The world's ten most lewd emperors
Table of contents
Throughout history, some emperors have been condemned as "tyrannical and incompetent rulers" by later generations for their extravagance, debauchery, or tyranny. Below are ten emperors whose personal conduct or ruling methods have been highly controversial, their stories reflecting the multifaceted corruption of power.
1. Roman Empire: Nero (reigned 54-68)
Nero was one of the most notorious emperors of the Roman Empire. He is recorded as indulging in lavish banquets, musical performances, and private pleasures, and is said to have played an instrument during the Great Fire of Rome (64 AD), ignoring the suffering of the victims. Nero was also accused of murdering his mother, Agrippina, and his wife, Octavia, to satisfy his personal desires. His reign was filled with tyranny and wastefulness, ultimately leading to a Senate rebellion and his suicide.
2. Roman Empire: Caligula (reigned 37-41)
Caligula (Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) was known for his mad and debauched lifestyle. During his reign, he embarked on massive construction projects, squandering the national treasury on lavish palaces. He was rumored to have committed incest with his sister and proclaimed himself a god, demanding the worship of his subjects. His atrocities included the arbitrary execution of nobles and the confiscation of their property, ultimately leading to his assassination by the Praetorian Guard.
3. Ming Dynasty, China: Emperor Wuzong of Ming, Zhu Houzhao (reigned 1505-1521)
Emperor Wuzong of Ming, Zhu Houzhao, is recorded as an emperor who neglected his duties. He was fond of entertainment and women. According to historical records, he built the "Leopard Chamber" in the palace, which was exclusively for his pleasure with his concubines and entertainers. He also liked to travel incognito to visit women in the countryside, leading to the neglect of state affairs. During one tour of Jiangnan, he accidentally fell into the water, which caused him to fall ill and eventually die young.
4. Han Dynasty, China: Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che, reigned 141-87 BC)
Although Emperor Wu of Han was one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, his private life was also quite controversial. Records indicate that he was deeply in love with Empress Chen Ajiao in his youth, but later fell for Empress Wei Zifu, becoming almost obsessive in his pursuit of the beauties of the harem. His amorous affair with Wei Zifu in the dressing room was documented in historical records, demonstrating his obsession with women and impacting the stability of the harem.
5. Southern Dynasties of China: Emperor Fei of Song, Liu Ziye (reigned 464-465)
Liu Ziye was a short-lived emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty, known for his extreme debauchery and tyranny. He was not only obsessed with women, but also had illicit relationships with his aunts and sisters, and even forced palace maids and the wives of court officials to sleep with him. His atrocities shocked the court and the public, and he was eventually overthrown by his uncle Liu Yu, ending his brief and chaotic reign.
6. Sui Dynasty of China: Emperor Yang of Sui (reigned 604-618)
Emperor Yang of Sui was known for the Grand Canal and frequent imperial tours, but his extravagant lifestyle was equally criticized. He built numerous palaces and stocked them with countless beautiful women for his enjoyment, often taking thousands of palace women with him on his tours. His debauchery exacerbated the suffering of the people and led to the rapid demise of the Sui Dynasty.
7. Tang Dynasty, China: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (Li Longji(Reigned 712-756)
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was a diligent and capable ruler in his early years, ushering in the "Kaiyuan Prosperity." However, in his later years, he neglected state affairs due to his infatuation with Yang Guifei. He built the Huaqing Pool for Yang Guifei, indulged in sensual pleasures, and even triggered the An Lushan Rebellion, leading to the decline of the Tang Dynasty. Although the love story between Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong has been romanticized by later generations, its consequences were turmoil for the country.
8. Roman Empire: Elagabalus (reigned 218–222)
Eragabalus was an emperor of the Severan dynasty in the Roman Empire, ascending the throne at the young age of 14. He was known for his extreme religious fanaticism and sexual debauchery, reportedly engaging in illicit relationships with both men and women and hosting lavish banquets at court. His behavior angered the Senate and the army, ultimately leading to his assassination.
9. Northern Qi Dynasty, China: Gao Wei (reigned 565-577)
Emperor Gao Wei of the Northern Qi Dynasty was a typical incompetent ruler during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period of China. He indulged in wine and women, favored Consort Feng, and had no interest in state affairs. Even when the country was in crisis, he continued to undertake large-scale construction projects, building luxurious palaces, and ultimately his debauchery led to the downfall of the Northern Qi Dynasty.
10. France: Louis XV (reigned 1715-1774)
Louis XV, known as the "King of Favorites," was renowned for his court life, characterized by extravagance and a culture of mistresses. His most famous mistresses, Madame du Barry and Madame de Pompadour, influenced French politics, leading to an empty treasury and widespread public discontent. His private life is considered one of the preludes to the French Revolution.
Further reading:
![[有片]拜祖先會獲得保佑？](https://findgirl.org/storage/2026/01/有片拜祖先會獲得保佑？-300x225.webp)
