Roman Empire Timeline

The Battle of Actium

31 BCE

September 2, 31 BC- Augustus Julius Caesar declared war against Marc Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium. Antony, who was a consul of Rome, friend of Augustus, and husband to Octavia, greatly angered Augustus by divorcing his sister, marrying Cleopatra, and dishonoring Rome on several accounts, and a battle against Egypt was the result. August 1, 30 BC the Rome defeated Egypt and claimed it as a province, thus expanding the empire.

Augustus Caesar Rise to Power

27 BCE

After the battle of Actium, Octavian had an immense amount of power; however, he was a smart politician and did not want to covet the power like his dead, adoptive father had. Therefore, he resigned his powers; however, the Senate was so thankful that they offered him the title Augustus and he became the first emperor of Rome.

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty

Period: 27 BCE to 68

The Julio-Claudia Dynasty was the first five emperors of Rome. These emperors were: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.

August Caesar receives title Imperium Maius

19 BCE

Augustus was given the title Imperium Maius, which means Supreme power. This is a significant mark in history because not only did it give him the power to rule supremely over all of Rome, but it also set a precedent for all future emperors.

The publication of the Aeneid

19 BCE

Vergil, a Roman poet, wrote an epic poem based on a young Trojan man named Aeneas who must travel to Italy to achieve his destiny of founding Rome. This epic provides a background story as to help explain how Rome came to be, but it is also inferred that Augustus had Vergil write this epic to express certain characteristics about Augustus and to justify some of Augustus' actions.

Jesus is Born

4 BCE

Jesus was born in Bethlehem inside of a stable to his mother Mary and father Joseph. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit and was the Son of God sent to save us from our sins. Non-Christians most often believe that he was a prophet.

Augusts Caesar makes himself Pontifex Maximus

12

Augustus made himself Pontifex Maximus, which meant that he was the chief priest of Rome. In other words, Augustus was now not only in charge of the politics and social aspects of Rome, but he now too controlled religion. This was a huge power move and the people believed that he was a son of a god.

Augustus Caesar Dies

14

Caesar Augustus died in Nola in the year 14 AD. Many believe that he died of natural causes, but a rumor did arise that Livia poisoned him to ensure the heir to the throne to her son Tiberius. On his funeral day, all businesses were shut down and everyone paid their respects to the great Caesar Augustus.

Tiberius Rise to Power

14

Tiberius rose to power following the death of Caesar Augustus, his adoptive father. Tiberius never truly wanted to follow in his step father's footsteps, but his mother wanted him to rule Rome, so she ensured that he would become emperor number two.

Tiberius has a self-imposed exile to Capri

27

Even though Tiberius was THE EMPEROR of Rome, he decided to hide himself on the island of Capri, where he built twelve houses and isolated himself from the outside world. He only allowed his closest companion and chief advisor Sejanus to come to the island. However, he was still emperor, so he would send and receive dispatches.

Tiberius has Sejanus Killed

29

Tiberius had Sejanus, a confidant of his, executed because even though they were close companions, Sejanus was gaining too much power. Tiberius had him arrested by the Senate and suffocated in prison. This was a huge power move because even his friends were not safe from his thirst for power.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

30

Jesus had six trials against him to determine if he was guilty of claiming to be King, blasphemy, and more. The three Jewish trials found Jesus guilty; however, the three trials held by Rome found Jesus innocent. Pontius Pilot asked the crowd if Jesus should be put to death and having been influenced, the crowd chose to put Jesus to death. Jesus was crucified, meaning his body was hung on a cross until he died, which occurred after about six hours.

Tiberius Dies

37

Tiberius is rumored to have been smothered with a pillow and killed by Caligula on March 6, 37 AD, and although he was a weird and cruel emperor, Rome was left in good conditions.

