Roman Empire Timeline

By kaczynskiemma@gmail.com
  • 43 BCE

    Second Triumvirate Formed

    Lepidus, Antony, and Octavian formed the second triumvirate as supporters of the late Julius Caesar.
  • 42 BCE

    Battle of Phillipi

    War versus Caesar's Assassins and the Second Triumvirate which resulted in a victory for the Second Triumvirate and the death of Brutus and Cassius.
  • 31 BCE

    Battle of Actium

    Agrippa and Augustus versus Cleopatra and Antony, victory of Augustus
  • 29 BCE

    Augustus builds the Curia (Senate House)

  • Period: 27 BCE to 68

    Rule of Julio-Claudians

    Included Augustus Ceasar, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero
  • Period: 27 BCE to 14

    Reign of Augustus

    The Julio-Claudian First Emperor of Rome who changed it from a Republic to and Empire. Aeneas is based off of him, an extremely strong military leader, whose rulings led to the 200 years of Pax Romana.
  • 19 BCE

    Publication of the Aeneid

    The Aeneid was a Roman Epic written by Vergil and commissioned by Octavian. It contains the story of Aeneas, a Trojan, and his quest to found Rome.
  • Period: 6 BCE to 2 BCE

    Tiberius' Exiles Himself on Rhodes

    Tiberius exiles himself on the island of Rhodes to possibly escape Julia. When he returns he must ask for Augustus' permission.
  • 4 BCE

    Birth of Jesus Christ

    Jesus, the Christain Messiah, was born in Bethlahem in the year of Ceasar Augustus' census.
  • Period: 14 to 37

    Reign of Tiberius

    A Julio-Claudian who could not keep up with his predecessor Augustus. He was an ineffective, power hungry, leader with political inability, poor judgement, and jealousy stemming from his familial line. This all lead to murder and terror in Rome and an era of political confusion and purges.
  • 36

    Crucifixion of Jesus

    Jesus, the Christan savior, was crucified and charged with heresy. He claimed he was "King of the Jews" which is a belief many religions hold true.
  • Period: 37 to 41

    Reign of Caligula

    Caligula was a Julio-Claudian known for his evilness and schemes. He apparently had a hand in the death of his co ruler. He initially gave the Praetorian Guard a raise and conducted numerous gladiatorial games but after a fit with supposed epilepsy everything changed. He became paranoid and raised taxes, implemented purges, treason trials, and even made his horse a consul. In sum, most of his accomplishments like the Jewish War and annexation of Mauritania were ineffective.
  • Period: 41 to 54

    Reign of Claudius

    Claudius was a Julio-Claudian most known for extending rule of the Empire in Africa and Britain. He built the Port of Ostia and he improved the judicial system and made it easier for foreigners to gain citizenship status. He supposedly died of poisoning by his own wife.
  • 42

    Claudius builts Harbor of Ostia (Fossa Traiani)

    Claudius began work buildinf botha harbor and a lighthouse at Ostia. This exapnded the number of imports and exports to the empire and brought about ease of shipping.
  • 43

    Vespiasian becomes commander of Legio ll Augustus

    This legion took part in the Battle of Britain in which Vespasian crossed the Medway River and was given charge of the advancement of the left wing. He then occupied the Isle of Wright and conquered all the tribes to the east of Devon (over 20 towns). For his military success he is given two priesthoods and triumphial honors.
  • 43

    Britain Conquered by Rome

  • 44

    Mauritania is annexed to Rome

  • Period: 44 to 45

    Galba serves as governor of Africa

  • 49

    Galba drops out of public service

  • 51

    Vespasian named Consul

  • Period: 54 to 68

    Reign of Nero

    Nero was a member of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty most incorrectly known for playing the fiddle while Rome burned. He was most known for playing Christians for the Great Fire of Rome and, as a result, is most known for his persecutions of Christians. Additionally, he his known for his evil schemes and political murders. He died by committing suicide because he was going to be arrested and put to death for his awful mistreatment of Roman citizens.
  • 59

    Nero sends Otho to be new governor of Lusitania

    Otho is sent by Nero to Lusitania (modern Portugal) to serve as governer. This appointment was in every sense an exile for Otho.
  • 61

    Failed Boudicca Rebellion in Britain among others

    Nero is repsonsible for the failed Boudicca Rebellion in Britain as well as insurections in Judah and Gaul- a result of a tax increase.
  • Period: 61 to 63

    Titus serves as military tribune in Britain and Germany

  • 63

    Vespasian named pro consulate of Africa

    Vespasian's financial hunger and rigor was so intense and he was so hated by the people of Africa that he was once pelted with turnips.
  • 64

    Great Fire of Rome

    The fire began in slums south of Palatine Hill and spread quickly due to high winds. The fire itself resulted in mass chaos, looting, a high death toll, and the destruction of 3/14 of Rome's districts. Legand has it that Nero set the fire and played the fiddled while it burned. That is incorrect because the fiddle was not even invented and he was 35 miles outside of the city. However he did use the fire to further his political agenda, blaming Christians for the destruction and torturing them.
  • 65

