-
60 BCE
First Triumvirate was founded
Members of the first Triumvirate were Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. Under this leadership, Rome flourished and enjoyed great advancements with Julius holding popularity among the people, Crassus supplying the money, and Pompey military control -
Period: 49 BCE to 140
Rome Empire Timeline
-
Period: 46 BCE to 44 BCE
Caesar ruled as dictator
Held position of consul from 49-44 BC. He rose to power by gaining popular support by the people. He was already well known from his involvement in First Triumvirate and gained popularity through achievements in Gaulic wars/military conquests Some of his accomplishments included introducing the Julian calendar and was known as a distinguished author of the first seven years of the Gallic wars and Roman civil wars. He was also the first Roman to have his bust imprinted on the Roman coin -
44 BCE
Death of Julius Caesar
On this date, also known as the Ides of March, Caesar was stabbed to death. A common misconception is that Caesar was murdered on the steps of the Senate, but in reality he was murdered in Pompey's theater. -
Period: 27 BCE to 14 BCE
Augustus reigns as emperor
Augustus enjoyed great military expansion in which he doubled the size of the empire and he made improvements by expanding roads and instituted a census. His reign ended with his death on August 19 AD 14 in Nola, Italy. He is the First official roman emperor and was apart of the second Triumvirate. Augustus was so respected that the Senate ordered Augustus Caesar to be numbered among the gods of Rome. He even is known to have commissioned Virgil to write the Aeneid. -
19 BCE
Publication of the Aeneid
Vergil wrote the Aeneid from about 29 B.C. to 19 B.C., when he died. The epic was published shortly after his death, even though Vergil did not want it to be published since he could not edit it. -
6 BCE
Birth of Jesus
-
4
Tiberius is Adopted by Augustus
Tiberius came to power after Augustus as a result of his adoption by Augustus. Both of Augustus' grandsons Lucius and Gaius Caesar died early on so there was no heir to Augustus. Tiberius was also the husband to Julia the Elder, Augustus' daughter -
Period: 14 to 37
Tiberius rules as emperor (AD)
He is known to be a cold and unpopular ruler. He put to death his niece Agrippina, with her two children and ruled over the Senate with pitiless cruelty. Tiberius died on March 16, A.D. 37. He is believed to have been smothered with a pillow -
23
Tiberius son, Drusus Julius Caesar, dies
Tiberius, although known for great military conquests, was known to have no desired leadership of Rome. This became especially worse when his son died in 23 AD. In 26 AD, he withdrew himself to Capri where he spent the remainder of his life removed from Rome, -
27
Death of Jesus
-
31
Augustus is victorious the Battle of Actium
The battle of Actium is the most famous naval battle in the history of Rome. After great turmoil among the Second Triumvirate, Marc Antony sided with Cleopatra against Augusts. In this battle, Augustus defeated Antony and Cleopatra, which resulted in both of their deaths. -
37
Caligula becomes sick
While it is unclear what illness Caligula was inflicted with, it is widely accepted that he suffered from some sort of brain disorder originating in 37 AD. Caligula is known to have become easily irritable and suffer daily seizures. This illness largely affected his mental state and prohibited his leadership abilities -
Period: 37 to 41
Caligula rules (AD)
Some of his accomplishments were he recalled many exiles, abolished various taxes and gratified the people with spectacles and gifts. He even called himself a god and would go through Rome dressed as Bacchus, Venus, or Apollo. He led an army across the Alps to plunder Gaul, where the rich were put to death and their property was taken away. He died 24 January 41 AD and was believed to have been assassinated in his home. -
40
Caligula leads conquest to the English Channel (AD)
In 39 and 40, Caligula led a campaign to the English Channel. This is known as a particularly odd event in his reign as he often avoided battles and would give the soldiers unclear orders, demonstrating his dwindling mental state -
41
Claudius builds a 6 km tunnel to drain the Fucine Lake.
Claudius' goal was to increase the amount of land available for farming in Italy. He decided to drain the Fucine Lake making the nearby river available all year round. However this plan failed and resulted in a giant flood -
Period: 41 to 54
Claudius rules as emperor
Claudius is known to have completed the Claudian aqueduct, begun by Caligula, built both a fort and a lighthouse at Ostia, and construct a tunnel from Lake Lucius to the River Lyrics. He fought triumphantly against the Germans after they invaded Rome. He died onOctober 13, 54 (believed to be poisoned to death) and was buried in the Mausoleum of Augustus. -
43
Claudius commissioned conquest of Great Britain
Claudius sent 4 legions to Great Britain, which was an attraction due its wealth and resources. He was ultimately successful and established a colony which became known as the provincial capital and a temple was built there in his honor -
Period: 54 to 68
Nero rules
In addition to acting as an emperor, Nero was Proconsul in 51 AD. He discouraged luxury, reduced the taxes, and increased the authority of the Senate. He is known as the most cruel emperor, even suspected to have started the fire of Rome, which he later blamed on Christians. His rule ended with his death on June 9, 68 and he is thought to have committed suicide. -
64
The Great Fire of Rome
The Great Fire of Rome began in the slums of a district south of the legendary Palatine Hill and raged out of control for nearly three days, destroying three of Rome's 14 districts. It is widely believed that emperor Nero started this fire because like the design of the city and used the devastation as an excuse to change it and institute new building codes throughout the city. Additionally, Nero hated the Christians and used the fire to blame and persecute them. -
65
The Baths of Nero are built in Rome.
