Ancient Rome

Explore the epic rise and fall of Ancient Rome through pivotal battles, political intrigues, and cultural milestones that shaped one of history's most influential empires. From Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon to the last days of Pompeii, this collection chronicles the most significant moments of Roman civilization, including gladiatorial contests, engineering marvels, and the events that transformed a small Italian city-state into a Mediterranean superpower.

36 events in this collection

January 1, 801 BC

Establishment of Roman Forum

The Roman Forum's transformation from a marshy valley into ancient Rome's civic center began in the 8th century BCE, marking the foundation of what would become the heart of Roman civilization.

April 21, 754 BC

Founding of Rome

On April 21, 753 BCE, according to Roman mythology, Romulus founded Rome after winning divine approval through an augury contest with his twin brother Remus. This date marks the legendary birth of what would become one of the world's most powerful empires.

January 1, 716 BC

Temple of Vesta

The Temple of Vesta, constructed around 715 BCE in the Roman Forum, was one of ancient Rome's most important religious buildings. This circular temple housed the eternal flame tended by Vestal Virgins and symbolized Rome's perpetuity.

January 1, 601 BC

Establishment of Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus, ancient Rome's largest sporting venue, was established around 600 BCE under King Tarquinius Priscus. Located between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it evolved from a simple dirt track to a massive stone structure capable of holding 250,000 spectators.

December 17, 498 BC

Temple of Saturn

The Temple of Saturn, consecrated in 497 BCE, was one of ancient Rome's most important religious monuments serving as both a sacred shrine and state treasury. Located at the western end of the Roman Forum, its eight remaining columns still stand today as a testament to Roman architectural brilliance.

August 2, 217 BC

Battle of Cannae

The Battle of Cannae was one of history's most significant military engagements, where Carthaginian forces under Hannibal defeated a larger Roman army using the revolutionary double envelopment strategy. The battle resulted in devastating Roman losses and changed military tactics forever.

October 19, 203 BC

Battle of Zama

The Battle of Zama was a decisive military engagement that ended the Second Punic War in 202 BCE. Roman forces under Scipio Africanus defeated Carthaginian army led by Hannibal Barca, establishing Rome as the dominant Mediterranean power.

March 15, 74 BC

Spartacus Rebellion

In 73 BCE, Spartacus, a Thracian warrior turned gladiator, led a historic slave revolt against the Roman Republic. Starting with just 70 fellow gladiators from a school in Capua, the rebellion grew to 70,000 fighters and successfully challenged Rome for nearly three years before its ultimate defeat in 71 BCE.

June 9, 54 BC

Battle of Carrhae

A pivotal battle in 53 BCE where Parthian forces under Surena decisively defeated Roman legions led by Marcus Licinius Crassus, resulting in 20,000 Roman casualties and establishing the Euphrates River as a natural boundary between the two empires.

September 30, 53 BC

Battle of Alesia

The Battle of Alesia was a pivotal siege battle that occurred in 52 BC, where Julius Caesar's 60,000 Roman troops defeated a combined Gallic force of 300,000 warriors led by Vercingetorix through innovative siege techniques and fortifications.

January 10, 50 BC

Caesar Crosses the Rubicon

Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon River with his 13th Legion, committing treason against the Roman Republic and initiating a civil war that would transform Rome from a republic into an empire. His famous declaration 'the die is cast' marked this pivotal moment in history.

August 9, 49 BC

Battle of Pharsalus

A pivotal battle in 48 BCE where Julius Caesar's 22,000 troops defeated Pompey's larger force of 45,000 soldiers, effectively ending the Roman Civil War and transforming the Roman Republic.

January 1, 47 BC

Inauguration of Basilica Julia

The Basilica Julia, ancient Rome's massive civil courthouse, was inaugurated in 46 BCE under Julius Caesar's direction. Located in the Roman Forum, this architectural masterpiece served as the center for civil courts, commerce, and public gatherings.

March 15, 45 BC

Assassination of Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator, was assassinated by a group of around 60 Roman senators who feared his growing power. The attack occurred at the Theatre of Pompey in Rome, where Caesar received 23 stab wounds, with the final blow delivered by his former friend Marcus Brutus.

December 7, 44 BC

Assassination of Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of Rome's most influential orators and statesmen, was assassinated on December 7, 43 BCE near his villa in Formia. His execution was ordered by the Second Triumvirate following his fierce criticism of Mark Antony through the Philippics speeches.

October 3, 43 BC

Battle of Philippi

A decisive battle fought in 42 BCE near Philippi, Macedonia, between the Second Triumvirate forces led by Mark Antony and Octavian against the Liberators led by Brutus and Cassius. The battle resulted in the defeat of Caesar's assassins and marked the end of the Roman Republic.

September 2, 32 BC

Battle of Actium

The Battle of Actium was a pivotal naval battle fought on September 2, 31 BCE, between Octavian's forces and the combined fleet of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Octavian, effectively ending the Roman Republic and leading to the establishment of the Roman Empire.

