Roman History

The Roman Empire Began in 753 BC

753 BCE

According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus and eventually became the largest empire of the ancient era with a population of 50 to 80 million. It started as an Iron Age hunting village in the middle of the eighth century BC and expanded to cover 6.5 million square kilometers. Its civilization shifted from a monarchy to a classical republic with an increasingly autocratic system of rule during its 12 centuries of existence.

750 BCE - 510 BCE

750 BCE

The (semi-mythological) seven kings of Rome: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tulus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus.

750-510

510 BCE

The semi-legendary celeres or trossuli - a 300-man cavalry corps which the first kings of Rome incorporated into the legion - is formed, later their number is increased to 600.

Rome Became a Republic in 509 BC

509 BCE

At the beginning, Rome was ruled by a king and it grew steadily until in 509 BC the Romans formed a new structure of government – the republic. Over the centuries, other countries have modelled themselves on this Roman structure. The Roman Republic began when the Romans overthrew their Etruscan conquerors who had ruled Rome for hundreds of years. They set up a new system of government which allowed the citizens to select representatives to rule on their behalf.

The Law of the Twelve Tables in 449 BC

449 BCE

The Law of the Twelve Tables is one of the earliest surviving codes of law. There was a struggle between the patricians (the privileged class) and the plebeians (the common people) to protect the legal, social, and civil rights of citizens. A commission of 10 men was appointed in 433 BC called the Decemviri to write a code of law that was suitable for both parties. Before the Twelve Tables law, there were private laws which applied to Roman citizens.

222 BCE

222 BCE

Rome conquers Cisalpine Gaul (modern-day Provence, France).

219 BCE

219 BCE

The physician Archagathus of Sparta arrives in Rome.

Hannibal Invades Italy in 218 BC

218 BCE

Hannibal was a Carthaginian military commander who was known as one of the best and most talented commanders in history. After the First Punic War there was a temporary peace between Carthage and the Romans as both economies were dependent on the Mediterranean Sea as a commercial trading route from Eastern countries like Greece and Lebanon. After the death of Hannibal’s father, Hamilcar, Hannibal came to power and he spent years preparing to defeat the Romans.

The City of Rome Expelled All Non-Roman Citizens (except Slaves) in 98 BC

50 BCE

There was a dramatic point in Roman history when non-Romans were no longer allowed to stay in Rome, and all non-Romans except slaves were expelled from the city.

Rome Introduces the Gold Coin, the Aureus, in 50 BC

50 BCE

Rome introduced its first gold coin in 50 BC called the “aureus” which was valued at 25 silver denarii. The aureus was used in trading from the first century BC to the fourth century AD until it was replaced by the “solidus.” The aureus was the same size as the denarius but a little heavier due to its higher density of gold.

Julius Caesar Becomes the First Dictator of Rome in 45 BC

45 BCE

Gaius Julius Caesar was born on 12 July, 100 BC in Rome. He is considered the greatest military strategist and most brilliant politician of all time. Caesar conquered the Gauls in 51 BC and was the first Roman general to build a bridge across the Rhine and begin the invasion of Britain. This achievement afforded Caesar supreme military power. He implemented government reforms and Roman society overthrew the existing government and proclaimed Caesar as Rome’s dictator.

Julius Caesar Was Assassinated in 44 BC

44 BCE

Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, the festival day of Ides of March, in 44 BC by his own senators. The plan was led by Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus. They stabbed Caesar next to the theater of Pompey.

The Roman Empire Began in 27 BC

27 BCE

Roman civilization had already changed drastically by this point. Gaius Octavian Thurinus (Julius Caesar’s nephew) became the first emperor of Rome and took the name Augustus Caesar. Although Julius Caesar ruled Rome as the emperor for a while, he was never considered emperor, taking the title of dictator instead. Augustus ruled the Roman Empire from 31 BC to 14 BC. During his reign.

Augustus Ended Pontifex Maximus in 12 BC

12 BCE

Pontifex Maximus was the highest religious post in ancient Rome. It was only open to patricians until 254 BC, but later plebeians started occupying the post and it became more politicized. When Augustus consolidated power, he had the right to appoint other pontifices, but by ending this tradition, the new emperor was given religious supremacy and responsibility for the entire Roman state.