Caligula Rises to Power

37

When Caligula initially became emperor, he was co-emperor with Tiberius' son Gemellus. It was Gemellus' birthright to become emperor, but Caligula became co-emperor because after his family was killed by Tiberius he was summoned to live with Tiberius on Capri and became his adopted son. At the sudden, suspicious death of Gemellus (which Caligula is suspected to have played a part in), Caligula became the sole ruler of Rome. (March 17, 37 AD)

Caligula's Sudden Illness

37

About six months into his rule as Emperor, Caligula fell seriously ill or he could have been poisoned. Either way, he was on the brink of death for quite a while and when he regained his health, he led Rome with a deep evil. This illness changed his ideals as a ruler, which eventually caused all of Rome to hate him and to attempt to erase his name from history.

Caligula Massacres Several Senators

39

After deciding to review the treason trials from Tiberius, Caligula determined that many of the senators were untrustworthy and therefore replaced the consuls, killed several senators, and started his own trials. He ruined his relationship with the Senate. Caligula, although despised by the Senate, has his face on a Roman coin.

Caligula Expands the Roman Empire

40

Caligula was able to expand Rome into Mauretania by murdering King Ptolemy. It later became a province of Rome, thus expanding the Roman Empire.

Caligula Dies

41

After a social sporting event, Caligula was stabbed 30 times by his praetorian guards. (January 24, 41 AD)

Claudius Rises to Power

41

Claudius was the nephew of the previous emperor Caligula, and because Caligula had no sons of his own, Claudius was given the job. (January 25, 41 AD)

Claudius builds artificial harbor north of Ostia

42

Claudius began to build an artificial harbor slightly north of Ostia because the port was only large enough to receive goods from smaller ships and was therefore, it was a great nuisance to receive goods from larger ships. This project, although not completed until the reign of Nero, greatly eased Roman trade.

Claudius Expands into Britain

43

In 43 AD, Claudius begins to seek expansion into Britain by sending 40,000 troops across the English Channel and defeated eleven tribes in South East Britain. Emperor Claudius was an outcast emperor and did not have the favor of the people, so he sought military glory in Britain to prove to the people he was fit to be emperor.

Claudius Dies

54

Claudius died upon eating a poisonous mushroom. It is unclear as to whether this death was freak accident or whether it was an intentional murder. Rumors lingered that his wife Agrippina killed Claudius to ensure that her son Nero was the next emperor of Rome. (October 13, 54 AD)

Nero Rises to Power

54

After the death of Claudius, Nero became emperor at the age of 17. He was the adopted son of Claudius and the biological son of Agrippina. Nero did have a biological son named Britannicus, but Claudius was not able to determine who should have the position due to his sudden death, so Agrippina ensured her son would be the next Roman Emperor.

Nero kills his mother

59

Agrippina, Nero's mother, would help manage business within Rome, but the two had some falling outs while Nero was emperor. Nero's mother began plotting to kill him and so he ordered for his mother's assassination. This was a controversial task considering the mother was a valued member of the Roman family. However, the Senate applauded him for avoiding his own assassination. Agrippina is depicted in the attached image.

Galba becomes to governor of Spain

60

Galba had retired from politics as of 49 AD, but the governorship of Spain had become available and Nero asked for Galba to take the position. This position got him back into politics and helped him to gain some favor which made his grab for emperor more acceptable. His face, as seen in the attached image, is portrayed on a Roman coin.

Nero builds Domus Aurea

64

After the Great Fire of Rome, Nero had the "house of gold" built as a place of entertainment and he had a 35.5 meter bronze statue of himself. A lot of art and construction went into building this beautiful architecture, but the palace of Nero was stripped down shortly after his death.

Nero and the Great Fire of Rome

64

July 18, a fire in Rome erupted near the Circus Maximus and spread rapidly as a result of the winds. This fire lasted five days while Nero was in Antium. The cause of the fire is quite unclear, but one of the most common beliefs is that Nero started the fire with the intention of clearing the space for his Domus Aurea and blamed it on Christians because they believed that Rome and the rest of the world would end with massive fires. Him blaming the Christian's led to persecutions of Christians.

