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27 BCE
Augustus is Emperor
With Marc Antony dead Octavian was the most powerful man in Rome. In 27 BC the Senate gave him the title of Augustus and he would be known by this name for the rest of his life. He became the ruler and emperor of Rome. The basic government of the republic, such as the Senate and other officials, was still in place, but the emperor had the ultimate power. -
Period: 27 BCE to 68
The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
The Julio-Claudian dynasty comprised the first five Roman emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. They ruled the Roman Empire from its formation under Augustus in 27 BC until AD 68, when the last of the line, Nero, committed suicide. -
23 BCE
Augustus receives imperium maius and tribunicia potestas.
The imperium maius and tribunicia potestas give him power over magistrates and the veto. -
1 BCE
Jesus Birth
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12
Augustus as chief priest.
Lepidus dies, which enables Augustus to finally succeed him as chief priest. -
14
Augustus dies
Augustus ruled up until his death in 14 AD. His step-son, Tiberius, became the second emperor of Rome. -
14
Tiberius becomes emperor
Tiberius is adopted by Augustus in 4, and when Augustus died Tiberius began his reign as Roman Emperor -
17
Roman emperor Tiberius is victorious at the Olympic Games.
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19
The Aeneid is published
The Aeneid by the Roman poet Virgil is an epic poem in 12 books that tells the story of the foundation of Rome from the ashes of Troy. It was probably written down in Rome from 30-19 BC during the period of the Emperor Augustus. -
26
Tiberius exiled himself to Capri
Tiberius exiled himself to Capri, leaving the empire in control of Lucius Aelius Sejanus. In Capri, Tiberius stopped fulfilling his civic obligations -
33
Jesus Death and Crucifixion
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37
Tiberius dies
Tiberius dies naturally in exile on Capri. -
37
The rise of Gaius Germanicus (Caligula)
with the support of the new prefect of the Praetorian Guard, Naevius Sutorius Macro, became sole emperor. He declared Tiberius’ will null and void on the grounds of insanity, thus destroying Gemellus’ chances to share emperor duties with him. -
37
Caligula Illness
in October of 37, a serious illness unhinged Caligula, leading him to spend the remainder of his reign exploring the worst aspects of his nature. -
Period: 39 to 40
Caligula's military campaign
In 39 and 40 he led military campaigns to the Rhine and the English Channel, where he eschewed battles for theatrical displays, commanding his troops to “plunder the sea” by gathering shells in their helmets). -
41
The death of Gaius Germanicus (Caligula)
In 41 AD, Caligula was assassinated by members of his own Praetorian Guard. The Praetorian Guard seems to have had personal – and political – reasons for their actions. The conspirators found support among the Senate. In fact, Caligula’s brother-in-law, Marcus Vicinus, Julia Livilla’s husband and a high-ranking senator, was instrumental in plotting Caligula’s assassination. -
41
The rise of Claudius
Power came to Claudius unexpectedly after Gaius’s murder on January 24, 41, when he was discovered trembling in the palace by a soldier. The Praetorian Guards, the imperial household troops, made him emperor on January 25 -
42
Armenian Succession War of 42
Taking advantage of the civil war raging in Parthia, Claudius ordered the restoration of Mithridates to the throne of Armenia. Invading the kingdom with a force of Roman legionaries and Iberian cavalry, Mithridates routed the Parthian client governor, Demonax, in battle and swiftly established his rule. -
Period: 43 to 54
Claudius invades Britain
A surprisingly able administrator and ambitious builder, he began the first major expansion of the Empire since Augustus by invading Britain in 43 AD -
51
Claudius encouraged urbanization
He encouraged urbanization and planted several colonies, for example, at Camulodunum and at Colonia Agrippinensis (modern Cologne) in Germany in 51. -
54
The death of Claudius
Claudius was poisoned by Agrippina on October 13, 54 CE, though the details differ. A version of poisoning by mushrooms prevailed. -
54
The rise of Nero
In 54 AD, Emperor Claudius died. Many historians believe that Nero's mother poisoned Claudius so her son could be emperor. Nero was crowned Emperor of Rome at the age of 17. -
59
Nero kills Agrippina
