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Period: 31 BCE to 14 BCE
Augustus as emperor
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28 BCE
Augustus' Census of Rome
During his sixth consulship, Octavian, with Marcus Agrippa as his colleague, takes a census of Rome for the first time since 69 BC. -
27 BCE
Augustus arises as emperor
At age 17 in Apollonia, Octavian heard of Julius Caesar’s (his father’s) death, and was told that he was now Rome’s sole ruler -
27 BCE
Augustus Begins Pax Romana
After his victory at Actium, Rome jumped into a state of peace and minimal expansion that lasted for centuries. -
Period: 27 BCE to 68
The emperors in the Julio-Claudian Dynasty
The Julio Claudian Dynasty included Augustus' rule from 27 BC to 14 AD and his four successors (not blood-related), spanning from 14 AD to 68 AD. Tiberius ruled from 14–37 AD, Caligula from 37–41 AD, Claudius from 41–54 AD, and Nero from 54–68 AD. -
19 BCE
Publication of the Aeneid
Virgil wrote the Aeneid during the rule of Augustus from 29 BC-19 BC and died, previously requesting for the unfinished book to be burned, but Augustus went against his wishes and published The Aeneid in 19 BC. -
18 BCE
Tiberius recovers Roman legion standards
At age 22, Tiberius recovered the Roman legion standards from Parthia, which had been lost for decades. -
Period: 14 BCE to 37 BCE
Tiberius As Emperor
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6 BCE
Tiberius is granted powers of a Tribune
Tiberius was granted powers of a tribune and then exiled himself to the island of Rhodes, transforming into a selfish person. -
5 BCE
Jesus is born
Jesus was born in November of 5 B.C in Bethlehem, present-day Israel, as King of the Jews. -
14
Augustus Dies of Natural Causes
Leaving Tiberius as son and successor, Augustus dies of natural causes on August 19, 14 AD in Nola, Italy. -
14
Tiberius comes to power
After Lucius died in Marseille, Augustus adopted Tiberius as a son, and Tiberius became emperor at 54 years old, on September 17. -
33
Jesus is crucified
Jesus was most likely crucified on April 3 of 33 A.D. in Golgotha, just outside of Jerusalem. -
33
Galba becomes consul
Galba became consul in 33 A.D. and became known for his dangerously large military strength in Gaul, Germania, Africa and Hispania. He struck great fear into his armies through torture. -
37
Tiberius is smothered in Capri
After recently inflicting a reign of terror, Tiberius died on March 16 at age 77, after being smothered by a guard in Capri. -
37
Caligula comes to power
When Caligula was just 25 years old, in March of 37, he was welcomed as successor to Tiberius in Rome after Tiberius was smothered. -
37
Caligula faces life-changing illness
In October of 37, Caligula grew very ill, which caused him to spend the remainder of his reign inflicting pain among the people of Rome. -
Period: 37 to 41
Caligula As Emperor
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39
Caligula's military campaigns
He led military campaigns to the Rhine River and English Channel, where he forewent battles for theater performances from 39-40. -
41
Caligula is murdered
On January 24, 41, Caligula, his daughter, and his wife were stabbed to death by officers of the Praetorian Guard, dismantling the misconception that he was a god. -
41
Claudius comes to power
Though the Senate hoped to use Caligula's downfall as an initiation into the Roman Republic, Claudius gained support from the Praetorian guard to come to rule on January 25 -
Period: 41 to 54
Claudius as Emperor
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47
Claudius celebrates the Secular Games
Claudius revived old religious ceremonies by celebrating the Secular Games, which were three days and nights of games and sacrifice to honor Rome's 800th birthday. -
49
Claudius annexes Iturea to Syria
In 49 he annexed Iturea, which is northeastern Palestine, to the province of Syria, carefully avoiding the involvement of the empire in wars with the Germans and Parthians. -
54
Claudius is poisoned
On October 13, Agrippina poisoned Claudius, killing him slowly and painfully. -
54
Nero comes to power
On October 14, after Claudius, his stepfather, was poisoned, Nero came to power at the youngest age known for a Roman emperor: 17. -
Period: 54 to 68
Nero As Emperor
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61
Vitellius is made proconsul in Africa
In 61 A.D, Vitellius was made proconsul in Africa. -
64
Nero begins persecution of Christians
On July 24, 64 A.D, Nero set a great fire in Rome and blamed it on the Christian community. Thus, Christians were round up and sacrificed, as this persecution spread throughout the Roman Empire. -
64
Nero ignites the Great Fire of Rome
On July 19, 64 A.D, a fire broke out in Rome that lasted for six days before being controlled, then reignited to burn for another three days. When the smoke cleared, Rome’s ten of fourteen districts were destroyed, including the ancient Temple of Jupiter Stator. Nero blamed this fire on the Christian Community, but today we predict that Nero himself started the fire so that he could rebuild Rome to his liking, and also that he sat playing his fiddle in the midst of his city's burning. -
65
Nero builds the Golden House
