In general, Roman emperors did not wear crowns as we might envision them today. Instead, they often adorned themselves with laurel wreaths. These wreaths symbolized victory and honor, harkening back to ancient Greek traditions.
The use of laurel wreaths can be traced back to ancient Rome where they were associated with military triumphs. When a general celebrated a victory, he would often wear one during the triumphal procession. Over time, emperors adopted this custom as a symbol of their authority and legitimacy.
While emperors like Augustus and later rulers might have had special headdresses or symbolic attire for certain occasions, crowns in the classical sense were not a regular part of their regalia. Instead, their power and status were more prominently displayed through other symbols, such as togas, scepters, and elaborate robes that denoted their rank.
In summary, while Roman emperors did wear adornments that conveyed their status, they primarily favored laurel wreaths over traditional crowns, keeping in line with the cultural heritage of Rome.