Timeline Project

Founding of Rome

753 BCE

Rome was founded by Romulus after he killed his brother Remus. This event marks the beginning of the city and its future as a powerful civilization.

The Roman Kingdom

753 BCE

Rome was initially ruled by a series of kings, with a mix of Etruscan and Italic influences. This period laid the foundations of Roman society, religion, and governance.

Establishment of the Roman Republic

509 BCE

The Roman Republic was established after the overthrow of the last king, Tarquin the Proud. This introduced a system of elected officials and a complex constitution that balanced powers.

The Conflict of the Orders

494 BCE

This struggle between the patricians and plebeians aimed to achieve political equality. It resulted in significant reforms, including the creation of the office of the Tribune of the Plebs.

Punic Wars

264 BCE

A series of three wars against Carthage, these conflicts established Rome as a dominant Mediterranean power. The destruction of Carthage in the Third Punic War marked the end of its rival.

Julius Caesar’s Rise

49 BCE

Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, defying the Senate and igniting a civil war. His subsequent victory and appointment as dictator marked the transition from Republic to autocracy.

Assassination of Julius Caesar

44 BCE

Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators, including Brutus and Cassius, on the Ides of March. This event triggered another civil war and the eventual rise of his heir, Octavian.

Formation of the Second Triumvirate

43 BCE

Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus formed a political alliance to defeat Caesar’s assassins. This coalition solidified their power but ultimately led to conflicts among its members.

Battle of Actium

31 BCE

In this naval battle, Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra, leading to their suicides. This victory allowed Octavian to become the unchallenged leader of Rome.

The Pax Romana

27 BCE

A two-century-long era of peace and stability across the Roman Empire, it facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and architectural advancements. The empire expanded significantly during this time.

Establishment of the Roman Empire

27 BCE

Octavian was granted the title Augustus, marking the official transition from Republic to Empire. This event initiated a period of relative peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

A devastating fire swept through Rome, destroying much of the city. Emperor Nero faced accusations of negligence and is said to have blamed Christians, leading to widespread persecution.

Diocletian’s Reforms

284

Emperor Diocletian enacted significant reforms to stabilize the empire, including dividing it into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. His policies helped restore order and efficiency.

Edict of Milan

313

Issued by Constantine, this edict granted religious tolerance to Christians throughout the empire. It marked a significant shift in the status of Christianity, leading to its eventual dominance.

Council of Nicaea

323

This ecumenical council was convened by Constantine to address divisions within Christianity. It resulted in the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian faith that is still used today.

The Rise of the Byzantine Empire

330

Constantine established Constantinople as the new capital, marking a shift in power to the Eastern Roman Empire. This empire continued to thrive for nearly a thousand years after the fall of the West.

The Gothic Wars

376

These conflicts were initiated by the migration of the Goths into Roman territories, leading to significant military challenges. The wars highlighted the weakening of Roman military strength and territorial control.

Division of the Roman Empire

394

Upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, the empire was permanently divided into Eastern and Western halves. This division influenced the political landscape of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Sack of Rome by the Visigoths

410

Led by Alaric, the Visigoths sacked Rome, marking the first time in over 800 years that the city had fallen to a foreign enemy. This event symbolized the decline of Roman power in the West.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

476

The last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic king Odoacer. This event is traditionally cited as the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Middle Ages.