Nero had his other Agrippina stabbed to death in her villa, because he felt she was too controlling. -
64
The Great Fire of Rome
There are stories the emperor at the time started the fire, but it was said to have began in the merchant shops around Rome's chariot stadium, Circus Maximus -
Period: 66 to 70
First Jewish Revolt
Jewish rebellion against Roman rule in Judaea. The First Jewish Revolt was the result of a long series of clashes in which small groups of Jews offered sporadic resistance to the Romans, who in turn responded with severe countermeasures. -
68
The death of Nero
In 68 AD, some of the provinces of Rome began to rebel against Nero. Afraid that the Senate would have him executed, Nero committed suicide with the help of one of his aides. -
68
The rise of Emperor Galba
Known for his cruelty and bodily disfigurement, Galba ruled for only seven months and was the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors -
68
Galba killed leader of Praetorian Guard
He considered that the payoff to the Praetorian Guard for their support was excessive and had the leader of the guard killed. -
68
Nero and the revolt in Gaul
Nero failed to respond decisively to a revolt in Gaul, prompting further unrest in Africa and in Spain, where the governor Galba declared himself legate of the Senate and Roman People. Soon the Praetorian Guard declared allegiance to Galba, and the Senate followed suit, declaring Nero an enemy of the people. -
69
The death off Galba
Galba and his appointed successor Piso were assassinated on January 15, 69 AD by the Praetorian Guard at the forum. -
69
The Rise of Vitellius
Vitellius is proclaimed emperor in April after Otho committed suicide -
69
The death of Vitellius
Antonius continued to Rome, where Vitellius was taken prisoner and shortly afterwards killed. The way was thus cleared for Vespasian to ascend the throne near the end of this bloody year of crisis, the Year of the Four Emperors. -
69
The rise of Emperor Vespasian
Vespasian is proclaimed emperor in July -
69
No allegiance to Galba
January 1, 69 AD, the two legions based in the province of Upper Germany refused to swear alliance to Galba proclaiming their leader, Vitelius, as emperor. -
69
Otho as emperor
Otho was Roman emperor for three months, from 15 January to 16 April 69. He was the second emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. Galba was killed by the Praetorians on 15 January, followed shortly by Vinius and Piso. Their heads were placed on poles and Otho was proclaimed emperor. -
69
Death of Otho
he stabbed himself in the heart with a dagger, which he had concealed under his pillow and many say he killed himself in order to steer his country away from the path to civil war after the battle at Brixellum -
69
Vitellius defying tradition
Vitellius was the first to add the honorific cognomen Germanicus to his name instead of Caesar upon his accession. -
69
Vitellius grants amnesty
Vitellius even kept many of Otho’s officials in his administration, even granting amnesty to Otho’s brother Salvius Titianus, who had been a leading figure in the previous government. -
Period: 69 to 96
The Flavian Dynasty
The Flavian dynasty ruled the Roman Empire between AD 69 and 96, encompassing the reigns of Vespasian (69–79), and his two sons Titus (79–81) and Domitian (81–96). -
Period: 69 to 69
The year of the 4 emperors
The Year of the Four Emperors, AD 69, was a period in the history of the Roman Empire in which four emperors ruled in succession: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. This year marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the beginning of the Flavian dynasty. -
70
Titus captured Jerusalem
In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the city and the Second Temple. For this achievement Titus was awarded a triumph; the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory to this day -
70
The Building of the Colosseum
The most enduring landmark of the Flavian Dynasty was the Flavian Amphitheater, better known as the Colosseum. Its construction was begun by Vespasian, and ultimately finished by Titus and Domitian, financed from the spoils of the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple. -
71
Vespasian builds the temple of peace
The Temple (or Forum) of Peace was built by Vespasian with the spoils of the Jewish War that he brought to Rome after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 71 -
79
The death of Vespasian
Vespasian died of an infection on June 79 AD, and was immediately succeeded by his son Titus. He secured the succession by making his son Titus virtually co-emperor and died peacefully in 79, an admirable if not a lovable emperor. -
