Emperor

A Roman Emperor Giving an Audience

EMPEROR, the title of a sovereign who rules over an empire, considered superior to the rank of a king. It originated from the title of imperator, which was conferred by the ancient Romans on the consuls in their military capacity. In later times it designated the highest authority in the state and Julius Caesar assumed this title and made Rome an empire. Charlemagne, who founded the German Empire, received the title of Emperor of the Romans in 800 A.D.., and it was borne by his successors until 1806, when the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved. In more recent times, Emperor was the official title of the emperors of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Prior to 1946, the King or Queen of England was also Emperor of India, and the Czar of Russia was frequently alluded to as an emperor.