Nero began construction of the Golden House (Domus Aurea) in ancient Rome from 65 AD to 68 AD, after the great fire of 64 AD. This palace emphasized the importance of Roman agriculture. -
65
Nerva is Awarded
He was given a Roman triumphal honor after discovering the 'Pisonian Conspiracy' against Nero. This is typically only given to military leaders, however it was a big deal so received much credit. -
67
Vespasian conducts several campaigns to win Judea
In 67 A.D, Vespasian conducted military campaigns in an attempt to gain all of Judea. In the long run, he was fairly successful, but he failed to win Jerusalem when he stopped fighting on Nero's death in June of 68 A.D. -
68
Otho joins Galba in his rebellion against Nero
Otho was one of the first men to join Galba in his rebellion against Nero in 68 AD. This rebellion was short as Nero committed suicide, and Galba was proclaimed emperor. Otho believed he had a good chance at being Galba's successor. -
68
Vitellius is appointed governor of Lower Germany
Galba made the unpopular decision to appoint Vitellius as governor of Lower Germany in 68 A.D, despite his limited military experience. -
68
Nero commits suicide
As Nero's behavior grew irrational, he became an enemy of the state, and the Senate condemned him to death by crucifixion, which pushed him to flee Rome and commit suicide on June 9, 68 A.D. -
68
Galba comes to power
Fearing Nero's dangerous power, Galba gathered a troop and marched them to Rome before he realized Nero was dead. Galba was then made the new emperor in June of 68 A.D. Galba's rule marked the end of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. -
Period: 68 to 69
Galba As Emperor
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Period: 68 to 69
Year of the Four Emperors
The Year of the Four Emperors began with Galba in 68 A.D, followed by Otho, Vitellius, and lastly Vespasian in 69 A.D. -
69
Otho comes to power
On January 15, 69 A.D, Otho was proclaimed emperor before assassinating Galba. Simultaneously, the troops in Germany proclaimed Vitellius emperor. -
69
Otho erects Nero's statues
Throughout the beginning months of Otho's rule, he pushed to gain back the trust of the noblemen and erected Nero's statues and reinstated the office bearers. -
69
Titus is Put in Charge of the Jewish War
One of Vespasian's greatest assets was having a suitable heir (Titus). Upon his father's proclamation of being emperor, Titus was put in charge of the Jewish war which led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70. -
69
Galba names Lucius Piso as successor
On January 1, 69 A.D, Upper Germany resisted allegiance to Galba and instead joined with Lower Germany to proclaim Vitellius as their emperor. To win support from the Senate, Galba chose Lucius Piso as his successor -
69
Galba is murdered
When Galba chose Lucius Piso over Otho, his loyal ally, as his successor, Otho gathered the Praetorian Guard to murder Galba and Piso on January 15, 69 A.D. -
69
Otho commits suicide
Otho gave a speech to address his loved ones and then stabbed himself in the chest on April 16, 69 A.D. His ashes were then buried inside in Brixellum. -
69
Vitellius comes to power
On April 16, 69 A.D, following Otho's suicide, Vitellius was called to the throne while he was in Gaul fighting the First Battle of Bedriacum. -
69
Vitellius is executed
Once Vitellius lost at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, he attempted to abdicate the throne, but his supporters did not permit this, which resulted in a battle between Vitellius' and Vespasian's forces. Vitellius was eventually executed in Rome by Vespasian's soldiers on December 22, 69 A.D. -
69
Vespasian comes to power
In July, 69 A.D, Vespasian was declared emperor by his troops as well as Syria and Egypt, so they marched to Rome by December of 69 A.D. and fought a battle where Vespasian won and became emperor, losing 50,000 people in the process. -
69
Aulus Vitellius As Emperor
After Otho, from July to December -
Period: 69 to 79
Vespasian As Emperor
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Period: 69 to 69
Otho As Emperor
months of January to April -
Period: 69 to 96
The Emperors in the Flavian Dynasty
The Flavian Dynasty spanned from 69-96 AD, beginning with Vespasian, who ruled from 69-79 AD, then Titus from 79-81 AD, and lastly Domitian from 81-96 AD. These rulers were of Italian gentry, and they restored stability to Rome following Nero by, for example, reforming the Roman Senate. -
70
Vespasian builds the Colosseum
Between A.D. 70 and 72, Vespasian began the construction of the Colosseum to restore Rome to its once immense glory before its trouble with corrupted emperors. The Colosseum served as an amphitheater that hosted hundreds of games and animal fights. -
71
Titus is Made Commander of Praetorian Guard
This summer he returned from victory in Palestine to a Triumph. This led to him becoming Tribune and eventually his father's colleague of censorship in 73. -
79
Vespasian dies a peaceful death
Before his death, Vespasian secured his son Titus to be in succession by making him coemperor. He died peacefully on June 23, 79 A.D, as a greatly admired emperor -
79
Titus Becomes Emperor
After leading the Roman army in many battles and raining victorious, he is chosen to be emperor by his father. He ruled from 79-81 and he was unexpectedly popular during his rule. -
