The Roman Empire

By 819400
  • 753 BCE

    Rome is Founded by Romulus

    Rome is Founded by Romulus
    Rome was founded in ancient Italy by the first Roman king, Romulus. According to legend, two twin brothers were born and left in exposure to death. A wolf found them and nursed them for a while, before being found by a hunter and raised. Romulus founded the city and killed his brother
  • 509 BCE

    Rome becomes a Republic

    Rome becomes a Republic
    The Last King of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, was overthrown by some noblemen. This initiated the Roman Republic, which would last until 27 BCE.
  • 451 BCE

    Rome Establishes the "Twelve Tables"

    Rome Establishes the "Twelve Tables"
    Rome's first written laws; set of laws displayed on bronze tablets. Allowed citizens to defend themselves from the ruling class, and balance the Roman Economy.
  • Period: 341 BCE to 338 BCE

    Latin War

    Rebellion led by neighboring Latin allies. Rome emerged victorious, and launched subsequent Roman conquests of Italy and overseas territories.
  • 275 BCE

    Rome Takes Over the Italian Peninsula

    Rome Takes Over the Italian Peninsula
    Rome conquers the Etruscans and many neighboring tribes. They also battled the Samnites to the south, along with some Greek city-states. Their conquest was complete by 275 BCE.
  • Period: 264 BCE to 146 BCE

    Punic Wars

    Three wars fought by Rome against the Carthaginians. Rome gains control of Sicily, parts of Spain and North Africa.
  • Period: 264 BCE to 241 BCE

    First Punic War

    War over the control of Sicily, mostly naval battle.
  • Period: 218 BCE to 201 BCE

    Second Punic War

    Invasion of Italy by Cathaginian general Hannibal. Rome ultimately emerged victorious after a long, hard fought battle. Carthage was no longer a regional power.
  • 191 BCE

    The Achaean League allies with Rome

    The Achaean League allies with Rome
    The Achaean League is a federation of Greek city-states in the Northern parts of the Peloponnese. They ally with Rome during the Second Macedonian War, switching sides instead of fighting with Macedon. This allowed the Achaean League to expand its territory across the Peloponnese
  • Period: 149 BCE to 146 BCE

    Third Punic War

    Landslide victory for Rome against Carthaginians.
  • 73 BCE

    Spartacus' Uprising

    Spartacus' Uprising
    Spartacus, a gladiator, leads a slave uprising. It was known as the Third Servile War, and regarded as one of the most daring rebellions in history.
  • 62 BCE

    Pompey Conquers the East

    Pompey Conquers the East
    Pompey becomes the first Roman to lead an army to the Euphrates River, and expands the Roman Empire eastward, nearly doubling the Empire's income.
  • 45 BCE

    Julius Ceaser becomes the first Dictator

    Julius Ceaser becomes the first Dictator
    After his father's assasination, Julius Caesar assumes control of Rome and becomes the first dictator. This also signals the end of the Roman Republic.
  • 44 BCE

    Julius Ceaser is Assasinated

    Julius Ceaser is Assasinated
    Julius Ceaser's death marked the end of the Roman Republic, and began the Roman Empire
  • 31 BCE

    Octavian/Augustus becomes the first Roman Emperor

    Ceasar's adopted son, Octavian (who would change his name to Augustus) triumphs over Mark Antony and Cleopatra, ending the struggle for power in Rome
  • 64

    Great Fire of Rome

    Rome nearly burns to the ground. It is said the Emperor Nero watched the city burn while playing a lyre.
  • 80

    Roman Colosseum is Built

    The Roman Colosseum is built, one of the greatest feats of Roman engineering. It can house 50,000 spectators.
  • 121

    Hadrian Wall is Built

    A large wall to keep barbarians out. Build across northern England.
  • 125

    The Pantheon is Constructed

    The Pantheon is a temple to all of the Gods
  • 306

    Constantine becomes Emperor

    Constantine becomes the new Emperor of Rome. He would convert to Christianity and Rome would become a Christian empire. Prior to this, Rome persecuted the Christians.