Events of the Ancient Rome Culture by Kelsi and Autumn

Etruscans Rule Rome

650 BCE

Only 3 Kings during this time period are named as Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius and Tarquinus Superbus. The Etruscans expanded power into Latium and further South into Campania. The Latins acquired the alphabet from the Greeks or Etruscans. Some of the main streets of Rome were built and Rome became an important trading center. The 2 kings that were Tarquins were thought of to be "bad kings".

The Triumph of Christianity

378 BCE

Romans persecuted Christians but this actually helped spread the growth of Christianity. Fear of persecution meant only the most committed would follow the outlawed faith. By the 3rd century Christianity was widely spread. The roman religion only existed for the good of Rome, but Christianity gave a Romans a meaning and purpose to life. Some emperors began new persecutions of the Christians in the 3rd cent. but their schemes failed because Christianity became so strong. (378-395 BC)

The 1st Punic War

264 BCE

The Romans send an army to Sicily and the Carthaginians thought of it as an act of war. Both the sides are determined to conquer Sicily. Romans build an army and a large naval fleet. This helped Romans defeat the Carthaginian navy and the war comes to an end in 241 BC. Carthage gives up all rights to Sicily and paid a fine to the Romans. Sicily becomes the first Roman Province. (264-261 BC)

The 2nd Punic War

218 BCE

Hannibal enters Spain and crossed the alps with an army of 46,000. Some of the army did not survive but still posed as a danger to the Romans. 216 BC Romans meet Hannibal but the romans lost an army of 40,000, Rome refuses to surrender. Hannibal continues to come into Italy but does not have enough men to attack the major cities. Rome invaded Carthage instead of fighting Hannibal. At the 'Battle of Zama" Romans crush Hannibal's men and the war is over. Rome=New dominant power.(218-201 BC)

The 3rd Punic War

149 BCE

Carthage soon recovers and Rome declares war on Carthage in 149 BC. Carthage surrenders, they didn't stand a chance against the Romans. The Romans wanted total destruction of the city, Carthage is pushed into fighting with Rome. Carthage withstood a siege for 3 yrs before yielding. Aemilanus stormed and defeated carthage. Hannibal commits suicide. The territory was made into the Roman province, Africa. (149-146 BC)

The 1st Triumvirate

60 BCE

Caesar joins with Crassus and Pompey to form the 1st Triumvirate, which is a gov. by three ppl that all have equal power. Crassus was killed in battle in 53 BC, this leaves only 2 leaders left. Senators wanted Caesar to step down but Caesar refuses. He gains an army and illegally moves into Italy. He starts a war between his forces and Pompey's forces. He defeats pompey, this leaves Caesar in total control. Caesar is officially made the dictator in 45 BC, but was assassinated in 44 BC.

The 2nd Triumvirate

43 BCE

After Caesars death there was a struggle for power. 3 men join forces as the 2nd Triumvirate- Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus. Only 2 men divided the Roman world, Octavian=West and Antony=East. Their allies got into conflict, Antony allies with Cleopatra VII, and he was in love with her. In battle, Octavian's forces smashed Antony's, a year later Antony and Cleopatra VII committed suicide. Octavian stood supreme over the Roman world.

Age of Augustus

31 BCE

Augustus became the 1st emperor of Rome after Caesar was killed. He ended 100 years of Roman Civil War. He also brought peace and prosperity to Rome. He earned the title of imperator (commander in chief) by the senate. He also conquered new areas. The senate gave him the title of "The Reverend One". His reign was from 31 BC to AD 14.

The Gospels are Beginning to be Written

40

Jesus' disciples wrote many memories and teachings of Jesus. These accounts were later known as the Gospels or "Good News". The Gospels were located in the New Testament. They gave a record of Jesus' life and teachings. The Gospels are one of the most read books in the bible and they are one of the most important. It allows us to see how Jesus lived and how to follow him.

Reign of Nero

56

The Reign of Nero was known for an age of persecuting Christians. (Persecuting: harassing to cause suffering) Nero blamed Christians for the fire that destroyed many parts of Rome. He thought that they should pay for it. So many Christians were put to death. Nero was a ruthless leader that blamed others. His reign was in AD 56-68 and he was the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Jewish Revolt

66

Judea was made a Roman province. The Jews always had differences between the Romans. They had different groups: Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes and Zealots. There was a Jewish revolt that began in AD 66. They were defeated by the Romans 4 years later and their temple in Jerusalem was destroyed.

Roman Colosseum Was Opened

80

The Colosseum was commissioned in AD 70-72 by emperor Vespasian. In AD 80 his son, Titus opened it. It was officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater. It was used for gladiator combats, wild animal fights and naval battles. Today it is well known nationally as the symbol of Rome. Video for Roman Colosseum: http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/colosseum/videos

Constantine the 1st Christian Emperor

313

Constantine was the 1st Roman Christian emperor. Licinius and him issued the Edict of Milan. In the Edit of Milan, it allowed the Roman Empire to be tolerant of other religions, such as Christianity. In less than a century 90 percent of Romans converted to Christianity. This Edict was very important. If it weren't for Constantine Rome would not convert to Christianity.

The Fall of the Roman Empire

476

The western emperor Romulus Augustulus was dethroned by the Germanic leader Adducer. Many historians disagree on the cause of the fall. Some think the empire was turned into a Barbaric empire. Others say Christianity was the reason. But the only part that completely fell down was the west. The east continued and retained the unique Roman identity.