Roman Empire Timeline

  • 101

    Rome is Founded

    In 753 B.C., Rome was founded. The Roman myth states that as a result of fight between brothers named Romulus and Remus, Remus was killed and Romulus founded Rome shortly after. Although this myth is not completely true, it is commonly associated with the formation of Rome.
  • 102

    End of Punic Wars

    Rome at the End of the Punic WarsIn 118 B.C., the Punic Wars came to an end, causing a change within the Roman citizens and landscape. After the war, much of the land was abandoned by farmers who became soldiers. Therefore, the agricultural landscape and economy was shifted in Rome.
  • 103

    First Triumvirate Emerges

    First Triumvirate Emerges
    In 66 B.C., the First Triumvirate was formed. This government was formed by a ruling system of three leaders, including Pompey, Caeasar, and Crassus.
  • 104

    The First Triumvirate Divides

    In 56 B.C., the leaders of the First Triumvirate split up. Pompey travelled to Rome, Crassus went to Asia, and Caesar went to Gaul. This ultimately created a division in power and weakened the empire.
  • 105

    Pompey is Killed

    In 49 B.C., Caesar was named an enemy of the state. After this, Caesar and Pompey fought each other, ultimately resulting in the death of Pompey.
  • 106

    Julius Caesar Rises to Power

    Julius Caesar Rises to Power
    Julius Caesar's War CommentariesIn 45 B.C., Julius Caesar became the first dictator of Rome by defeating Pompey in a civil war. As a result of this shift in power, the Roman Repubic essentially came to an end.
  • 107

    Assassination of Julius Caesar

    Assassination of Julius Caesar
    The Assassination of Julius CaesarIn 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was assassinated. Unhappy with his dictatorship-type rule, the Senate revolted against his power. Led by Brutus, the Senate successfully planned his assassination. Although they planned for a return to a republic, this eventually resulted in a civil war.
  • 110

    Constantine Legalizes Christianity

    After Constantine came to power, he legalized Christianity in 313 A.D. Before this, the Roman Empire did not support Christianity, and persecuted Christians. Therefore, this created a much better environment for Roman Christians.
  • 111

    Huns storm Ostrogoth Territory

    In 375 A.D., the Huns begin their invasion on Rome. Teaming up with a German group called Ostrogoths, the Romans fought back. However, a series of invasions by multiple groups caused the overall weakening of the Roman Empire.
  • 112

    Rome is Divided

    Rome is Divided
    In 395 A.D., Theodosius wished that both of his sons could inherit the ruling of the Roman Empire. Therefore, he split Rome into two halfs, the Roman empire and the Western Empire. This caused a further weakening of the Roman Empire.
  • 113

    Visiogoths Defeat Rome

    After the Visiogoths moved into Italy, they feared that they would be more subject to an invasion by the Huns. Therefore, they moved into Roman territory. This invasion in 410 A.D. further weakened the empire once more.
  • 114

    Roman Empire Falls

    In 476 A.D., the Roman Empire finally fell. Weakened by the dvision in power, internal conflict, corruption, and size, the Eastern half of the Roman Empire fell very shortly after the Visiogoth invasion.
  • 115

    Western Empire Falls

    In 1453 A.D., the Western Empire of the original Roman Empire finally fell. Although it stayed intact much longer than the Eastern half, it also fell due to internal conflict, corruption, division of power, and size.
  • Octavius Rises to Power

    Octavius Rises to Power
    In 27 B.C., Octavius named himself Augustus, translating to "first emperor". Therefore, he appointed himself as the first emperor of the Roman Empire.
  • Nero and the Burning of Rome

    VideoPrimary SourceIn 64 A.D., Nero was thought to be responsible for the burning of a large amount of Roman land, causing destruction to much of the empire. Blaming the Christian population for the fire, Nero was not seen as a very popular leader.