Is it possible to trace one's ancestry back to a Roman emperor?

Question:

Is it possible to trace one's ancestry back to a Roman emperor?

I've been attempting to do genealogical research recently. Interestingly, I have so far discovered that I am descended from Henry II of England. However, I have also seen a website that suggests that I could be descended from a Roman emperor, as well. I don't really see how that can be, though, because genealogical records weren't kept in ancient Rome the way they were kept among the European nobility and royalty during the Middle Ages. I can understand why there would be records linking my family to medieval English royalty, but I can't imagine that there would be records linking my family to Roman emperors.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hello,

Some make this claim but the general consensus is no.
Even European wealthy aristocrats who have lots of money to burn finding their family lineage find that things become very murky indeed past the 13th or 12th centuries.

Many records disappeared or were not kept over the dark ages and the obliteration of many church birth and baptismal records during the French Revolution ruined research for everyone. Also there was too much mixing by waves of barbarians and immigrants entering Itlay after the 5th century that you are dealing with a real hodge podge of things.

Michael Kelly