These baths covered an area of about 190 by 120 metres and are known as a great accomplishment of Nero's reign. Today, nothing remains above ground but the sections of walls built into the Palazzo Madama. -
68
Nero flees Rome
Vindex, who was a governor of a Gaulish territory, rebelled. Vindex was supported by Galba, who was the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis. Although his revolt failed initially, Nero still fled Rome because Rome's civil and military authorities chose Galba as their emperor. After fleeing, Nero commits suicide. -
68
Galba marches on Rome
After the news of Nero's death, Galba, who was the governor of Nearer Spain, marched on Rome and later was declared Emperor by the Senate. This shows the beginning of Galba's unpopularity as he gained the title by marching against Rome -
Period: 68 to 69
Galba rules
Galba was the first emperor in the year of four emperors. Galba as emperor, tried to cut back on previous spending habits instituted by Nero. He was the oldest emperor to date and struggled to maintain popularity among the people and the guard. He was murdered on 15 January 69 by Praetorian Guards, who were bribed by Otho after Galba over looked him as his sucessor. -
Period: 68 to 69
Otho rules
Known as ambitious and greedy, Otho tried to pacify Vitellius but failed which resulted in his Reign lasting only three months. He rose to power in 69 after bribing guards to kill the previous emperor. He died in 69 by stabbing himself in the heart when he discovered the Dalmation forces were preparing for battle -
69
Legions refuse to swear loyalty to Galba
Two legions in Germania Superior refused to accept Galba as their leader. After the military joined these efforts, the governor of the province, Vitellius, was chosen to act as the new emperor. This event showed the dislike of Galba -
69
Otho dispatches troops
Learning about the severity of the upcoming war with the Germans, Otho sent troops to try to secure Liguria. However, the Vitellius' power overmatched him and he eventually was overcome by their forces -
69
Otho organizes conspiracy
Otho, burned by being overlooked as Galba's successor, organized a conspiracy with the Praetorian Guard to kill Galba. -
69
Batavian Revolt
Just after Vitellius arrived in Rome, he got news that Titus Flavius Vespasianus (Vespasian) had revolted. Egypt and Syria took Vespasian's side. Egypt was Rome's main food supply, so Vespasian took his legions there to try and cut off some of Rome's food supply to weaken Vitellius before attacking. Vitellius was already dealing with a war in the North, so he had to wait for Vespasian to attack. The revolt greatly weakened Vitellius, taking a year to suppress it, but he had not been defeated yet -
69
Vitellius' games and coins
Vitellius planned games in Rome in celebration of his birthday in September, but he was really trying to unite the provinces in this time of despair over the possible food shortage and revolts. Additionally, at this time, he added the same Concordia to his surname and he ordered coins to be engraved with his picture and the saying "Concordia Provinciarm," meaning "unity of the provinces." Vitellius may have been trying to prevent a civil war with this encouragement of unity, but it was too late. -
Period: 69 to 69
Vitellius rules
Aulus Vitellius is described by many Roman historians as "extremely hostile" and "unfit to rule." With a father who had served as consul three times, Vitellius' political career kickstarted when he was appointed the governor of Lower Germany by the emperor Galba. After Galba had been overthrown by Otho and Otho eventually killed himself, Vitellius came to Rome and declared himself consul for life. -
Period: 69 to 79
Vespasian rules
After he defeated Vitellius, Vespasian became the emperor, and the Roman Empire entered a period of political stability under the Flavian Dynasty he established. Vespasian was an overall good and brave leader who was never charged with extortion or accorded with much corruption despite the fact that the was very fond of money. -
70
Construction of the Colosseum
Around 70-72, Vespasian commisioned the construction of the Roman Colosseum, also called the Flavian Amphitheatre. He had it built as a gift to the Roman people in his efforts to rebuild the empire. It was finally finished and opened in 80 A.D. by his son, Titus. -
73
Vespasian and Titus become censors
In this office, the two greatly expanded the Roman Empire by extensively reorganizing the provinces of the empire. Latin rights were bestowed on all of Spain. With the addition of many new members to the Roman Empire, the Roman treasury gained new profit due to the new revenue coming in from the taxes. This incoming money and expansion contributed to the stability of the period, and it helped recoup some of the loss of money the empire endured during Nero's rule. -
79
Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
This eruption was recorded by two authors with Pliny the Elder across the bay and witnessing the eruption and going closer but ended up being killed from the after-effects of the eruption and Pliny the Younger also witnessing it. It was not until 1595, during the construction of an aqueduct, that Pompeii was rediscovered with the preserved remains of Pompeii being the only evidence of the disaster. -
79