Nero Dies

68

Soon after the fire and Domus Aurea, the several conspiracies about the cause and the reasoning arose, there was a lack of money in Rome now due to the fire and the golden palace being built, and the empire was falling apart. Therefore, Nero asked for help to commit suicide. Nero's death marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. (June 9, 68 AD)

Galba Rises to Power

68

Galba rose to power immediately after the death of Nero. Galba was a governor of Spain and a very influential man because of his past political experiences. When rumors of Nero's death were confirmed, Galba marched into Rome and assumed the throne.

The Year of the Four Emperors

Period: 68 to 69

In the year between 68-69 AD, there were 4 separate emperors that quickly came to and lost their power as emperor. These emperors include: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian.

Otho has the first Battle of Bedriacum

69

Military legions. which had declared loyalty to Vitellius even before Otho became emperor, began to march on Rome so that Vitellius could become the next emperor. Otho got his troops together and devised a strategy to attempt to end this uprising. (April 14, 69 AD)

Otho Dies

69

After fighting for a couple days, Otho realized he was losing and that he had lost enough men in the battle; therefore, he took his own life. (April 16, 69 AD)

Vitellius Rises to Power

69

Vitellius became emperor immediately after the death of Otho and thanks to his army's march on Rome. He had the military aspect of a leader, but now he had to rule all of Rome. (April 16, 69 AD )

Vitellius becomes Emperor at Cologne

69

Vitellius was the commander of the Germania Inferior, which was a Roman province under the command of Emperor Galba. His soldiers viewed him a more equipped to be emperor than Galba and thus made him emperor of the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior. This is what led Vitellius to lead a march on Rome, which ended up being against Otho instead of Galba. (January 1, 69 AD)

Vitellius bans all astrologers from Rome

69

Vitellius banned all astrologers from Rome and once he did this, they issued a statement saying the he would no longer be emperor on the appointed date and so he began killing any astrologer he came across. (October 1, 69 AD)

Vitellius Dies

69

In July of 69 AD, a general named Vespasian was declared emperor by his soldiers, similar to Vitellius, and his troops, under the leadership of Marcus Primus, invaded Italy and captured Vitellius. He was dragged out of hiding, beaten, and then thrown into the Tiber. His death was quite brutal. (December 22, 69 AD)

Vespasian Rises to Power

69

After the assassination of Vitellius and the undertaking of Rome with his soldiers, Vespasian was in Egypt and the Senate declared him emperor while he was in Egypt. He did not actually arrive in Rome until 70 AD. (December 22, 69 AD)

Vespasian is declared Emperor by the East

69

Vespasian had the belief that he was destined to be a ruler of Rome because of a prophecy and his men supported him. First his army in Egypt declared him as Emperor and then so did his troops in Judea. It was now his mission to have the Senate recognize him as the emperor of Rome. (July 1, 69 AD) Vespasian can be seen depicted on this Roman coin.

Galba Adopts Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus

69

As soon as the upper Legions of Germany began to give their allegiance to Vitellius, Galba knew that his time as emperor was coming to an end. So, in attempt to appease the Roman Senate, he adopted Piso as his heir. Although he thought this move to be smart, it ultimately led to his death by Otho.

Galba Dies

69

Galba had adopted Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus to become his heir to the throne, which angered Otho, who was one of his longtime supporters and possible successors. Otho had Galba killed seven months into his rule as emperor by bribing some guards. (January 15, 69 AD)

Otho Rises to Power

69

Otho assumed the position of emperor the day that he killed his predecessor Galba and Galba's adopted son Piso. (January 15, 69)

Galba becomes governor of Lusitania

69

It is rumored that Otho had been involved with a mistress of Nero, so Nero made Otho the governor Lusitania, which was essentially an exile. Otho was governor here for ten years and when Galba, his governing neighbor, rose up against Nero, so did Otho.

