Roman History 1200 BCE-121 BCE

By Historyteacherdan15
  • 753 BCE

    Foundation of Rome by Romulus and Remus

    Foundation of Rome by Romulus and Remus
    The legendary foundation of Rome by the twins Romulus and Remus. Raised by a she wolf, the twin brothers began to build a "city" on the banks of the Tiber River. During that process, Remus so antagonized Remus, that Remus murdered him. This allegory shows the importance of the City-State of Rome over all other bonds, including family. (Titchener, Frances, A History of Ancient Rome, Narrated by Professor Frances Titchener, Audible, 2003. Audiobook.)
  • Period: 753 BCE to 510 BCE

    "Seven Kings" Era of Rome

    Before Rome was a Republic, there were a series of seven Kings that ruled over the seven hills of Rome. Historians disagree about the existence or importance of the first four kings: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius. However, many believe that the last three were indeed real historical figures: Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, Tarquinius Superbus. (Titchener, Frances, A History of Ancient Rome, Narrated by Professor Frances Titchener, Audible, 2003. Audiobook.)
  • 620 BCE

    Founding of The Ostia

    Founding of The Ostia
    Ostia lies at the mouth of the Tiber River, 15 km west of Rome. Its strategic location made it immeasurably important to Roman trade and Naval defense. Temples, monuments, ship yards, military fortifications and light houses were built at Ostia as Roman power and influence grew. The Ostia was the key port for Egyptian grain and trade in general. Rconsoli, "Ostia." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 10 May 2013. Web. 26 May 2020.
  • 509 BCE

    Foundation of The Roman Republic

    Foundation of The Roman Republic
    After the expulsion of the last King of Rome (Tarquinius Superbus) The Roman people adopted a Representative Democracy model of rule. During this era, the Patricians (educated, landed nobility) served in the Senate and ruled over the Plebeians, (everyone else) while a "Tribune of Plebs" served as their voice and check on Patrician power.
    Wasson, Donald L. "Roman Republic." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 07 Apr 2016. Web. 26 May 2020.
  • Period: 509 BCE to 27 BCE

    The Roman Republic

    After the expulsion of the last King of Rome (Tarquinius Superbus) The Roman people adopted a Senate and Representative Democracy model of rule. During this era, the Patricians (educated, landed nobility) served in the Senate and ruled over the Plebeians, while a "Tribune of Plebs" served as their voice. Tribunes served as a "check" on the power of the Senate.
    Wasson, Donald L. "Roman Republic." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 07 Apr 2016. Web. 26 May 2020.
  • 390 BCE

    Gauls Invade Italy

    Gauls Invade Italy
    A powerful Celtic Tribe known as "The Gauls" invade Italy beginning in 390BCE. Roman Phalanx style armies attempted to stop their advance but were over-run. The Gauls managed to encircle and siege the city of Rome for over seven months. The Gauls demand tribute (a large amount of gold) and then leave. They settle in Northern Italy, just on the Northern side of the Po River.
    Titchener, Frances, A History of Ancient Rome, Narrated by Professor Frances Titchener, Audible, 2003. Audiobook.
  • 380 BCE

    Fortification of Rome

    Fortification of Rome
    After the disastrous invasion and destruction wrought by the Gauls; Rome must rebuild and fortify much of their City State. This marks the revival of Roman expansion and conquest of the entire Italian Peninsula. More emphasis will be placed on defensibility and military power. Strong walls are built around the Seven Hills of Rome. Mark, Joshua J. "Ancient Rome." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 02 Sep 2009. Web. 26 May 2020.
  • Period: 350 BCE to 358 BCE

    Roman Suppression of Italian Tribes

    The Roman city-state must deal with several rebellions against their rule in Southern and Central Italy. The Sabines, Etruscans and other groups were "pacified." Often this meant decimation- the random killing of 1/100 the male population. Or even, the massacre of all men and the enslavement of the females and children. Some areas of Italy were semi peacefully colonized. Titchener, Frances, A History of Ancient Rome, Narrated by Professor Frances Titchener, Audible, 2003. Audiobook.)
  • Period: 264 BCE to 241 BCE

    The First Punic War

    Rome grew in power and influence, but had to contend with a regional rival named Carthage. Carthaginian ships blocked Roman access to the Mediterranean and killed/captured many Roman sailors. Rome built hundreds of war ships, developed new Naval tactics and eventually won control of Sicily from Carthage. Mark, Joshua J. “Punic Wars.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 23 May 2020, www.ancient.eu/Punic_Wars/.
  • 219 BCE

    Hannibal Attacks Saguntum (Spain)

    Hannibal Attacks Saguntum (Spain)
    Hannibal of Carthage invaded Spain with a massive Army (and notably, War Elephants); violating a Peace Treaty held between Carthage and Rome after the First Punic War (264-241 bce). Rome responded by sending an armada of ships loaded with troops; and another force to invade Carthage itself. This event marks the beginning of the Second Punic War (219-201 bce). Cartwright, Mark. "Second Punic War." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 29 May 2016. Web. 26 May 2020.
  • Period: 218 BCE to 201 BCE

    The Second Punic War

    Hannibal Barca of Carthage sought to avenge his fathers defeat in the First Punic War (241 bce). He invaded Roman occupied Spain with 10,000 infantry, 8,000 calvary and over 200 War Elephants. After defeating most of Spain, Hannibal crossed the Alps and invaded Italy. After numerous victories (most notably the destruction of Roman Forces at Cannae) Hannibal was called back to North Africa and defeated in 201 bce at the Battle of Zama.
    *Second Punic War, Ancient History Encyclopedia
  • 216 BCE

    The Battle of Cannae

    The Battle of Cannae
    During the Second Punic War, Hannibal of Carthage led a massive army (including War Elephants) over the Alps and into Italy. Hannibal's invasion led to a full scale military response from Rome. At Cannae; Hannibal's 50,000 troops met a Roman force of over 80,000 men led by Varro and Paulus. 44,000 Romans were killed, an overwhelming defeat of Roman forces in Italy. Mark, Joshua J. "Battle of Cannae." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 24 Mar 2020. Web. 26 May 2020.
  • 133 BCE

    Tiberus Gracchus Assasination

    Tiberus Gracchus Assasination
    Teberius Gracchus (163–133 BCE) is murdered along with over 100 of his followers with chairs and wooden clubs by Senators and other Wealthy Romans. Gill, N.S. “How the Gracchi Brothers Tried to Change Ancient Rome.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 1 Aug. 2019, www.thoughtco.com/gracchi-brothers-tiberius-gaius-gracchus-112494.