Events with tag - Mediterranean History

1176 BC

Battle of Djahy

The Battle of Djahy was a pivotal military conflict in 1175 BCE between Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses III and the Sea Peoples. The battle, consisting of naval and land engagements, resulted in a decisive Egyptian victory that secured Egypt's northeastern frontier.

1176 BC

Battle of Delta

In 1175 BCE, Pharaoh Ramesses III led Egyptian forces to a decisive victory against the Sea Peoples in the Nile Delta, preventing the collapse of ancient Egyptian civilization. This pivotal naval battle marked the end of the Sea Peoples' devastating campaign across the Mediterranean.

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, 531 BC

Pythagoras Establishes School in Croton

Pythagoras establishes his renowned mathematical and philosophical school in Croton, southern Italy, creating one of the most influential centers of learning in the ancient world. The school combined mathematical study with religious and philosophical teachings.

April 1, 432 BC

Start of the Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War began in 431 BCE when Sparta declared war on Athens, marking the start of one of ancient history's most significant conflicts that would reshape the Mediterranean world.

August 15, 406 BC

Battle of Aegospotami

The Battle of Aegospotami was a crucial naval battle fought in 405 BCE between Athenian and Spartan fleets near the Hellespont. The Spartan victory, led by Admiral Lysander, effectively ended Athens' naval supremacy and led to the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War.

November 5, 334 BC

Battle of Issus

A pivotal battle in 333 BCE where Alexander the Great's 40,000-strong Macedonian army defeated Darius III's Persian force of over 100,000 soldiers near modern-day southern Turkey, marking a crucial turning point in the conquest of the Persian Empire.

April 7, 332 BC

Founding of Alexandria

Alexander the Great founded Alexandria on April 7, 331 BCE, establishing what would become the largest city in the ancient world and a vital cultural bridge between Greek and Egyptian civilizations.

January 1, 306 BC

Rise of Ptolemy I to Power

Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's trusted generals, established himself as the ruler of Egypt in 305 BCE, founding the Ptolemaic Dynasty that would rule for nearly three centuries. Following Alexander's death in 323 BCE, he transformed Egypt from a satrapy into an independent Hellenistic kingdom.

January 1, 301 BC

Establishment of the Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria, established around 300-290 BCE under Ptolemy I Soter, became the ancient world's largest library and research institution, housing over 500,000 scrolls at its peak.

January 1, 286 BC

Great Library of Alexandria

The Great Library of Alexandria was established around 285 BCE as the ancient world's largest library and research institution. Located in Alexandria, Egypt, it housed up to 500,000 scrolls and attracted leading scholars from across the Mediterranean region.

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.

January 1, 52 BC

Cleopatra VII Becomes Queen of Egypt

Cleopatra VII ascended to the Egyptian throne at age 18, becoming co-ruler with her younger brother Ptolemy XIII. This marked the beginning of one of history's most remarkable reigns and established her as the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.

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.

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.

March 23, 1900

Discovery of Palace of Knossos

Sir Arthur Evans began systematic excavations of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, revealing one of the most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region. The massive complex spanned 150,000 square feet and provided unprecedented insights into ancient Minoan civilization.