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509 BCE
Rome Becomes a Republic
In 509 BCE, Romans formed a new structure of government - The Republic. The Roman republic began when the Romans overthrew their Etruscan conqueror. The Romans setup a new government once they were freed from Etruscan dominion. The new government allowed the citizens to select the representative to rule on their behalf. To distinguish themselves as citizens of Rome, they wore togas. There were a variety of classes with the different privileged and social statuses. -
218 BCE
Hannibal invades Italy 218 BCE
Hannibal was a Carthaginian military commander. He was known as one of the best and most talented commander's in history. Hannibal’s cavalry won a victory over Scipio’s forces near the Ticinus River, followed by victory at Trebia River. Hannibal planned to control northern Italy. -
45 BCE
Julius Caesar becomes the first dictator of Rome, 45 BCE
Gaius Julius Caesar was born on 12 July 100 BC in Rome. He is considered one of the greatest military strategist and brilliant politicians of all time. Caesar conquered Gaul by 51 BC. He was the first Roman General to build a bridge across the Rhine, thus invading Britain. He also implemented reforms of government and Roman society. Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15 in 44 BC by his own senators, Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus. -
27
Roman Empire begins in 27 BCE
Gaius Octavian Thurinus (Julius Caesar’s nephew) became the first emperor of the Rome and took the name Augustus Caesar. Augustus ruled the Roman Empire from 31 BCE to 14 BCE. During this time, he made many remarkable changes in the Rome which resulted in stability and prosperity. This period (the first two centuries) is known as Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”). -
380
Christianity is Named the Official Religion in Rome, 380 AD
Emperor Theodosius I banned pagan worshiping, and names the religion of Christianity the official religion. Though Constantine I (circa A.D. 280 to 337) was the first Christian emperor of Rome, it was not until decades after he died that Christianity became the official religion of the empire. Ruling from 379 to 395, Emperor Theodosis I was the first emperor to decree that all citizens should be Christian
