THE FIVE GOOD
EMPERORS
Machiavel's argument
Machiavelli argued that these emperors, who succeeded to the throne by adoption, earned the respect of those around them through good governing. Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius had no need of praetorian cohorts, or of countless legions to guard them, but were defended by their own good lives, the good-will of their subjects and the attachment of the senate.
Born in Florence, Niccolò Macchiavelli, 1469-1527, was a diplomat, author, philosopher and historian.
Inspired by his studies of history, he coined the term “Five Good Emperors”.