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450 BCE
The Twelve Tables
The twelve tables were the beginning of a new approach to laws. These laws reflected the priorities of the Romans as well as the change of becoming more urbanized. This was one of the first steps for the Romans as they began their search for a new government. The twelve tables would protect the rights of citizens and permit wrongs to be redressed through precisely worded written laws known by everyone. The start of the Republic Government. -
394 BCE
The consuls held office
The Roman consuls were responsible for carrying into effect the electees of the Senate and the laws of the assemblies. They also served as the chief diplomat of the Roman State. This was another step in the Roman Republic to ensure the citizens all had the chance to speak their minds. However, this effort only worked temporarily, as social class issues grew unstoppable. -
81 BCE
Sulla resigns dictatorship after enacting numerous reforms.
Sulla used his unlimited power to unilaterally reform the Republic into his ideal form of government. Sulla curtailed the power of the tribunes of the people who were sacrosanct elected officials with immense veto powers. Sulla then restricted their power by requiring all legislation to be first be approved by the Senate. This started a trend of future leaders implementing new rules, regulations, and laws that altered the Roman government, both positive and negative. -
44 BCE
Julius Caesar became dictator.
Julius Caesar played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. While Caesar had improved Rome in numerous ways, his leadership created a pathway to new ideas that would lead to the fall of the Roman Empire. Caesar was the first Roman to be granted divine status by the state. This started a personal cult that made the power of institutions less important; military and popularity were the deciding factors of who gained power. -
43 BCE
Second Triumvirate: Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus.
The Second Triumvirate was an official, legally established institution, whose overwhelming power in the Roman state was given for legal sanction and whose imperium maius outranked that of other magistrates, including the Consuls. The three were able to work together in reestablishing control. However, when their goals were completed, the triumvirate ended leading to a civil war. Antony and Octavian battled over leadership, and eventually, Octavian won. He then established the Roman Empire. -
31 BCE
Greece absorbed into the Roman Empire.
The Romans have looked at the Greeks for numerous reasons and implemented many Greek ideas, culture, government, etc. In the mid-fifth century BC, the Romans sent a delegation to Athens to copy out the laws of Solon, and other Greek cities to find out the legislation. This resulted in the first important piece of Roman law, the twelve tables. One of Rome's most important contributions to modern law was the process of applying the scientific methods of Greek philosophy to the subject of law. -
50
Establishment of various Christian communities.
Early Christianity spread from the Eastern Mediterranean throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. As the Chrisitan religion began to gain popularity and influence both in society and government, the Roman Empire allowed the religion to be practiced freely. Over time, Roman religious beliefs changed slowly. When the Roman Empire fell, Christianity was still spreading. This new successful religion allowed the rise of Islam. -
64
Persecution of Christians.
The first persecution of Christians organized by the Roman government was an excellent example of the separation of religious beliefs. The Roman Empire was originally a polytheist tradition of paganism and Christianity into ideological conflict with the imperial cult. Christians were punished for not conforming to officially sanctioned religious norms. -
68
The year of the four emperors.
The year of the four emperors was a period in the history of the Roman Empire in which Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian ruled in succession. The death of the previous emperor, Nero, was followed by a small-time of civil war. The social, military, and political upheavals of the time had Empire-wide repercussions. -
238
The year of the six emperors.
The year of the six emperors was a political crisis in the Roman Empire that was a result of the rebellion against Emperor Maximinus. Maximinus was known as a cruel tyrant which led to many revolts. With the division of the Roman idea of government and rule, many emperors were overthrown by the public. The severance then contributed to constant arguments that would eventually cause the fall of the Roman Empire.