    Piso Family Conspiracy threatens Nero's lIfe

    Nero's life is threatened by the Piso family. As a result, he becomes even more cruel and paranoid than he was before. He trusts no one and takes his anger out on others via torture.
  • Period: 66 to 73

    Jewish War

    War of Romans versus the Jewish population in Judah. Was a war of persecution and rleigious ideals.
  • 68

    Vitellius appointed governor of Lower Germany

    Galba appoints Vitellius governor of Lower Germany even though he has no military experience.
  • Period: 68 to 69

    The Year of the Four Emperors

    Included Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespian.
  • Period: 68 to 69

    Reign of Galba

    First of the Year of Four Emperors, Galba was a governor of Spain who rose to fill the empty emperor spot after Nero’s death. He gathered his army and marched to Rome and filled the throne. He was killed when Otho paid the Praetorian Guard to murder him.
  • 69

    First Battle of Bedriacum

    Battle of Vitellius versus Otho about 350 miles away from Rome. In order to prevent another civil war, Otho committed suicide.
  • 69

    Second Battle of Bedriacum

    Vitellius's men defeated by a lot. Vitellius, soon to be defeated, tried to escape the city in disguise. However, he was captured by Vespasians men and tourtured, dragged through the city streets, and killed.
  • Period: 69 to 96

    Rule of the Flavian Dynasty

    Included Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.
  • Period: 69 to 69

    Reign of Otho

    Part of the Year of Four Emperors who was named to power by the army after the assassination of Galba. Otho was best friends with Nero and knew all of his schemes and dark secrets. However, Nero sent him to exile as governor of Lusitania until Otho and his army returned to overthrow him and Galba. He worked for the sovereign people and reinstituted gladiatorial games and rewarded his soldiers well. He died committing suicide to prevent another civil war, this giving the throne to Vitellius.
  • Period: 69 to 79

    Reign of Vespasian

    Part of the Year of Four Emperors and founder of the Flavian Dynasty, Vespasian restored peace and stability to Rome after the Civil War. He also restored the army and finances of Rome after Nero’s failed reign.
  • Period: 69 to 69

    Reign of Emperor Vitellius

    Ruled in the Year of Four Emperors unfortunately known for his gambling and gluttony. He poorly ruled his army and they had no respect for him. He used the money his army seized on himself and lived a lavish lifestyle as a result. He became emperor has a result of Otho’s suicide at Bedriacum.
  • 70

    Construction begins on the Flavian Amphitheater

    Construction begins on the Flavian Ampitheater (now Colosseum)
  • 79

    Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

    Mount Vesuvius erupts with volcanic rock, ash, and matter. The eruptions destroyed the twons of Pompey and Herculanium among others. Many perished.
  • Period: 79 to 81

    Reign of Titus

    A Flavian who was popular with his people for the lavish games he put on in the Colosseum which he built. He had a successful military campaign with his father that suppressed the Jewish Revolt.
  • 80

    Construction finished on the Imperial Baths and Flavian Amphitheater

  • 80

    Capitol Burns

  • Period: 81 to 180

    The Five Good Emperors

    Included Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Pius, and Aurelius.
  • Period: 81 to 96

    Reign of Domitian

    Part of the Flavian dynasty; worked to restore the gutted remains of many public buildings, built a new temple to Jupiter, a new stadium, and a new concert hall. He earned respect from the military when he became the first leader since Augustus to give the army a raise.
  • 83

    Domitian's military campaign in Germany

    Domitian embarked on a victorious military campaign to fight against the Chatti
  • Period: 96 to 98

    Reign of Emperor Nerva

    First of the Five Good Emperors, known for his agrarian reform and renouncation of the terrorist which helped Domitian rise to power. He also invented the system of alimenta or trusts for the poor and children of Italy.
  • Period: 98 to 117

    Reign of Emperor Trajan

    One of the Five Good Emperors,Trajan worked to avenge the death of Nerva. He cut spending from the military but gave more funding towards feeding the poor. Was known for his close friendship with Pliny the Younger.
  • Period: 117 to 138

    Reign of Emperor Hadrain

    Third of the Five Good Emperors most known for his influential building projects including his name sake Hadrian's Wall in Northern England.
  • 122

    Building of Hadrian's Wall

    Wall built on the edge of Rome's territory in Britain to separate it from Scottland, served as a matter of protection.
  • Period: 138 to 161

    Reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius

    4th of the 5 Good Emperors who built the Antonine Wall to further extend Hadrian's Wall 100 miles north. He also contained several uprisings in Mauritania, Germany, Egypt, and Dacia. Ruled in the most peaceful era of Rome.
  • Period: 161 to 180

    Reign of Marcus Aurelius

    The fifth and final of the Five Good Emperors, most known for his philosophy and reason opposed to his military campaigns.