 20

What was the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation?

10 / 20

What does "Alea iacta est" mean in English?

11 / 20

In which year was Robert E. Lee born?

12 / 20

Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?

13 / 20

What was the name of the prince who accepted Christianity in Kievan Russia?

14 / 20

What war was said at the time to be "the war to end all wars"?

15 / 20

Who was the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)?

16 / 20

What did Robert E. Lee do after the Civil War?

17 / 20

In what year was Abraham Lincoln first elected as President of the United States?

18 / 20

Who was the British general who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo?

19 / 20

Who was the US President during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

20 / 20

What was the name of one of the most significant deities in the Inca Empire, to which the creation of civilization is attributed?

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Roman identity and citizenship further complicate the story. Roman citizenship wasn’t reliant on race or ethnicity. Instead, it was a legal status gained through various means, including by birth, manumission (for slaves), or by an imperial grant. Hence, many emperors, like the Illyrian emperors, were born in the provinces yet were Roman citizens.

In conclusion, while it’s challenging to definitively state whether any Roman emperors would be considered “Black” in today’s context, it’s clear that the leadership of the Roman Empire reflected its vast diversity. This diversity is an enduring testament to the Empire’s rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It is in this spirit that we should explore the topic of ‘Black Roman Emperors,’ with a focus on understanding the complexities of race and ethnicity in the ancient world, rather than imposing modern racial categories onto historical figures.

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