79
Mt. Vesuvius Erupts
On August 24, 79 A.D, Mt. Vesuvius erupted in Southern Italy, destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. -
Period: 79 to 81
Titus As Emperor
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81
Titus Dies
Titus died on September 13. Historians believe it was due to natural causes, however, Titus' successor and brother, Domitian may have been involved. -
Period: 81 to 96
Domitian As Emperor
Domitian becomes emperor following his brother, Titus' death. His brother may have died of sickness, but it is also possible that Domitian contributed to his death because he wanted the power. He was very unpopular in his reign. -
85
Domitian Starts Building Forum of Nervae
Although this forum was dedicated to Nerva, Domitian had more work done on it. It runs between the fora of Augustus and Vespasian. The southern end of this Forum ended at the Roman Forum and the Northern end stopped at the Temple of Minerva. Its construction ended in 97 AD. -
85
Domitian Declares Himself Censor For LIfe
Most of the Senators did not like him because he remained in control of senatorial membership and their behavior. He wore a golden crown which angered the other senators because it was god-like. He also insisted to be called "dominus et deus" (master and god). -
96
Domitian is Assasinated
On September 18 Domitian is murdered. Upon executing his cousin, Flavius Clemens people were scared of what might happen to them. The main conspirators were two praetorian prefects, various palace officials, and the emperor’s wife, Domitia Longina. -
96
Nerva Comes to Power
Nerva became successor after Domitian's death. He received this honor because he shared a consulship with Domitian. During this he gained respect by warning the emperor about a planned revolt by Antonius Saturninus. He was named emperor the same day that Domitian was assinated. Upon this, he was even granted the title, 'pater patriae'. -
96
Nerva Abolishes Practices by Domitian
Although Nerva's reign was short, he set precedents that reformed the country from Domitian's selfish reign. He stabilized the country by ending brutal games, races and sacrifices, and restoring pantomime performances that were all a result of Domitian. Another reason for this was to save on expenses so along ridding these practices, he also did not allow any gold or silver statues to be created for him. -
Period: 96 to 98
Nerva As Emperor
The first of "the five good emperors". He is named this because he began the process of selecting emperors rather than following a bloodline. -
Period: 96 to 180
The Five Good Emperors
The Five Good Emperors were chosen by the Senate solely for their skill and ability to lead Rome successfully. The first emperor was Nerva, who ruled from 96 AD-98 AD, followed by Trajan, who ruled from 98 AD-117 AD. Hadrian was next, ruling from 117 AD until his death in 138 AD. After Hadrian, Antoninus Pius ruled from 138 AD-161 AD. The last of the Five Good Emperors was Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 AD-180 AD. -
98
Trajon Comes to Power
He is the first emperor born outside of Italy and one of the first to be chosen instead of inherit the power. He gained support from Nerva because of his work as an army commander, senator, and governer of upper Germany. -
98
Nerva Dies
On January 1, Nerva suffered a stroke and a fever followed. He died in his home in the Gardens of Sullust, Italy on January 28. -
Period: 98 to 117
Trajan As Emperor
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105
Trajan Defeats Dacians
There were often land disputes between the Dacians and Romans because Dacians wandered into their territory often. The conquest for Dacia was originally started by Domitian in 85 CE. There were still problems after two peace treaties, so Trajan sent his army later again which resulted in another victory but another peace treaty as well. In Trajan's second campaign, lasting four years, Trajan finally besieged the Trajan capital, Sarmizegethusa. -
106
Trajan Builds Trajan's Column
Trajan used the money from his victories in Dacia to found various building and public works projects. His most notable one is the column he built and named for himself. The building was from 106-116 CE. It depicts carvings of the victory against the Dacians and still stands today. -
117
Trajan Dies
Trajan died of illness while defending Italy's borders. -
117
Hadrian Becomes Trajan's Successor
Hadrian discovers that Trajan adopted him on August 9, 117 CE. -
Period: 117 to 138
Hadrian As Emperor
He had a strong devotion to his army and spent much time out of Rome visiting provinces and overseeing decisions. -
121
Hadrian Tours Rome
Hadrian tours the Roman Empire to inspect troops and examine frontier defenses. -
122
Hadrian Starts Building Hadrian's Wall
Rome become concerned with protecting its borders more than conquering more land. Hadrian is credited for starting to build a wall to protect the province of Britain from outsiders in the north. It took six years to complete. -
138
Hadrian Dies
In his later years, his health was failing so Hadrian stayed in Rome and occupied himself by writing poetry. He later died of a heart attack.