Note: Theodosius I was the last person to rule both halves of the Roman Empire, splitting it between his sons Arcadius and Honorius on his death.
Deposed in Italy by Flavius Orestes, ruled in balance of Western Empire until assassination in 480. Maintained as figurehead in Italy by Odoacer to his death in 480.
ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS c. 460 AD[a] Appointed by his father, Orestes. Not recognized by the Eastern Empire. October 31, 475 AD – September 4, 476 AD (in Italy) 10 months and 4 days Unknown.
Regarded as emperor more from historical convention than accuracy, his rule never extended beyond portions of the Italian peninsula and was not recognized by Eastern Emperor Zeno. Deposed by Odoacer, who then ruled in the name of Julius Nepos until the latter's death in 480, which formally ended the separate western empire; most likely lived out his life on a private villa in obscurity.
Note: The classical "Roman Empire" is usually said to have ended with the deposition of Romulus Augustulus, with its continuation in the east being referred to by modern scholars as the "Byzantine Empire".
↑ Romulus Agustulus biographic details.
↑ The other claimants for the throne in the Year of the Five Emperors were Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus, supported by the Syrian and British legions respectively. Although not completely defeated until 197 AD, they were not formally accepted by the senate and were therefore not technically reigning emperors.