79
The rise of emperor Titus
A member of the Flavian dynasty, Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death. -
79
The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
August 24, eruption of Vesuvius buries Pompeii, Heraculaneum, and Stabiae -
79
Titus helps clean up of volcano erruption
Titus appointed two ex-consuls to organise and coordinate the relief effort and personally donated large amounts of money from the imperial treasury to aid the victims of the volcano -
79
Nerva repaired Roman roads
The emperor repaired the Roman road system and made the expansion of the aqueducts during the 15 months he served as emperor -
81
The death of Titus
After barely two years in office, Titus died of a fever on 13 September 81. He was deified by the Roman Senate and succeeded by his younger brother Domitian. -
81
The rise of emperor Domitian
Domitian was the third and last Roman Emperor of the Flavian dynasty who succeeded his brother, Emperor Titus. Youngest and clearly the less favoured son, Domitian was raised under the shadow of his brother and had little knowledge about administration and military skills. Despite holding important position under his brother’s rule, Domitian’s role was largely ceremonious. It was after Titus’ death in 81 AD that Domitian assumed an authoritative role as the Roman Emperor -
83
Domitian lead military campaign in Gaul
He lead and fought the Chatti in Gaul in 83 and lasted until 89 -
85
Domitian made himself censor perpetuus
Late in A.D. 85 he made himself censor perpetuus, censor for life, with a general supervision of conduct and morals. The move was without precedent and, although largely symbolic, it nevertheless revealed Domitian's obsessive interest in all aspects of Roman life. -
96
The death of Domitian
A group of conspirators assassinated Domitian on September 18, 96 AD. Domitian's chamberlain Parthenius is said to have been the chief instigator of the assassination. The murder which was well-organized was carried out by Maximus and Stephanus. Domitian was in his room when he was stabbed in his groin while reading a paper. Before he could resist, he was stabbed seven times. -
96
The rise of emperor Nerva
Nerva was distantly related by marriage to the Julio-Claudian house and had been twice consul (71 CE and 90) when, on the assassination of the emperor Domitian, he became empero -
Period: 96 to 180
The Five Good Emperors Dynasty
They were: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. Although their rules were all unique in their own ways, they are most remembered for two main things. First, the Five Good Emperors brought relative peace and prosperity to Rome. -
97
Nerva handles Crisis of Succession
Since Nerva did not have children, he realized that his only option was adoption. He chose as his son Marcus Ulpius Traianus, known as Trajan, who was the governor of Upper Germany. The adoption took place on the public ceremony in 97 AD. Nerva lacked any military experience and didn’t know much about foreign affairs, so the choice of Trajan was made with aim to provide an heir and to secure the northern provinces. -
98
The death of Nerva
Nerva died of natural causes on 28 January 98. Upon his death he was succeeded and deified by Trajan. Although much of his life remains obscure, Nerva was considered a wise and moderate emperor by ancient historians. -
98
Rise of Emperor Trajan
In 98 AD, Nerva died and Trajan became emperor. Trajan didn't immediately return to Rome, but visited the Roman legions to make sure he had the support of the army. He finally returned to Rome a year later and was received by the people and the senate as the new emperor. -
101
Trajan's Dacian Wars
The Dacian Wars were two military campaigns fought between the Roman Empire and Dacia during Emperor Trajan's rule. The conflicts were triggered by the constant Dacian threat on the Danubian province of Moesia and also by the increasing need for resources of the economy of the Empire -
115
Trajan expanded the Roman Empire
Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to become larger than ever before.He conquered Dracia then attacked the Parthians, Rome’s old enemy in the East, who lived in what is now part of Iran. By 115 AD, he had captured the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon and had reached the Persian Gulf. -
117
Death of Trajan
Trajan fell ill while campaigning in the Middle East. He died in Cilicia on his return to Rome. He was succeeded by his adopted son Hadrian. . -