The Flavian Dynasty

Period: 69 to 96

This dynasty consisted of Vespasian and his two sons, Titus and Domitian. The Flavian Dynasty and the Year of the Four Good Emperors overlaps by one emperor. Vespasian can be represented within both time spans.

Vespasian begins construction of the Colosseum

72

As emperor, Vesparain began building an amphitheater most commonly called the Colosseum but also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It would be used for gladiatorial games and other mean of entertainment.

Vespasian Dies

79

Vespasian died due to health complications. It is said that his last words as emperor were, "An emperor ought to die standing", and so he got up and died in the arms of those around him. (June 24, 79 AD)

Titus Rises to Power

79

Titus rose to power when his father and predecessor died of illness in 79 AD. He was the rightful heir, so he took his place as Emperor of Rome. (June 24, 79 AD)

Mount Vesuvius Erupts

79

This eruption, located near the Bay of Naples, was one of the most catastrophic eruptions in history. Pompeii and Herculaneum were two large cities completely covered in lava and rock and ash. Thousands of people died. In order to help bring relief, Titus donated money and sent people to help organize relief. The story of Mount Vesuvius is told by Pliny the Younger, whose uncle was one of the victims of the eruption. (August 24, 79 AD)

Titus completes the building process of the Colosseum

80

Titus finished the Flavian Amphitheatre that his father began building in 72 AD. The Colosseum was opened to the public for entertainment purposes and helped to raise money for the Roman government.

Titus' Rome undergoes a fire that burns down important public works.

80

During the springtime, a three day fire ransacked Rome and destroyed several important buildings including: the Pantheon, the Temple of Jupiter, the Diribitorium, etc.

Titus Dies

81

Titus dies due to a fever he contracted while traveling, and his brother becomes the next emperor of Rome.

Domitian Rises to Power

81

The day after the death of his older brother Titus, Domitian was granted the powers of Emperor by the Senate. (September 14, 81 AD)

Domitian builds the Stadium of Domitian

86

During his rule, Domitian created a venue that could be used for competitive sports/activities known as the Stadium of Domitian or Circus Agonalis. It had Greek architecture and proved to be a great method of entertainment to the Roman people.

Saturnius revolts against Domitian

89

Lucius Antonius Saturninus and two of his legions rose up against Rome in Saturnius' province Germania Superior. The rebellion was defeated within 24 days because Saturnius' aid was unable to come due to the weather (there was a thaw). (January 1, 89 AD) The picture depicts Saturnius on a Roman coin.

Domitian Dies

96

Domitian proved himself to be a terrorizing leader filled brutality, and so the Roman people lost their faith in him, especially the Senate. He was murdered in Rome by a group of assassins that even included Praetorian Guards, palace officials and Domitia Longina, his wife. (September 18, 96 AD)

Nerva Rises to Power

96

After the murder of Domitian, Nerva immediately became emperor. He had a name for himself especially since he was consul in both 71 and 90 AD. Upon his entrance to the rule, he promised to never kill a single senator and to lean away from the brutality of past emperors.

The Five Good Emperors

Period: 96 to 180

These emperors are known as the five good emperors because they brought a time of prosperity to Rome. These emperors include: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius.

Nerva is imprisoned by his own Praetorian Guard

97

Although majority of Rome was happy that Domitian was no longer emperor, the Praetorian Guard imprisoned Nerva and demanded that he hand over the two murders of Domitian, but Nerva refused and eventually was saved, thus resulting in the death of the conspirators. This proved that not all of Rome was happy with the shift in leadership. Even so, Nerva can be seen on Roman coins, such as the image shown.

Nerva adopts Marcus Lupus Traianus

97

After the imprisonment of Nero, he began to fear his death a little bit more and he quickly came to realize that he did not have a son to take on the job of Emperor; therefore, he adopted the governor of Upper Germany Marcus Lupus Traianus and thus dictated the future reign of Rome. The coin shown is a coin representing Trajan.

