Romulus Augustus, often referred to as Romulus-Augustulus, was the last Western Roman Emperor, reigning from 31 October 475 until 4 September 476. His rule is noted for its brevity and the symbolic end it marked for the Western Roman Empire.
Born as Romulus Augustus, his father, Orestes, was a prominent Roman general who served under Emperor Julius Nepos. After Orestes usurped the throne from Nepos, he installed his son Romulus as Emperor, though Romulus was only a child at the time, estimated to be around 13 or 14 years old.
Upon his accession, Romulus took the name Augustus, perhaps to invoke the prestige of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. However, his reign was short-lived and more symbolic than substantial due to his young age and the lack of real power. His father Orestes held the actual authority, but his rule was quickly challenged by internal strife and external threats:
Following Orestes' death, Odoacer moved against Romulus. On 4 September 476, Odoacer forced Romulus to abdicate the throne, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire's direct line of emperors. Romulus was spared, however, and allowed to live in exile in Lucullanum (modern-day Castellammare di Stabia near Naples), where he was provided with a pension by Odoacer, according to some historical accounts.
The deposition of Romulus-Augustulus is traditionally viewed as the end of the Western Roman Empire, although:
The term "Augustulus" (meaning "little Augustus") was not used by Romulus himself but was a derisive nickname given by later historians to reflect his youth and the brevity of his rule.