Roman Figures Condemned with Damnatio Memoriae

Nero

68

Nero Claudius Germanicus reigning from 54 AD to 68 AD, was notorious for cruelty, debauchery, extravagance, and the Great Fire of Rome. After death, he was declared enemy of the state and his name and images were attacked, erased, and removed from public view. His Domus Aurea (Golden House) was also buried by future emperors. But, he remains notable today due to surviving texts and images.

Domitian

96

Domitian (81-96 CE) was known for his authoritarian rule and was killed in a palace conspiracy. The Senate condemned his memory and his statues were smashed, re-carved and inscriptions were erased. Despite the damnatio, his building projects and influence on administration survived.

Geta

211

Geta (209-211 CE) ruled with his brother Caracalla. Later, he was assassinated by Caracalla, who ordered a damnatio where images of Geta were destroyed, his name erased from inscriptions, and even family portraits were altered to remove him. He was effectively erased from public memory, but few authentic portraits remain.

Elagabalus

222

Elagabalus (218–222 CE) was notorious for religious and sexual scandals. After his assassination, his memory was officially condemned where statues and inscriptions were destroyed. Few portraits survive; written sources portray him in a negative and scandalous light.

Severus Alexander

235

Severus Alexander (222–235 CE) was successor to Elagabalus. He was seen as weak and killed by his own troops. His memory was initially condemned but later partially restored under later emperors.

Valerian

260

Velarian (253–260 CE) was captured by the Persian king Shapur I and treated pretty badly. His memory was unofficially suppressed due to the shame of his capture.

Maxentius

312

Maxentius (306-312 CE), who was rival of Constantine the Great, was defeated at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Constantine enacted a damnatio, removing his name from public monuments and repurposing his buildings.

Licinius

324

Licinius (308–324 CE) was co-emperor and later rival of Constantine the Great. After being defeated and executed, he was subject to damnatio. His monuments and inscriptions were erased or re-inscribed.

Crispus

326

Crispus was son of Constantine the Great. accused of treason, he was executed by Constantine and subjected to damnatio. His name was removed from inscriptions. Coins were recalled or defaced; later sources suggest Constantine regretted the decision.

Magnentius

353

He was a Roman general and usurper who declared himself emperor. After his defeat by Constantius II, his memory was condemned and his coinage and portraits were destroyed.