117
Rise of Emperor Hadrian
Hadrian was holding a major military command under Trajan when, on Aug. 9, 117, he learned that Trajan had adopted him, a sign of succession. Two days later, it was reported that Trajan had died, and the army proclaimed Hadrian emperor. -
122
Hadrian begins building Hadrian's Wall
in 122 he initiated the building of a protective stone wall, known as Hadrian's Wall, across the country in to keep the northern barbarians out. It marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire until early in the fifth century. -
122
Hadrian's campaign to Britain
In 121 Hadrian set out from Italy and went to the Rhine frontier. A year ensuring that the Roman forts, ramparts and watchtowers were strengthened, and that the legions on this and the Danube frontier were drilled to a high standard of military discipline. A determination for the same strategy to be deployed in the empire’s most northerly frontier next took Hadrian to Britain in 122. -
138
Death of emperor Hadrian
Emperor Hadrian died of congestive heart failure after a long reign. He was 62 and been emperor for 21 years. -
138
The rise of emperor Antoninus Pius
He succeeded Hadrian at the age of 51 years old, likely not having been expected to reign for long. Unlike Hadrian, who succeeded Trajan under a cloud of uncertain legality regarding his adoption and with some political opposition, Antoninus' position had been sufficiently secured through the public adoption process -
142
The Antonine wall
The biggest building project the people of Scotland had ever seen, the Antonine Wall stretched right across the country, from Clyde to Forth. Constructed around 142 AD by Antonius Pius to mark the north-west frontier of their empire, the Wall was a mighty symbol of their power and authority. -
148
Antonius Pius celebrated Rome's anniversary
In 148, to celebrate Rome's 900th anniversary, he held big games in the Colosseum, paid for by cutting the silver content of the coinage. -
161
The death of Antoninus Pius
On March 9, 161 CE Antonius died of a fever, supposedly after a meal of Alpine cheese. His reign would be remembered as one of relative peace. He was laid to rest in Hadrian's Mausoleum next to his wife and sons. -
161
The rise of the last emperor, Marcus Aurelius
After the death of his father, the reins of power were handed over to his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 CE) and Lucius Verus (r. 161-169 CE). Marcus Aurelius succeeded his adoptive father Antoninus Pius as Emperor of Rome in 161 CE and reigned until his own death in 18 -
Period: 161 to 166
Marcus in the Parthian War
The Parthian war lasted from 161–166. While the Romans won the war, they brought back a plague which would eventually kill 5 million people. The Gauls were attacking the northern Roman border, both in Gaul and across the Danube. If this wasn’t enough to deal with, Christianity was rising and assuming increasing political power. -
Period: 161 to 169
Lucius Verus co-rule with Marcus
Lucius Verus began rolling with his adopted brother after the death of Hadrian. HE pulled for about 8 years and then died from the Antonine Plague -
Period: 165 to 166
Antonine Plague
The Antonine Plague broke out in 165 or 166 and devastated the population of the Roman Empire, causing the deaths of five million people. Lucius Verus may have died from the plague in 169. -
Period: 166 to 180
The Marcomannic Wars
The Marcomannic Wars were a series of wars lasting over a dozen years from about 166 until 180 AD. These wars pitted the Roman Empire against, principally, the Germanic Marcomanni and Quadi and the Sarmatian Iazyges. The struggle against the Germans and Sarmatians occupied the major part of the reign of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, and it was during his campaigns against them that he started writing his philosophical work Meditations. -
180
The death of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus died at the age of 58 on 17 March 180 of unknown causes in his military quarters near the city of Sirmium in Pannonia. He was immediately deified and his ashes were returned to Rome, where they rested in Hadrian's mausoleum until the Visigoth sack of the city in 410. -
180
Marcus' writings
Today we are left with his journal, his Meditations. The work is a landmark of Stoic philosophy that has guided both powerful and common men and women for thousands of years. While Meditations was never intended for publication, it remains in print to this day and is perhaps as popular as eve