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753 BCE
Founding of Rome
According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. -
509 BCE
The Roman Republic Begins
Rome transitions from monarchy to republic, ruled by elected officials -
264 BCE
The First Punic War
Rome fights Carthage and gains control of Sicily, marking the start of its expansion beyond Italy. -
218 BCE
The Second Punic War
Rome defeats Hannibal of Carthage, securing its dominance in the western Mediterranean. -
146 BCE
Destruction of Carthage
Rome destroys Carthage, ending the Third Punic War and gaining control of North Africa -
55 BCE
Julius Caesar's Invasion of Britain
Julius Caesar leads two expeditions to Britain, marking Rome's first control of North Africa -
44 BCE
Assassination of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar is assassinated, leading to the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire -
27 BCE
Augustus Becomes the First Emperor
Octavian (later Augustus) becomes the first Roman Emperor, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire -
43
Roman Conquest of Britain
The Roman Emperor Claudius orders the invasion of Britain, beginning Roman rule over the island -
64
The Great Fire of Rome
A massive fire destroys much of Rome, leading to the first persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero. -
78
Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are buried by volcanic ash -
122
Construction of Hadrian's Wall
Emperor Hadrian orders the building of a wall across northern Britain to defend against the Scots. -
312
Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine grants religious freedom throughout the Roman Empire, allowing Christianity to be practiced openly -
410
Sack of Rome by the Visigoths
Rome is sacked by the Visigoths, marking the beginning of the end for the Western Roman Empire