Reconstruction after Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius erupted during Titus' reign. With the destruction of Stabiae, Herculaneum, and Pompeii, Titus spent much of his private fortune on relief supplies and reconstruction for the Roman citizens whose town were destroyed on the Bay of Naples. -
Period: 79 to 81
Titus rules
Even before his father, Vespasian, became emperor, Titus was already a successful politician. When Vespasian went to take over Italy, he left Titus in charge of the Jewish rebels. In 79, when Vespasian died, he became emperor. Even though Titus was known to be ruthless, he was actually quite a fair and benevolent ruler. -
80
Fire and Disease
A year after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, a massive fire broke out in Rome, destroying several important building such as the Capitoline Temple and other buildings in the Campus Martius. Additionally, disease ravaged through Rome and Italy, gravely affecting many Roman citizens. -
Period: 81 to 96
Domitian rules
After his brother's death, he was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers. He was sort of the "forgotten brother" growing up, and unlike his older brother Titus, he was not prepared or raised to be emperor. Known for his extreme cruelty and corrupt nature, Domitian surrounded himself with spies (due to paranoia), killed the noblest of men, and increased pay for his soldiers so that they would stay loyal. -
86
Dacian War began
The Dacians invade Moesia and defeat the Romans. This war lasted from 86-88 A.D. Domitian fought with Fuscus, who was killed. The Romans were defeated in 90 A.D. and the Romans returned home humiliated. However, Domitian decided to celebrate and demanded he be called "Lord and God" by the people of the Roman Empire. -
89
Epictetus banished from Rome
Domitian, a paranoid tyrant, banished all philosophers from Rome, including one philosopher by the name of Epictetus who went on to Nicopolis to set up a school there. Domitian banished all of the emperors because he disliked the reception given by stoics to opponents of his tyranny. -
Period: 96 to 98
Nerva Rules
Since Domitian had no surviving heirs, Nerva came into power. A native of the town of Narnia, Nerva was proclaimed emperor at age 63. He was disliked by the Praetorians because they had never been consulted in his election. Nerva had to do things such as recall exiles, diminish taxes, and pardon offenders in order to gain popularity and maintain cautiousness. His reign brought stability since he was greatly liked by the citizens and the senate, unlike his predecessor. -
97
Nerva adopts Trajan
Since Nerva had no heir, he had to adopt Trajan so that he could take over the throne when Nerva died. Trajan was obviously trusted by Nerva since Nerva had appointed him governor of Upper Germany in 96 A.D., and he thought that he would be a good successor and it would secure Northern provinces. -
97
Mutiny of Praetorian Guard
Some of the Praetorian Guard wanted revenge for the death of Domitian against his assassins. They imprisoned Nerva in the imperial palace and demanded that he release he two men responsible for the death of Domitian. Nerva refused. Eventually the conspirators who killed Domitian were captured and killed; however this incident greatly damaged the authority of Nerva because his military could now not be trusted. -
Period: 98 to 117
Trajan rules
Trajan was a benevolent ruler who greatly benefited the people of Rome. He improved infrastructure by fixing the road system, constructing aqueducts and public baths, and extending the port of Ostia. Under his rule, Rome reached its largest size yet. -
105
Trajan defeats the Dacians finally after three times
Trajan finally defeated Decebalus after the Dacians were abandoned by their allies due to the approaching Romans. After the Romans won, they went into the capital of Dacian to seize their treasury and send it back to Rome. Additionally, Dacian was absorbed into the empire and its cities were replaced with Roman citizens. -
110
The Baths of Trajan are completed
In addition to his many military victories that greatly expanded the Roman Empire, Trajan also is known for improving and adding to infrastructure. The Baths of Trajan were completed in 110. At this time it was the largest spa building in Rome. This thermal bath was extremely futuristic for many reasons: women could come to it and there were many new features like wide open green spaces. -
112
Hadrian Wall built
The Hadrian Wall was commissioned by Hadrian. It would serve as a boundary between Roman Britain and Pictland in order to protect the Roman province from Barbarians. After 6 years of its original construction, the wall stretched 73 miles. Later, it was extended under Antoninus Pius. -
117
Hadrian declares Armenia Independent
Armenian leaders had previously called war on Rome as a province, but when Hadrian came into power, he did not want to deal with the volatile province so allowed them their independence. This demonstrated his promises to work on strengthening the Roman Empire and not focusing on provinces that are unreliable. -
Period: 117 to 138
Hadrian rules
Hadrian took a different approach to governing as emperor. Unlike his predecessor, his plan was to focus on strengthening the current provinces of the Roman Empire, not expansion. He divided Italy into four regions while gaining popularity with the citizens through gladiatorial games or celebrations and with the senators for his sorts of "laws" passed.