August 12, 31 BC

Death of Cleopatra VII

Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, died by suicide on August 12, 30 BCE. Her death marked the end of both Hellenistic Egypt and the age of the pharaohs, transforming Egypt into a Roman province.

January 16, 28 BC

Rise of Augustus as First Roman Emperor

In 27 BCE, Octavian became Augustus, Rome's first emperor, through a carefully orchestrated Constitutional Settlement that transformed the Roman Republic into an empire while maintaining the facade of republican government.

January 16, 28 BC

Augustus Becomes First Roman Emperor

On January 16, 27 BCE, the Roman Senate officially bestowed unprecedented powers upon Octavian, granting him the title of Augustus and effectively establishing the Roman Empire. This historic event marked the transformation of Rome from a Republic to an Empire and initiated the Pax Romana period.

September 9, 9

Battle of Teutoburg Forest

A crucial battle in 9 CE where Germanic tribes under Arminius ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions led by Publius Quinctilius Varus, effectively halting Roman expansion into Germania and preserving Germanic independence.

October 13, 54

Nero Becomes Emperor

At just 16 years old, Nero ascended to the imperial throne of Rome following the death of Emperor Claudius, becoming the youngest sole emperor in Roman history.

July 18, 64

The Great Fire of Rome

A catastrophic fire that began on July 18, 64 CE near the Circus Maximus in Rome, burning for six days and destroying much of the ancient city during Emperor Nero's reign. The disaster consumed 10 of Rome's 14 districts, fundamentally changing the city's architecture and urban landscape.

August 24, 79

Mount Vesuvius Eruption Destroys Pompeii

The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash and pumice. The disaster claimed thousands of lives but created a perfectly preserved snapshot of Roman life that continues to provide invaluable archaeological insights.

July 1, 80

Completion of the Roman Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum, an architectural marvel of the ancient world, was completed in 80 CE under Emperor Titus after eight years of construction. This massive amphitheater could hold 50,000 spectators and featured innovative engineering solutions including three levels of arcades and complex underground systems.

January 1, 110

Trajan's Market Completion

Trajan's Market, ancient Rome's first shopping mall and administrative center, was completed in 110 CE. This revolutionary complex featured over 150 shops across six levels, built into the Quirinal Hill under Emperor Trajan's reign.

August 11, 117

Hadrian Becomes Roman Emperor

On August 11, 117 CE, Hadrian became the 14th Roman Emperor following the controversial death of Emperor Trajan. His succession, though disputed due to questions about his adoption, marked the beginning of one of the most significant reigns in Roman history.

January 1, 122

Construction of Hadrian's Wall Begins

Emperor Hadrian orders the construction of a massive defensive wall spanning 73 miles across northern Britain, marking the northernmost boundary of Roman Britain. The project employed 15,000 soldiers and took six years to complete.

January 1, 128

Pantheon of Rome Construction

The Pantheon, Rome's architectural masterpiece, was reconstructed under Emperor Hadrian between 118-128 CE, featuring the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome measuring 43.3 meters in diameter.

March 17, 180

Death of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, the last of Rome's Five Good Emperors and renowned Stoic philosopher, died at age 58 in Vindobona (modern-day Vienna) while commanding Roman forces against Germanic tribes. His death marked the end of the Pax Romana era and the beginning of significant changes in the Roman Empire.

January 1, 216

Opening of the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla, one of ancient Rome's most magnificent architectural achievements, opened in 216 AD. This massive complex spanning 25 hectares could accommodate 1,600 bathers and featured bathing facilities, libraries, gymnasiums, and gardens.

272

Birth of Constantine the Great

Constantine the Great, one of history's most influential rulers, was born in Naissus (modern-day Niš, Serbia). As the son of Constantius Chlorus and Helena, he would later become the Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity and fundamentally transformed the Roman Empire.

February 1, 313

Edict of Milan Legalizes Christianity

Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in February 313 CE, officially legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire. This historic decree ended centuries of persecution, granted Christians equal rights, and established religious tolerance throughout Roman territories.

July 25, 315

Arch of Constantine Completion

The Arch of Constantine, Rome's largest triumphal arch, was completed in 315 CE to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. This monumental structure marks the empire's transition from paganism to Christianity.

August 9, 378

Battle of Adrianople

The Battle of Adrianople in 378 CE marked a pivotal turning point in Roman history, where Gothic forces decisively defeated the Eastern Roman army, killing Emperor Valens and destroying two-thirds of Roman forces. This battle fundamentally changed warfare tactics and accelerated the decline of the Roman Empire.

September 4, 476

Fall of Western Roman Empire

The Western Roman Empire officially ended when Germanic leader Odoacer deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, marking the end of nearly 1,000 years of Roman dominance over Western Europe.