Emperor or Empress is a title given to a ruler of an empire or any other imperial state. An empress refers to a woman who either rules an empire or is the head of state of an empire. This term can also refer to a women who is the consort of a reigning Emperor.
Many civilizations, including the Klingons, Romulans and Andorians, have used imperial titles at various points in their history; however, few appear to have been ruled by emperors during the period when they came into contact with humans. The Romulan Star Empire was ruled by an emperor during a point in its past, but political power rests with the Romulan Senate and the praetor. Q, however, once told Captain Kathryn Janeway that he could have mated with the Romulan Empress for the purpose of creating a child, but that he instead chose his favorite human, "Kathy". (VOY: "The Q and the Grey")
- Given Q's reference to the existence of a present Romulan Empress (VOY: "The Q and the Grey"), it is possible that a ceremonial monarchy may still exist on Romulus, though the real politcal power would lie with both the Praetor and the Senate.
In the mirror universe, emperors, sometimes called Caesars, ruled the Terran Empire in 2155 and 2267. In 2155, Hoshi Sato declared herself Empress of the Terran Empire after seizing control of the USS Defiant and ordering Starfleet's unconditional surrender. (ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II") Marlena Moreau suggested that Captain Kirk might aspire to become Caesar. (TOS: "Mirror, Mirror"). In addition, the Klingon emperor of the House of Duras ruled the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance, but real power was in the hands of the Regent. (DS9: "Crossover", "Shattered Mirror")
On Planet 892-IV, a world identical to the Roman Empire had developed which was, as of 2268, ruled by Emperors who could trace thier lines back 2000 years to their own Julius and Augustus Caesars. (TOS: "Bread and Circuses")
Similarly, the Klingons were ruled by an emperor until the mid-21st century, when power passed to the chancellor and the High Council. In 2369, a clone of Kahless the Unforgettable assumed the title of emperor, with merely symbolic power. (TNG: "Rightful Heir"; DS9: "The Way of the Warrior", "The Sword of Kahless")
After negotiating Cardassia's annexation into the Dominion in 2373, Dukat effectively became the emperor of the Cardassian people, though still a servant of the Founders. However, he chose to maintain his rank of Gul as opposed to Legate because he felt it was more "hands on", and Emperor, President, First Minister and Emissary seemed to "pretentious". (DS9: "Ties of Blood and Water")
List of Emperors and Empresses
- Emperor of the Terran Empire (2155) (ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly")
- Emperor of the Terran Empire (2267) (TOS: "Mirror, Mirror")
- Emperor of the Roman Empire (First Century AD) (TOS: "Bread and Circuses")
- Emperor of 892-IV (2268) (TOS: "Bread and Circuses")
- Empress of the Romulan Star Empire (VOY: "The Q and the Grey")
- Emperor of the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance (2370) (DS9: "Crossover")
- Emperor Caesar Augustus of the Roman Empire (TOS: "Space Seed")
- Emperor Darmok of Kanda IV (seventh dynasty) (TNG: "Darmok")
- Emperor Kahless of the Klingon Empire (2369) (TNG: "Rightful Heir")
- Emperor Kahless the Unforgettable of the Klingon Empire (Ninth century) (TOS: "The Savage Curtain")
- Emperor Mur'Eq of the Klingon Empire (VOY: "Prophecy")
- Emperor Reclaw of the Klingon Empire (Klingon Second Dynasty) (DS9: "You Are Cordially Invited")
- Emperor Reclaw of the Klingon Empire (Klingon Third Dynasty) (DS9: "You Are Cordially Invited")
- Emperor Sompek of the Klingon Empire (DS9: "Rules of Engagement")
- Although not stated, the Alsuran, Andorian, Annari, Kelvan, Motali, Slaver, 892-IV Roman, and the Tkon Empires likely had an emperor at one point.