Nerva Dies

98

Nerva had a sudden stroke while he was at his villa and died. (January 1, 98)

Trajan Rises to Power

98

Because Nerva adopted Trajan before his sudden death, Trajan was the rightful heir to the rule of emperor. Trajan was actually the first Roman Emperor to not have been born in Rome. Trajan was from Spain.

Trajan annexes Nabatea

106

The Nabateans were a nomadic Bedouin tribe and their king, Rabbel II Soter, had just recently died, so Trajan took advantage of the timing and sent in took the land as a province which they named Arabia Petraea. Trajan was expanding the Roman Empire. (March 22, 106 AD)

Trajan creates Trajan's Forum

112

Rome had just defeated Dacia and therefore had spoils from the war. Trajan put these spoils to use by building the final imperial forum in Rome. It acted as a center for politics, economy and religion.

Trajan Dies

117

Trajan had been in Antioch but due to illnesses, he returned home to Rome. While in Rome, he died of Edema. (August 8, 117 AD)

Hadrian Rises to Power

117

After Trajan had died, it was announced to the public that Hadrian was the adopted son of Trajan and therefore, he assumed the role of emperor.

Hadrian constructs Hadrian's Wall

122

In Rome's province Britannia, Hadrian decided to build a wall for defensive fortification. The wall stood as a border of Rome and it ran from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth. This wall was to separate the Romans from the barbarians.

Hadrian subdues the Bar Kokhba Revolt

132

The Jews in Judea had revolted against because although Hadrian was kid to them at first, he deported Jews and demanded that they move the location of their Temple. The Jews gained a lot of land during this revolt, but in the end, they were defeated, and Hadrian changed the name of Judea to Syria Palestina.

Hadrian Dies

138

Hadrian died of congestive heart failure, but before his death, he made Antonius Pius his successor. (July 10, 138 AD)

Antoninus Pius Rises to Power

138

Antoninus Pius rises to power when Hadrian, his adoptive father, passes away due to a possible Heart Attack. (July 10, 138 AD)

Antoninus Pius constructs the Antonine Wall

142

The Antonine Wall, approximately 39 miles long, was built by Antoninus Pius and was north of Hadrian's Wall. It was a method of fortification to protect Rome from any outside forces seeking to destroy Rome.

There is a small fire during the rein of Antoninus

155

A fire erupted in Verulamium, which was one of the largest and richest towns in Britain, a Roman province. The winds and the timber hours carried the fire and Rome had to clean the mess of yet another fire. Many houses and public buildings were not able to be rebuilt until several years later.

Antoninus Pius Dies

161

Antoninus lived a long and powerful life. He died at the age of seventy due to weak health and old age. At the time of his death, both of his adoptive sons were consuls. (March 7, 161 AD)

Marcus Aurelius Rises to Power

161

Marcus Aurelius came to power when his adoptive father Antoninus Pius died and he ruled jointly with his brother Lucius Verus, but Verus died in 169 AD. Then he ruled jointly with his son Commodus from 177-180 AD. (March 7, 161 AD)

Marcus Aurelius' family name is used to nickname an epidemic

165

An epidemic of either small pox or measles had begun to infiltrate Rome, having been brought back from troops that were in the East. Lucius Verus contracted this epidemic and died in 169 AD. This epidemic became associated with Marcus Aurelius' family and was therefore nicknamed the Antonine Plague.

Marcus Aurelius becomes involved in the Marcomannic Wars

169

The Marcomannic Wars were a series of wars in which Rome was fighting Germanic Marcomanni, the Quadi, and Sarmatians. Majority of Marcus Aurelius reign as emperor was spent fighting the Germans and the Samaritans.

Marcus Aurelius Dies

180

Marcus Aurelius died of natural causes at the age of 59 while he was in Vindobona, which is modern day Vienna. (March 17, 180 AD)