The Julio-Claudian dynasty was a series of Roman emperors who ruled the Roman Empire from 27 BCE to 68 CE. The dynasty is named after Julius Caesar and his adoptive son, Tiberius Claudius Nero, who were the first two emperors of the dynasty. The Julio-Claudians were a powerful dynasty that made significant contributions to the Roman Empire, including expanding the empire's borders, developing the Roman legal system, and promoting the arts. The dynasty ended when the last of the Julio-Claudian emperors, Nero, committed suicide in 68 CE.