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
Julius Caesar (100–44 BC; he was not officially an emperor, but his name and leadership started the Caesar line).
Tiberius (42 BC–AD 37, ruled AD 14–37)
Claudius (10 BC–AD 54, ruled AD 41–54)
Nero (AD 37–68, ruled AD 54–68)
Some Later Emperors
Galba (3 BC–AD 69, ruled AD 68–69)
Vespasian (AD 9–79, ruled AD 69–79)
Titus (AD 39–81, ruled AD 79–81)
Domitian (AD 51–96, ruled AD 81–96)
Trajan (AD 53–117, ruled AD 98–117)
Diocletian (AD 245–313, ruled AD 284–305)
Constantine the Great (AD 272 or 273–337, ruled AD 306–337)